A massive cache of 100,000 ancient coins has been unearthed during construction activities in central Japan’s Maebashi City, including a rare example of the ‘Ban Liang’, China’s inaugural unified...
In ancient Japan , where the art of battle was predominantly a male domain, a remarkable shift in tradition unfolded, highlighting the tenacity of women in the face of adversity. Takeko Nakano and...
Samurai , driven by the need to prove their loyalty and valor to their shogun masters, often resorted to a gruesome practice – the collection of human heads. The severed heads served as tangible...
The mystery behind one of the infamous ‘Fiji mermaids’ may soon be solved by radiology testing. This bizarre creature seems to be part fish, part monkey, and part reptile, and has baffled scientists...
History is replete with oddities and peculiar rituals that have stood the test of time, and Japan, with its rich tapestry of culture and traditions, is no exception. Enter the "Naki Sumo Baby Crying...
Kendo, the practice of Japanese swordsmanship, is one of the most popular martial arts today. Yet few people fully appreciate this sport’s fascinating origins and what its evolution can tell us about...
Medieval Japan , often romanticized for its samurai culture, had a dark side characterized by brutal punishment and oppression. Peasants faced a grim fate in a society dominated by samurai overlords...
A fairly ordinary parking lot in Japan’s Nara prefecture has revealed the Kofun tomb of an elite person from the ancient era, accidentally uncovered as the area was being cleared to prepare it for...
In the rich tapestry of the world’s ancient history, there stands a mysterious island steeped in ritual and reverence – Okinoshima. Nestled between the islands of Kyushu and Honshu in Japan,...
The allure of aphrodisiacs stretches far back into the annals of human history. These mysterious substances, believed to enhance sexual desire and performance, were often sourced from nature's most...
Amidst the tranquil landscapes of Amami Ōshima, an island near Okinawa , Japan, an ancient tradition thrives—one that transforms mud and aged tree trunks into exquisite kimonos, each bearing the mark...
A team of researchers from Japan and the United States have just published a study proving conclusively that Japan’s Hirota people were using cranial modification techniques to change the shapes of...
In the verdant countryside of Kōchi, Japan , the ancient craft of Japanese blacksmithing thrives, carrying a history that stretches back centuries . At the heart of this tradition are the Nata blades...
Before sushi became an internationally beloved delicacy, another Japanese culinary marvel reigned supreme – Funazushi. Unlike the hastily prepared haya-nare sushi which most westerners are familiar...
The Jomon Period is the earliest identifiable period in Japanese history and is broken into several categories—Incipient, Early, Middle, and Late. Comprised of a sedentary culture, the Jomon people...
In historical Japan , the luxury of using metal for construction was a costly endeavor out of reach for many carpenters. As a workaround, the ingenious "miyadaiku" carpenters, specialized in temple...
Mitsuru Hamasaki, a seasoned practitioner of the ancient Japanese martial art of kendo, has spent nearly 60 years honing his skills. A former police officer, Mitsuru has a unique perspective on the...
At the world's oldest hotel, Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan , tradition and modernity intertwine to create a unique experience. For over 1300 years , guests have been drawn to its crystal-clear hot water...
In the realm of pottery, there exists an extraordinary Japanese art form that transforms broken fragments into something even more beautiful. This mesmerizing practice, known as "kintsugi," embraces...
The Yonaguni Monument , often referred to as Japan's mysterious 'Atlantis ,' continues to intrigue researchers and spark debate about its true origins. Discovered approximately 35 years ago off the...
A sense of intrigue and mystery surrounds the enigmatic keyhole-shaped kofun tombs of Japan. These captivating monuments, exemplified by the renowned Mozu Tombs in Sakai city, Osaka, have recently...
In 1614, a storm of persecution raged across Japan as Christianity was declared illegal. The crackdown led to the arrest and execution of missionaries, pushing the faithful underground. These...
A centuries-old relic associated with ancient Christian practice in Japan is causing a stir in the Japanese media. The item is believed to be an artifact preserved by Japan’s “kakure kirishitan” or...
In the captivating town of Yuasa, Japan, a remarkable secret has been safeguarded for an astonishing 750 years. It is here that the origins of soy sauce , a cornerstone of Japanese gastronomy , were...