The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, Johnny Mnemonic, Kill Bill, Gokusen, Cowboy Bebop, Nurarihyon no Mago, these movies, TV series, and anime may have different stories but they have one thing in common: the Yakuza or, as we Westerners know it, the Japanese mafia. Many people question whether or
The first thing to greet me when I got off the plane at Narita airport was a large robot dutifully cleaning the floors. That was the start of a trip filled with wonder at Japan’s advanced and highly developed society. Japan has one of the wealthiest and most advanced
From the legendary katana, to the yari spear and naginata blade, to the seemingly endless varieties of bows, arrows and hand-held weapons; these are just a few of the many types of gear and samurai weapons used in feudal Japan. For much of Japan’s history, the country was a
Japan is considered to be under the category of a high context culture, so a lot of the time, you don’t need to explain much because there’s an unspoken understanding between people. It’s easier to say no in Japan than in most Western countries — however, it’s
While it’s been called various names, the Japanese bomber jacket is more famously known as the sukajan. What is it? How did it come about? How do I get one? All the information you need is here — read on to find out!
What kind of behavior could get you into unexpected trouble on your Japanese odyssey? Let’s unpick some of the most commonly discussed weird laws in Japan – and find out which are true and which are simply urban legends. Even if you only know a little bit about Japan, you’
Don’t be surprised if the following overview of ramen makes you a little hungry. If you find yourself with a hankering by the end, we’ve included a simple homemade ramen recipe you can try tonight. The only time I’ve waited in line for over an hour was
When visiting Japan, you’ll surely be tempted by delicious-looking meals that display raw eggs. If you are someone like me, the question "Is it safe to eat raw eggs in Japan?" will pop into your head. With the salmonella scare, it’s a reasonable question to ask! Eggs raised
Let’s take a look at what kind of birds you can expect to find in Japan, and which areas offer the best opportunities for amateur ornithologists. In terms of sheer biodiversity, Japan is a birdwatcher’s paradise. From the icy northern reaches of Hokkaido to the sun-soaked islands of
You don’t have to buy everything on our list at Nakamise Shopping Street, but you might just end up wanting to anyway. Just be sure not to spoil your appetite for dinner. Filled with traditional street food and a wide variety of souvenirs, Nakamise Dori is a must-visit for
Where did anime begin? What Is The History Of Anime In Japan? And how did it evolve into the successful industry it is today? The story of animation in Japan is almost as dramatic and captivating as the anime themselves. Even though I didn’t know it until several years
The Japanese have adopted cholo culture since the ’90s. How, why, and isn’t it cultural appropriation? In this article, we talk about it all – read on to unravel them. If you’re familiar with the image of mid-90s East L.A., you’ll know it’s the typical lowriders
Let’s start with the origins of Japanese clothing and work our way to today’s trending styles you’ll find on the streets of Tokyo. With this knowledge, maybe you’ll be able to pick out your own kimono next time you’re in Japan. Everyone has heard of
Whether you loved or you loathed them, your memories of school likely play a large part of who you are, and quite possibly whether you are successful as an adult. Since Japanese culture is different from the West in a multitude of ways, it makes sense to wonder whether their
If you’re not that well-informed about the fashion world and streetwear, but you want to educate yourself on this trendy topic, you’ve come to the right place. From its origins, to where and how to rock Japanese streetwear, you’ll be well informed on them all with just
This article will explore some of the advantages and disadvantages of feudalism in Japan, how Japanese feudalism differed from European feudalism, and how the effects of feudalism are still seen in Japanese society. Most Westerners think of medieval Europe when the subject of feudalism is raised, but Japan and China
