Why are there so many empty houses in Japan? From akiya and inherited belongings to shūkatsu and traditional homes, I look at what happens when a house reaches the end of its life.

What is your furusato? It is usually translated as “hometown,” but for me, it is a place I wasn’t born or even raised in: Ikebukuro, where five generations of family memories remain.

May 5 is Kodomo no Hi, Children’s Day in Japan. Discover the story behind koinobori, Tango no Sekku and the Five Seasonal Festivals of Japan.

Christmas looks quite different in Japan. From KFC and strawberry shortcake to romantic Christmas Eve traditions, here’s how Christmas became a Japanese winter celebration.

Giving up your seat sounds simple, but it can become surprisingly awkward. A small lesson in Japanese thoughtfulness, dignity and omoiyari.

In Japan, losing your job can be described in very different ways. Explore リストラ (risutora), 解雇 (kaiko) and 首切り (kubikiri), and the different tones behind each word.

In Japanese, アットホーム means more than simply “at home.” A story about Japanese homes, home parties, hospitality and creating a welcoming space for learning.

What happens when work is taken away from someone who finds meaning in being useful? A story about madogiwazoku, work and the connection with ikigai.