Shimane - Land of Silver, Swords and Ancient Shrines

Shimane, on the west coast of Japan, is the place to go for a taste of the country's ancient history. Japanese creation myths center around this land, home to Izumo Taisha, one of its oldest and most unique shrines. This is where the Japanese began practicing iron- and sword-making, using techniques imported from the continent. And here were the famous mines that once exported silver to the whole world.

Latest Digital Camera Trends

The first digital camera aimed at amateurs appeared in 1995. It caused the revolution that meant everyone could be a photographer with a tiny camera in their pocket. Rapidly evolving design and technology over the past decade of competition between camera and electronics makers has given Japan an 80 % share of the world digital camera market.

Art of Hidden Beauty

300 years ago, the shogun summoned artisans from all over Japan to beautify the capital Edo, now known as Tokyo. One result was the creation of a specialized style of cabinet making called Edo Sashimono, famed for its cunningly hidden joints and elegant simplicity. The tradition seemed about to die out, so one of the surviving masters has begun openly teaching its once-secret techniques.

More than Cute - Kawaii!!

One word you're sure to notice on a visit to Japan is "kawaii". Teenage girls seem to use it in every sentence. It's an old word, meaning the warm, protective feeling we have toward small defenseless things like puppies or babies, but in the last decade it's become the Japanese teenager's word of choice for everything cute and appealing. And today this convenient world is spreading around the world.