POLITICS
Mounting Contention Over State Funeral for Slain Abe Shinzo
The Japanese public remains polarized over plans for a rare state funeral in honor of recently assassinated former prime minister Abe Shinzo.
religion
Page 4
POLITICS
HISTORY
Iidesan, Fukushima’s Odd Border: Gods, Mountains, Lines in the Sand
In western Fukushima Prefecture, an odd salient of territory extends, wedged between Niigata and Yamagata Prefectures. So why is it there?
HISTORY
The Sacred Peaks: An Introduction to the Dewa Sanzan
Learn about the Dewa Sanzan, the three mountains that are the pride of Japan's north - and a deeply spiritual site for…
LIVING IN JAPAN
Appreciating the Moon in Japan, Land of the Rising Sun
Although Japan is the land of the rising sun, with its indigenous religion centering around the sun goddess, we cannot overlook the…
FEATURED
Tsukimi (月見), The Season of Moon Viewing
Tsukimi, the season of moon viewing, starts next week in Japan. Learn more about this day's origins, how to make Tsukimi Dumplings,…
HISTORY
The Meiji Government’s Failed Attempt to Ban Cremation
With the end of the age of the samurai, the new Meiji government set off to curb any sign of "barbarity" within…
CULTURE
Japanese Pagoda: Their History and Significance
We all know the striking image of a multi-tiered Japanese pagoda. But what exactly are they? And what are they called in…
LGBTQ
Japan’s Buddhist World Slowly Opens Up to LGBT+ Citizens
Japan's conservative Buddhist community hasn't always been accepting of sexual minorities - but things are changing for the better.