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When thinking of Japanese cuisine, ramen and sushi might be the first things that come to mind. However, Japan has another culinary treasure that’s waiting to be discovered: 和菓子 wagashi, or traditional Japanese confectionery. While foreign tourists might be familiar with sweets made with 餅 mochi glutinous rice and 餡 an sweetened red bean paste, there’s a whole world of…
There’s a certain kind of silence that settles in just before a ritual begins—the kind that feels sacred, even if you don’t yet understand why. In Japan, one of the most quietly powerful traditions you may encounter is yakuyoke (also known as yakubarai), a traditional purification ceremony in Japan designed to ward off or purge bad luck and restore harmony….
Shinjuku is one of Japan’s landmark downtown city areas. Starting with Kabukichō, the area is home to a number of restaurants, amusement centers, and commercial facilities. Bustling with people day and night, Shinjuku has earned a “city that never sleeps” moniker. In this vibrant locale, a curry specialty store has been a long-standing favorite, growing along with the community: Mon…