Trends in Japan

A simple sheet of paper is transformed into something extraordinary by a scissor-wielding artist. This is the essence of kirie, the Japanese art of paper cutting. Practiced in Japan for centuries, paper cutting appears in many forms in daily life, from marking sacred spaces to decorating the home. Over time, the craft developed a performative dimension, in which intricate designs are created before a crowd. Rooted in these long-standing practices, kirie continues to evolve and captivate modern audiences.

A Better Tomorrow: Japanese Technology Improving Life for Older Adults

Japan is home to one of the world’s most rapidly aging societies, with nearly one in three citizens over the age of 65. This demographic shift presents significant challenges for the nation as a whole but has also inspired Japanese companies, researchers, and local governments to develop new technologies that improve quality of life for older adults and support their independence.

Ukiyo-e, Japan’s woodblock print craft, is most commonly associated with HOKUSAI Katsushika (1760–1849), whose The Great Wave off Kanagawa (ca. 1830–1832) is considered one of the most recognizable artworks in the world. While these works remain central to its legacy, ukiyo-e has always been rooted in the present moment. Today, contemporary artists apply ukiyo-e’s bold compositions and woodblock techniques to modern subjects.

Did you know there are places where the Earth tells its story through the land? At Japan’s geoparks, you can step into that story and experience it for yourself.