Fox Spirits and Metal Faith — How BABYMETAL Reflects Japan’s Inari Tradition

October 26, 2025

Explore how BABYMETAL’s Fox God mythology mirrors Japan’s ancient Inari faith. Discover the cultural bridge between Shinto spirituality and modern metal musi...

The Materials and Lifespan of Buddha Statues — Wood, Metal, and Stone

October 25, 2025

Discover the differences between wooden, metal, and stone Buddha statues—their origins, durability, symbolism, and best preservation environments across hist...

Nagoya Shrine Visit Report 2025 Mizuho No.4 Yama Shrine

October 24, 2025

A serene 1733 shrine in Nagoya’s Mizuho Ward where mountain and fire deities coexist—exploring Shinto harmony, materials, and timeless craftsmanshi...

Nagoya Shrine Visit Report 2025 Mizuho No.3 Higashi Hachiman Shrine

October 23, 2025

Higashi Hachiman Shrine in Nakane, Mizuho Ward, is the largest of three nearby Hachiman shrines guarding the former Nakane Minami Castle. Founded in the Kyoh...

Statue of Liberty and Granite Stone

October 22, 2025

Discover how the Statue of Liberty’s granite pedestal from Stony Creek, Connecticut, became the enduring foundation of freedom and a UNESCO World Heritage sy...

Nagoya Shrine Visit Report 2025 Mizuho No.2 Hojo Hachiman Shrine

October 21, 2025

A small Hachiman shrine in Mizuho, Nagoya, linked by tradition to Oda Nobuteru and the former Nakane Minami Castle. This wayside sanctuary preserves prayers ...

Nagoya Shrine Visit Report 2025 Mizuho No.1 Nishi Hachiman Shrine

October 20, 2025

Nishi Hachiman Shrine in Mizuho, Nagoya enshrines Emperor Ojin (ca. AD 270–310). Nearby, the Nakane dotaku discovered in 1870 reveals a lineage of prayer tha...

Grand Sumo Returns to Royal Albert Hall — The Granite Foundations of a British Icon

October 19, 2025

After 34 years, Grand Sumo returns to London’s Royal Albert Hall (Oct 15–19, 2025). Discover how Cornwall and Aberdeen granites form the hidden base of this ...

Stone Proverbs No.5 : A drop on a hot stone

October 18, 2025

“Yakeishi ni mizu” means “water on a hot stone.” A Japanese proverb describing effort too small to matter—English equivalents and cultural meaning explained.

Sanada Shrine — The Spirit of Wisdom, Courage, and Harmony

October 17, 2025

Discover Sanada Shrine at Ueda Castle, Nagano. Built to honor the Sanada clan—Masayuki, Yukimura, and Nobuyuki—it embodies wisdom, courage, and harmony, wher...

Japan Has No State Religion — A Nation Where Prayer Became Culture

October 16, 2025

Japan has no state religion. Yet its shrines, temples, and stones still carry silent prayers — a journey through history where faith became culture.  

Stoneworkers & Whetstones — Stones that Carve, Stones that Polish

October 15, 2025

Discover how Japanese stoneworkers carve granite and refine it with natural whetstones — two stones, one timeless craft.