Tohoku Mystery

The Ancient Emishi Hero Aterui and the 38-Year War in Tohoku [Part 2] | Ancient Tohoku...

Why did the ancient Tohoku region become a battlefield? As we have seen, Aterui and the other Emishi were in a state of prolonged combat with the Yamato army, but why did the Tohoku region have to become a battlefield in the first place?.

Korok with a sword2026.03.10

The ancient Emishi hero Aterui and the 38-year war in the Tohoku region: Part 1 | The morning of Yamato...

Introduction Although we generally refer to the term "Japan," it is well known that its boundaries have changed over time. For example, Hokkaido was not officially designated as Japanese territory until 1869.

Korok with a sword2026.03.09

The only village in the world to have a sister city agreement with Machu Picchu Village? A unique charm and...

Otama Village is located in the Nakadori area in central Fukushima Prefecture. Despite being an area with excellent access via major highways, signs along the road proclaim it "Japan's most beautiful village," and the farmer's market...

Haruka Hashimoto2026.03.04

The core of the theory that Aomori Hiba is the strongest is the "hinokichio" which is only found in Aomori Hiba in Japan.

Aomori cypress is used in many buildings, including the Golden Hall of Chusonji Temple in Hiraizumi (Hiraizumi Town, Iwate Prefecture), which has remained unreconstructed for over 900 years, Hirosaki Castle, which was built in the early Edo period, and I...

NORIJUN2026.02.27

Chusonji Temple's Golden Hall, Hirosaki Castle, and Shayokan Hall - Historical Buildings Made from Aomori Hiba (Claude Tree) [Aomori Prefecture]

Aomori Hiba (Thujopsis dolabrata) is a tree endemic to Japan, and its Japanese scientific name is Hinoki Asunaro. It grows north from the Noto Peninsula and Nikko region of Tochigi Prefecture, and up to the Oshima Peninsula in Hokkaido...

NORIJUN2026.02.25

Christian? Monster? God? What is the mysterious gravestone "Poppo-sama" that remains in the Motoyoshi district? [...

In the Motoyoshi district of Kesennuma City, Miyagi Prefecture, there is a place known as "Poppo-sama's Grave." The legend surrounding this grave is that of an unidentified figure known as "Poppo-sama." The Motoyoshi area...

Editorial staff2026.02.19

Did Aikido originate in Aizu? Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu and Takeda Sokaku [Part 2] | So...

A reorganization or birth of Daito-ryu? The traditional story behind the transmission of Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu is that it was inherited and spread nationwide by Saigo Tanomo, a former chief retainer of the Aizu domain.

Korok with a sword2026.02.18

Did Aikido originate in Aizu? Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu and Takeda Sokaku [Part 2] | Aizu...

What is the Oshikiuchi, a martial art reserved for the Aizu domain that is said to be the origin of Daito-ryu? According to Daito-ryu tradition, the school is based on the Oshikiuchi, a martial art used in the palace and kept secret from outside the domain, and this was re-created...

Korok with a sword2026.02.17

Did Aikido originate in Aizu? Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu and Takeda Sokaku [Part 1] | "...

Introduction It is well known that Japanese martial arts, including judo, which has been adopted as an Olympic sport, are popular worldwide and are studied by many enthusiasts.

Korok with a sword2026.02.16

Dainichido Bugaku, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage with a history of approximately 1,300 years | Dedication in 2026...

Located in the northeastern part of Akita Prefecture, bordering Aomori and Iwate prefectures, Ohirumemuchi Shrine is located in the Hachimantai district of Kazuno City. Every year on January 2nd, the shrine is dedicated to the important intangible cultural properties designated by the national government and UNESCO...

Aoiwa2026.02.13