Japanese culture

Geisha: Japan’s Original Entertainers (No, They’re Not Prostitutes!)

Geisha: Japan’s Original Entertainers (No, They’re Not Prostitutes!)When you hear the word “geisha”, you might imagine s...
Japanese culture

Jidaigeki: Japan’s Samurai Soap Operas (With Swords!)

Jidaigeki: Japan’s Samurai Soap Operas (With Swords!)If you’re new to Japan, you might wonder: “What the heck is a jidai...
Japanese culture

Samurai: Japan’s Sword-Wielding Gentlemen (and Sometimes Drama Queens)

Samurai: Japan’s Sword-Wielding Gentlemen (and Sometimes Drama Queens)When you hear the word “samurai”, you might imagin...
Japanese culture

Ninja Culture in Japan: History, Legacy, and Modern Experiences

When most people think of Japan, images of samurai, sushi, and ninjas often come to mind. Ninjas, or shinobi, have captu...
Manga & Anime

What is an Otaku?

What is an Otaku?The term “Otaku” (オタク) refers to a person with an intense passion for a specific hobby, most commonly a...