The new drink in town

M CrowsonMarch 31, 2018

Japanese Whisky by Brian Ashcraft (Author), Yuji Kawasaki (Author) and Idzuhiko Ueda (Photographer)  Immerse yourself in the relatively young but utterly d...

BookCulture

Love in translation

M CrowsonFebruary 7, 2018

On Japanese Valentine’s Day, women spend cash and shed (hopefully metaphoric) blood, sweat and tears on chocolate for their true loves ... and also some...

CultureOnly in Japan

Pile on the luck!

M CrowsonJanuary 8, 2018

Ring in the new year with some traditional kagami mochi. You’ve seen them in Japanese supermarkets, konbini and food stalls: white, snowman-lik...

CultureOnly in Japan

Warm hospi-towel-ity

M CrowsonDecember 2, 2017

Learn about the surprisingly lively world of oshibori, the hand towel felt ’round the world. Treat yourself to a meal at any mid-to high-range ...

CultureOnly in Japan

How to make the dead speak

M CrowsonDecember 2, 2017

The Silent Dead by Tetsuya Honda Translated by Giles Murray An instinct-driven homicide detective breaks open a gruesome series of murders, eve...

BookCulture

In case of emergency, drill here

M CrowsonNovember 1, 2017

Japan thinks ahead with a long tradition of nationwide “disaster drills.” Last week, my father-in-law sent a group email titled “Family Fun...

CultureOnly in Japan

Moon viewing

M CrowsonOctober 3, 2017

Exclusive courtly gathering, rowdy boat party or sedate family event? Otsukimi is all of the above. It’s autumn, which means it’s otsukimi (�...

CultureOnly in Japan

Character training

M CrowsonSeptember 10, 2017

Bring some joy to your commute by riding one of Japan’s many themed rail cars. Japan’s famous for its train-centric transportation system, an...

CultureOnly in Japan

A long-awaited death

M CrowsonSeptember 7, 2017

Inheritance from Mother by Minae Mizumura Translated by Juliet Winters Carpenter Two sisters struggle to deal with their domineering mother�...

BookCulture

Go Dutch

M CrowsonAugust 7, 2017

School days are extra chic with the Japanese randoseru. Have you ever seen those adorable photos of Japanese schoolkids romping around with their...

CultureOnly in Japan