Gunma's Tomioka Silk Mill is a testament to Japan's rapid industrialization in the latter half of the 19th century. Opened in 1872, it was Japan’s first complete industrial factory system of production and was built with the assistance of various French advisors. The mill ceased operation in 1987, but, thanks to its historical significance, it … Continue reading Expanded exhibits at the Tomioka Silk Mill
This article contributes to the current trend of micro-tourism, helping Tokyoites or visitors to Tokyo find a fun "escape" from the city that has historical interest. (Archived article originally published by Japan Today)
Travelers bound for Hiraizumi, with its World Heritage sites dating back a thousand years, usually change from the Shinkansen to the local train at Ichinoseki and are often so intent on their final destination that they miss the delights Ichinoseki has to offer. But spare a few hours to explore; you won't be disappointed. Ichinoseki's … Continue reading Iwate’s Ichinoseki: a way station worth checking out
As a general matter, Autumn is festival season in Japan. Alas, the pandemic has forced cancellation of festivals across the nation, some for the first time in centuries, others for the first time in decades. Since 1989, the Tokyo neighborhood of Nakanobu has hosted a "Furusato Matsuri" (hometown festival) on Nakanobu Skip Road, a 330 … Continue reading Nakanobu Furusato Matsuri: neighborhood festival put on hold
One hundred years ago, two brothers, Shirai Matsujiro and Otani Takejiro decided to make movies. The brothers had already been in the entertainment business for 25 years, having started in 1895 with a Kyoto kabuki theater and growing their business from there to a chain of theaters with various kinds of live entertainment in several … Continue reading Kinema in Kamata: a piece of Japan’s cinematic history
In mid-March 1868, Katsu Kaishu (1823-1899), Army Minister for Tokugawa Yoshinobu, last of the Tokugawa shoguns, was returning to his home in Edo (present day Tokyo) after successfully negotiating for the peaceful surrender of Edo Castle to troops representing the new government of the Emperor Meiji (1852-1912). The negotiations had taken place at Shoto-en, on … Continue reading Katsu Kaishu: living history by thinking future
This article is a bit unusual for this blog--a perspective on women's rights in post-war Japan with particular emphasis on what rights did, and did not, make it into Japan's postwar constitution. Definitely part of the Japan jigsaw puzzle! It's in the September issue of the No. 1 Shimbun in honor of the record number … Continue reading Miles to Go and Promises Unkept: Women’s Rights in Postwar Japan
Looking for a getaway where you can enjoy nature and avoid crowds? This article describes Unzen Onsen, exactly such a place. Go on! Pamper yourself! (Archived article originally published by Tokyo Weekender)
In keeping with current trends to micro-tourism, this article describes an urban walk in Tokyo featuring a number of lesser-known historical buildings. (Archived article originally published by Japan Today) At the end of your walk, on the way back to Edogawabashi Station, look for Kanpai Brewing on the opposite side of the river, just across … Continue reading Exploring Tokyo’s Architecture Through the ages: A walk in Bunkyo and Toshima
In keeping with the current trend of "micro-tourism" (keeping tourism close to home), here's another walk through a less well-known suburban Tokyo neighborhood. This walk is less than 4 km. in length and includes a small local museum, so expect it to take about half a day. Use the map at the bottom of the … Continue reading Hidden History in the Edo Outskirts: the Rolling Hills of Magome
It has long been said that history is written by the victors. There may have even been a time when that was true. But no longer. In our modern age, there are many perspectives to the telling of history, including the history of Japan at war in the first half of the 20th century, a … Continue reading Remembering Wartime Japan
In last week's blog post, I introduced a temple founded to house a statue of Fudo Myo-o, the great immoveable deity, carved by no less than the great Kobo Daishi (774-835). But Kobo Daishi is not alone in his admiration of Fudo Myo-o, whose image is found and worshiped across Japan. Even the earliest Buddhist … Continue reading Kumano Magaibutsu: immoveable in more ways than one
Jigsaw Japan 