Traditional arts

Sumo diplomacy: Japan’s heavyweight ‘soft power’ ambassadors

‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’ painting to be shown in Japan, in rare trip abroad

The last time the portrait was out on loan was in 2023 for a less exotic trip to the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.

10 trends to look forward to in 2026

Giant lanterns light up Christmas in Catholic Philippines

This photo taken on Dec 14 shows people watching during the Giant Lantern Festival in San Fernando, Pampanga.

Commentary

Exit stage left: Is Japan losing its cultural soul?

A woman walks past the poster of Japanese movie "Kokuho" (R) outside a cinema in Tokyo's Roppongi district.

SG Culture Pass: How to spend your $100 credits from Sept 1

The Straits Times’ arts team combs through the list of more than 400 eligible performances and workshops to pick the top experiences for three price points.

City girls snub traditional Hindu face tattoos in Pakistan

Artist Guddi Manthar (L), drawing an indigenous tattoo on seven-year-old Champa's face at the Jogi Colony in Umerkot.

Japan’s grand tea master and peace advocate Sen Genshitsu dies at 102

Kyoto-born Dr Sen used ancient “Urasenke” tea tradition rituals to spotlight his anti-war messages.

Kinky knots: Japanese bondage becomes art

French student Sen (left) applies rope on a model during a certification test to become a “shibari” instructor, at Mr Hajime Kinoko’s studio in May.

China’s Gen Z women embrace centuries-old script

Barred from attending school in the past, women secretly learned Chinese characters and adapted them into Nushu.

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.