Society5 min
Hagwon: Inside Korea's Private Academy Phenomenon
Hagwon, the ubiquitous private academies in South Korea, shape the daily lives of millions of students. A deep dive into a parallel education system, between excellence and excess.
Read
JournalKorea Korea China
China
China
China
China
Korea
China
China
China
China
Japan
Japan
China
China
China
Korea
Korea
China
China
China
Japan
Japan
China
Japan
China
Japan Korea
Japan Japan
Japan
Japan
China
Japan
China
Korea
Japan
China
Japan
Korea
Korea
Japan
Japan
Korea
Japan
China
Japan
China
China
Japan
Japan
Korea
Japan
Korea
China
Japan
China
China
Japan
Japan
Japan
China
China
Japan
China
Japan
Korea
China
Japan
Korea
Japan
Korea
Korea
Japan
Korea
Korea
Japan
China
Japan
China
China
Japan
China
Korea
Japan
Korea
Japan
China
Korea
Korea
Korea
China
Japan
Korea
China
Japan
Japan
Korea China
China
China
Japan
Japan
Japan
China
Korea
China
Japan
China
Japan
China
Japan
Japan
China
Korea
China
Japan
Japan
Korea
China
Korea
China
Korea
Japan
China
China
Japan
Japan
Korea
Japan
Japan
China
China
Korea
China
Korea
The Kotoba Interactive journal.
Editorial features on the cultures, history and languages of Asia. Filter by culture, by topic, or search for what inspires you.
FeaturedSociety
Suneung: The Day When Korea Holds Its Breath
The Suneung, South Korea's university entrance exam, is more than a test: it's a national event that determines destinies and reveals a society's obsessions.
5 min
Read the article Society5 min
Chaebols: The Family Empires That Rule South Korea
Samsung, Hyundai, LG, SK... Understanding the chaebols, these sprawling family conglomerates that shape the economy, politics, and daily life of South Korea.
Read
Society8 min
Shenzhen: how a fishing village became the tech capital of the world
From special economic zone to innovation megacity: Shenzhen embodies China's tech revolution. Huaqiangbei, maker culture, startups and futuristic urbanism.
Read
Food7 min
Naicha: how bubble tea became a generational obsession in China
From Taiwanese milk tea to the naicha phenomenon in mainland China: Heytea, Nayuki, three-hour queues and the sociology of a drink turned lifestyle.
Read
Traditions9 min
Hanfu: the spectacular return of traditional Chinese clothing
The hanfu movement in China: how millions of young Chinese have revived Han traditional dress, between cultural pride, social media and the fashion industry.
Read
Society8 min
996: the work system that is burning out China
Investigation into China's 996 system, where tech employees work from 9 AM to 9 PM, 6 days a week. Origins, backlash, the tang ping movement, and reforms.
Read
History8 min
Macau: where Portugal married China
Discover Macau, a former Portuguese trading post turned Special Administrative Region of China. Colonial architecture, Macanese cuisine, casinos and a unique cultural heritage.
Read
Pop Culture8 min
The five generations of K-pop: from Seo Taiji to NewJeans
A complete guide to the five generations of K-pop. From Seo Taiji and Boys to NewJeans, a look back at thirty years of Korean pop evolution: key artists, innovations and global impact.
Read
Society8 min
Guangchangwu: the Chinese grannies who make public squares dance
Discover guangchangwu, the phenomenon of collective dancing on public squares in China. Origins, controversies, social impact, and 100 million participants.
Read
Society8 min
The Gaokao: the exam that decides the fate of eleven million Chinese students
Everything you need to know about the Gaokao, China's national university entrance exam. History, social pressure, intensive preparation, and impact on Chinese society.
Read
Traditions8 min
The Dragon Boat Festival: when China paddles for Qu Yuan
History and traditions of the Dragon Boat Festival (端午节 Duanwu) in China: dragon boat races, zongzi, Qu Yuan, and rituals of the fifth lunar month.
Read
Business & Tech11 min
WeChat: the super-app that does everything
The full history of WeChat, the Chinese super-app that redefined digital life. Messaging, mobile payment, mini-programs, social network: how one application became a social operating system.
