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.

All culturesChinoisJaponaisCoréen

All topicsartsbusiness-techculturegastronomiehistoirelanguephilosophiepop-culturesocietetraditionsGlossary

#japanese-society

2 articles Reset

Japan

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.

May 16, 2026Read

Japan

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.

April 30, 2026Read