Humans of Japan
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Stories of humans in Japan
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Places
5 Days in Rishiri and Rebun: Uni Bowls, Mount Rishiri, and Rebun’s Flower Capes
A 5-day Rishiri and Rebun itinerary by rental car, ferry and on foot: uni bowls in season, Mount…
Places
Japanese Sword Museum Tokyo: Visitor Guide to the Token Museum in Ryogoku
The Japanese Sword Museum (Token Hakubutsukan) is a museum of Japanese swords in Ryogoku, Sumida City, Tokyo, run…
Crafts
Tamahagane: The Tatara Steel Behind the Japanese Sword
Tamahagane is the high-grade steel that the tatara, a traditional Japanese clay furnace, smelts from iron sand and…
Tips
Japanese Cold Medicine: How to Buy Cold and Flu Medicine at a Japanese Drugstore
Japanese cold medicine (かぜ薬, kaze-gusuri) is over-the-counter medicine that relieves cold symptoms such as fever, sore throat, cough…
Tips
Japan Tourist Taxes in 2026: Departure Tax, Hotel Taxes by City, and Tax-Free Shopping
Japan’s tourist taxes are two main charges: a national departure tax of 3,000 yen every time you leave…
Tips
Where to Buy Japanese Knives in Tokyo: Kappabashi Knife Shops, Prices and Rules
Kappabashi Dougu Street is a kitchenware shopping street in Taito City, Tokyo, with about 170 shops along roughly…
Crafts
Browse all crafts
1000+ year heritage, for the present.
Crafts
Tamahagane: The Tatara Steel Behind the Japanese Sword
Tamahagane is the high-grade steel that the tatara, a traditional Japanese clay furnace, smelts from iron sand and charcoal, and it is…
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…
Places
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Vibrant spots all across Japan.
Tips
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Cultural notes for navigating Japan.
Tips
Japanese Cold Medicine: How to Buy Cold and Flu Medicine at a Japanese Drugstore
Tips
Japan Tourist Taxes in 2026: Departure Tax, Hotel Taxes by City, and Tax-Free Shopping
Tips
Where to Buy Japanese Knives in Tokyo: Kappabashi Knife Shops, Prices and Rules
Tips
Hatsumode in Tokyo 2027: Best Shrines, New Year Hours and Etiquette
Tips
Japanese Knife Making Experience in Seki: Forge Your Own
Tips
Watch a Katana Being Forged in Seki, Japan’s Blade Town
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.