Outside in: Lost in Academia

Historian and author Dr. Barak Kushner is on a quest to deepen his knowledge of Japan's ramen culture. From postwar noodle stalls to regional ramen, he uncovers how a humble bowl became a global icon.

Japan's snack bars are a unique form of nightlife. Harvard-trained anthropologist Maura McGrath's research reveals a fascinating look into this world. What secrets do they hold?

From things like cosplay and BL, Japan's female otaku are reshaping identity. Cultural anthropologist Liron Afriat explores how their passions reveal new ways of life for women in modern Japan.

How can such analog crane games thrive in a digital age? French sociologist Benoit Bottos investigates how these machines captivate players and spread pop-culture images across Japan.

The designs of karuta game cards that swept Japan since the 1600s still fascinate art historian Lingjun Jiang. She traces their evolution across centuries to reveal their cultural meaning.

American sociologist Thomas Blackwood explores Japan's high school extracurricular activities, or bukatsu. It's a world where commitment outweighs winning, revealing a distinctive view of youth.

Norwegian sociolinguist Goran Vaage investigates Japanese laughter, or warai. He analyzes how comedy is ingrained into communication in everyday life and plays a vital role in social connection.

American linguistic anthropologist Debra Occhi dives into the fascinating world of mascots and characters. From adorable to heroic, she explores how their naming is shaped by sound.

Korean sociologist Ahn Eunbyul examines Japan's railway culture. Beyond mere transportation, she explores how train travel itself becomes an experience of discovery, nostalgia, and connection.

A German intellectual historian explores sangaku; wooden tablets inscribed with math problems that are devoted to temples and shrines. What do they tell about Japan's tradition of mathematics?