Journal

What Is Furoshiki (風呂敷)? Japan's Beautiful Art of Wrapping with Cloth

What Is Furoshiki (風呂敷)? Japan's Beautiful Art ...

It looks like just a square piece of fabric. But with a few folds and knots, it can become a gift wrap, a shopping bag, a wine carrier, or even...

What Is Furoshiki (風呂敷)? Japan's Beautiful Art ...

It looks like just a square piece of fabric. But with a few folds and knots, it can become a gift wrap, a shopping bag, a wine carrier, or even...

What Is Tanabata (七夕)? Japan’s Star Festival of Wishes

What Is Tanabata (七夕)? Japan’s Star Festival of...

Every summer, colorful strips of paper sway gently from bamboo branches across Japan. Children carefully write their dreams, couples make wishes for the future, and communities gather to celebrate one...

What Is Tanabata (七夕)? Japan’s Star Festival of...

Every summer, colorful strips of paper sway gently from bamboo branches across Japan. Children carefully write their dreams, couples make wishes for the future, and communities gather to celebrate one...

What Is Chawanmushi (茶碗蒸し)? Japan’s Silky Savory Egg Custard

What Is Chawanmushi (茶碗蒸し)? Japan’s Silky Savor...

At first glance, it looks like pudding. But take a spoonful, and you'll discover something completely different. Chawanmushi (茶碗蒸し) is one of Japan's most unique comfort foods—a delicate steamed egg...

What Is Chawanmushi (茶碗蒸し)? Japan’s Silky Savor...

At first glance, it looks like pudding. But take a spoonful, and you'll discover something completely different. Chawanmushi (茶碗蒸し) is one of Japan's most unique comfort foods—a delicate steamed egg...

What Is Castella (カステラ)? Japan’s Famous Sponge Cake with a Portuguese Past

What Is Castella (カステラ)? Japan’s Famous Sponge ...

Soft, fluffy, and lightly sweet, Castella (カステラ) is one of Japan’s most beloved traditional cakes. Despite being considered a classic Japanese confection today, Castella actually arrived in Japan from Europe...

What Is Castella (カステラ)? Japan’s Famous Sponge ...

Soft, fluffy, and lightly sweet, Castella (カステラ) is one of Japan’s most beloved traditional cakes. Despite being considered a classic Japanese confection today, Castella actually arrived in Japan from Europe...

What Is Furin (風鈴)? Japan’s Beloved Summer Wind Chime

What Is Furin (風鈴)? Japan’s Beloved Summer Wind...

When summer arrives in Japan, a gentle sound drifts through neighborhoods, temples, and front porches: Chirin... Chirin... That delicate ringing comes from a furin (風鈴) — Japan’s traditional wind chime....

What Is Furin (風鈴)? Japan’s Beloved Summer Wind...

When summer arrives in Japan, a gentle sound drifts through neighborhoods, temples, and front porches: Chirin... Chirin... That delicate ringing comes from a furin (風鈴) — Japan’s traditional wind chime....

What Is Amazake (甘酒)? Japan’s Sweet Fermented Rice Drink

What Is Amazake (甘酒)? Japan’s Sweet Fermented R...

If you've ever wandered through a Japanese shrine during winter, you may have seen people warming their hands around steaming cups of a sweet, creamy drink called amazake (甘酒). Despite...

What Is Amazake (甘酒)? Japan’s Sweet Fermented R...

If you've ever wandered through a Japanese shrine during winter, you may have seen people warming their hands around steaming cups of a sweet, creamy drink called amazake (甘酒). Despite...