A Little Chin Music by Bruce Rutledge

A Man for All Media

Minoru Morita was too outspoken for Japan's conservative TV networks. But that didn't stop the 75-year-old pundit; he turned to the Internet and to good old-fashioned lectures to get his message out. Read more

A Family Style by Takumi Ono

A Working Woman during the Showa Era

When I came to visit grandma at her post-office job, I had no idea it would be one of the brightest moments of her life. Read more

Fish Stories by Taichi Kimura

The Largemouth Invasion

A Transpacific Mega-Mac Attack

The casual importation of bass has led to a crisis and the near extinction of the nigoro buna. To combat this trend, the Japanese are eating more "black bass" than ever before. Read more

Elizabeth Falconer

Koto Master Finds Freedom to Develop in US

Elizabeth Falconer is an award-winning koto player who was taught by Japan's most famous koto-playing couple: Tadao and Kazue Sawai. When Elizabeth returned to the US, she took Kazue's advice and found her own voice playing this ancient instrument. Elizabeth talks to JI this month. Read more

Infusion Tips

An Eye for Antiques

Jay Greggs and Kyoko Maeda have filled a Seattle warehouse with exquisite Japanese antiques for a 10-day market that begins May 1. Get in line for a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. Read more

Faces of Japan

Yoshida Brothers

ˆÉ’O\ŽO‚Ì–{

Ryoichiro and Kenichi play the tsugaru shamisen like rock stars. They're out to show the world the very special sounds of this ancient instrument. Read more