TRAVEL
Can You Buy a Samurai Sword in Japan? Yes, But…
Can you buy a sword in Japan? Yes, that part's relatively easy. The challenge is getting it OUT of the country.
culture
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TRAVEL
TRAVEL
Japan’s Sado Mines Become New UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sight
Looking for a new, unique travel destination in Japan? The Sado Mines in Niigata Prefecture are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
ENTERTAINMENT
Kuroyanagi Tetsuko: Japan’s Queen of TV Talent
An institution in Japan, Kuroyanagi Tetsuko has been on Japanese TV for as long as it's existed. But her beginnings were less…
ENTERTAINMENT
Inside the Akutagawa Prize, Japan’s Biggest Literary Award
The Akutagawa Prize has made the career of many up-and-coming Japanese writers - but it's not without its controversies. Learn more about…
FOOD
$650 Watermelon?! The History of Luxury Fruit in Japan
Would you pay $20 for a bunch of grapes? Or $650 for a watermelon? Many people in Japan do. Here's more on…
BUSINESS AND ECONOMY
With Japan’s New Money Out, Whither the 2000 Yen Bill?
There's a lot of excitement around Japan's new money. But what will happen to the increasingly rare 2000 yen bill?
CULTURE
Review – Illusory Dwellings: Aesthetic Meditations in Kyoto
Mystified by the depths of Japanese aesthetic tradition? Then Allen S. Weiss' new book, "Illusory Dwellings: Aesthetic Meditations in Kyoto", may be…
CULTURE
Yosakoi Festivals: The Global Phenomenon of a Local Dance
Kochi's Yosakoi festival has spread around the world due to the way it uniquely centers creativity and freedom.