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
Talismans and Oracles: The Question of Religiousness in Japan
From devout participation to cultural tapestry, religiousness in Japan requires a nuanced understanding—one accounting for the purchasing of talismans, objects, and divine protection.
The Beauty of the In-Between: "Ma" and its Influence on Modern Minimalism
Embracing silence and empty space, Japanese aesthetics reveal how absence—rooted in Zen and “ma”—cultivates beauty, meaning, and mindful connection in all things.
Acquiring Magic Powers in Mountain Seclusion: Shugendo and Japanese Religion
Blending myth, ritual, and endurance, Shugendo is Japan’s mystical mountain path where seekers chase enlightenment and power through nature, solitude, and spiritual trials.
The Legend of Benkei and its Enduring Imagination
The legend of Japanese warrior monk Benkei continues to fascinate and inspire audiences.
Classical Words, Contemporary Feel: The Japanese Waka Poem
Japan’s timeless waka poetry continues to inspire modern creativity, blending classical elegance with contemporary expression.
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.
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.
