Deeper Views
Dive further into Japanese culture.
Join our team of culture editors in exploring deeper connections between Japan’s art, culture, and history.
Latest
More than Matcha:
Understanding Japanese Tea
While matcha might catch the most attention these days, there’s a greater variety of Japanese tea to explore.
Your Guide to Autumn in Japan 2025
Seasonal Guide
Discover the best ways to travel Japan in autumn, from momiji maple views to hiking through Japan’s most iconic outdoor scenery.
Featured
The War on Geisha: Identity in the Face of Tradition
The complex struggle of geisha to preserve their traditional identity while adapting to the pressures of modernity, Western influence, and societal misconceptions.
More entries from
Deeper Views
From Alleyway Kitchens to Avant-Garde: Japanese Ramen Through The Years
An iconic dish packed with powerful flavor, ramen’s road to becoming classic Japanese cuisine is filled with history—and it continues to evolve both new traditions and new tastes.
Ukiyo-e: Capturing the Fleeting World Through Print
Discover more about ukiyo-e, a Japanese art revealing not only artistic brilliance but also the values and social dynamics of their the Edo Period.
The 72 Micro-Seasons of Japan: When Nature Shapes Creation
Whether in the quiet contemplation of a bowl of tea, the delicate brushstroke of a seasonal painting, or the taste of a perfectly ripened ingredient, the spirit of Japan’s 72 micro-seasons endures.
The Creation of Coffee Culture & Modern Japan
The formation of Japan as a modern nation included many changes to culture and society - including the introduction of coffee into everyday Japanese life.
Mottainai: Japan’s Culture of Food and Food Waste
How the Japanese culture of “mottainai” and its religious traces connect to modern issues of food consumption and waste in Japan.
The Legends and Literature Behind Wagashi
Discover the delicate world of wagashi, traditional Japanese confections that blend beauty, seasonality, and storytelling in every bite.
Beer, Lacquer, and the Mystery Behind the Bottle
The fascinating connection between Kirin Beer, traditional Japanese lacquerware, and the hidden artistry behind the iconic beer bottle.
Subtraction: The Art of Japanese Cooking
The philosophy of "less is more" shapes Japanese cooking, where simplicity and restraint elevate natural flavors.
A Community of Cuisine: Buddhist Fucha Ryori
A style of food with Chinese origins, fucha ryori links Buddhist, Daoist, and Confucian values, and centers around communal eating.
