Welcome to
WTFwasabi
Discover Japan’s amazing culture, from timeless traditions and crafts to cool pop culture. Get reliable updates and fresh info about Japan’s unique vibes and trends.
New articles
SHOGUN: Warlord or Master Politician?
The End of the Warring States and the Beginning of 250 Years of Peace The character of the shogun in the drama was inspired by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the warlord who brought Japan’s Warring States period…
Gold Ship Case Files – Chronicles of a Majestic Mad Genius
He belonged to the stable of trainer Naosuke Sugai in Ritto. His groom, Takatoshi Imanami, later known as one of Japan’s legendary stablehands, was his closest and most enduring companion. Trainers, grooms, jockeys, breeders, and…
How Edo Boys Got Drip?
Modern Japanese men are often considered fashion-forward, but their Edo-period ancestors might have outdone them when it comes to commitment to style. One remarkable testament to this is the illustrated style manual Tōsei Fūzoku Tsū…
Categories
Traditions
Discover Japan’s timeless customs like family crests and personal seals.
Crafts
Explore the beauty of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and artistry.
Style
From kimono to hair trends—Japan’s fashion through the ages.
Pop Japan
Dive into manga, anime, and the colorful world of Japanese pop culture.
Historical Japan
Step into samurai ethics, age-old festivals, and Japan’s rich history.
Beliefs
Uncover Japan’s spiritual roots—shrines, rituals, and traditions.
Experiences
Hands-on journeys into real Japanese culture and seasonal events.
What readers are saying
LiviLou
Omg, WTFwasabi is such a vibe! I’ve been obsessed with Japanese street style and this site totally gets it. Love the PopJapan stuff—it’s giving real Tokyo energy. Definitely bookmarking this for my next trip. 💖💼🍜
MarcoR.
WTFwasabi has some really niche content, especially in the Traditions section—I respect that. That said, some articles could go deeper. Like, if you’re gonna talk about kamon, let’s see the evolution, not just cool symbols. Still, better than most superficial Japan blogs out there.
Thom Anders
As someone planning a six-month trip through rural Japan, WTFwasabi has been invaluable. The articles on regional festivals and customs offer the kind of context mainstream travel sites often ignore. It’s evident the writers know their subject matter—not just as tourists, but with cultural sensitivity. Highly recommended.