Japanese 'matsuri' festivals happen all year round but summer is particularly famous for its explosions of vibrant energy, especially in the Tohoku region. This year the majority of festivals have moved online to help keep communities connected at a socially distant time but that has meant that the 'mikoshi' portable shrine, which usually leads the processions, has taken a bit of a time out. 'Mikoshi' repairman Nobuya Miyata comes from strong 'matsuri' stock and even had a documentary made about him - we can see why! 

With the explosion in popularity of shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race in the US, Canada and even in the UK, too, the art of drag has never been more celebrated.

Drag in Japan has been alive and well for centuries across its big cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Sapporo and even Kyoto, but one drag queen recently snatched a headline with her innovative approach to social distancing amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic. 

As the world begins to come to terms with a "new normal" post-Covid-19, we look at some of the latest guidelines and travel etiquette to be introduced in Japan to kick-start domestic travel in as safe and responsible a way as possible. 

With the Sea of Japan to its west and mountains to its east, Yamagata Prefecture perfectly embodies the natural beauty that Tohoku is so often associated with. Co-ordinator of International Relations (CIR) for Aomori Tourism Clarissa Combe journeyed south to Yamagata for a closer look at some of the prefecture's most revered attractions, including Zao Onsen, picturesque Ginzan Onsen, awe-inspiring Yamadera and Dewa Sanzan, one of the holiest sites in Japan.

As we approach (what should be!) summer's peak, we earlier sat down with Ota Mitsue, a 4th generation maker of Boshu ‘Uchiwa’ fans, to find out just what goes into creating them, how the past few months have been in Chiba Prefecture, and what the Japanese concept of 'Kizuna' means to her. Read on for more!