The hottest Japanese Substack posts right now

Miyazaki and Takahata faced a lot of challenges early in their careers, producing shows that often did not succeed. They learned from these failures and began to create works that felt more real and relatable.
Their work on series like Heidi focused on everyday life and human relationships, aiming to draw viewers into a believable world. This unique approach ultimately led to their success.
As they grew as artists, they started to drift apart in their creative visions. Miyazaki loved fantasy, while Takahata leaned toward realism, showcasing how different pressures and experiences shaped their art.

Many Japanese poets compose brief "death poems" at the end of life as a calm, lyrical farewell.
These poems rely heavily on nature and seasonal images—like cherry blossoms, autumn clouds, and rivers—to express impermanence and the passage to another state.
The tone ranges from serene acceptance to wry humor and wordplay, often reflecting personal history or last-moment clarity.

Explore a unique collection of vintage workwear, including heavy-duty canvas dusters, chore coats, and more from brands like L.L. Bean, Carhartt, Woolrich, and Levi's.
Discover an under-the-radar Japanese line at Beklina's physical store, offering independent-designer selection and beautifully textured woven Japanese cotton pieces.
Experience the thrill of vintage shopping by finding connections to the past through once-cherished objects, like Molly Ringwald does, creating stories and imagining characters behind the items.

Reiko Okuyama was a legendary Japanese animator who played a significant role in the early days of modern Japanese animation.
Okuyama's career spanned years and she contributed to Studio Gh...
To learn more about Reiko Okuyama and her artistry, consider subscribing to Animation Obsessive for a 7-day free trial.

The film 'Chie the Brat' by Isao Takahata is underrated but worth discovering.
The movie is a comedy about a girl in Osaka and is immersive, low-key, goofy, and touching.
Despite not being a major hit in theaters, the film was produced by a world-class team in a few months.

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Noh masks in Japan date back to the 14th century and play a crucial role in conveying emotions and personalities in Noh theatre.
Artisans who craft Noh masks utilize traditional techniques and hand tools like chisels, saws, gouges, and knives to create intricate pieces.
Nakamura Mitsue demonstrates the detailed process of fashioning Noh masks from a solid block of wood, showcasing 40 years of skill and expertise.

The series mixes found footage and ghost hunting styles, creating a unique kind of horror that often features strange Japanese folklore creatures called yokai. It's both creepy and fun to watch.
As the series progresses, it develops complex themes around the characters and their relationships, making it more than just a silly ghost show. It explores deeper ideas like cleansing and personal growth.
Despite some cheap-looking CGI, the series uses it to enhance the otherworldly feel of the story, which adds to its charm. The mix of goofiness and serious themes makes it a fascinating watch.