Koh’s Tokyo Dialogue

Who was the first famous person in Japanese history? That’s not an easy question—but there’s one name that stands out. Her name was Himiko , and she ruled nearly 1,800 years ago. While powerful figures likely existed in Japan long before her, Himiko is special for one key reason: She is the earliest known individual in Japanese history that we can actually identify today by name —with a fairly clear historical context and credible evidence of her existence. An Identifiable Person in a Prehistoric Land Japan in the 3rd century CE had no written records of its own. Most of what we know about this time comes from Chinese historical texts , especially the Records of Wei (魏志倭人伝), part of the Records of the Three Kingdoms . This document tells us that the country of Wa (early Japan) had been in turmoil under the rule of male kings. It was said that conflict could not be resolved until the people "made a woman named Himiko their ruler." She was described as a shaman-queen...

Japan’s history is anything but boring. It’s a sweeping saga that stretches from prehistoric hunter-gatherers and mythic emperors to samurai wars, shogun rule, world wars, and global pop-culture domination. Whether you're a traveler, a history buff, or just curious, here’s your express crash course through the ages.  Ancient Beginnings (c. 14,000 BCE – 538 CE) Japan’s human story begins with the Jomon period (c. 14,000–300 BCE), a time when people lived in small, semi-nomadic communities. They hunted wild animals, gathered plants, and created some of the oldest known pottery in the world —elegant clay vessels with rope-like patterns that still inspire modern designs. In the Yayoi period (c. 300 BCE–250 CE), dramatic change arrived from the Asian mainland. Migrants from Korea and China brought rice farming , metal tools , and new social structures . This shift to settled agriculture laid the groundwork for permanent villages and the rise of ruling elites. Then came the Kofun perio...

A Grave in the Financial District When you visit the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, you’ll pass through sleek skyscrapers and bustling office blocks. But hidden in the heart of the financial district, you might stumble upon something truly unexpected: a small, ancient burial mound. This is Masakado-zuka（将門塚）—the grave of Taira no Masakado（平将門）, a rebellious warrior from the 10th century. The Rebel Who Challenged the Throne Masakado ruled parts of the Kanto region (around modern Ibaraki Prefecture) and declared himself the “New Emperor,” aiming to challenge the authority of Kyoto’s imperial court. It was an unprecedented act—one that would ultimately cost him his life. His severed head was sent to Kyoto and put on public display. But according to legend, it didn’t stay there for long.  The Head That Flew East One night, Masakado’s head took flight—literally—and soared back to the east. It landed in what is now Tokyo’s Ōtemachi district. Of course, this is just a legend. Yet the bel...

The Imperial Palace in Tokyo, or "Kokyo" (皇居), is one of Japan's most iconic landmarks. Located in the heart of Tokyo, it serves as both a historical treasure and the living residence of the Japanese Emperor and his family. Spanning over 1.15 square kilometers, the palace grounds offer a peaceful oasis amidst the bustling city. Surrounded by a moat, the palace is clearly separated from the fast-paced urban environment, creating a calm and serene atmosphere that contrasts with the vibrant city outside. Interestingly, the area around the palace is also famously known among locals as one of the best running spots in Tokyo. Its well-maintained paths and scenic views make it a favorite for runners of all levels, offering a roughly 5-kilometer loop perfect for daily exercise. The French thinker Roland Barthes described the Tokyo Imperial Palace as “le centre vide” — the empty center — emphasizing how it functions as a symbolic and inaccessible heart of the city, reflecting a di...

In every country, there seems to be a type of travel video that’s become a genre of its own. You know the kind: someone decides to walk across the country, cycle from one coast to another, or visit every prefecture in a nation.  Japan is no exception—and if you watch enough of these Japanese journey videos, you might notice something interesting. A lot of them start at the same place : a rather ordinary-looking bridge in Tokyo called Nihonbashi . So, what’s the story behind this bridge? Why do people keep coming back to it? A Bridge With a 400-Year Head Start “Nihonbashi” literally means “Japan Bridge” , and the name says a lot. This is no ordinary bridge. It has been the symbolic (and official) starting point of journeys since the early 1600s. During the Edo period, it marked the beginning of the Tōkaidō , the historic road connecting Edo (now Tokyo) to Kyoto. Back then, travelers—whether they were merchants, pilgrims, or even samurai—would begin their long walk from ...

