A uniquely Asian feature, shopping arcades are streets lined with shops. We look at the history and current decline of shopping arcades, with some anime and manga recommendations.

A look at the traditional Japanese street theater art of kamishibai, which strongly influenced anime.

We peer into the world of amateur Japanese comics and fiction.

We peer into the world of amateur Japanese comics and fiction.

A look at traditional Japanese lunch boxes.

A beginners' level overview of the classic board game that appears often in anime and manga.

A look at the massive comics/doujinshi convention Comiket, including its history and impact.

A look at the differences between Japanese school life vs. that in the West.