History

In today’s world, we take fast delivery services like Amazon and Uber Eats for granted. But did you know that Japan had an incredibly efficient delivery system way back in the Edo period (1603-1868)?These couriers, known as Hikyaku (飛脚), were professional runners who transported letters and packages on foot. Some of them covered more than 100 km (62 miles) in a single day, a feat that sounds almost superhuman!In this article, let’s explore the fascinating history of Japan’s high-speed delivery service, the Hikyaku, and some of their unbelievable achievements.

Zen is not just a sect of Buddhism in Japan; it has deeply influenced Japanese spiritual culture, arts, and even everyday life. Since the Kamakura period (1185–1333), Zen played a crucial role in shaping the mindset of the samurai class, who valued its emphasis on discipline and mental clarity. In this article, we will explore the fundamentals of Zen, its relationship with the samurai, and places in Kyoto where you can experience the Zen world firsthand.

When asked about their religion, many Japanese people will simply say, “I have no religion.” However, they still visit shrines for New Year’s prayers, hold Buddhist memorial services for their ancestors, and celebrate Christmas with cake. From an outsider’s perspective, the Japanese approach to religion can seem utterly baffling.