Japan is a country of incredible contrasts, from kimono-clad geishas singing karaoke in Kyoto to Buddhist monks riding motorbikes in Tokyo. It blends its ancient traditions flawlessly with modernity, like nowhere else in the world. The longevity of its customs is matched only by the speed of its pioneering technological developments. Japan offers something for everyone: history buffs can travel to imperial capital Kyoto, while Naoshima beckons the most ardent of art enthusiasts; nature lovers can explore Mount Fuji and the Five Lakes; and sports fanatics can enjoy a spot of skiing in Hokkaido, while the allure of Tokyo or Osaka welcomes urban adventurers. With its neon city skylines, nature, imperial castles, meticulous Japanese gardens, serene shrines, and speeding bullet trains, the Land of The Rising Sun never fails to captivate.

Since the opening of the country to foreigners in 1868, Japanese cuisine has won devotees the world over. Indeed, sushi is one of Japan's greatest cultural exports.“Sushi” may well be the most widely traveled word in Japanese. While it looks simple to make, good sushi relies on the freshness of ingredients and knife skills of the chef. Did you know sushi’s origins are not Japanese? Read about its evolution into what we know today. 

Masahiro Sato, National Chairman of The Japan Hong Kong Society based in Tokyo, discusses the latest on Japan’s economy, the most exciting trends vis-à-vis Hong Kong-Japan trade, and one recent success story of a Hong Kong company making waves in Japan. Read more here!

As President of Japan University of Economics, Asia Society Asia 21 alum Asuka Tsuzuki led the institution to become a provider of education for the 2nd largest number of international students among Japanese universities, and expanded its campus in Fukuoka to Tokyo and Kobe. She writes about her passion for advancing education, future plans for the university, and, as Founder of Hatchery-Tokyo business incubation lab, highlights innovative Japanese start-ups she wants you to know about.

Meet Hana Hayashi who is part of our Asia Society Asia 21 global network. She is Asia Pacific Director at McCann Public Health and a visiting scientist at University of Tokyo. One of the few Japanese female managers in corporate leadership positions, her mission is to bridge the worlds of research and practice to create a healthier society. She discusses her activism in public health, and her passion for nature, cooking, and healthy living.

Takashi Kudo is Global Brand Director at teamLab in Tokyo, an international art collective, including artists, programmers, engineers, CG animators, mathematicians and architects whose collaborative practice seeks to navigate the confluence of art, science, technology, and the natural world. In an exclusive interview, he reflects on teamLab’s mission in the world, its key influences, its newest site in Macao, and future plans.

Waseda University Prof. Roland Kelts is a writer, journalist, scholar and author of JAPANAMERICA, the ultimate guide to Japan's pop culture. He chats about the significance of manga and anime, their historical and cultural impact on modern-day Japan, and their influence on pop culture around the world. 

Toryo Ito is Vice Chief Monk of Ryosoku-in Temple, located in the historic Gion district in Kyoto. In the interview, he reflects on his path to becoming a monk, and Buddhism in Japan and how it compares to elsewhere in Asia, recommends other places in Japan to meditate, and imparts his pearls of wisdom during this trying time for many around the world.