This is the sequel to a previous article that introduced national holidays observed in Japan from January to April. Let’s continue our endeavor of finding the significant meanings behind Japanese holidays by looking at holidays in May!! May 3rd :憲法記念日 (Kenpou Kinenbi: Constitution Memorial Day) This is the day to celebrate the enactment of the post-WWII version of the Japanese… Continue reading Let’s look into the inside stories of national holidays observed in Japan: Part 2
Category: Traditional Culture
Japanese traditional culture
3 hidden spots in the center of Tokyo (Slip back to Old Japanese Houses and Gardens)
When thinking of Tokyo, what picture do you have in mind ? You might imagine a big city with high buildings crammed side by side, rail tracks throughout there, city lights never turn off (twenty-four seven) and a ton of people coming and going along the streets. Would you like to get away from the hustle and bustle for a… Continue reading 3 hidden spots in the center of Tokyo (Slip back to Old Japanese Houses and Gardens)
Get wrapped up in Japanese hand towels “Tenugui”
Towels made with cotton are comfortable to use, aren’t they? You use it every morning, right? Today, I will introduce you to Japanese hand towels. How do you imagine Japanese hand towels? Fluffy and thick? When you see Japanese hand towels I say, you may have a different impression. I will take you into the world of Japanese hand towels.… Continue reading Get wrapped up in Japanese hand towels “Tenugui”
Imperial burial mound “Kofun” in Takatsuki, Osaka
Takatsuki is a city located just at the halfway point between Osaka and Kyoto. Both JR and Hankyu express trains stop at it. There are large shopping areas around the station, mountains in the northern areas, and large rivers running through the city. And also Takatsuki has a long history from ancient times. Today, I’d like to introduce Takatsuki from… Continue reading Imperial burial mound “Kofun” in Takatsuki, Osaka
The words which express Japanese spirit ;おもてなし (Omotenashi), いただきます(Itadakimasu), ご馳走様(Gochisosama), 侘(wabi), 寂(sabi) and 花冷え(Hanabie)
The Japanese language has a lot of beautiful and particular words and also has deep meaning. I want foreigners who are interested in Japanese to know, so let me introduce some words. The word “おもてなし (Omotenashi)” was used when Tokyo took part in the competition to get the right to hold the Olympics. So maybe it is known even by… Continue reading The words which express Japanese spirit ;おもてなし (Omotenashi), いただきます(Itadakimasu), ご馳走様(Gochisosama), 侘(wabi), 寂(sabi) and 花冷え(Hanabie)
Let’s look into the inside stories of national holidays observed in Japan: part 1
Do you know there are 16 national holidays observed in Japan? Although it is said that Japan has the highest number of national holidays among major developing countries, in my eyes, most Japanese people, including myself of course, aren’t really aware of the original meanings of each holiday. I will introduce the meanings behind them and some trivia that might… Continue reading Let’s look into the inside stories of national holidays observed in Japan: part 1
Love Osaka Konamon~Okonomiyaki~
There are a variety of delicious foods in Osaka. Especially “konamon” which is a soul food for Osaka people. Do you know “Konamon”? “Konamon” is a dish made with wheat flour. Udon noodles, pizza, pasta, etc. could be one of Konamon dishes. The culture of this konamon has been developing in Osaka. As you know, especially okonomiyaki and takoyaki are… Continue reading Love Osaka Konamon~Okonomiyaki~
Feel free to explore `Kawaii’ culture in Japan
〜Girl’s Talk〜 In recent times, the Japanese word `kawaii’ has been appearing in mainstream pop culture, all the way from mangas to fashion trends. The term `kawaii’ refers to something that is cute, cool, adorable etc. What comes to mind when you hear the word `kawaii’? Usually, people would answer ‘babies’ or ‘small animals’. However, the word ‘kawaii’ has been… Continue reading Feel free to explore `Kawaii’ culture in Japan
How Tonkatsu Was Born
Back to the Meiji era Hi! I’m Tonkatsu, a nice and crispy, deep-fried pork cutlet and one of the most popular dishes in Japan! I always help someone re-energize somewhere. In 1872, the Meiji government announced that Emperor Meiji had eaten beef. Therefore, the government would finally and officially allow the people to eat meat, as the western people did.… Continue reading How Tonkatsu Was Born
Onsen Etiquette – The Dos and Don’ts at Japanese Onsen
Have you ever been to an Onsen in Japan? It’s a Japanese hot spring where you remove all of your clothes. Onsen are familiar to Japanese people and they’re linked to Japanese culture deeply. Japan has more than 20,000 Onsen sources and facilities, and many of them have been developed as tourist spots called Onsengai. For Japanese people, using Onsen… Continue reading Onsen Etiquette – The Dos and Don’ts at Japanese Onsen