Read
Pop Culture12 min
Visual novels: history of a genre
The full history of visual novels, from 1990s Japan to the global phenomenon. Origins, narrative mechanics, landmark works, and influence on gaming and animation.
Read
Food11 min
Ramune: the marble soda of Japan
The full history of ramune, Japan's iconic marble soda. Victorian origins, the Codd bottle, flavours, the opening ritual, and its enduring place in Japanese pop culture.
Read
Arts6 min
Wushu: the Chinese martial art between combat and poetry
History of wushu and Chinese kung fu: from Shaolin to taiji quan, internal and external styles, traditional weapons and the legacy of martial arts in China.
Read
Food6 min
Chinese tea: a journey through the six families
Guide to Chinese tea and its six great families: green, white, yellow, oolong, red and dark. Gongfu cha, terroirs, preparation and the culture of tea in China.
Read
Society7 min
Beijing's hutong: in the alleyways of Chinese memory
History and life of Beijing's hutong: siheyuan architecture, neighbourhood culture, demolitions and resistance. A journey through the traditional alleyways of Beijing.
Read
Food6 min
Pojangmacha: under Korea's orange street food tents
Discovering Korean pojangmacha: history, atmosphere, signature dishes (tteokbokki, odeng, somaek) and their place in popular culture and K-dramas.
Read
Society6 min
Ondol: the Korean floor heating that invented a way of life
History and workings of Korean ondol: the underfloor heating that shaped architecture, sleeping habits, cuisine and daily life in Korea.
Read
Arts6 min
Blue and white porcelain: China's fragile treasure
History of Chinese blue and white porcelain: Jingdezhen, cobalt, Yuan and Ming dynasties, kraak ware, export to Europe and a living legacy.
Read
Culture6 min
The classical gardens of Suzhou: nature reinvented
Discovering the classical Chinese gardens of Suzhou: the Master of the Nets, the Humble Administrator, rocks, water, philosophy and UNESCO heritage.
Read
Traditions5 min
The Lantern Festival: when China lights up the night
History and traditions of the Lantern Festival (元宵节) in China: lanterns, riddles, tangyuan, dragon and lion dances, the fifteenth night of the New Year.
Read
Culture13 min
Yokai: The Supernatural Bestiary That Haunts Japan's Imagination
A complete guide to Japanese yokai: kitsune, tanuki, tengu, kappa, oni, and other supernatural creatures. Origins, cultural significance, from Toriyama Sekien to Pokemon and Ghibli.
Read
Culture12 min
Gyaru: The Japanese Fashion Subculture That Defied Convention
A complete guide to gyaru (ギャル): from Shibuya's kogal girls to ganguro, the history of a rebellious Japanese subculture, its styles, its magazines, and its lasting influence on global fashion.
Read
Culture13 min
Donghua: The Rise of Chinese Animation Challenging Japan
A complete guide to donghua (动画): from the Wan brothers to Bilibili studios, the overlooked history of Chinese animation, its masterpieces, and its meteoric international rise.
Read
Traditions11 min
Hanami: The Japanese Art of Cherry Blossom Viewing
A complete guide to hanami in Japan: its thousand-year history, the cultural meaning of sakura, the best viewing spots, picnic etiquette, and blossom forecasts.
Read
Culture9 min
C-Drama: The Guide to Chinese Series Captivating the World
Complete guide to C-dramas (Chinese series): unique genres (xianxia, wuxia, palace drama), must-watch shows, streaming platforms and the international rise of Chinese television.
Read
Pop Culture10 min
Uta no Prince-sama: When an Otome Game Becomes a Musical Empire
From the PSP to 30,000-seat arenas, the story of UtaPri, the male idol franchise that redefined the Japanese media mix and spawned an entire industry.
Read
Culture4 min
Nami Island: nature escape and K-drama legend in the heart of Korea
Discover Namiseom, Nami Island in Gapyeong: the legendary Winter Sonata filming location, metasequoia lanes, culture and tourism in South Korea.
Read
Business & Tech10 min
Broccoli: The Japanese Company That Bet Everything on Fans
From Galaxy Angel trading cards to the Uta no Prince-sama phenomenon, the story of Broccoli, the Japanese publisher that built its model on media mix and fan devotion.
