Day: January 29, 2026

A beautiful field of flowers in Biei, Hokkaido.

Biei: Hokkaido’s Beautiful Gateway to Central Scenic Wonders

The town of Biei in Hokkaido has attracted visitors to its rolling hills and colorful fields for over 200 years. The region’s rural beauty is famous across the country. The local scenery has been used in everything from advertisements to award-winning photos.

The main character of "Shibire", a dramatic Japanese movie.

Japanese Movie Spotlight: A Close Look at “Shibire”

Takuya Uchiyama is one of Japan’s most promising young directors today. His latest film, Shibire (Numb), is based on Uchiyama’s own memories and emotions from his youth. This Japanese movie has received critical acclaim from Japanese and international film critics. Let’s take a closer look at this talented director and the success of Shibire!

A woman and a Buddhist monk praying in a Japanese cemetery.

Japanese Cemetery: Why Are Families Visiting Less?

A walk through a Japanese cemetery often shows strong ties to family, memory, and tradition. For generations, visiting family graves has been an important custom in Japan. However, fewer people can continue this practice due to busy lives, long distances, and changing family structures.