culture

CULTURE

Why the Ishikawa Prefectural Library in Japan Is Such a Huge Draw

The library, reopened to fanfare in 2022, continues to bring in more visitors every year than people who live in the prefecture.

TRAVEL

Tourists to Japan Are Tossing Coins into These Ponds. That’s a No-No

Officials are worried about the environmental impact after tourists dumped 18,000 coins into the ponds in 2025, despite clearly posted signs.

NEWS

“Wasteful”: Japanese Schools Dump Thousands of Meals to Avoid “Celebrating” Tsunami

Two people complained about serving an "auspicious" food on the anniversary of one of Japan's worst modern disasters.

TRAVEL

Japan’s Best Seaside Towns: Our Ranking of the Most Idyllic

Our top-scoring towns feature beautiful, swimmable waters, a balance of attraction and solitude, and authentic marine culture.

TRAVEL

Anime Pilgrimage in Japan: From Fandom to Infrastructure

How anime pilgrimage in Japan has evolved from a fan ritual into a coordinated regional strategy to boost tourism.

HISTORY

Hanafuda: How a Banned Card Game Defined the Pre-Pokémon Era

Before Mario, Nintendo sold hanafuda cards to the yakuza. Read the 400-year forbidden history of the flower cards that tricked the Shogun.

FOOD

Japan’s Ramen Shops Repel Women. One Store Wants to Change That

70% of women surveyed in Japan don't feel comfortable going into a ramen shop alone. Here's why - and how one store…

FOOD

Edomae Sushi: A Classic Take on a Modern Dish

Sushi is popular around the world. But if you're not down with eating fish totally raw, Edomae sushi offers an alternative.