In the vibrant world of Japanese cinema, few films manage to capture the hearts of audiences across generations while shattering long-standing records. The 2025 release Kokuho (translated as “National Treasure”) has done just that, surpassing 100 billion yen in box office earnings—a feat not achieved by a live-action Japanese film …

Tattoos, or irezumi in Japanese, have long been synonymous with the yakuza, Japan’s infamous organized crime syndicates. Far from mere body art, these intricate designs—often covering the entire body in vibrant patterns of dragons, koi fish, cherry blossoms, and mythical creatures—serve as profound symbols of identity, loyalty, and defiance. For …

If you’re planning a trip to Japan in 2025 and seeking an authentic cultural experience away from the bustling crowds of Tokyo or Kyoto, look no further than the rescheduled Hida Momogenkyo Kuguno Noryo Summer Festival in Takayama, Gifu Prefecture. Originally set for August but postponed due to inclement weather, …