Humans of Japan
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Stories of humans in Japan
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Humans of Japan
Protected: Peter Barakan: 52 Years in Japan, Ryuichi Sakamoto, and a Love-Hate Relationship with Tokyo
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
Humans of Japan
3,000 Bowls In: Brian MacDuckston’s Life in Ramen
American ramen expert Brian MacDuckston has eaten at some 3,000 ramen shops in Japan. He explains how ramen…
Humans of Japan
Battodo Teacher Gensei Kamiide: Why Every Cut Begins With a Bow
Gensei Kamiide heads a Nishi-Tokyo branch of the All Japan Battodo Federation. He talks tatami targets, the history…
Humans of Japan
Roland Kelts: Japanamerica, Tezuka, and the Two Japans
Roland Kelts, author of Japanamerica, on a childhood between New York and Morioka, why anime is not a…
Humans of Japan
Mizunami: A Slip Caster, a Designer, and the White Porcelain of Mino
In Mizunami, Gifu, a slip caster reads clay like a child's moods while a designer restores Sori Yanagi's…
Humans of Japan
Seki: A Swordsmith, a Chef, and Japan’s 700-Year Blade Town
In Seki, Gifu, a fourth-generation swordsmith prays over his steel and a former chef sells the blades. Two…
Crafts
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1000+ year heritage, for the present.
Crafts
Japanese Sword: Katana
The Japanese sword is a curved, single-edged blade forged in Japan from tamahagane steel, in forms that include the tachi and the…
Crafts
Tsumami Kanzashi
Take a single square of silk, barely a few centimeters across. Pinch it with a pair of tweezers, fold it, and set…
Crafts
Seki Knives: Why Japan’s 800-Year Blade City Still Makes Exceptional Kitchen Knives
A good kitchen knife changes the way you cook. Not in a dramatic way. More quietly. Vegetables become easier to prepare. Meat…
Places
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Vibrant spots all across Japan.
Tips
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Cultural notes for navigating Japan.
Tips
Japanese Knife Making Experience in Seki: Forge Your Own
Tips
Watch a Katana Being Forged in Seki, Japan’s Blade Town
Tips
Japan Tax-Free Shopping in 2026: How the New Refund System Works
Tips
I Tried a Samurai Sword-Cutting Experience in Tokyo: Cutting Tatami With a Real Katana
Tips
Medications You Can’t Bring Into Japan: Banned Drugs, Limits & the Yakkan Shoumei (2026)
Local tip
Iaido vs Battodo: Japanese Sword Arts Explained
About
Japan Documented
Japan Documented is a media platform dedicated to bringing Japan's profound stories to audiences around the world.
Since 2023, we have conducted over 150 interviews with both residents and tourists in Japan. Through this experience, we have grown deeply grateful for the blessings of this beautiful country. We wanted to explore the people, traditions, stories, and cultural backgrounds that shape Japan's identity, which led us to establish this media platform.
From history to local experiences and traditional crafts, Japan Documented elevates the depth of Japanese culture into meaningful, highly accessible storytelling. Our purpose goes beyond simply providing information; we aim to foster emotional connections, deepen understanding, and pass down the value of Japanese culture to future generations.
Josh
Writer
Originally from the United States, Joshua moved to Japan in 2018 and spent three years in Toyama before making Tokyo his home. His work as a writer explores Japan through its food, art, culture, and communities, with a strong emphasis on uncovering the stories and people behind each subject
Aruga Mizuki
Director
South America-raised editor exploring Japan’s 47 prefectures through food, books, design, and craft. Currently living in West Tokyo. Here to help you discover a completely different side of Japan with every visit!
Leo Hirata
Interviewer
Having traveled to over 40 countries, Leo witnessed the global enthusiasm for Japanese culture firsthand. Combining his international marketing background and linguistic insights, he shares Japan's unique heritage with the world through Japan Documented.
Takumi Noguchi
Writer&Photo
A tech and marketing expert previously selected as a Japanese delegate by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Having traveled to over 30 countries, Takumi combines data-driven strategy with a deep respect for Japanese culture to drive content at Japan Documented.