In the hot summer sun of August, what sounds better than the cool condensation dripping from the amber glass of craft beers at the Tsukuba Beer Festival? The Tsukuba Beer Festival holds its thirteenth annual celebration this year from August 1-3, with craft breweries from all […]
If you’re planning to visit Japan in early August, the Nebuta Matsuri in Aomori should be at the top of your list. It’s one of Japan’s most famous summer festivals, offering an unforgettable experience of glowing lanterns, beautiful drums, and dancing in the streets. This magnificent […]
Released in July of 2016, the mobile game Pokémon GO was an instant, global smash hit. Old and new Pokémon fans alike went out in such droves that those first few months after release have been remembered as ‘The Summer of Pokémon GO.’ While the initial […]
Bon Odori (盆踊り) is a traditional Japanese dance festival held during the Obon season, a time when people honor the spirits of their ancestors. It is an event where people dance together around a Yagura (raised platform) to the rhythm of festival music, accompanied by taiko […]
Having been Japan’s capital for over 1000 years, Kyoto has a rich, complex, and vibrant cultural tradition. The city is known for its imperial palace, countless temples and shrines, and its three important annual festivals, or matsuri, that celebrate the history of this timeless metropolis. Today […]
Have you heard of the word “海女” (Ama) before? Chances are you haven’t, so let me teach you! Ama refers to female divers who dive for abalone, sea urchins, etc. in the seas of Japan. I first learned about this tradition when I watched the NHK […]
Tell me, have you ever tried Japanese sake? Sake is not only delicious but it's also healthy. However, you shouldn't forget the existence of “Sakekasu”, which is even more nutritious than sake. Interestingly, the word “Kasu” in Japanese can have a negative meaning of “leftovers” or […]
Mark your calendars for March 20, 2025, as Hiroshima hosts the 6th annual Hiroshima Warmed Sake Festival at the historic Hiroshima Castle's Honmaru lower grounds. This delicious event, held each year, celebrates the rich tradition of Hiroshima's sake brewing and offers an incredible opportunity to enjoy […]
Hana Matsuri is a celebration held across Japan to rejoice in the birth of the Buddha. The actual name for the birthday celebration is Kanbutsue, and different Buddhist nations celebrate the birthday on different dates. However, in Japan, the celebrations are held on April 8th, the […]
July in Tokyo is synonymous with festivals and fireworks. The city comes alive with the sounds of taiko drums, the aroma of street food, and the colorful spectacle of traditional costumes. This is a time of celebration, where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with the modern energy […]
