The new year brings a fresh start, symbolized in some cultures by the cherubic baby New Year who replaces the old year that has come to a close. In Japan, the roly-poly god Hotei, who is often ...

Just a day after the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan, a prominent public figure had the reason for the tragedy all figured out, declaring it to be a “heavenly punishment” on the people of Japan ...

Japanese ace pilot Hiromichi Shinohara, also known as "The Richthofen of the Orient," claimed 58 victories in a span of only ...

A thick layer of gooey black mud covers the floor of their kimono shop. All their inventory and equipment were destroyed. The street outside is piled high with flood debris. With no idea even where to ...