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 topicsScreens & stories41At the table31Everyday life33Belief & thought28Craft & mastery26Work & money23Festivals & rites21Music & stage17History & power18Beauty & style11Language & script9School & youth5Discover

#shibuya

2 articles Reset

Japan

Culture11 min

Tokyo: the district guide that makes the city legible

Yamanote and Shitamachi, special wards, terminal stations: how Tokyo is organised, what each district is for, and why the streets have no names.

August 4, 2026Read

Japan

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.

June 25, 2026Read