OBON, the summertime holiday season in Japan, is when the spirits of the departed are believed to return to this world for a short visit. Far from being considered morbid, it is a pleasant, respectful way for younger generations to stay connected to their ancestors. Its a time for fondly recalling the accomplishments and kindnesses…

Originating in Mesoamerica about 7,000 years ago, tomatoes arrived in Japan early in the Edo period (1603-1868) having traveled the globe and being domesticated along the way. The painting above by Kanō Tan’yū 狩野探幽 (1602-1674 AD) shows an ornamental variety of tomato that was labelled togaki, 唐柿, literally “Chinese persimmon.” It wasn’t until the Meiji period (1868-1912), though, that tomatoes,…

Frequent JLA contributor Alice Gordenker shares her appreciation for a type of Japanese antique porcelain that has captivated people all over the world for more than 400 years. For a comprehensive introduction to Imari ware, and some lovely photographs, please take a look at her new article on the All About Japan website.  

The (relatively cool) rainy season has just begun throughout most of Japan, but make no mistake: the oppressive heat and humidity of summer is on its way. The best culinary counterattack on high temperatures and humidity is ICE. Think glacier-like chunks of ice tinkling in glass bowls with swirls of sōmen noodles surrounding them… then imagine mounds…

A beautifully produced introduction to the mystery behind the world’s oldest theater form still practiced today. (Under 9 minutes)

  Japanese poster design reflects the country’s rich visual culture and printmaking  tradition, and was used throughout the 20th century to represent the country to domestic and international audiences. Two world wars in addition to rapid industrialization, urbanization, and the rise of mass media fundamentally transformed modern Japan, and its specific journey as both an…

Drinking green tea, ryokucha 緑茶, is an integral part of daily life in Japan, enjoyed throughout the day. It can run the gamut from ritualized and formal occasions such as chakai ceremonial tea to the most casual moments and settings when thirst is quenched with bottles of green tea dispensed from vending machines found everywhere. Temperatures yesterday suddenly began…

The connection between maker and owner I love product catalogues. When I was a kid I spent hours flipping through the LEGO booklets that my parents would bring back from their trips abroad (LEGO was not widely available in Argentina in the ‘80s). I would check out every detail of the sets featured in those…

Like many vegetables enjoyed in Japan today, naga negi traveled to Japan from China by way of the Korean peninsula; they have been cultivated in Japan since the 8th century. Naga [“long”] negi [“onions”] or Allium fistulosum, are called by various names outside Japan: Japanese leeks, Welsh onions, Japanese bunching onion, to name a few….

Levitation is among the miraculous feats ascribed to a child prince who lived more than a 1,400 years ago and grew up to become a great patron of Buddhism.  (Detail from “Illustrated Biography of Prince Shotoku,” a National Treasure of Japan. Image courtesy of the Tokyo National Museum, Gallery of Horyuji Treasures.) The Tokyo National…