Author: Anna Ayvazyan

Someone picking up sea snake meat from a bowl.

Dining in Okinawa: What is Sea Snake Soup?

Would you try a soup made from a sea snake? In the islands of Okinawa, this bold and unusual dish has been part of local life for centuries. Known as irabu-jiru (Irabu soup), it carries stories of the sea, royal history, and traditional healing. T

A man in traditional Japanese clothing, presumably in a taiga drama, holding a sword.

Taiga Drama Reimagines the Sengoku Period!

Every year, NHK’s Taiga drama brings Japanese history to life, and in 2026, it returns to the dramatic Sengoku period. This year’s series offers a fresh perspective by focusing on the people behind the famous names.

A statue of an onnagata at a kabuki theater.

Kabuki Theater Popularity Skyrockets After “Kokuho”!

Kokuho, Japan’s most popular movie last year, captured audiences with its mix of modern drama and traditional arts. Let’s explore what the film is about, explain Kabuki theater, show how Kokuho boosted its popularity, and discuss why this cultural revival matters.

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.

A shot from the set "Mishima: A Life in Four Letters". The background is gold with trees amongst a red field.

Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters Finally Releases in Japan

What happens when a film about one of Japan’s most controversial writers stays unseen for nearly 40 years? Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters has finally premiered in Japan, stirring excitement, debate, and curiosity. Today, we’ll look at Yukio Mishima’s dramatic life, his enduring legacy, and the significance of the film’s long-awaited release.

A ballet troupe practicing for a butoh show.

Butoh and Ballet Fusion Show to Debut in Tokyo

Ballet meets butoh this winter in Tokyo, as K-Ballet Opto presents a powerful new production on stage. “A Dance Remembered in Tohno” invites audiences into a dreamlike world shaped by folklore, wartime memories, and human emotion.

A geisha in heavy makeup showing her fan.

Geisha Makeup: Tradition, Meaning, and Technique

One of the most fascinating aspects of Japanese culture and art are geisha, and their makeup is a significant reason why they continue to captivate the world. The bright white face, red lips, and bold eyes create a look that is instantly recognizable and deeply tied to tradition.

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.