The human-powered vehicles known as “Jinrikisha,” which have been used in Japan since the 1870s, defy the years despite advancing technology. Jinrikishas have recently been used for entertainment purposes and still attract great attention in the historical district of Tokyo, Asakusa.

Misato Otoshi, the manager of a Jinrikisha company in Asakusa, said, “We know that Jinrikisha has been used since the 1870s in Japan. These vehicles, which played an important role in urban transportation when cars and trains were not common, were also preferred because they could move easier than horses in narrow streets”. Stating that human-powered vehicles are no longer needed in daily life, Otoshi added: “Today, many foreign visitors and some Japanese people prefer these vehicles as a tourist attraction.”

Kanta Okayama, who is a Jinrikisha driver, explains why he likes his job by saying, “I like sports, and I have played soccer for 14 years. I also thought this job can improve my skills in areas such as sales and communication. Carrying people is a little bit difficult, but before becoming a Jinrikisha driver, we need to pass an exam after practicing a lot. If we pass the exam, we can become a Jinrikisha driver.” Noting that she came to Asakusa to experience this culture, Sona Arakawa said, “I tried it for the first time. It was surprisingly comfortable, and I had a lot of fun.”. Shio Osawa also mentioned, “It was my first experience. I was having so much fun that I lost track of time.”

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Taipei’s National Palace Museum Tells the Story of Chinese Civilization

On May 23, 2025

The National Palace Museum (NPM) in Taipei, located in the city’s Shilin District, stands as a beacon of Chinese cultural heritage. It houses one of the world’s most important collections of Chinese imperial artifacts, offering visitors an exceptional window into over 5,000 years of Chinese civilization.

Established in 1965, the Taipei branch of the museum was created when the Republic of China government moved a vast number of imperial treasures to Taiwan following the Chinese Civil War. These invaluable items, originally part of the Qing dynasty’s imperial collection, were preserved through turbulent periods, including the Japanese invasion and the Cultural Revolution. Today, the museum’s holdings exceed 690,000 items, with more than 80 percent tracing their origins to the Qing court.

The museum’s extensive collection features some of the most celebrated pieces in Chinese art history. Among them is the Jadeite Cabbage, a finely carved jade sculpture representing a cabbage stalk with a locust and katydid hidden within its leaves—an emblem of fertility and a perennial favorite among visitors. Another notable artifact is the Meat-Shaped Stone, a remarkable piece of jasper skillfully crafted to mimic the appearance of braised pork. Perhaps most historically significant is the Mao Gong Ding, a bronze tripod vessel from the Western Zhou dynasty, famed for containing the longest known inscription on any Chinese bronze, offering rare insight into the political and social structures of ancient China.

More than just a repository of antiquities, the National Palace Museum is a journey through China’s vast cultural and historical legacy. It invites art lovers, history enthusiasts, and casual visitors alike to engage with the artistic and intellectual achievements of one of the world’s oldest civilizations. A visit to the museum is a memorable encounter with the past, offering a deep and lasting connection to Chinese history and identity.

Chinese Cultural Heritage National Palace Museum Taipei

Japan’s human-powered vehicles defy the years

Taipei’s National Palace Museum Tells the Story of Chinese Civilization