The inaugural Tokyo International Literary Festival took place on March 1–3, 2013. We look back at some of the highlights of the weekend, through the words of some of the authors, translators, and book designers who took part in this ground-breaking attempt to explore new possibilities for books beyond borders.

Chip Kidd: How Japanese Pop Culture Inspired the World’s Best-Known Book Designer
International Literary Salon: An Interview with Author Ikezawa Natsuki
Literary Bridge-Builder: An Interview with Shibata Motoyuki
Junot Díaz: Writing the Past, Shaping the Future
Japan’s First International Literary Festival

Women in Japan go to great lengths to look their best, keeping a close eye on the latest beauty tips and trends. The emphasis on feminine beauty stretches far back into Japanese history. This series looks at how Japanese women—then and now—have looked at beauty.

Nailing a Fashion Trend

Japan’s pop culture is making inroads in overseas populations and product markets and populations. As seen in this section, this is often on the strength of its creators’ dedication to careful craftsmanship, rather than due to a calculated global marketing strategy.

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s J-Pop “Kawaii” in Paris
Manga Artist Brings Bushidō Spirit to France
French Manga Fans Inspire the Work of Tsutsui Tetsuya
“Anime” and “Manga” Take Root in China
Decoding the Charm of Japanese Video Games (Part Two)
A Soccer Hero Adored Around the World
Exporting “Otaku”
Decoding the Charm of Japanese Video Games (Part One)
Lasting Popularity for a Tough Watch
If It’s Not “Kawaii,” How Can It Be Smart?
Rokkaku Ayako: An Artist with the World at Her Fingertips

Love and sexuality in Japan run the gamut—from those who are nearly celibate (whether by choice or lack thereof) to the more kinkily inclined. Like so much else in Japanese society today, there is a growing diversification when it comes to romance. This series takes an intimate look at the twenty-first century twists on an age-old activity.

Love Hotels Clean Up Their Image
Japan’s Affection for Love Hotels

Traditional art forms and aesthetics can be infused with new creativity as they are passed along from generation to generation. This series looks at some of these “cool traditions” that remain relevant by perfectly suiting contemporary sensibilities.

Mining the Past for New Gold: Artist Yamaguchi Akira
Bonsai: Nature in the Palm of Your Hand

Japan has learned many lessons in the wake of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck on March 11, 2011. This series examines forward-looking projects that are benefiting from those lessons.

Itō Toyoo and the “Minna No Ie” Project