Read
Culture10 min
Vocaloid and Hatsune Miku: Japan's Synthetic Pop Revolution
The history of Vocaloid software, Hatsune Miku's rise as a virtual pop star, the creative community behind the phenomenon, and the cultural revolution of Japanese synthetic music.
Read
Culture10 min
Cosplay: From American Sci-Fi to Japanese Pop Culture Phenomenon
From 1930s American science fiction conventions to a multi-billion dollar global phenomenon, the complete history of cosplay, its Japanese transformation, major events, and worldwide cultural impact.
Read
Culture9 min
Boys Over Flowers: How a Japanese Manga Became a Korean and Global Phenomenon
From Hana Yori Dango to Boys Over Flowers, a look back at the history of a franchise that crossed borders, languages, and screens, from shojo manga to the most widely exported K-drama of the 21st century.
Read
Food6 min
Dim sum: the Cantonese art of touching the heart
Discovering dim sum and Cantonese yum cha: the origin of tea houses, the iconic bites, the ritual of the trolleys and the culture of the Chinese brunch.
Read
Food7 min
Chopsticks: Etiquette and Differences in Japan, Korea and China
The chopstick guide for Asia: Chinese origin, Japanese shapes, Korean metal, table manners and taboos to know in Japan, Korea and China.
Read
Language7 min
Hanzi: Understanding Chinese Characters and Their Logic
How hanzi, the Chinese characters, work. Origins on oracle bones, the six categories, radicals, phonetic compounds, and how many you really need to know.
Read
Language7 min
Hangeul: The Korean Alphabet Invented by King Sejong
The story of Hangeul, the Korean alphabet created in 1443 by King Sejong. Origins, how the jamo work, syllable blocks, and why it can be learned in a morning.
Read
History11 min
Yasuke: The African Samurai Who Served Nobunaga
The documented story of Yasuke (弥助), the African man who entered Oda Nobunaga's service in 1581. Sources, debates and the legacy of a legend.
Read
Society6 min
Lucky numbers and taboos in Asia: the 8, the 4 and the rest
Why 8 brings luck and 4 brings fear in China, Korea and Japan: homophones, tetraphobia, missing floors, license plates and phone numbers sold for a fortune.
Read
Arts12 min
Visual Kei and Rhythm Games: Japan's Music Scene
From flamboyant visual kei to the arcade cabinets of Taiko and beatmania, a journey through two pillars of Japanese music culture and their shared legacy.
Read
Arts6 min
Pansori: Korea's opera of a single breath
Discovering pansori, the Korean epic chant: the singer and his drum, han, the great tales, the UNESCO listing and its surprising revival.
Read
Arts5 min
Samulnori: when four drums become a storm
History and meaning of samulnori, Korean percussion: four instruments, the peasant roots of pungmul, cosmic symbolism and the move from street to stage.
Read
Arts11 min
Touhou Project: The Cult Indie Bullet-Hell Saga
The story of Touhou Project, the cult danmaku series built single-handedly by ZUN. PC-98 origins, Gensōkyō, music, dōjin policy and the world's largest fan ecosystem.
Read
Society13 min
The Japanese School System: From 6-3-3-4 to Juken
Inside the Japanese school system: the 6-3-3-4 structure, randoseru, kyūshoku, bukatsu, the juken exam war and juku. Equity, discipline and human costs, unflinchingly.
Read
Society5 min
The haenyeo: the sea women of Jeju
History of the haenyeo, the traditional women divers of Jeju Island: free-diving harvest, matriarchal society, the sumbisori breath and threatened UNESCO heritage.
Read
Arts13 min
Studio Ghibli: A Guide to Every Film
A complete guide to every Studio Ghibli film, from Nausicaä to The Boy and the Heron. History, directors, timeline, themes and a recommended viewing order.
Read
Culture6 min
Feng shui: the Chinese art of harmonizing space and qi
History and principles of feng shui, the Chinese art of harmony: qi, yin and yang, the five elements, the luopan compass, and the line between tradition and superstition.