This is Kabuki-za , the iconic theater located in Tokyo’s Ginza district. With its traditional Japanese façade and modern interior, Kabuki-za is the heart of kabuki theater — the place where Japan’s most famous kabuki actors perform, and where fans from around the world gather. If you’ve ever thought, “I want to see kabuki while I’m in Japan,” this is the perfect place to start. And don’t worry — even if you don’t speak Japanese or know anything about the storylines, you’re not alone. This guide will help you enjoy kabuki like a pro, even on your first visit. Behind its traditional exterior, today’s Kabuki-za is actually part of a modern complex designed by Kengo Kuma , blending old and new in the heart of Ginza. What Is Kabuki? Kabuki is a traditional Japanese form of theater known for: All-male casts (even the female roles are played by men), Bold costumes and striking makeup, Stylized acting and movement, Epic stories full of love, revenge, loyalty, and drama. Th...

Nakano Sunplaza , a landmark building in Tokyo’s Nakano district, has stood as a symbol of the area since its opening in 1973. For over 50 years, it has served as a beloved multi-purpose facility, featuring a concert hall, hotel, restaurants, and a wedding venue. But now, its future is hanging in the balance. ■ Nakano: Tokyo’s Hub for Hobbyists Just minutes from Shinjuku by train, Nakano is a highly accessible and popular neighborhood. It's best known for Nakano Broadway , a shopping complex packed with stores dedicated to manga , anime figures , vintage cameras , watches, and all manner of niche collectibles. The area is also known for its great food and is a favorite among foreign tourists and locals alike. ■ A Unique Shape and Cultural Heartbeat When it opened, Nakano Sunplaza's distinctive triangular design made it stand out in a city that had few tall buildings at the time. It was envisioned as a local landmark—and it became exactly that. The upper-floor restauran...

When you explore Tokyo, you may notice a mysterious word that appears in many names: “ Edo .” You might see Edo-style sushi , Edo-kiriko glassware, or even ride the Toei Ōedo Line subway. But what does “Edo” mean, and why is it used so often? What Is “Edo”? Edo (江戸) is the former name of Tokyo. The characters mean “bay entrance” (“江” meaning bay or inlet, and “戸” meaning gate), referring to the city’s location at the edge of Tokyo Bay . From 1603 to 1868, Edo was the seat of the Tokugawa shogunate , Japan’s military government. During this Edo Period , the city grew into one of the largest and most sophisticated urban centers in the world. In 1868, following the Meiji Restoration , the emperor moved to Edo from Kyoto, and the city was renamed Tokyo , meaning “Eastern Capital.” During this peaceful era, a vibrant urban culture flourished among common people. A stable society, supported by a developing monetary economy, allowed townspeople to enjoy entertainment, food, and the art...

If you want to truly understand Japan and be considered "in the know" about its culture, history, and even modern business dynamics, you can’t overlook Oda Nobunaga (1534–1582), Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537–1598), and Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543–1616).  These three iconic figures were not only central to Japan’s unification but also remain incredibly relevant in Japanese daily life and even business culture today. Personality and leadership styles in modern Japan In fact, in Japan, these three names are used regularly to describe different types of people, leadership styles, and even personality traits. Whether in the workplace, during social conversations, or even when discussing someone’s approach to life, you might hear people refer to someone as a “Nobunaga type,” a “Hideyoshi type,” or an “Ieyasu type.” It’s a shorthand for describing someone’s approach to leadership, risk-taking, adaptability, or strategic planning. For example, a “Nobunaga type” is often someone who is ...