Learn about Japan from the locals
Japanese traditional culture
Sakura-mochi is a popular Japanese sweet that can be considered a symbol of spring. It is sold in various shops including traditional Japanese confectionery stores, supermarkets, and convenience stores. “Sakura” …
Ozoni is a mochi soup eaten on New Year’s Day in Japan. Japanese New Year’s events and food originated in Shintoism, and various customs were born from the idea of …
Now I’m writing this in the scorching hot mid-July. With August approaching, most Japanese people look forward to the Bon holiday which is the second biggest holiday after the New …
Have you ever eaten Unagi, or eel? It looks really delicious, doesn’t it? There is a Japanese custom of eating eel on a certain day during the hottest days of …
In Japanese we have the word “Satsuki Bare” that means a bright clear day in May, and we have more opportunities to look up at the sky than on dark …
This time, I would like to introduce you to the mysterious power spot called a “shrine” in Japan. Why do Japanese people go to shrines so often? Sometimes we are …
When you hear Japanese Traditional Crafts “Dentou Kougei” (伝統工芸), what items or techniques come to mind? There are various traditional crafts called “Kougeihin” (工芸品) in Japan, such as Kokeshi dolls …
Have you heard of Furoshiki(風呂敷)? Have you ever used one? Furoshiki is a thin cloth which is shaped close to a square for wrapping, carrying or decorating something. Furoshiki is …
As you may know, two-thirds of the land in Japan is composed of mountains and forests. A lot of areas are blessed with abundant timber and clear water. For that …
Happy New Year! Finally, 2022 has started. Japanese women are busy from the end of year to the beginning of the year because there are many traditional things that we …