Read
Society10 min
Speedrunning and Esports in Japan: RTA, Daigo, JeSU
From RTA to fighting-game legends, how Japan became the source of the games the world competes on while charting its own road to organized play.
Read
Society6 min
Mahjong: The History and Rules of the Chinese Tile Game
The history of mahjong, the Chinese tile game: Qing-era origins, the 144 tiles, the worldwide craze of the 1920s, and the Chinese, Japanese and American variants.
Read
Traditions5 min
The Chinese kite: two thousand years in the wind
History of the Chinese kite (fengzheng): ancient invention, military uses, popular art, the capital Weifang and the symbolism of cutting the string in spring.
Read
Arts12 min
Shōnen: The Codes and History of Action Manga
Origins, magazines and codes of shōnen, from Shōnen Sekai in 1895 to Jujutsu Kaisen. History, archetypes and the friendship-effort-victory creed of action manga.
Read
Arts11 min
Seinen vs Shōnen: Understanding Manga Demographics
Seinen or shōnen? Decoding manga's demographic categories: target ages, tone, magazines, examples and false friends. What truly decides the label.
Read
Society5 min
K-beauty: the Korean skincare routine that conquered the world
Understanding K-beauty: the ten-step routine, glass skin, sheet masks, signature ingredients and the philosophy of Korean skincare.
Read
History14 min
Sakoku: How Japan Closed Itself to the World
The history of sakoku, Japan's closure under the Tokugawa. Edicts, Dejima, Christian persecution, Perry's black ships, and the nuance historians now stress.
Read
Traditions5 min
Talchum: the satirical masked dance of Korea
History and meaning of talchum, Korean masked dance theatre: tal masks, satire of the powerful, village rites, regional variants and UNESCO heritage status.
Read
History5 min
The Silk Road: the history of a network that linked two worlds
History of the Silk Road: opening under the Han, Zhang Qian's mission, the silk trade, the exchange of ideas and religions, decline and legacy.
Read
Society12 min
Japanese Minimalism: Danshari, the Art of Letting Go
Danshari, the Japanese minimalism that turns decluttering into a spiritual path. Yoga and Zen roots, three characters, Yamashita Hideko, Marie Kondō.
Read
Traditions6 min
Chinese New Year: the Spring Festival, the world's largest celebration
Origins, legends and rituals of Chinese New Year: the Nian monster, the red envelopes, the reunion dinner, the lion dances and the Lantern Festival.
Read
Arts5 min
Weiqi: the Chinese game of go, the art of encircling
History and principles of weiqi (the game of go): millennia-old Chinese origins, the rule of encirclement, the scholar's art, baduk, igo and the AlphaGo shock.
Read
Arts14 min
Mecha: A History of Japan's Giant Robots
From Tetsujin and Mazinger to Gundam and Evangelion, the complete history of the mecha genre: super robots, real robots, Gunpla and global influence.
Read
Society14 min
Maid Café: Origins and Codes of the Japanese Meido Kafe
History and rituals of the Japanese maid café (メイドカフェ): birth in Akihabara, moe culture, the okaerinasaimase welcome, cheki photos, etiquette and variants.
Read
Arts13 min
Magical Girl: From Sailor Moon to Madoka
A history of the mahō shōjo genre, from Mahōtsukai Sally in 1966 to Madoka Magica. Origins, the henshin codes, Sailor Moon, Cardcaptor Sakura and the great deconstruction.
Read
Culture6 min
Wuxia: the wandering knights of the Chinese imagination
Discovering wuxia, the world of Chinese wandering knights: the xia, the jianghu, Jin Yong, swordplay cinema and the values that animate this ancient genre.
Read
History5 min
The Great Wall of China: History, Myths and Truths
The history of the Great Wall of China: not a single wall but 2,000 years of fortifications, from Qin Shi Huang to the Ming, its true length and the myth of visibility from space.
Read
Society12 min
Juku: The Cram Schools That Rule Japan's Nights
Inside Japan's juku (塾), the private after-school cram schools. Definition, types, history from the terakoya, major chains, costs and the debate over academic pressure.
Read
Arts5 min
Tai chi chuan: the Chinese art of slow movement
History and principles of tai chi chuan (taijiquan): Chinese internal martial art, yin-yang and qi, debated origins, Chen and Yang styles, global health practice.
