For centuries, Tokyo’s sento (public bathhouses) have been more than just places to bathe—they’ve been hubs of community, relaxation, and tradition.     In recent decades, sento have been disappearing. Naturally, modern homes all have bathrooms, so the Japanese tradition of communal bathing culture of sento has seen a dramatic decline. Enter Kentaro Imai, […]

A Tradition Rooted in Elegance Hanami (花見),is the Japanese tradition of cherry blossom viewing, is a seasonal spectacle that is centuries-old. Probably no single ritual embodies Japan’s deep appreciation for fleeting beauty more, offering a glimpse into Japan’s poetic soul. What began as an aristocratic pastime in the Heian period (794–1185) has evolved into […]

The creation of wagashi requires skill, precision, and an artistic eye. Despite the simplicity of the ingredients - typically rice flour, beans, sugar, and water—master artisans spend years perfecting their techniques

Just what is a “salaryman”? A fabled idea from an anime, perhaps. A guy sits alone in a ramen shop. He’s been working hard all day. He works hard everyday and at night goes out to eat and drink alone. Staring into his creamy steaming noodles, piled high with sliced pork and green onion, […]