This article in Japan Today explores an odd rivalry between two ancient Buddhist temples in the Kansai region. (Archived article in Japan Today.)
The Sakura Seven: A walk to gain good fortune
Every December my Japan Today article details a different seven lucky gods walk, allowing my readers in the vicinity to enjoy the walk and pick up some luck for the new year. This December it's a walk in Chiba, about an hour out of Tokyo. All the best for 2023, everyone! Here is an interactive … Continue reading The Sakura Seven: A walk to gain good fortune
All Things Kitchen Are in Kappabashi
This article in Japan Today introduces Kappabashi, a Tokyo neighborhood known for its shops selling all manner of kitchen tools for private use and for professional kitchens. Readers also get details on making one's own wax food models. (Archived article in Japan Today.)
Art and Ambience in Obuse
This article for Japan Today introduces a fun excursion to Obuse, an historical trading town near Nagano city with strong connections to Hokusai Katsushika, one of Japan's greatest artists. (Archived article in Japan Today.)
Zojoji’s Sanmon: A Rare Look at a Gateway of Antiquities
Zojiji Temple in Tokyo's Shiba neighborhood was once considered a guardian of the southwest entry to Edo (the old name for Tokyo). Visitors approaching the city via the Tokaido Road would have passed nearby and would, inevitably, have seen the massive awe-inspiring structures of the expansive temple complex, which was a seminary and center of … Continue reading Zojoji’s Sanmon: A Rare Look at a Gateway of Antiquities
Celebrating 150 years of railroads in Japan
On October 14, 1872, Japan's first passenger rail service opened, running between Yokohama (near modern-day Sakuragicho Station) and Tokyo (near modern-day Shimbashi Station). Such a milestone deserves celebration, especially one observing a service that has, in large degree, molded a nation. Certainly JR East agrees, so that Tokyo, at least, is widely decorated with posters … Continue reading Celebrating 150 years of railroads in Japan
Unique experiences await visitors to Dewa Sanzan region
This special promotional article for Japan Today surveys the highlights of the Dewa Sanzan area of Yamagata, which is featured on the Japan Heritage website. (Archived article in Japan Today.)
Otsu Matsuri: the post-Covid return of a traditional matsuri
I don't usually write about an event just after it has occurred. It seems unfair to tell readers about something they've just missed. But I will break my own rule this once. Nearly all matsuri, traditional Japanese festivals usually associated with shrines, have been cancelled since the Corona virus pandemic began in 2020 so it … Continue reading Otsu Matsuri: the post-Covid return of a traditional matsuri
The Samurai Street of Sakura
The Chiba Prefecture city of Sakura, about an hour east of Tokyo, got its start as a castle/garrison town guarding access to Edo (pre-modern day Tokyo). Although the castle itself was torn down in the 1870s (along with most of Japan's castles) by decree of the Meiji government, the town's roots as a castle town … Continue reading The Samurai Street of Sakura
Tokyo-wan Kannon: a surprising pantheon of peace
For many in Japan, Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of compassion and mercy, has also come to be associated with prayers for peace and the repose of the souls of war dead. Predictably, this association arose in the years after Japan's defeat in World War II, but the association remains these many decades after the war … Continue reading Tokyo-wan Kannon: a surprising pantheon of peace
Tokyo Port Wild Bird Park: An urban nature park for feathered friends
This article for Japan Today highlights the Tokyo Port Wild Bird Park, a haven for migratory and other birds, bird watchers, and other nature lovers; located not far from Tokyo's Haneda Airport. (Archived article in Japan Today.)
Kawasaki Reading Room: A Japanese Culture Center for Nebraska
Sitting on the top floor of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center, the Kawasaki Reading Room is a culture and resource center dedicated to all things Japanese. A cultural connection between Japan and the American Great Plains feels unlikely, but in fact, the Kawasaki Reading Room is a busy little space that is … Continue reading Kawasaki Reading Room: A Japanese Culture Center for Nebraska
Jigsaw Japan 