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Osaka — where water meets land, where people and goods come and go, where different cultures mingle. Attracting the attention of the world, Osaka has grown into a truly international city that is host to all kinds of interaction and exchange.

Despite all of today’s digital, paperless communication, the passion for writing and drawing by hand is still strong in Japan. The world of Japanese stationery reflects this fact.

Japan abounds with a rich array of unique dances, each one as enchanting as the next. From local folk dances, to formal dances steeped in high-art tradition, to stunning stage performances—even dances by anime characters—there is something for everyone. Get a whole-body cultural experience. Come dance in Japan.

Shojin ryori made with no meat or fish, ancient and new techniques of fermentation, creative food innovations... Japanese cuisine can not only support health, but also help to build a sustainable world.

Literature is not just about reading. It also provides a space for cultural interaction. You are invited to journey through ancient and modern Japanese stories with your favorite work in hand.

In Japan, where 70% of the land is covered in forest, trees are an integral part of everyday life. The techniques and wisdom passed down through the ages by Japanese people with a deep respect for nature and its bounty live on today.

In beautiful natural environs, or traditions passed down through generations, even in a corner of a bustling city, Japan offers an array of items and environments to heal and relax. Let’s learn to take a break, Japan-style.

The colors of the four seasons, woven by abundant nature.
The use of traditional colors, cultivated over many years.
Japan has a myriad of colors that resonate with the soul.
Let us guide you to Japan’s world of varied and profound colors, created by subtle changes of tone.

The numerous “ties” that have been passed down to transcend the ages emulate the distinct aesthetics of the Japanese.
Heartfelt prayers, practical wisdom, and other diverse cultural elements are woven into each of these knots.
Through this Special Feature, we will unravel the unique spiritual culture found nowhere else in the world.

Tokyo is one of the world's leading gourmet cities. Spend a day—at least!—to experience and enjoy its incredibly diverse food scene. You can find everything from exquisite Japanese cuisine served at classy traditional restaurants to conveyor-belt sushi.

In July 2020, Japan will host the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020. This issue of niponica explores the true essence of this innovative sports festival, whose vision, while firmly based on the legacy of the Tokyo 1964 Games, extends far into the future.

Japanese gardens attracting people as seasons change, modeling after nature.
Why not look into the fascinating world of Japanese gardens?

Shikki - representative of Japan’s decorative arts.
These decorative items of art full of Japanese charm are known as "japan" throughout the world. Full of nature's bounty they surpass the boundaries of time to encompass everyday life.

For centuries, festivals have been essential to the fabric of Japan. They are held to thank the gods for the blessings of nature and to express hope for good health. Unique festivities and rituals give each festival day a special meaning.

The Japanese philosophy of beauty encompasses attention to fashion, hair styling, and cosmetics. This issue of Niponica unveils historical trends in Japan’s unique fashion culture, highlighting some of the ways the Japanese have perpetuated and renewed the art of looking good.

As the countdown to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games continues, the world has become even more intrigued by Tokyo. For more than 400 years, ever since the Tokugawa Shogunate established its headquarters in Edo (present-day Tokyo), people have continued to be drawn to the city. These pages look at the metropolis from different angles, revealing its tremendous energy and influence.

The sweeping presence of Japan’s pop culture changes daily.
Kawaii and Cool are not only unique but also offer a glimpse of Japanese tradition and style as they cast their own spell that continues to enchant the world.

Over valleys, through mountains, across rivers, through tunnels, and along the sea: From Shinkansen traveling at a top speed of 320 km/hr to leisurely local lines, railway journeys in Japan offer unique pleasure and excitement.

Japan is a land rich in natural beauty and blessed with four distinct seasons. Since ancient times, its people have been sensitive to the changing seasons and worshiped nature’s gifts.
Come journey with us through Japan to discover a land with undying love for the four seasons.

Paper can be a lot more than just a medium for communicating and recording information. The Japanese have long been adept at using paper for a wide variety of purposes. That flair is very much alive today, demonstrating new possibilities for paper.

Haiku, a complete poem in just 17 syllables. Bonsai, a tree grown in a tiny pot. Or just a pocket-size transistor radio. Even without these well-known examples, it is clear that Japanese culture has a long history of miniaturism—the aesthetic of reducing things to a size just right for their own tiny, perfect world. An appreciation of the beauty of the minuscule and the ability to achieve it have resulted in traditional crafts, industrial products, toys and a lot of other things that are tiny, awesome and cute.

Take a break. Enjoy a change of pace. Focus on tranquility. Interact with nature and spirit...
Japanese culture has developed ways to refresh the mind and body through relaxation and soothing comfort. Deep within the culture lies a wisdom that can show people caught up in today’s busy world how to savor life.

In Japan, people have a deep connection with the country’s plentiful water resources, creating a natural culture where water is not only used wisely, but also in some very unique ways.

This edition of niponica takes you into a world of gold, silver, light and other glittering touches used to highlight elements in Japanese culture, from traditional handicrafts to contemporary pop design.

Mount Fuji, so tall, so beautiful. And for many centuries, revered as a sacred place, as well as a source of artistic inspiration. These qualities were recognized in 2013 when UNESCO inscribed Fuji on its World Heritage List as “Fujisan, sacred place and source of artistic inspiration.” The following pages take you closer to this symbol of Japan.

Traditional Japanese confections (wagashi) have subtle flavors, and are often associated with the current season. As the shelves in many shops demonstrate, sweets in Japan come in a multitude of tastes and shapes. They play an important role in the culture of giving, and their packaging can be surprisingly beautiful—so many types, so good to eat, so nice to look at and intriguing as well. This issue welcomes you to a land of wonderful snacks and sweets.

Japanese dyeing and weaving techniques handed down from one generation to the next in different parts of the country have created a wide variety of fabrics and made life more convenient, comfortable and enjoyable. Today, advanced technologies are being used to create cutting-edge textiles that make life better for people around the world.

Manufacturing, distribution, food production, the retail industry, medical treatment… In all sectors, Japan's flair for quality promotes safety and peace of mind through continual improvements in technologies and services.

Japanese pop culture encompasses fashion, anime, manga, and more, and is beloved not just in Japan but also by people all over the world. This type of culture is centered on young people and has grown more and more sophisticated as it has been nurtured and refined in everyday life. In this issue, we will examine the current state of Japanese pop culture and how Japanese people appreciate and enjoy it.

Japan is a country of lush and bountiful forests, surrounded on all sides by the sea. Washoku (the traditional dietary culture of the Japanese) has developed thanks to the blessings of these rich natural surroundings as well as the continuous pursuit of perfection by Japanese cooks, evolving into a cuisine now highly praised all over the world. This special feature takes up the allure of Washoku from many perspectives, including ingredients, nutrition, and the beautiful way each dish is served.

Japan has overcome the problems with pollution in the 1950s and 1960s as well as the oil shocks of the 1970s to become an environmentally friendly country. Striking a balance between economic growth and environmental conservation, in recent years Japan has been making great strides for the development of green technology that is competitive even by global standards.