Each year, Kagami Numa lake near Mount Hachimantai in north-eastern Japan transforms into a giant 'dragon eye' due to a unique natural phenomenon during the spring thaw. This sight, which lasts for about a week between late May and early June, went viral in 2016 and has since attracted tourists worldwide. The lake is steeped in local legend, believed to be the meeting place of two banished, lovestruck dragons, and continues to hold cultural significance with visitors offering tributes to the dragon gods.

Matcha, a ceremonial-grade green tea, has been integral to Japanese culture for centuries, particularly in Uji near Kyoto. Introduced by Buddhist monk Eisai in the 12th century, matcha is grown using a unique shading method that enhances its flavor and quality. Despite its global popularity, the highest-quality matcha remains rare and is primarily produced by a small community of farmers in Uji. The traditional Japanese tea ceremony, which uses matcha, is a culturally significant practice. The article highlights the meticulous process of growing and preparing matcha, its health benefits, and the challenges faced by traditional farmers in the modern market.

Two Japanese men, Yasuo Takamatsu and Masaaki Narita, regularly dive in Onagawa Bay, Miyagi Prefecture, searching for their loved ones lost in the 2011 tsunami. Despite the low likelihood of finding them, the search provides a sense of purpose. The tsunami's devastation left the town of Onagawa with over 5,000 buildings destroyed and nearly one in ten residents dead or missing. The article recounts the experiences of bank employees during the tsunami, including Yasuo's wife, Yuko, and Masaaki's daughter, Emi. The town has begun to rebuild, but for many, the emotional scars remain. The men's diving efforts are part of a broader struggle to cope with loss and find closure.

Tsuki Ayano, after moving back to her home village of Nagoro in southern Japan from Osaka, began creating human-sized dolls to represent the dwindling population. Reporter Hiromi Tanoue visited Nagoro to meet Ayano and learn about her unique project.