Read
Society11 min
Gachapon: Japan's Capsule Toy Culture
The history and culture of gachapon, Japan's capsule-toy machines. Onomatopoeic origins, Bandai, Kaiyōdō, Fuchiko, and an industry worth hundreds of billions of yen.
Read
Traditions5 min
Ssireum: the traditional wrestling of Korea
History and rules of ssireum, Korean traditional wrestling: the satba belt, the sand ring, the bull prize, the Cheonha Jangsa title and UNESCO heritage status.
Read
Food6 min
Chinese Tea and Gongfu Cha: The Ancient Art of Brewing
The history of Chinese tea and gongfu cha: the legend of Shennong, Lu Yu's Classic of Tea, the six great families, the Yixing teapot and the art of infusion.
Read
Society13 min
Gacha Games: The Mechanics and Controversies Explained
Gacha (ガチャ) explains the economics of mobile gaming. Drop rates, tenjō pity, the 2012 komp-gacha scandal, and the worldwide loot-box regulation battle.
Read
Food5 min
Korean barbecue: the convivial art of gogi-gui
History and codes of Korean barbecue (gogi-gui): the table-top grill, samgyeopsal, galbi, bulgogi, the art of ssam and the conviviality of the Korean table.
Read
Traditions11 min
Furoshiki: the Japanese art of wrapping with cloth
History and technique of furoshiki, the Japanese wrapping cloth. Origins in public baths, musubi knots, motifs, decline and zero-waste revival.
Read
Food5 min
Soju: The History and Etiquette of Korea's National Spirit
The history of soju, Korea's national spirit: its Mongol origins, the rice ban, the Jinro brand, the etiquette of the glass and soju's place in Korean culture.
Read
Traditions6 min
Jesa: the rite of the ancestors at the heart of Korea
Discovering jesa, the Korean ancestral rite: its Confucian roots, the offering table and its rules, the charye of Chuseok and Seollal, and its evolution today.
Read
Society9 min
Vending Machines in Japan: Why Are They Everywhere?
Four million machines, from city corners to mountain trails. The history, the reasons, and the wild variety of Japan's vending machines.
Read
Traditions5 min
Seollal: the Korean Lunar New Year
Traditions and rites of Seollal, the Korean Lunar New Year: the journey home, ancestral charye rite, the sebae bow, tteokguk soup and the yutnori game.
Read
Traditions6 min
Hanbok: The History and Symbolism of Korea's Traditional Dress
All about the hanbok, Korea's traditional dress: origins, jeogori and chima, obangsaek colors, etiquette, modern revival, and rental at Seoul's palaces.
Read
Arts12 min
City Pop: The Global Revival of a Forgotten Sound
The story of Japanese city pop, the bubble-era sound resurrected by YouTube and TikTok. From Takeuchi Mariya to Matsubara Miki, a worldwide revival decades later.
Read
Arts5 min
The erhu: the two-stringed Chinese fiddle
History and secrets of the erhu, the Chinese two-stringed fiddle: origins of the huqin, python-skin sound box, voice-like timbre and Abing's masterpiece.
Read
History13 min
The 47 Rōnin: history and legend of a revenge
The true story of the 47 rōnin and its legend, the Chūshingura. From the 1701 Akō incident to the seppuku at Sengaku-ji: facts, dates and the myth of samurai Japan.
Read
Traditions18 min
Chinese Zodiac: The Twelve Animals and Their Legend
From twelve animals to five elements, the Chinese zodiac hides a fascinating cosmology. The great race legend, the betrayed cat, and Fruits Basket.
Read
Food5 min
Baijiu: the national spirit of China
History and secrets of baijiu, China's clear grain spirit: sorghum distillation, qū ferment, Moutai aromas, the culture of ganbei and the banquet, drink of diplomacy.
Read
Society14 min
Japanese Toilets: Technology and the Culture of Hygiene
From TOTO's washlet to futuristic public restrooms, Japanese toilets embody a cultural obsession with comfort, cleanliness, and innovation.
