Cezary Jan Strusiewicz
Cezary Jan is a Polish writer based in Japan. He's written about Japanese history and culture for The Japan Times, National Geographic, Polygon, and other major outlets.
Articles by Cezary Jan Strusiewicz
What Kind of Money Did People Use in Feudal Japan?During Japan’s feudal period, different currency systems battled for supremacy. This is the story of the long, winding road to get to the yen.
The Spiritual Role and Elegant Architecture of Japanese TemplesJapanese Buddhist temples are more than just a collection of religious buildings. They are tangible theology offering us insights into one of Japan’s main religions.
Japanese Buddhist temples are more than just a collection of religious buildings. They are tangible theology offering us insights into one of Japan’s main religions.
The Legendary Emperor Jimmu & the Lessons He Taught JapanThe story of Japan’s first ruler, Jimmu, was meant to serve as an example to the country’s emperors. These are the lessons he taught them.
The story of Japan’s first ruler, Jimmu, was meant to serve as an example to the country’s emperors. These are the lessons he taught them.
Everything You Need to Know About Horyu-ji, Japan’s Oldest TempleDespite being over 1,300 years old, making it one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the world, Japan’s Horyu-ji continues to fascinate and astound.
Despite being over 1,300 years old, making it one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the world, Japan’s Horyu-ji continues to fascinate and astound.
5 Movies That Best Explain Samurai CultureCinema can be a valuable method of bringing history to life. These five films reveal the contradictions, tragedies, and values of Japan’s samurai class.
Cinema can be a valuable method of bringing history to life. These five films reveal the contradictions, tragedies, and values of Japan’s samurai class.
4 Japanese Movies With the Most Historically Accurate BattlesLearn the real stories behind Japan’s most legendary battles through four films that mix cinematic flair with surprisingly faithful historical reenactments of Japanese warfare.
The Incredible Story of the (Real) Last Samurai and the Satsuma RebellionDuring the events dramatized in the film The Last Samurai, the sword indeed faced the gun… but only after the samurai ran out of bullets.
During the events dramatized in the film The Last Samurai, the sword indeed faced the gun… but only after the samurai ran out of bullets.
Japan’s Legendary Shaman Queen Who Ended a Civil WarA shaman queen allegedly once ended a civil war with her political savvy and charisma. So, why do most Japanese textbooks not mention her?
Amaterasu, the Mercurial Goddess of the Sun in Japanese MythologyThough nobody can say she was not provoked, the impulsive nature of Amaterasu—the Japanese sun goddess—has shaped the world in very surprising ways
Though nobody can say she was not provoked, the impulsive nature of Amaterasu—the Japanese sun goddess—has shaped the world in very surprising ways