White Day in Japan: Japan’s Complicated Second Valentine’s Day
You may feel like one Valentine’s Day a year is enough, but Japan’s confectionery industry thinks otherwise. In addition to celebrating Valentine’s Day on February …
Japanese culture
Valentine’s Day in Japan: The Meaning of the Chocolate you Give
You might be surprised to learn that Valentine’s Day in Japan is celebrated rather differently than in much of the rest of the world. Firstly, …
Japanese Dates: How to Read a Japanese Calendar
Understanding how to read a Japanese calendar is an important part of life in Japan. While it may seem intimidating at first when you see …
Japanese New Year Customs – everything you need to know
New Year or Oshōgatsu (お正月) is the most important holiday of the year for the Japanese. It’s a family holiday that is steeped in long tradition …
Your Ultimate Guide to a Grand Sumo Tournament in Japan
Watching a sumo tournament in Japan is a fascinating experience. Consider it not just a sporting event, but a display of long-standing culture and tradition. …
Shinrin-yoku: ‘Forest bathing’ is the latest Japanese health trend
Japan is no stranger to the concept of bathing in nature and its therapeutic benefits. You only need to take a dip in any of …
Japan’s Bean-throwing Festival (Setsubun) and how to participate
Literally meaning the “seasonal division”, Setsubun (節分) is an important Japanese celebration associated with the changing of seasons. Setsubun is traditionally celebrated on the day before the …
“If you love your kids, send them on a trip”
Living in another country is a lesson in the completely subjective nature of societal expectations. How things are done, our perception of what is good, …