Japanese Art
Choju-giga: Japan’s Frolicking Animals and the Birth of Visual Storytelling
Edo Period
Japanese Culture The Forgotten World of Sansuke: The Unsung Bathhouse Attendants of Japan’s Sento Culture
Discover the lost world of Japan’s Sansuke bathhouse attendants. Explore their roles, the purpose of Sansuke Rooms, and how their traditions live on in modern Japanese spa culture.
Japanese Culture Japanese Bathhouse Culture: From Ancient Temples to Modern Super Sento
Explore Japan’s rich bathhouse (sento) culture, from its Buddhist origins to modern super sento. Learn about mixed bathing, architecture, sauna customs, and the enduring role of community bathing.
Japanese History Miyako Odori: Kyoto’s Timeless Spring Dance That Brings Geisha Tradition to Life
Discover Miyako Odori, Kyoto’s spring geisha dance. Learn its rich history, cultural significance, and how this timeless performance preserves Japan’s traditional arts each year.
Japanese Culture Why Are Raincoats Called “Kappa” in Japan? The Surprising History Behind the Word
Discover why raincoats are called "kappa" in Japan. Explore the word's origins, history, and cultural significance, from ancient rainwear to modern usage.
Japanese Traditions The Unexpected Connection Between Kites and Carp Streamers in Edo-Period Japan
Discover the surprising historical connection between kites and carp streamers in Edo-period Japan. Learn why kite flying was banned and how people cleverly tried to evade the ban.
Japanese Traditions Kite Flying: A Global Tradition Rooted in Centuries of History
Explore the rich history of kite flying from ancient China to modern Japan and beyond. Learn how this timeless tradition evolved across cultures and remains beloved worldwide today.
Japanese History Hikyaku: Japan’s Legendary Couriers Who Conquered Distance in the Edo Period
Discover the history of Japan’s Hikyaku couriers—elite runners who connected Edo-period Japan with astonishing speed. Explore their training, relay system, and legacy today.
Japanese History The Evolution of Medicine in Edo Period Japan: From Apprenticeship to Regulation
Explore the evolution of medicine in Edo-period Japan, from unregulated apprenticeships to professionalized healthcare. Discover how Rangaku and government reforms shaped Japan's path to modern medicine.
Japanese History Nobosemono: How Upward-Flowing Goods Powered Edo-Period Japan’s National Economy
Discover the meaning of nobosemono, the Edo-period flow of goods from Edo to Kyoto and Osaka. Explore how this economic and cultural exchange shaped Japan's early modern identity.
Japanese History Kudari-mono: How Downward-Flowing Goods Shaped Edo Japan’s Cultural Identity
Discover the meaning of kudari-mono, the Edo-period flow of goods from Kyoto and Osaka to Edo. Learn how this cultural and economic exchange helped shape early modern Japan.