Journal

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.

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3 articles

Japan

Devanture d'une supérette japonaise (konbini) 7-Eleven à Toyosu, Tokyo, avec son enseigne lumineuse caractéristique.

Society10 min

Konbini: why Japan's convenience stores are legendary

56,000 konbini nationwide, open around the clock, official disaster shelters: inside the Japanese convenience store that became a national institution.

July 23, 2026Read

Japan

Serveuse en costume de maid dans un maid café japonais.

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

Trois distributeurs automatiques de boissons alignés le long d'une rue japonaise, éclairés la nuit.

Society10 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