Why I fell in love with Japanese convenience stores
Shiba Inu keychains are a beloved Japanese souvenir staple. Photo / Tamara Hinson Admittedly, there are several missions…
Second minister visits Yasukuni Shrine during its autumn festival
Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Minister Tatsunori Ibayashi on Monday became the second minister to visit war-related Yasukuni…
A look at the history and beliefs behind Japan’s controversial shrine to the war dead
Emperor Meiji first visited the site that would become one of Japan’s most controversial shrines in 1874. He…
Ancient Japan comes alive in downtown Fukuoka
A float used during the annual Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival centered around Kushida Shrine stands within the shrine’s…
VIDEO: Japan’s summer fun continues with Bon Odori festivals!
(Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan) As the hot and humid summer continues, you may notice more people donning…
Mountain festival marks spring arrival high above Tokyo
A centuries-old festival that heralds spring drew hundreds of worshippers to a mountain in western Tokyo on Wednesday,…