Have you ever asked someone, “How are you?” and received the usual answer: “I’m fine”? We often accept that answer and move on. But sometimes, “I’m fine” means “I don’t know how to talk about what I’m going through.” That is why World Suicide Prevention Month matters. Every September, people and organisations around the world come together to raise awareness about suicide prevention, challenge stigma and encourage conversations about mental health. World Suicide Prevention Da

Have you ever dropped something you loved and wished you could turn back time? Maybe it was a favorite mug, a family heirloom, or a meaningful gift. In an instant, it shattered into pieces. Most of us would quietly sweep up the fragments and throw them away, believing that once something is broken, it has lost its value. But what if brokenness wasn't the end of the story? In Japan, there is an art form that offers a different perspective. Rather than hiding cracks or pretendi

Japan has welcomed record numbers of visitors in recent years. Tourism has brought significant benefits to the economy, but it has also created challenges such as overcrowding, pressure on infrastructure, environmental concerns, and increased costs for local communities. In response, the Japanese government and local authorities have introduced several measures and are considering additional changes. Some of these policies are already in effect, while others are still under d

The Culture of Rice in Japan: A Closer Look at Japan's Beautiful Rice Planting Festivals

Executive Order 9066 stands as one of the most consequential civil liberties failures in United States history. Signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1942 amid wartime fear and racial prejudice, the order authorized the forced removal and incarceration of more than 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry, most of whom were American citizens living on the West Coast. While the policy inflicted deep and lasting harm on Japanese and Japanese American communities, it also gave

Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, observed every May, is a time to celebrate the rich histories, vibrant cultures, and lasting contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in the United States. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the resilience, sacrifices, and achievements of generations who helped shape the nation while continuing to advocate for equity, representation, and inclusion. The story of Asian Americans and