Japan Standardizes Bidet Function Imagery

Even if you’ve used a bidet elsewhere—be that a different nation or just a different bathroom—one generally has to interpret the icons that accompany various features. Oftentimes, they’re rather obtuse, leading to unexpected results. Thankfully the Japan Sanitary Equipment Industry Association (aka toilet- and bidet-makers) have agreed to standardize all of the pictograms. The association settled upon eight, with each corresponding to a feature, and …

Nikka Whisky Distillery, Hokkaido

A serene hub for spirits production on Japan's northernmost island

One of the most well-known Japanese whisky brands, Nikka‘s origins date back to 1934 when Masataka Taketsuru built the Yoichi Distillery (named after the town in which it’s located) on the island of Hokkaido. Taketsuru (the son of a sake producer) had returned from an extended stay in Scotland, during which time he studied the craft of whisky-making while apprenticing at local distilleries—all while working …

Best of CH 2016: Travel

From Hungary to Indonesia, Namibia, Japan and beyond

Even though travel can be exhausting, it’s something curious minds can never truly tire of—and the CH editorial team is no exception to that rule. Over the past year, our full-time staff and freelancers all over the world have delivered stories about adventure, exploration, food, luxury and more—and have roamed everywhere from Australia to the Galápagos Islands and Iceland. While our Travel section is brimming …