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July 24, 2026
 

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Steve John Powell
The new edition of "In Praise of Shadows" also includes 30 mood-enhancing photos of evocative corners and shadowy spaces such as tearooms and gardens.
CULTURE / Books
Apr 8, 2026
New Tanizaki collection illuminates ¡®In Praise of Shadows¡¯ origin
The new edition of ¡°In Praise of Shadows¡± also includes 30 mood-enhancing photos of evocative corners and shadowy spaces such as tearooms and gardens.
A new book from Hideko Yamashita, the original creator of the 'danshari' method of decluttering popularize outside Japan by Marie Kondo, can help you start 2026 off on a tidier note.
LIFE / Lifestyle
Dec 27, 2025
Japan¡¯s original decluttering queen cleans up your new year
Hideko Yamashita¡¯s first book to be published in English has already sold 3 million copies in Japan.
Utagawa Hiroshige produced several highly successful series of landscape prints over the course of his career, including ¡°One Hundred Famous Views of Edo¡± ¡ª the largest collection of his career.
CULTURE / Books
Aug 8, 2024
The definitive guide to Utagawa Hiroshige¡¯s masterwork is a feast for the eyes
Ukiyo-e expert Andreas Marks¡¯ new book is a rare compendium of the Japanese artist¡¯s landscapes, even by local standards. ?
Sokyo Ono¡¯s ¡°Shinto: The Kami Spirit World of Japan¡± reveals how a mystic sense of nature lies at the heart of Shinto.
CULTURE / Books
May 31, 2024
¡®Shinto: The Kami Spirit World of Japan¡¯: A helpful guide to uncovering an integral part of Japanese life
Sokyo Ono¡¯s book provides a concise introduction to all the fundamental elements of Shinto, including its symbols, beliefs and deities.
In his book "It¡¯s Okay Not to Look for the Meaning of Life," Buddhist priest Jikisai Minami sprinkles in surprising declarations such as ¡°Stop taking care of yourself,¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay not to have friends,¡± ¡°People can live without hopes and dreams.¡±
CULTURE / Books
Apr 29, 2024
Buddhist priest grounds new book with practical advice and cheeky declarations
¡°It¡¯s Okay Not to Look for the Meaning of Life¡± by Jikisai Minami addresses the ills of modern life by revealing the true nature of suffering.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Books
Nov 6, 2022
¡®Kokoro¡¯: Lafcadio Hearn¡¯s insights into a country he loved
The collection of 15 essays and stories, which explore the inner lives of Japanese society through topics such as karma, art and architecture, reveal the writer¡¯s deep affection for Japan.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Books
May 5, 2022
¡®Master Dogen¡¯s Zazen Meditation Handbook¡¯: Are you searching for enlightenment? Take a seat.
Tuttle¡¯s recent translation of Zen master Eihei Dogen¡¯s writings and accompanying commentary serve as a helpful guide to the origins of Zen in Japan and the benefits of seated meditation.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Books
Mar 27, 2021
The genius and geniality of Santoka Taneda, a wandering Zen poet
u2018The Life and Zen Haiku Poetry of Santoka Taneda,¡¯ a biography of one of Japan¡¯s most beloved poets, is a loving tribute compiled by Taneda¡¯s close friend, Sumita Oyama.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Books
Oct 24, 2020
Unclutter your mind with ¡®Zen Wisdom for the Anxious¡¯
Ryuunji temple¡¯s head priest, Shinsuke Hosokawa, offers encouragement and friendly advice with 52 Zen sayings and simple English explanations.
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel
Apr 25, 2020
Where we want to go in Japan once this is all over
COVID-19 has put a pause on travel, but that doesn¡¯t mean we can¡¯t plan. The Japan Times¡¯ Escape page regulars write about where they want to go in Japan once we see the back of COVID-19.
CULTURE / Books
Feb 15, 2020
¡®Introduction to Zen Training¡¯: Sogen Omori¡¯s road map to enlightenment
An introduction to Zen practice, by one of Japan¡¯s leading practitioners.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Books / RECENTLY PUBLISHED BOOKS ABOUT 51³Ô¹ÏÍø
Sep 28, 2019
¡®A Manga Lover¡¯s Tokyo Travel Guide¡¯: Picture the capital in a whole new way
Singaporean artist Evangeline Neo walks travelers through Tokyo¡¯s best traditional must-sees, anime hot-spots and even Mount Fuji in her comic-book guide to the metropolis.
CULTURE / Books / ESSENTIAL READING FOR 51³Ô¹ÏÍøOPHILES
May 18, 2019
¡®The Art of the Japanese Garden¡¯: Green-fingered insight into Japanese garden spaces
By delving into the history, development and intricate details of Japanese gardens, ¡®The Art of the Japanese Garden¡¯ brings new appreciation and awareness to the art form.
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel
May 17, 2019
Sandankyo Gorge: Hiroshima¡¯s hidden ravine
An easy trip from Hiroshima city, head to Sandankyo Gorge for a day of exploring picturesque ravines and waterfalls before indulging in a local hot spring.
