Discover where and when to avoid wearing perfume in Japan, including Japanese restaurants, sushi bars, hospitals, and funerals. Learn about Japan's unique "unscented culture" and understand why fragrance etiquette matters so much in this country known for its consideration of others.
White furisode kimono, once considered "plain" and "modest," is experiencing a historic revival in Japan's coming-of-age ceremonies after 50 years. Discover why Gen Z is choosing white for its Instagram-worthy "reflector effect" and modern aesthetic. What traditional attire marks adulthood in your country?
Discover Japan's unique food culture of eating fish skin, chicken skin, and vegetable peels. Rooted in the "mottainai" philosophy of zero waste, Japanese cuisine transforms these nutritious parts into delicious dishes. Learn about traditional cooking methods and health benefits.
Discover why American-style cookies are becoming a sensation in Japan. From their signature soft and chewy texture to unique Japanese adaptations, explore the trend sweeping Japanese bakeries and how local patissiers are putting their own spin on this beloved American treat.
Author Ken Honda cites a ghostwriter charging 50,000 yen, about $350, per letter. Actual Japanese market rates run 1,000 to 5,500 yen, an order of magnitude lower. So what does it say that the price can be argued for at all in the AI era?
The "sticker exchange" culture that captivated Japanese girls in the 1990s-2000s is making a nostalgic comeback on social media. Now adults, these former Heisei-era kids are reviving their childhood hobby through online communities, blending vintage charm with modern connectivity.
Japanese aquaculture breakthrough enables female eel production through patented technology. "Enman" offers richer flavor and texture, emerging as a premium delicacy. Explore how Japan is revolutionizing traditional eel farming.
Discover Japan's wildest New Year tradition: the "Fukuotoko" (Lucky Man) race at Nishinomiya Shrine. Thousands sprint 230 meters for divine luck. Learn the rules, history, and why this chaos is actually sacred.
Discover how Japanese workwear originally designed for construction sites has become a mainstream fashion trend. Learn about Workman and other brands offering high-performance, affordable clothing that's taking Japan by storm, plus Japanese reactions to this phenomenon.
Sailor Pen Co. is raising prices from February 2026, mainly on gold products, citing rising material and manufacturing costs. A look at how Japan's fountain pen industry is adapting to economic pressures while preserving its renowned craftsmanship.
The worldwide matcha craze is causing Japanese tea prices to soar. Discover why matcha became a global phenomenon, how it affects Japanese tea farmers and consumers, and what Japanese people really think about this trend.