Shotengai Magazine

Ninja: The Japanese Agent

Ninja: The Japanese Agent

The stereotype of a ninja is a stealthy man or woman dressed in black and masked. They are believed to move without leaving a trace and have the magical ability...

Ninja: The Japanese Agent

The stereotype of a ninja is a stealthy man or woman dressed in black and masked. They are believed to move without leaving a trace and have the magical ability...

Bushido: The Way of Samurai

Bushido: The Way of Samurai

The Japanese samurai were not ruthless beasts. Rather, they contributed to Japanese culture, promoting arts such as Buddhism, calligraphy, painting, tea ceremony, and flower arrangement. They valued their internal qualities...

Bushido: The Way of Samurai

The Japanese samurai were not ruthless beasts. Rather, they contributed to Japanese culture, promoting arts such as Buddhism, calligraphy, painting, tea ceremony, and flower arrangement. They valued their internal qualities...

Samurai: The Japanese Warrior

Samurai: The Japanese Warrior

In Japanese, samurai literally means "the one who serves." From the 12th century, they were a hereditary military nobility with high prestige and privileges. They were employed by the feudal landowners. They...

Samurai: The Japanese Warrior

In Japanese, samurai literally means "the one who serves." From the 12th century, they were a hereditary military nobility with high prestige and privileges. They were employed by the feudal landowners. They...

Hanami: Japanese Flower Viewing

Hanami: Japanese Flower Viewing

Japan is home to thousands of sakura (cherry blossom) trees. Sakura is one of the most prominent images in Japanese culture. Hanami (flower viewing) has thus become an indispensable activity for...

Hanami: Japanese Flower Viewing

Japan is home to thousands of sakura (cherry blossom) trees. Sakura is one of the most prominent images in Japanese culture. Hanami (flower viewing) has thus become an indispensable activity for...

Sakura: Japan's Unofficial National Flower

Sakura: Japan's Unofficial National Flower

From paintings to articles, from decorations to food, not to mention modern manga and cartoons, cherry blossoms can be seen everywhere. Sakura is the unofficial national flower in Japan. As...

Sakura: Japan's Unofficial National Flower

From paintings to articles, from decorations to food, not to mention modern manga and cartoons, cherry blossoms can be seen everywhere. Sakura is the unofficial national flower in Japan. As...

Hinamatsuri: Japan's Girls' Day

Hinamatsuri: Japan's Girls' Day

Hinamatsuri is a Shinto festival on March 3 every year. It is Girls' Day to celebrate the health and happiness of girls. It's also known as Doll's Day because dolls...

Hinamatsuri: Japan's Girls' Day

Hinamatsuri is a Shinto festival on March 3 every year. It is Girls' Day to celebrate the health and happiness of girls. It's also known as Doll's Day because dolls...