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel
Dec 28, 2018
New Year¡¯s Eve in Hiroshima: A silent night, a crowded morning
I can¡¯t quite believe we¡¯re doing this. It¡¯s dark and freezing outside, and we only went to bed three hours ago. Yet here we are, walking streets so quiet you can hear the mice snore. It¡¯s New Year¡¯s Eve, but there¡¯s not a carouser in sight. Here, as in most of Japan, in the darkness beyond the big city...
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel
Oct 19, 2018
The Akinada Tobishima Kaido: An alternative route across the Seto Inland Sea
Although less well-known than the nearby Shimanami Kaido, the 96-kilometer-roundtrip Akinada Tobishima Kaido route is gaining in popularity. Starting at the Akinada Bridge, the Tobishima route spans a network of seven bridges seven islands that can be traversed on car, bike or foot down to Okamura Island, north of Shikoku.
Japan Times
LIFE / Food & Drink
Jan 6, 2018
Munch like a monarch as you walk with the gods on Miyajima
Beyond the island¡¯s iconic torii, oysters, okonomiyaki, eel and manju016b await.
Japan Times
CULTURE / Books / ESSENTIAL READING FOR 51³Ô¹ÏÍøOPHILES
Dec 2, 2017
¡®A Brief History of Japan¡¯: Jonathan Clements guides readers from ancient lore to otaku obsessions
Ask any Japanese high school student which is their most difficult subject, and chances are they¡¯ll answer Japanese History ¡ª a consequence of the endless litany of dates, names and battles they need to memorize. Pity then, that they don¡¯t use this little book in class, because it manages to make thousands...
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel
Nov 17, 2017
Communing with the gods in Hiroshima¡¯s kagura performances
Music and dance spectacle is part of Japan¡¯s rich performing arts heritage.
Japan Times
LIFE / Travel
Apr 14, 2017
Among the monks: Dipping a toe in Zen at Shinshoji Temple
When was the last time you sat in silence, without fretting about the things you ought to be doing or gazing at a screen of any kind? When was the last time you didn¡¯t think anything at all?
Japan scientists identify clusters of protein believed to trigger Alzheimer¡¯s disease
A team of researchers said they found a ¡°seed¡± that accelerates the amyloid beta accumulation process in the brain, naming it ¡°Peak 1 amyloid beta,¡± as seen in a mouse's brain.
Indian brothers make manga debut in Japan
Two Indian brothers made their manga debut in Japan with "Kung Fu Kung Fool" ¡ª an action-comedy series that follows the adventures of a notorious thief and a young boy.
Japan weighs regulating Pokemon cards amid trading mania
A Pokemon event is held in Jakarta on July 11
Low-income families in Japan cut food and air conditioning during summer break
Yumiko Watanabe, the chairperson of nonprofit Kidsdoor, explains the results of a survey in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward on July 1.
Iran strikes on CIA facilities prompt questions about possible Russian role
Iranian drones are displayed in an undisclosed location in Iran, in this handout image obtained on Jan. 13, 2025.U.S. officials have acknowledged that Russia has ?provided targeting ?and other support for Iran in its drone strikes on U.S. targets in the Persian Gulf region.
The sci-fi sensibilities of electronic trio Black Boboi
Black Boboi was formed in 2018 when solo artists Julia Shortreed, Utena Kobayashi and Ermhoi came together under Kobayashi¡¯s newly founded label, Bindividual.
A perfect storm: Kaze Fujii fans flock to Fuji Rock
Okayama-born singer-songwriter Kaze Fujii has carved out a distinctive place in Japanese pop since his major-label debut in 2019.
Can Japanese comedy get laughs in English? Yoshimoto Kogyo lets the jokes rip
Wes-P has millions of followers and his viral clips made him recognizable out of Japan.
The 180-day locals: Life on Japan¡¯s digital nomad visa
Christopher Flinn works remotely from Tokyo earlier this month. Japan issued 646 digital nomad visas in 2025, but tourism officials are hoping to increase that figure in the coming years, with Japan's relatively cheap cost of living and the weak yen seen as potential draws for young professionals.
Japan reveals hint of new defense spending target in fiscal blueprint
The Self-Defense Forces' Type 16 mobile combat vehicle fires during a joint live-fire drill with U.S. Marines as part of the annual Resolute Dragon exercises in Yufu, Oita Prefecture, on June 28.

Podcast

One of the many entrances to the Kabukicho neighborhood in Tokyo¡¯s Shinjuku Ward.
Kabukicho: Tokyo¡¯s ¡®stadium of desire¡¯

Longform

For many people, utility poles and power lines have become such a familiar part of Japan¡¯s landscape that they often go unnoticed.
Why Japan¡¯s utility poles won¡¯t be disappearing anytime soon
By Alex K.T. Martin

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