Shorter pieces shedding light on the creativity underlying Japanese culture and technology and on lives and lifestyles in Japan.

Post-3/11 Innovation

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 Toyo and the Minna No Ie Project

Other reports

Matsuri Days (1) A Guide to Asakusa and the Sanja Matsuri

With its well-preserved traditional culture, Asakusa is one of Tokyo’s biggest tourist draws. No event attracts more visitors than the Sanja Matsuri, a 700-year-old festival that draws 1.5 million people to the narrow streets of the old quarter each May. We look at what makes Asakusa and its famous festival special.

The Sanja Matsuri: Tokyo’s Most Raucous Festival (Video)
The Sanja Matsuri in Six Key Words
Strolling Around Old Tokyo
Experiencing the Sanja Matsuri
Japanese Festivals and the Annual Cycle of Life
Unlocking the Secrets of the Sanja Matsuri

A New Era for Kabuki

In April 2013, the new Kabukiza theater opened in Tokyo’s Ginza district—the fifth incarnation of this renowned venue. This series of articles commemorates this event and looks back on the 400-year history of kabuki.

The Curtain Rises on an All-New Kabukiza
The Dramatic History of Kabuki Theaters
A Kabuki Parade Through Ginza

Tokyo International Literary Festival

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.

Literary Bridge-Builder: An Interview with Shibata Motoyuki
Junot Díaz: Writing the Past, Shaping the Future
Japan’s First International Literary Festival

Tokyo Station Reborn

In October 2012, Tokyo Station’s famous Marunouchi Building reopened after a major renovation project that restored the building to the way it would have looked when it opened in 1914. With its original appearance restored, this beloved Tokyo landmark is ready to enter a new era in its illustrious history.

Tokyo Station Lights Up the Sky Once More
Tokyo Station Becomes a Screen of Dreams
Tokyo Station: Modern Convenience in a Historical Setting

Discovering “Nōgaku”: The Blossoming of Tradition

Nōgaku is a multifaceted art form that incorporates elements of theater, music, dance, literature, and costume design. This series will examine this ancient theatrical tradition from a number of different angles to help readers gain a better appreciation of its artistic treasures.

“Nōgaku” Drama Kept Alive by Family Traditions

New series

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