Author: Anna Ayvazyan

A woman on stage holding a fan, presumably for a Hokusai-themed opera.

Hokusai-Themed Opera The Great Wave To Premiere in Scotland

If you love Hokusai and Scottish culture, this opera is for you. The Great Wave is a new Hokusai-themed opera by Japanese composer Dai Fujikura. The libretto is by Scottish writer Harry Ross, in collaboration with Scottish Opera. Today, we’ll examine the historical and cultural legacy of Hokusai and his daughter Oi, as well as what to expect from the performance.

Two women dressed in white kimonos shrouded in darkness, representing dark Japanese literature.

Japanese Literature Spotlight: Yukimi Ogawa

Japanese literature has a rich history of myths, folktales, and strange, magical stories, but few writers combine this tradition with modern science fiction in English. Yukimi Ogawa does precisely that.

A fujin, one of many Japanese mythical creatures.

Japanese Mythical Creatures: The Best Legends!

Summer in Japan is when ghost stories and legends come alive, especially tales of Japanese mythical creatures. As people visit rivers, forests, and coastal towns to escape the heat, stories of strange beings begin to resurface.

A horse rider in samurai armor in Fukushima, Japan at the Soma-Nomaoi Festival.

Fukushima Japan: Amazing Horse Event Has Women Compete!

If you’re interested in samurai history and culture, the Soma-Nomaoi festival in Fukushima, Japan, is a must-see! We also discuss the recent groundbreaking change that allows women of all ages to participate fully for the first time.

Yanagiaya Sankyo ,a rakugo performer, doing a live performance.

Rakugo: Traditional Comedy From Japan!

Looking for a unique way to experience Japanese culture? This verbal comedy show might be just what you need! Traditional storytelling has made people laugh and sometimes cry for centuries. Performed by a single person using only simple props, this performance style turns simple stories into vivid scenes full of life and humor. Today, we will introduce Rakugo, its history, why it remains popular, and where you can watch it.