Read
Culture6 min
The qipao: history of the Chinese dress and its mandarin collar
History of the qipao (cheongsam), the iconic Chinese dress: Manchu origins, the 1920s-30s Shanghai revolution, symbolism, decline and revival.
Read
Culture5 min
Hallyu: How the Korean Wave Conquered the World
The history of hallyu, the Korean wave: the birth of the term, K-dramas, K-pop, Parasite and Squid Game, soft power and the state strategy behind a global phenomenon.
Read
Society9 min
Valentine's, White Day, Black Day: Love Across East Asia
From Valentine's to White Day and Black Day, how Japan, Korea, and China reinvented love holidays. Plus: the horror game White Day.
Read
Food5 min
Makgeolli: Korea's milky rice wine
History and secrets of makgeolli, Korea's cloudy, fizzy rice wine: nuruk fermentation, the farmers' drink, rainy-day pajeon pairing, and trendy revival.
Read
Society16 min
PS Vita: Why Sony's Handheld Failed in the West
The PS Vita conquered Japan but failed in Europe and the US. A deep dive into the technical, strategic, and cultural reasons behind Sony's handheld demise.
Read
Arts5 min
Peking Opera: Makeup, Roles and History of Chinese Jingju
The history of Peking opera (jingju): its birth in the 18th century, the four roles, the lianpu painted faces and their colors, Mei Lanfang and the preservation of a total art.
Read
Traditions5 min
Korean shamanism: muism, the mudang and the gut ritual
Discovering Korean shamanism (muism): the mudang, the gut ritual, the spirits, its prehistoric roots, its survival and its presence in today's Korea.
Read
Society11 min
Pepero Day: November 11, Korea's Beloved Snack Holiday
On 11/11, South Korea celebrates Pepero Day. History of Lotte's iconic snack, marketing genius, Pocky Day rivalry, and cultural phenomenon.
Read
Culture5 min
The hanok: the genius of the traditional Korean house
History and secrets of the hanok, the traditional Korean house: ondol underfloor heating, maru wooden floor, curved tiled roofs, hanji paper and harmony with nature.
Read
Society5 min
The giant panda: symbol of China and diplomatic tool
History and secrets of the giant panda: the bamboo-eating bear of Sichuan, icon of conservation, and instrument of a centuries-old Chinese diplomacy.
Read
Language10 min
Oppa, Senpai, Gege: Titles That Shape East Asian Society
Oppa, Noona, Hyeong, Senpai, Kohai, Gege, Jiejie: understanding the honorific titles governing social relationships in Japan, Korea, and China.
Read
Society5 min
Taekwondo: The History and Philosophy of the Korean Martial Art
The history of taekwondo, the Korean martial art: its origins after 1945, the unification of the kwans, the ITF/WTF rift, the belts, the poomsae and the Olympic path.
Read
History5 min
The Forbidden City: the imperial palace at the heart of Beijing
History of Beijing's Forbidden City: its construction under the Ming, its nine thousand rooms, its cosmic symbolism, its emperors and its rebirth as a museum.
Read
Food17 min
Matcha: History and Secrets of Japanese Green Tea
From the emerald powder of Zen monks to the global matcha latte, a deep dive into the history, production, and secrets of Japan's most iconic tea.
Read
Society10 min
Karaoke: From Japan to the World, the Art of Singing Together
History of karaoke, from its invention in Japan to noraebang culture in Korea and KTV in China. How a machine changed our evenings.
Read
Pop Culture5 min
K-pop: the history and backstage of the Korean industry
The history of K-pop: from Seo Taiji to global idols, the agency system, the fandoms, Korean soft power and the hidden side of a finely tuned industry.
Read
Food17 min
Chinese Hotpot: The Bubbling Feast That Unites China
From fiery Sichuan broth to delicate Cantonese stock, Chinese hotpot is far more than a meal. Explore the history and traditions of China's ultimate communal feast.
Read
Language10 min
Chengyu: Four-Character Idioms That Tell the Story of China
Discover chengyu, Chinese four-character idioms born from ancient tales, fables, and literary classics. History, meaning, and daily use.
Read
Arts5 min
The guzheng: the thousand-year Chinese zither
History and art of the guzheng, the Chinese table zither: 21 strings, movable bridges, glissandos, over 2,000 years of music, from the guqin to today's stages.
