Keigo (ζ¬θͺ): Why Polite Japanese Is Its Own Language
Keigo (ζ¬θͺ / polite/honorific language) is the formal register of Japanese that is used in professional contexts, with…
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Kutani Pottery: The Bold Blue and Red Ceramics of Kanazawa
Kutani pottery (δΉθ°·ηΌ) β produced in the Kanazawa area of Ishikawa Prefecture, with historical origins in what is…
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Kyoto Nishijin Weaving: How to Watch Traditional Obi Being Made by Hand
Nishijin (θ₯Ώι£) β the weaving district of northwestern Kyoto, roughly bounded by Imadegawa and Kuramaguchi streets to north…
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Japan’s Festival Food Guide: Every Yatai Street Food Explained
Japan's yatai (ε±ε°) β the mobile food stalls that appear at festivals (η₯γ / matsuri), shrine celebrations, and…
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Japan’s Kissaten Culture: The Pre-War Coffee Shop That Refuses to Die
Kissaten (ε«θΆεΊ) β Japan's old-style coffee houses, distinct in concept and atmosphere from the contemporary cafΓ© β are…
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Japan’s Retro Architecture: Yokohama, Kobe & the Meiji-Era Western Buildings
Japan's Meiji-era Western architecture β the Western-style government buildings, banks, residences, hotels, and commercial structures built between approximately…
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Japanese Capsule Toys (Gachapon): A Guide to the Vending Machines Taking Over the World
Gachapon (γ¬γγ£γγ³) β Japan's capsule toy vending machines β are among the most purely enjoyable small cultural experiences…
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Japanese Castle Guide: Matsumoto, Himeji, Osaka & More
Japan's castles are the most visible and most directly experiential connection to the feudal political history that shaped…
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Hirosaki: Japan’s Best Cherry Blossom Castle β The Tohoku Secret
In the cherry blossom debate that occupies Japanese conversation every spring β Ueno versus Maruyama, Yoshino versus Hirano…
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How to Pray at a Japanese Shrine: The 2-Bow, 2-Clap, 1-Bow Rule
Praying at a Japanese shrine is not a casual activity β it is a ritual with specific forms…
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