There was a time when miso was only eaten by nobility and monks. It was strictly forbidden for commoners to...[ Click to read more ]
What is torrential rain? Torrential rain refers to a large amount of rain that falls in a narrow area over...[ Click to read more ]
It’s officially happening after many delays and false starts, Japan’s consumption tax (消費税 shohizei) will go from 8% to 10%...[ Click to read more ]
In order to ease the overnight transition into a higher tax bracket, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has...[ Click to read more ]
The earliest form of sushi, known today as narezushi, most likely originates in the paddy fields along the Mekong River...[ Click to read more ]
Japan's motorcar industry is one of, if not the most important exporter and revenue generator in the economy here. Brands...[ Click to read more ]
If you’ve visited Mitaki Temple on the city outskirts or perhaps Daishoin Temple on Miyajima (or many other places throughout...[ Click to read more ]
To begin with, we all know the word sake (pronounced sa-keh not sa-ki). But in fact, that is the generic...[ Click to read more ]
For most of Japan, the coming of autumn marks an end to the almost nightly banging, crashing and gunpowder-scented air...[ Click to read more ]
One of the benefits of living in the world’s largest urban area is the simple fact that there’s always something...[ Click to read more ]