Read
Traditions13 min
Japan's 72 Micro-Seasons: Nature's Hidden Calendar
Discover Japan's 72 kō, a poetic calendar dividing the year into five-day micro-seasons that shaped Japanese culture, food, and art for centuries.
Read
Food11 min
Sushi: A Complete Guide to Every Type and Their History
From ancient fermented narezushi to Edo-style nigiri, explore every sushi type, their thousand-year history, and the art of itamae masters.
Read
Arts13 min
Shojo: How Girls' Manga Conquered the World
From Meiji-era magazines to Sailor Moon and Fruits Basket, discover how shojo manga revolutionized comics, invented a unique visual language, and amplified women's voices in the manga industry.
Read
History6 min
The Terracotta Army: the eternal soldiers of Xi'an
History of the Terracotta Army of Xi'an: 8,000 soldiers of the first emperor Qin Shi Huang, found in 1974, guardians of a tomb never opened.
Read
Society6 min
The jjimjilbang: the Korean sauna that never sleeps
Discovering the jjimjilbang, the 24-hour Korean public bathhouse: hot and cold baths, heat rooms, matching uniforms, baked eggs, body scrubs and the etiquette of nudity.
Read
Traditions6 min
Hanfu: The History and Revival of Chinese Traditional Dress
The history of hanfu, the traditional dress of the Han: its forms, its symbolism, its disappearance under the Qing and its spectacular revival among Chinese youth.
Read
Society10 min
Otome Games: Japan Reinvents the Love Story
From Angelique's 1994 debut to global hits like Hakuōki and Uta no Prince-sama, discover how otome games became a billion-yen industry and a worldwide cultural phenomenon.
Read
Philosophy6 min
Taoism: Laozi, the Dao and the art of not forcing
Discovering Taoism: Laozi and the Dao De Jing, the dao, wu wei (non-action), Zhuangzi and the butterfly, philosophical and religious Taoism, against Confucianism.
Read
Arts11 min
The Ultimate Guide to Japanese, Korean and Chinese Culture
An illustrated dictionary of works, genres and traditions from Japan, South Korea and China. From Cardcaptor Sakura to Boys Over Flowers, everything explained in one article.
Read
Arts5 min
Chinese paper cutting: the art of scissors and luck
History and symbols of jianzhi, Chinese paper cutting: red motifs on New Year windows, double happiness, origins after the invention of paper, listed by UNESCO.
Read
Society11 min
Ib, Mad Father, Misao: Asian Indie Horror Games
From Ib to Mad Father, Misao to White Day: explore the Japanese and Korean indie horror games that terrified a generation through pixel art, dread and unforgettable storytelling.
Read
Arts9 min
Japanese Idols: From AKB48 to Morning Musume
From Tsunku's auditions to Akimoto's Akihabara theater, explore the Japanese idol groups that reshaped pop culture and influenced all of Asia.
Read
Culture6 min
The Chinese dragon: the serpent that brings the rain
Symbolism of the Chinese dragon (long): benevolent creature of the waters, imperial five-clawed emblem, master of rain, and why the Chinese call themselves its descendants.
Read
Language10 min
Land of the Morning Calm: Why Korea Is Really the Morning Bright
'Land of the Morning Calm' is a mistranslation. Joseon, Korea's ancient name, actually means 'morning freshness.' A linguistic and historical investigation.
Read
Culture7 min
Traditional Chinese medicine: qi, yin-yang and needles
Understanding traditional Chinese medicine: qi, yin and yang, the five phases, acupuncture, herbal pharmacopoeia, its founding texts and today's scientific debate.
Read
Arts13 min
CLAMP: Four Women Who Redefined Manga
The story of CLAMP, the legendary all-female manga collective, from their doujinshi origins to global dominance with Cardcaptor Sakura, X, xxxHolic, and more.
Read
Traditions10 min
Chanoyu: The Sacred Art of Japanese Tea
Explore the art of Japanese Sadō, where every gesture, bowl, and season carries a centuries-old philosophy blending hospitality, aesthetics, and spirituality.
