It is mid-May. The rainy season is about to start in Japan, and gorgeous hydrangeas and wisterias are everywhere. Beautiful rain chains, an unmistakable sight in Japan, collect water from the downs … read more

In our office, we have a corner we call "small world" for displaying traditional Japanese seasonal themes. And one of the surest signs of coming of spring in Japan is Hina-Matsuri, the Festival … read more

There is so much written about the beauty and profoundness of cherry blossoms. And yet, my childhood memories of them are quite simple. I grew up in Mimasaka, a small town in Okayama prefecture. Th … read more

In Japan, one of the sure signs of the arrival of spring is Hina-Matsuri, the Festival of Dolls. Japanese have celebrated Hina-Matsuri since at least the 8th-century Heian period. During this … read more

I often get asked about the best season to visit Japan. Such a seemingly simple question. However, there are more choices and more “seasons” than most people realize. Japan is a land of … read more