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WTFwasabi
Discover Japan’s amazing culture, from timeless traditions and crafts to cool pop culture. Get reliable updates and fresh info about Japan’s unique vibes and trends.
New articles
Wabori: The Tattoo Art Japan Tried to Hide
©GAIN Magazine Cultural Revival in the Edo Era: The Rebirth of Wabori Tattooing in Japan traces back to the Jōmon period, where figurines and early records suggest the use of body markings. However, the cultural…
Why City Pop—and “Showa Idol” Aesthetics—Are Catching Global Attention
It All Started with “Stay With Me” City Pop, a genre once confined to late-night Japanese radio waves in the late 70s and 80s, saw a surprise comeback in the late 2010s. At the center…
Wrapped in White: The Meaning Behind Japan’s Money Gifts
Why Do Japanese Wrap Money? In many parts of the world, handing over cash in an envelope is uncommon. But in Japan, wrapping money is not just customary—it’s a cultural norm. Giving money in its…
Categories
Traditions
Discover Japan’s timeless customs like family crests and personal seals.
Crafts
Explore the beauty of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and artistry.
Style
From kimono to hair trends—Japan’s fashion through the ages.
Pop Japan
Dive into manga, anime, and the colorful world of Japanese pop culture.
Historical Japan
Step into samurai ethics, age-old festivals, and Japan’s rich history.
Beliefs
Uncover Japan’s spiritual roots—shrines, rituals, and traditions.
Experiences
Hands-on journeys into real Japanese culture and seasonal events.
What readers are saying
LiviLou
Omg, WTFwasabi is such a vibe! I’ve been obsessed with Japanese street style and this site totally gets it. Love the PopJapan stuff—it’s giving real Tokyo energy. Definitely bookmarking this for my next trip. 💖💼🍜
MarcoR.
WTFwasabi has some really niche content, especially in the Traditions section—I respect that. That said, some articles could go deeper. Like, if you’re gonna talk about kamon, let’s see the evolution, not just cool symbols. Still, better than most superficial Japan blogs out there.
Thom Anders
As someone planning a six-month trip through rural Japan, WTFwasabi has been invaluable. The articles on regional festivals and customs offer the kind of context mainstream travel sites often ignore. It’s evident the writers know their subject matter—not just as tourists, but with cultural sensitivity. Highly recommended.