Read
Society5 min
Korean age: why Koreans were one or two years older
Understanding Korean age: born at one, aging on New Year's Day, the three coexisting systems and the 2023 reform that made a whole country younger.
Read
Culture6 min
Jade in China: the stone more precious than gold
History and symbolism of Chinese jade: nephrite and jadeite, the five Confucian virtues, bi discs and cong tubes, jade burial suits and the imperial seal.
Read
Food11 min
Banchan: The Small Dishes That Define Korean Dining
Banchan, the small shared dishes at every Korean meal, carry centuries of philosophy, fermentation science and seasonal wisdom. A deep dive.
Read
Society10 min
Pop Mart and Labubu: The Chinese Empire of Global Collectibles
From Wang Ning in Beijing to the worldwide Labubu craze, Pop Mart is reinventing adult collectibles with its blind boxes and becoming China's pop empire.
Read
Culture5 min
Webtoon: how Korea reinvented the comic
History and codes of the Korean webtoon: from manhwa to vertical mobile scroll, the Naver and Kakao platforms, the free model and adaptations into global K-dramas.
Read
Society9 min
Sanrio and Hello Kitty: The Global Empire of Japanese Kawaii
From silk to Hello Kitty through Kuromi, Cinnamoroll and My Melody, the history of Sanrio, the Japanese company that invented the economy of kawaii.
Read
Arts6 min
Chinese calligraphy: the art of the brush and the breath
History and principles of Chinese calligraphy (shufa): the four treasures of the study, the five script styles, Wang Xizhi and the link between gesture, breath and beauty.
Read
History6 min
Chinese silk: a 3,000-year secret and the road that linked the world
The history of Chinese silk: sericulture, the legend of Leizu, the jealously guarded secret, the Silk Road and its theft to Byzantium in the sixth century.
Read
Arts9 min
Japanese Stationery: A Culture of Detail and the Art of Writing
A deep dive into Japanese stationery: Midori, Hobonichi, Pilot, Tombow, washi and stationery lovers, a daily art of detail that has become a global cult.
Read
Arts9 min
Gunpla: The Culture of Gundam Model Kits in Japan
From Bandai's first 1980 boxes to today's Real Grades, a deep dive into Gunpla, the Japanese hobby where assembling a Gundam becomes a meditative art.
Read
Traditions6 min
Chuseok: the Korean thanksgiving under the full moon
Understanding Chuseok, the great Korean harvest festival: its ancestral rites, songpyeon, the full moon, the return to the village and the ganggangsullae dance.
Read
Arts13 min
Pokémon: The Story of Japan's Greatest Pop Phenomenon
From Satoshi Tajiri's insect-hunting childhood to a planetary empire: the Pokémon saga, the highest-grossing franchise ever and icon of Japanese culture.
Read
Philosophy14 min
Kaizen: The Japanese Philosophy of Endless Improvement
Born in postwar Japan at Toyota, the kaizen philosophy transforms daily life through tiny, constant improvements, at work and beyond.
Read
Food6 min
Sichuan cuisine: mala, the fire that numbs the tongue
Understanding Sichuan cuisine and its mala flavour: Sichuan pepper, chilli, mapo tofu, dandan noodles, Chengdu and Chongqing and the art of Chinese heat.
Read
Philosophy6 min
Confucius and Confucianism: the thought that shaped Asia
Who Confucius was and what Confucianism is: ren, li, filial piety, the Analects, the imperial exams and the legacy across China, Korea and Japan.
Read
Philosophy14 min
Nunchi: The Korean Art of Reading the Room
Nunchi, Korea's subtle art of sensing emotions and unspoken cues in any group, rooted in Confucian philosophy, modern social code and a global success tool.
Read
Arts7 min
Chinese porcelain: Jingdezhen and the white gold of China
The history of Chinese porcelain: Jingdezhen the thousand-year capital, kaolin, blue-and-white, from the Tang to the Ming, the sea route and the secret cracked by Europe.
Read
Arts6 min
Hanji: the Korean paper that lives a thousand years
History and making of hanji, traditional Korean mulberry paper: its origins, legendary durability, its uses in the hanok and its worldwide revival.
Read
