Category: Cited Sources

A couple on a winter getaway in Japan, most likely somewhere in Fujiyoshida.

Fujiyoshida and More: Hidden Wonders of Japan’s Winter

Japan is an excellent destination that shines in all four seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Each season brings its own unique atmosphere and scenery. Even during the coldest and harshest time of the year, the country’s natural beauty and cultural activities always leave a lasting impression on visitors.

A bunch of wine glasses on a table in Yamanashi Prefecture.

Yamanashi Wine Country: Japan’s Beautiful Vineyard Heartland

Yamanashi Prefecture is known as Japan’s wine capital. Located west of Tokyo, it is home to most of Japan’s wineries and produces a large share of the country’s wine. The region’s mountains, clean water, and sunny weather create ideal conditions for grape growing.

Two shisa statues near a beach in Okinawa.

Shisa: The Legendary Guardians of Okinawa

Across the tropical rooftops and street corners of Okinawa, you’ll find fierce yet friendly-looking creatures sitting in pairs, one roaring proudly, the other calmly closing its mouth. These are shisa, Okinawa’s legendary lion-dogs, protectors that have watched over homes, temples, and entire villages for centuries.

Two whisks on top of matcha powder.

Matcha Whisk Production: How Do They Do It in Nara?

In Nara, tradition runs as deep as its rivers. Here, a special craft stands out: the making of the matcha whisk. This delicate tool is essential for preparing matcha with precision. Each whisk reflects centuries of skill, patience, and artistry. More than a utensil, it symbolizes the rich cultural heritage of Japan’s tea ceremony.

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.

The Fudodo Ruins from ancient Japan.

Ancient Japan: An In-Depth Guide to the History of Wa

Wa, Japan’s ancient name, is one of the most interesting and pivotal moments in its history. More turbulent periods, such as the Sengoku era (15th-16th centuries), have become immortalized in popular media, but the history of ancient Japan are often unknown to many. 

The Mirai Tower in Nagoya City.

Nagoya City Landmarks You Need to See This Season!

Nagoya City is a gateway to the heart of Japan, seamlessly connected to Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka by the high-speed Tokaido Shinkansen. It’s a city where samurai history meets modern creativity, with delicious food, lively markets, and welcoming neighborhoods.