Category: Arts and Culture

Hokusai Great Wave off Kanagawa print.

Hokusai Great Wave: The Print That Shaped Japanese Art

Hokusai’s “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” is one of the classic masterpieces of Japanese prints. As one of the first Japanese artworks to gain global fame, The Great Wave helped introduce Japanese art overseas and shaped how the world views Japan’s rich artistry. Discover the novelty behind The Great Wave and how it influenced both the Japanese and foreign art scenes. 

A gold crane origami on top of origami papers with vibrantly-patterned designs.

Origami Paper: Beautiful Mediums Behind Japanese Paper Folding

Origami, the art of paper folding, was once woven into formal ceremonies and religious rituals. People were fascinated by seeing paper come to life with each fold. However, its beauty is also thanks to the origami paper’s texture, rich color, and nature-inspired pattern. 

A display of mizu uchiwa fans.

Mizu Uchiwa: Beautiful Japanese Fans for the Summer

Traditional Japanese fans are often more than just tools to stay cool; they’re like holding a quiet piece of Japan and its craftsmanship in your hand. Among them, mizu uchiwa stands out with its elegant look, soothing origin, and unique way of being made. Let’s take a closer look at this delightful summer treasure together!

A woman wearing traditional Okinawan clothes at an event.

Okinawan Festivals: Three Great Events You Must See!

These events blend ancient rituals with lively celebrations, showcasing the island’s distinct identity. The warm climate and the hearts of the locals make these gatherings a must-see for those seeking meaningful travel experiences. Today, we’ll look at captivating Okinawan festivals you should experience!

Kokusai Dori at night in Okinawa, which is on the map.

Okinawa Map: A Look at Some of the Best Cities!

When looking at an Okinawa map, you can clearly see it’s Japan’s southernmost prefecture. Today, we’ll learn why these cities in Okinawa, so far away from the rest of Japan, are worth the trip!

A person drumming during an eisa performance.

Okinawa Museums: Dive into Eisa and More

Okinawa Island, located in the southwest of Japan, has crystal-clear beaches and unique local specialties. Let’s look at some inspiring museums that can help you explore and enjoy all these amazing things, starting with the Eisa Museum!

A main in Shizuoka painting Mount Fuji in Japan.

Mount Fuji Japan: Five Famous Artworks That Celebrate Its Beauty

Mount Fuji in Japan is one of the most notable cultural symbols in the world. Rising gracefully to 3,776 meters (12,388 feet), it has inspired poets, pilgrims, and painters for centuries. Artists see Fuji not only as a mountain, but as a sacred form, unchanging yet always different depending on the light, season, or mood. 

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.

An enka singer in a pink kimono singing somewhere in Atami.

Enka: The Classic Japanese Popular Music Genre!

If you’ve ever felt the emotional pull of a song that tugs at your heartstrings, then you’ve probably experienced the magic of enka. This unique genre of Japanese music, born in the 1950s, is known for its deep emotional resonance, soulful ballads, and beautiful blend of traditional and modern influences.