top of page
Inside Totoro’s Forest: The Place That Inspired Ghibli’s World
Japan is renowned for many cultural exports, but few have captured global imagination quite like its animation. At the heart of this legacy lies Studio Ghibli—an iconic name familiar to fans worldwide. With masterpieces like the Oscar-winning Spirited Away , the studio has redefined animated storytelling, proving that animation has the power not only to delight people but also to inspire and move them. Among those masterpieces is My Neighbor Totoro , a film from 1988. Set in
Laksmi Wijayanti
Nov 75 min read
Recent Posts
Tohoku Travel: A Slow Journey Through Japan’s Northeast
Most people are familiar with Tohoku due to the 2011 tsunami. However, beyond that tragic moment, the region has quietly rebuilt, and...
Karune
Sep 124 min read
Aokigahara Forest Tour: Beauty of Japan’s Mysterious Forest
At the base of Mt. Fuji is Aokigahara, a forest most people only know from movies. When I finally stepped inside, it felt strange at first—quiet, dark, and colder than expected. But with a local guide, I started to see another side: mossy roots, hidden caves, and a calmness that made the place feel alive.
Lily
Aug 293 min read
Japan’s Luxury Trains: Some of The World’s Greatest Railway Journeys
Ever since the first train departed Shimbashi Station in 1872, Japan’s rail network has been a key cog in the nation’s success. From the...
Karune
Aug 188 min read
The Summer Festival That Changed How I See My City: Hamaori in Chigasaki
Had it been dawn on any other day, the streets of Chigasaki would have been quiet. However, this particular morning was different. As I...
Jordan
May 233 min read
Beyond the Crowds: A Sacred Blessing and Hidden Tea Ceremony in Asakusa
There’s an interesting point in life when you find yourself somewhere, doing an activity you never imagined possible. It's an existential...
Joshua Lassman-Watts
May 93 min read
Washi Japanese Paper: A Journey Back to My Creative Roots
There’s something about washi that feels familiar, like a friend that’s been with me my whole life. It’s more than just paper; it’s soft...
Justin
Apr 244 min read
bottom of page