The Showa Era is an interesting period in Japanese history. However, it can also be confusing to understand. In many ways, there were actually two Showa eras. World War II is the obvious dividing point between early and late Showa. These two periods are diametrically opposed. The military expansion and war years (1926-1945) bear little … Continue reading What Was the Showa Era (Period) in Japan?
What Was the Classical Era (Period) in Japan?
If you want to understand Japan, it helps to know about the Classical Era in Japanese history. The Classical Era could be considered one of the historic building blocks upon which Japan was built. During this period, Japan borrowed a lot of Chinese culture, and then modified it into something uniquely Japanese. This period also … Continue reading What Was the Classical Era (Period) in Japan?
An Overview of the Edo Period (Era) in Japan
The Edo Period is one of the more famous eras in Japanese history. It is also one of the more misunderstood periods. In pop culture, Edo is associated with sword-swinging samurai, feudal lords, and castle towns. While that image is not false, it's not completely accurate. However, Edo was a time when Japan isolated itself … Continue reading An Overview of the Edo Period (Era) in Japan
What Was the Meiji Era (Period) in Japan?
The Meiji Era is an extremely popular period of Japanese history. This period has inspired everything from books to plays to anime — and with good reason. Meiji times featured revolutionary changes to Japan’s government, and huge advancements in culture and technology. It was also a time of military expansion. For better or for worse, … Continue reading What Was the Meiji Era (Period) in Japan?
What Was the Taisho Era (Period) in Japan? – A Complete Overview
When it comes to Japanese history, the Taisho Era sometimes gets overlooked. For one thing, the Taisho Era is not as long as the Meiji Era which came before it, or the Showa Era which followed. However, the period is worth knowing about — and not just because of a certain anime series about a … Continue reading What Was the Taisho Era (Period) in Japan? – A Complete Overview
5 Best Japanese Beer Brands and How to Buy Them
When it comes to alcoholic beverages, beer has become a very popular choice among Japanese drinkers. And some non-Japanese people have learned to appreciate Japanese beer as well. Let’s take a look at this drink, and learn which Japanese brands are the best to try. We’ll also explain how you can legally purchase Japanese beer … Continue reading 5 Best Japanese Beer Brands and How to Buy Them
5 Biggest Japanese Chocolate Companies and the History of Chocolate in Japan
If you want to understand Japanese chocolate, it helps to learn about the various chocolate companies in Japan. Ever since chocolate was introduced to Japan, Japanese companies have created all sorts of unique and tasty forms of chocolate. Some of these varieties have become quite famous internationally. Others are relatively obscure outside of Japan, but … Continue reading 5 Biggest Japanese Chocolate Companies and the History of Chocolate in Japan
Radwimps Releases Album Honoring Victims of 2011 Tohoku Earthquake
While listening to my work playlist today, I noticed a new Radwimps song in my recommendations. It was released on March 10th, 10 years after The Great Tohoku Earthquake that took countless lives. The song is called あいたい (aitai) which means I want to see you or I miss you in Japanese. It's simple but beautiful. I recommend you listen … Continue reading Radwimps Releases Album Honoring Victims of 2011 Tohoku Earthquake
The Town That Was Washed Away: 8 Years After The Great Tohoku Earthquake (a photo essay)
In the North-Eastern part of Honshu (Japan’s largest main island) lies Miyagi, a prefecture that was devastated by the Great Tohoku Earthquake of March, 2011. March 11th, 2011 2:46 pm JST I was in the office. In the afternoon, the earthquake hit us and it was the strongest I’d ever felt in my life. We … Continue reading The Town That Was Washed Away: 8 Years After The Great Tohoku Earthquake (a photo essay)
