2026-08

Japanese Culture

Japan’s Publishing Culture: High Literacy, Bunkobon, and Shinsho

Discover the secrets behind Japan's unique publishing culture, from the high literacy rates of the Edo period to the pocket-sized Bunkobon and Shinsho books.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

August 1st: The Hidden Heart of Japan in “Hassaku” and “Tanomi no Sekku”

Discover the fascinating Japanese traditions of August 1st: Hassaku and Tanomi no Sekku. Learn how ancient agricultural rituals of gratitude shaped samurai history, Tokugawa Ieyasu's Edo period, and modern Japanese gift-giving culture.