Gift-giving is a key cultural tradition in all aspects of Japanese life. Accordingly, it is taken very seriously in Japan, and much care goes into choosing an appropriate gift—whether it’s for a first meeting, the close of a business...

Did you know that business meetings in Japan tend to be more formal than in many other countries? Developing trust is absolutely key. Learn more about specific protocols for business meetings, including when to arrive, appropriate...

Mexicans are usually warm and gentle toward strangers, including foreigners. They’ll sometimes stare at them, especially if the foreigners don’t look like Americans, whom they’re used to seeing. Curiosity and wonder quickly vanish once...

As Japan’s capital city and the hub of Japanese business, government, and finance, Tokyo is the number one destination for foreigners relocating to Japan. Japan’s largest city, which became the capital in 1868, is a study in contrasts,...

The island of Kyushu claims a long history of trade and interaction with Europe, evident in the numerous churches on the island, and with Korea and China, which has made the locals far more open to foreigners than other Japanese. It’s...

The standard dialect of Japanese is spoken throughout the country, although there are some regional differences in accent. English is taught in many schools and is the most common language other than Japanese that is spoken in the...

Education plays such a key role in Japanese life, it's hard to overestimate its importance. Whether a child gets into the right school early on determines whether he or she will attend the right university—which, in turn, can determine...

In Japan, it is generally expected that women will work for a few years after graduation until children are born. Those with school-age children may go back to work part-time, usually for a low hourly wage. Slowly, however, attitudes are...

Brazil is the most populous country in South America and second only to the United States in the Western Hemisphere. About 32 percent of the country’s population lives in the thirteen largest metropolitan regions. The largest of Brazil’s...

Japan's last shogun is ousted in a coup and a young emperor seizes power to become the supreme executive authority. Part 3 of our 2,600 year timeline of history's greatest revolutions.

Preschool Prep - Alphabet and Languages from A-Z V1-0011 Learn about the Japanese language in this informative video that highlights its significance as the national language of Japan, an island country in East Asia. With approximately...

We investigate why fishing ships from North Korea, discovered with dead bodies onboard, are washing up on Japan shores.

The things Kazuo Kobayashi can do with paper are astounding. As the director of the Origami Kaikan Hall, an center for all things dedicated to the art of paper folding, he can turn a couple of pieces into moving lips, blooming flowers,...

If the words Nintendo, Super Mario Brothers and Playstation bring a smile to your face and an itch to your trigger finger, you’ll go bonkers for this three-story fun house in Akihabara, the heartbeat of all things anime, manga and more...

Don’t let a monkfish fool you. It might not have a pretty face, but it is some seriously good eating. The bottom-feeder typically has a huge head, scraggly visage and large mouth, but the meat is some of the most tender and supple...

Located in Chiyoda, this Shinto shrine has been watching over the neighborhoods of Kanda, Nihonbashi, Akihabara, Ootemachi, Marunouchi and others since the 14th century. Although the Gate of God suffered the fires, earthquakes and wars...

Inspired by the hustle and bustle of NYC burger stands, Henry's burger combines vintage diner vibes with a modern Japanese experience. Built for the casual dining encounter, Henry's only has four seats and offers two menu items: a single...

Located along the Yamanote Line, this street market is always bustling and provides ample shopping options. The literal translation means “candy store alley” but the more intriguing connection dates back to World War II. “Ame” also...

Monet uses color and composition to draw your eye to the water and plant life below a Japanese-style bridge in his impressionistic painting.

Have you ever had a craving for a luxury crepe finished with a cocktail? Us too. Located in the posh Ginza district, Parla Ginza is not your everyday crepe stand. High-end crepes filled with premium Japanese ingredients await you here,...

A quick 10 minute walk from the Nakameguro station, CABIN sits along the Meguro river and offers an extensive selection of whiskies with particular attention to the Japanese variety. While it feels like a homey log cabin in Canada, the...

Behind an unmarked door, hidden on an anonymous grey wall, lies Ronin, a “dining bar” inspired by all things Japanese and from the sea.Situated in Sheung Wan, this exclusive 14-seat (+ standing room) shoe box of a restaurant delivers a...

At first glance, Jomon looks like a slightly more happening version of the thousands of small yakitori joints that dot the side streets of Tokyo. But Jomon is the Izakaya experience on another level – a little louder, a bit more communal...

Scrappy HK Nipponophiles Lindsay Jang and Matt Abergel dedicated their first opus to the simple pleasure of Yakitori – an ode to chicken on a stick.Appropriately named Yardbird, the restaurant prides itself on not letting virtually any...