By Mike Fu, Carina Fushimi, Gendel Gento, Kris Kosaka, Jessica Kozuka, Miikka J. Lehtonen, Ayako Nakano, Naomi Oren, Wakaba Oto, Zoria Petkoska, Laura Pollacco, Samantha Seghers, Jessica Speed, Joseph Tame and Megha Wadhwa Contributing writers

Dec 27, 2025

In Japan, 2025 was marked by both a vibrant cultural landscape and a quiet tension between cosmopolitan ideals and resurgent conservatism. Interviewees in our 20 Questions series shared insights on creative careers, everyday inspiration and the interplay between tradition and innovation that are worth revisiting as the year draws to a close.

What aspect of Japanese culture do you think is underrated? Tea ceremony. A lot of people think that the tea ceremony is great — “let’s put on some kimonos and drink matcha and have some sweets” — but its main purpose is to show hospitality and peace and allow people to communicate without weapons. The whole concept of the tea ceremony itself is just really, really beautiful. Shogo Yamaguchi, YouTuber, March 29

How does Shinto adapt to modern life? Shinto continually adapts. Past, present and future connect through the concept of nakaima — literally “inside now.” Every moment is inside now. Each past moment was, the current moment is, each future moment will be nakaima. The teachings guide us to act responsibly today — especially regarding AI, environment and sustainability — in order to leave a good legacy. Florian Wiltschko, Shinto priest, Oct. 24