October 2026– date –
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Tatami: The Floor That Shapes a Japanese Room
Discover Japanese tatami mats: woven rushes, skilled fitting, futon bedding and surface renewal, plus the ways this traditional floor adapts to modern life. -
Maneki Neko: Why Japan’s Lucky Cats Raise One Paw
Discover Japan’s maneki neko: the meaning of each raised paw, Gōtokuji’s temple story, and the ceramic cats made in the pottery towns of Seto and Tokoname. -
Yaki Imo: The Roasted Sweet Potato That Tastes Like Autumn
Discover yaki imo, Japan’s roasted sweet potato: fluffy and sticky varieties, the science behind its sweetness, and its journey from street vendors to shops. -
Furoshiki: Japan’s Wrapping Cloth for Gifts and Everyday Life
What is furoshiki? Discover Japan’s reusable wrapping cloth, its uses for gifts and bento, how materials differ and whether the recipient keeps it. -
Why Are Japan’s Manhole Covers So Beautiful?
Discover the local stories behind Japan’s decorative manhole covers, from Matsumoto’s temari and Himeji’s orchids to Yokohama’s harbor and manhole cards. -
Kotatsu: Japan’s Heated Table and the Comfort of Winter
What is a kotatsu and how does it work? Explore Japan’s heated table, its quilt, winter rituals and modern designs for floor, sofa and chair seating. -
Why Are Clear Umbrellas So Common in Japan?
Japan’s clear umbrellas offer a view of the street as well as shelter from the rain. Explore their practical appeal, unexpected history and possibilities for reuse. -
Why Do Japanese Train Stations Play Melodies?
A few notes on a platform can signal a train’s movement, echo a neighborhood and become part of an ordinary journey. Inside Japan’s station melodies. -
Why Do Japanese Restaurants Display Fake Food?
Japan’s restaurant food samples are more than a curiosity. Discover their modern history, the craft behind them and how they help people choose a meal. -
Why Does Japan’s School Bag Look Like That? The Story of the Randoseru
Why does Japan’s randoseru have its distinctive shape? Explore the school bag’s history, six-year design, changing colors and place in family life.
