Kumamoto Art Galleries and Museums
Jun 28, 2023 By Justin Hanus
Located in the central Kyushu region in Japan, Kumamoto prefecture is rich with its unique history and culture. There are spaces both large and small where you can bask in fine art and learn about historical events that have shaped the area. If you're looking for an afternoon getting to...[ Click to read more ]
Studio Ghibli – Sharing Japanese Culture with your Kids
Apr 27, 2023 By Bert Wishart
With a tradition going back centuries, Japanese animation, known better as anime, is perhaps one of the country's greatest cultural exports. While you may feel little interest in cartoons outside of Family Guy and The Simpsons, to eschew Japanese anime entirely is to ignore a huge aspect of the nation...[ Click to read more ]
An Art Museum for the Digital Age: teamLab Planets
Feb 27, 2023 By Michael Stigall
Tokyo has many wonderful art museums. You can find them in almost every corner of the city. They have excellent independent exhibitions as well. Perhaps none of them achieved the level of global fame though as the now-closed teamLab Borderless in Odaiba. This article is about the follow-up to that...[ Click to read more ]
Casting Your Net: Discover More about Japan with Podcasts
By Bert Wishart
So, you find yourself in Japan, and you want to immerse yourself in the culture, but you've got three fundamental problems: you can't speak the language well enough to flick on the TV and plop down in front of the various variety shows (believe me, you're not missing out there);...[ Click to read more ]
What Cultural Activities Can You Try at Hiroshima’s Fukuju Kaikan?
Feb 22, 2023 By Justin Hanus
One of the main tourist sites of Hiroshima prefecture is Fukuyama Castle. Construction of the original building began in 1619, but the castle suffered extensive damage during World War II and was rebuilt in 1966. Near the castle is Fukuju Kaikan — a hall added as a cultural center during...[ Click to read more ]
Tokyo’s Bustling Jazz Scene
Oct 31, 2022 By Michael Stigall
Tokyo has had a bustling music scene for a long time now. Sure, most people think of the big J-Pop groups like AKB48 and Exile, but there is a venue for nearly every genre of music you imagine. Today though, let's focus on Jazz. It's not as well known as...[ Click to read more ]
Nagoya’s Dragon – Akira Toriyama, Creator of Dragon Ball
Jul 29, 2022 By Bert Wishart
What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Japan? Sushi? Oh, okay, how about the second thing? Samurai and geisha? Oh, okay, the third thing? The 1853 Battle of Shizugatake? Come on; now you're just being obtuse. What I'm reaching for here is manga. Japanese comics...[ Click to read more ]
Best Cinemas in Kobe
Jul 19, 2022 By Justin Hanus
Going to the cinema is a fun pastime in Japan. The Japanese cinema experience is similar to how it is in the US. Cinema-goers can buy snacks such as popcorn and other refreshments, and many cinemas show a range of current movie releases to choose from. You can also find...[ Click to read more ]
Art Museums Around Hiroshima
Jun 28, 2022 By Justin Hanus
The city of Hiroshima has a rich history and culture reflected in its museums and galleries. If you’re looking to spend some time delving into its art archives, you can find spaces both big and small showcasing a fine range of paintings, sculptures, artifacts and more. Here are a few...[ Click to read more ]
What Is Hiroshima Kagura?
By Justin Hanus
Kagura is an ancient performing art that has been kept alive in Hiroshima for centuries thanks to the performers’ commitment. Recently, it has seen a surge in popularity. There are now more than 200 tropes active in the prefecture performing the art in five regional variations. If you want to...[ Click to read more ]
