Japanology Plus

As the need for circular economies grows, there's a new focus on repairing products. We look at how people in Japan maintain items using approaches ranging from traditional kintsugi to modern skills.

Johan Leutwiler, from Switzerland, is currently Japan's only foreign swordsmith. In a Japanophiles interview, he tells us about being drawn to the world of Japanese swords and sword making.

Octopuses are not only eaten in Japan but also depicted in works of art. They may be regarded as objects of worship or even kept as pets. We untangle Japan's long relationship with these creatures.

Japan's bespoke leather shoes are admired around the world, and there is even a Japanese leader in the realm of shoeshining. We explore the skills and services in Japan's leather shoemaking industry.