Last updated: Date to be confirmed by the site owner.
JAPAN ESSENCE is an independent, English-language journal about Japan, based in Kyoto. This page explains how we research and write our stories, how we handle legends and history, and how the site is funded.
1. Our promise: sourced, with fact and legend kept apart
Many of our stories deal with myths, folklore and local legends. We love these stories, and we also know how easily they get mixed up with history. So we follow these rules:
- We label what is legend. When we retell a legend, we make clear that it is a traditional story (“Legend says…”, “According to local tradition…”).
- We separate the record. Wherever possible, a separate section or a “Fact vs. legend” note sets out what historical texts, official records or scholarship actually show.
- We name our sources. Articles end with a list of sources, such as classical texts, official shrine, temple or municipal websites, museum and academic resources, and reputable reference works, with links where available.
- We flag uncertainty. If sources disagree, a date is uncertain, or several places claim the same legend, we say so rather than choose the most exciting version.
- We don’t invent. We do not make up quotations, statistics, dates or events.
2. Research and accuracy
- We prefer primary and official sources, and check practical information (access, opening hours, fees) against official websites when we write. These details can change, so please confirm them before you travel.
- Where we visit a place ourselves, we say so. Details of on-site visits and interviews will be noted in the relevant articles.
- Any use of AI tools in research, translation or drafting, if applicable, will be reviewed by a human editor before publication. Policy details to be confirmed by the site owner.
3. Corrections
If you spot an error, please tell us via our Contact page. We correct factual errors promptly, and for significant corrections we add a short note to the article with the date of the change.
4. Respect for places and people
Many of the places we write about are active shrines, temples and sacred sites, or people’s homes and workplaces. We include etiquette notes and do not encourage visiting restricted areas. When a subject belongs to a living community or indigenous tradition, we aim to rely on that community’s own institutions and voices.
5. Photos
Unless otherwise credited, photos are taken by the JAPAN ESSENCE team or used with permission. Please do not reuse our photos without permission. See Contact for photo requests.
6. How the site is funded: affiliate and advertising disclosure
- Affiliate links. Some articles may contain affiliate links, for example to tours, tickets, accommodation or books. If you book or buy through such a link, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate links are marked with
rel="sponsored", and articles containing them carry a short notice near the top. Specific affiliate programmes, if any, will be listed here once in use. - Advertising. The site does not currently show advertising. If that changes, this section will be updated.
- Independence. Commissions and advertising never decide what we cover or what we say. We only recommend things we believe are genuinely useful to readers.
7. Sponsored, featured and connected content
- Sponsored content (paid for by a third party) is always clearly labelled as “Sponsored” at the top of the article.
- Hosted visits and gifts. If a business provides a free visit, experience or product, we disclose it in the article.
- Personal or business connections. If we feature a business, workshop or brand with which we have a personal or commercial connection, we state that connection clearly in the article.
8. Contact
Questions about this policy: contact email to be announced, or our Contact page.
