Trends in Japan

The appeal of Japanese craftsmanship is the way traditional techniques are combined with cutting-edge scientific technology to create unparalleled products — and textiles are no exception. Recently, the fashion industry has been focusing on creating environmentally friendly, sustainable and ethical products. To support this, the Japanese textile industry has been dreaming up a range of futuristic new materials.

Making the most of the natural flavors of ingredients is integral to Japanese cooking, so for chefs, cutting ingredients requires the utmost precision. The way something is cut can affect not just the look but also the taste and texture of the food — which is where razor-sharp Japanese kitchen knives come in. A well-sharpened Japanese knife can cut through ingredients without crushing their fibers, keeping all of the natural flavors and umami taste intact. Let's take a look at what makes Japanese knives special, how they're used, and how they've been honed to suit Japanese cookery.

Saunas are very popular in Japan. They originated in Finland, but spread across the world to Japan where they have been loved for many years and have become a natural part of Japanese life. Learn about the history of saunas in Japan, and why they are so popular today.

As the fall breeze starts to blow, many Japanese people find themselves craving for sweet potatoes. But while sweet potatoes are undoubtedly an iconic taste of fall to people in Japan, in recent years, their deliciously sweet flavor has started to be enjoyed all year round as well. Let's find out more about the allure of sweet potatoes, a crop near and dear to Japanese peoples' hearts since long ago.