Japonica

Three keys: off-seasons, off-times, and always look twice

An unplanned leap of faith

Here’s What Locals Want You to Know

And how the government is trying to tackle it with gene-editing, mass replanting, and more

Rare Nature, Rich History, and Warm-Hearted Islanders — A Destination That Will Captivate You

The beautiful experience of home birth and the angel who helped us.

Lunchtime in Japan isn’t just about satisfying your hunger — it’s a reflection of workplace dynamics, social norms, and team bonding.

The legendary convenience stores are gonna be what I miss most about Japan.

What Motivates the Girls Who Work There?

Send us your stories on Japanese life and culture

A Japanese novelist writes easily and casually about her thoughts on kanji, the tool she uses

Japanese is the most regular, structured language in the world

Let’s compare the different ways a culture can channel human wants

Common experiences facilitate empathy

Nocturnal views of a famous Japanese garden

The conditions they placed on our marriage

Think you know what ikigai, kintsugi, and wabi-sabi mean? Here are alternative explanations.

English whalers’ demand for beef has dire consequences

Apply these life lessons for happiness, fulfillment, & inner peace

Starting with 71 easy-to-read placenames

Reflecting on the most beautiful chapter of my life

I was one of the ignorant until real-life working experience in Japan changed my mind.

Corporate mergers in Japan are different from anywhere else

I recently returned to Japan for the first time in 7 years and caught Takashi Murakami’s first big solo show in Japan in over 7 years!