A Miracle in Human History: Japan’s 7th-Century Invention of Shared Authority”
（人類史の奇跡──日本の7世紀における共通権威の発明） Japan’s history holds a secret often overlooked in world narratives: more than 1,3 […]
Subtle Misunderstandings: How Japanese Literature Illuminates the Heart
Discover how Japanese literature explores the beauty of subtle misunderstandings between men and women. From Nogiku no Haka to The Tale of Genji, these stories illuminate a culture rooted in empathy, nuance, and the quiet art of understanding the unspoken.
The Bettō’s Defiant Verse: Poetry, Power, and Conscience in Heian Japan
At a Heian court poetry gathering, the bettō’s daring verse exposed betrayal and silenced nobles. Discover how one woman’s poem became a timeless act of defiance.
Chiba Sozaemon’s Last Stand: Mercy and Justice in the Tenmei Famine
Discover the story of Chiba Sozaemon, a farmer who gave his life during Japan’s Tenmei Famine, remembered as a symbol of justice, compassion, and human dignity.
The Samurai Wife and the True Beauty of Japan — The Sacred Power of Women
In today’s world, youth and outward appearance are often emphasized as the primary measures of a woman’s beauty.
Yet we must ask: what is true beauty?
Urushi and the Jomon Culture: Japan’s 15,000-Year Legacy of Harmony and Craftsmanship
Discover how a 12,600-year-old lacquer branch from the Jomon period rewrites history, proving Japan’s native lacquer tradition and revealing a peaceful, cooperative culture that thrived for 15,000 years.
Ōtomono no Hakama: The 7th-Century Japanese Hero Who Chose Slavery for His Homeland
The true story of Ōtomono no Hakama, a 7th-century Japanese soldier who sold himself into slavery to save his country from invasion — and received from the Tennoh the only recorded personal imperial edict to a commoner.
The Oldest Polished Stone Tool in the World — and the Man Who Found It
Discover the story of Tadahiro Aizawa and the world’s oldest polished stone tool, a 30,000-year-old obsidian spearhead from Japan. A tale of ancient craftsmanship, cultural heritage, and one man’s unwavering passion.
The Magatama: A Jewel that Bound a Nation Together
The Magatama—a small, comma-shaped jewel—has been part of Japan’s story for thousands of years. More than an o […]
Ōtomo no Tabito and Kojima: A Song of Resonance Across Time
How an 8th-century exchange of poems bridged status, culture, and heartsIn the year 731, on a cold winter’s da […]