As the world begins to come to terms with a "new normal" post-Covid-19, we look at some of the latest guidelines and travel etiquette to be introduced in Japan to kick-start domestic travel in as safe and responsible a way as possible. 

On March 11th, 2011, the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami brought unprecedented damage to the Pacific coast of Tohoku region. It was a major turning point: faced with the fury of nature in a disaster said to happen at this scale once in a thousand years, many people in Japan and throughout the world were forced to consider how we should relate to nature.

With the Sea of Japan to its west and mountains to its east, Yamagata Prefecture perfectly embodies the natural beauty that Tohoku is so often associated with. Co-ordinator of International Relations (CIR) for Aomori Tourism Clarissa Combe journeyed south to Yamagata for a closer look at some of the prefecture's most revered attractions, including Zao Onsen, picturesque Ginzan Onsen, awe-inspiring Yamadera and Dewa Sanzan, one of the holiest sites in Japan.

As we approach (what should be!) summer's peak, we earlier sat down with Ota Mitsue, a 4th generation maker of Boshu ‘Uchiwa’ fans, to find out just what goes into creating them, how the past few months have been in Chiba Prefecture, and what the Japanese concept of 'Kizuna' means to her. Read on for more! 

Located in the northeast of the Tohoku region, Iwate overlooks the Pacific Ocean via the Sanriku coastline and is buttressed by the Ou Mountains, home to some of Japan's best ski resorts and hot springs. Roughly divided into four distinct regions, Iwate is also marked by common themes of nature worship and traditional folklore, as well as samurai history and a long-standing tradition of high-quality metalwork craftsmanship. To find out more about this remote corner of Japan, we caught up with Oikawa-san to discuss all things Iwate and ferrous.