Trends in Japan

Fashion brands are breathing new life into traditional Japanese footwear. By reworking the core principles of geta (wooden clogs), setta (flat-sole sandals), and jika-tabi (split-toe footwear) for today’s wearers, these designs show how cultural heritage can be updated without losing its underlying purpose.

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.