Author: Karina Ikedo

A full moon during the Japanese film festival.

Moon Festival 2025: Japan’s Great Mid-Autumn Event

Every autumn, people in Japan gather to honor the moon. This tradition is called tsukimi (moon viewing). The festival mixes natural beauty, poetry, folklore, and tasty seasonal foods into one glowing celebration. It began long ago as a harvest ritual.

Merchandise from the Osaka Expo 2025.

Osaka Expo 2025: A Global Showcase With Lots of Opinions

Many hoped the Expo would become a proud cultural moment for Japan and inspire visitors from around the globe. But just a few weeks in, opinions are mixed. Some are impressed, while others feel there’s room for improvement. Keep reading to learn what’s working well and what could improve.

Two Japanese musicians against a gray background: a male saxophonist and a female vocalist.

Japanese Music and the Soulful Sound of Jazz

From underground clubs to peaceful jazz cafés, jazz has shaped and been shaped by Japan’s culture for over a century. Keep reading as we take you on a journey through Japanese jazz’s rich history and unforgettable artists.

Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo: A Magical Experience in the Summer Night

If you wanted a magical dining experience in Tokyo, Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo was the place to go. This beautiful and fancy hotel was known for its peaceful garden and kind service. It hosted the Firefly Evening Dinner Buffet, a special summer event with delicious food and glowing fireflies.

The Akamine Sisters performing traditional Ryukyu Dance.

Okinawa Dance Performed at Carnegie Hall This Past June!

From the sunny shores of Okinawa to the bright lights of New York City, sisters Natsuko and Maki Akamine prepared for a big moment. On June 20th, the talented pair performed at Carnegie Hall, one of the most famous concert halls in the world.

A red sneaker from Tokyo Kimono Shoes. It has a huge kimono pattern.

Would You Wear These Beautiful Kimono Sneakers?

There’s something special about wearing clothes with meaning and memory behind them. That’s what Tokyo Kimono Shoes is all about. They take authentic vintage kimono (traditional Japanese robe) fabric and turn it into cute sneakers you can wear daily. These shoes are more than just fashion. They carry pieces of Japanese culture, each full of color and history. 

A bowl of rice in Japan surrounded by calculator, shopping cart and money.

Rice in Japan: Why Are the Prices So High?

In Japan, rice is more than just food; it represents culture, tradition, and everyday life. Rice has been a key part of Japanese meals and celebrations for hundreds of years. It is important in matsuri (festivals), rituals, and daily dinners. But lately, many people in Japan have faced a big problem: rising rice prices. 

A bowl of rafute (braised pork) soba, a major dish in the Okinawa diet.

Okinawa Diet and Lifestyle: Why Is It So Effective?

Okinawa Island is a group of tropical islands in the south of Japan. It’s known for its beaches, culture, and how long people live there. Many people in Okinawa live to be over 100 years old! That’s why it’s called one of the world’s Blue Zones, where people live much longer and healthier lives than most.