MAGAZINE
Swordsmith’s Flame: A Tour Into the Living Legacy of Steel and Soul
A Japanese sword is far more than a weapon. Its shape, light, sound, and weight all embody the soul of the craftsman and the accumulation of time and skill. While samurai dramas and museum displays offer a glimpse of these iconic blades, few people ever witness the...
Make Your Own Furin: A Souvenir of Japanese Summer That Echoes in the Breeze
When a soft chime sways in the breeze, it brings a sense of calm that gently loosens the mind. This is the quiet charm of the furin, or Japanese wind chime. Beloved for both its delicate appearance and its seasonal sound, the furin has become an iconic symbol of...
Discover the Art of Repair Through Kintsugi: Beauty and Renewal in Broken Ceramics
In Japan, there exists a culture that values not just the restoration of broken things, but their transformation—elevating damage into beauty and memory into meaning. This philosophy is embodied in kintsugi, the traditional technique of repairing broken ceramics using...
Step into Tradition: Discover Local Culture Through the Dress of the Festival
Throughout Japan, local festivals reflect the unique history and customs of their regions. One of the most iconic elements of these festivals is the traditional attire—happi coats, sashes, tabi socks, and headbands. More than mere decoration, these garments symbolize...
Family Woodcraft Workshop: Nurturing Creativity and the Spirit of Making Through Hands-On Fun
Among Japan’s many cultural crafts, woodworking stands out as a warm and accessible introduction to handmade art—for both children and adults. In particular, family-friendly woodcraft workshops offer more than just the chance to complete a project; they create a...
Papermaking with Washi: Crafting a Postcard that Holds the Memory of Your Journey
In everyday life, few of us have the chance to create a single sheet of paper with our own hands. Yet in Japan, the art of washi—handmade paper with over a thousand years of history—remains a cherished cultural tradition. Made from plant fibers and water, the process...
Temari Crafting: Playing with Color, Weaving the Beauty and Grace of Japan
With layer upon layer of colorful thread forming delicate geometric patterns, temari are more than just traditional Japanese toys—they are ornamental art pieces and heartfelt gifts. In this intricate craft, threads are wrapped around a ball to create patterns that...
Ninja for a Day: Discover Japanese Ingenuity Through Action and Adventure
Clad in black robes, crouching in the shadows, preparing a shuriken—this classic image of the ninja continues to stir the imagination of people around the world. As iconic figures in Japanese history and culture, ninjas have captivated both domestic and international...
Bamboo Chopstick Workshop: Where Craft Meets Nature in Japanese Daily Life
Chopsticks are an everyday utensil at the Japanese table, yet they carry deep cultural and spiritual significance. Creating your own pair—from raw bamboo, with your own hands—is more than a simple craft; it becomes a meditative dialogue with nature. Bamboo...
Pottery Workshop: Shaping Japanese Craftsmanship with Your Hands
Experiencing something new during a journey is more than just making memories—it becomes a gateway to deeper understanding of a place and its culture. Among such experiences, a pottery class stands out as a profoundly enriching moment. Using your hands to shape the...
Community Storytime on Your Travels: Listening to Stories and Feeling Quiet Connections
When traveling, it’s easy to fill your itinerary with bustling tourist spots—but immersing yourself in a place’s culture and daily life often requires quiet moments. Local storytime sessions held in libraries, bookstores, children’s centers, or cozy cafés offer...
Interactive Travel with Local Children: A Journey of Heartfelt Connection Beyond Words
Travel often brings unexpected encounters—and among them, playing with local children offers a uniquely joyful way to connect. Unlike sightseeing, this kind of interactive experience gives visitors a fresh perspective on Japan. Held at neighborhood schools, community...
Embrace Quiet: A Temple Retreat to Align the Heart and Mind on Your Travels
Modern travel often feels rushed—visiting sights, taking photos, and keeping to a tight schedule. It’s in those moments of pause that a “Lesson in Stillness” at a Japanese temple can feel especially profound. Surrounded by nature and history, this quiet practice of...
Discover Washi’s Timeless Craft: A Cultural Tour Through a Millennium of Japanese Paper Making
One of Japan’s most delicate and beautiful traditional materials is washi, Japanese handmade paper. From calligraphy and shoji screens to crafts and Shinto rituals, washi has long supported both daily life and spiritual practice. Joining a cultural exploration tour...
Family Haiku Workshop: Capturing the Seasons and the Heart in Japanese Poetry
The beauty of Japanese culture lies in its ability to reflect nature, emotion, and the passage of time through a few simple words. Haiku, the quintessential form of Japanese poetry, embodies this aesthetic. In just seventeen syllables, a haiku captures a season, a...