If you are a parent in Japan and you have attended your child’s undokai (運動会) or school sports day, then guess what: You’re an anarchist. When I first mentioned this idea that the undokai system was an example of anarchism to a group of Japanese people in a talk I did in Tokyo radical centre Cafe Lavanderia, they reacted with surprise: ‘No, the undokai system comes from … [Read more...] about Anarchism In The School Sports Undokai In Japan
A Guide to Shiba Inu Dog Cafes in Japan
Shiba Inu dog cafes have become a charming trend in Japan, allowing visitors to enjoy a relaxing time with these adorable dogs while sipping on their favorite beverages. Here’s a concise guide to these unique cafes, including what to expect, where to find them, and tips for your visit. How to Enjoy Shiba Inu Dog Cafes Shiba Inu dog cafes offer a special blend of cultural … [Read more...] about A Guide to Shiba Inu Dog Cafes in Japan
The Amazing Link Between a Japanese Forrest and a Beloved Arcade Game
Art, as the saying goes, imitates life. Well, for quite a few old-school Japanese arcade games, life actually inspired the art and beauty of retro games we still hold dear these days. Ghosts and Goblins, for instance, was inspired by the Aokigahara forrest in Japan, which is proclaimed to be the most haunted place in the entire country. It wasn’t just the myth surrounding … [Read more...] about The Amazing Link Between a Japanese Forrest and a Beloved Arcade Game
The Real-life Princess Leia
A naive boy from a rural desert town is radicalized by religious zealots after his family is killed by foreign soldiers. His religious training leads him to join a terrorist group and ultimately fly a plane into their headquarters and destroy hundreds of lives. Comparisons have been drawn recently between the story of Luke Skywalker and the recruitment process for the Islamic … [Read more...] about The Real-life Princess Leia
The Gift of a Memory in Japanese Culture
In Japan, there is a special importance placed upon recollections. It is intriguing that they are often given like presents. However, since gift-giving is a fundamental component for the smooth functioning of society in the Land of the Rising Sun, I suppose that is unsurprising. Japanese people are highly visual: their language is based on ideograms adapted from the Chinese … [Read more...] about The Gift of a Memory in Japanese Culture