japanese culture

The Daruma doll is a well-known Japanese symbol of resilience and good fortune. Inspired by Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism, these round, hollow dolls are rich in symbolism and often gifted as a gesture of encouragement. Beyond their role as good luck charms, Daruma dolls […]

One of the most anticipated sights in Japan is the annual arrival of the cherry blossoms – or sakura – each spring. Sakura are Japan’s unofficial national flower and hold a special place in Japanese culture. These delicate blossoms come in tons of different colors including […]

Cherry blossoms have always held a special place in Japanese culture. Each year, a traditional event known as hanami, or “flower viewing” occurs between March and April, to bring people together beneath the cherry blossoms. It is here that the people of Japan come together to […]

Sumo is a sports competition between two rikishi (wrestlers). It takes place at the dohyo, which is a circular platform formed by partially buried rice straw bales 4.55 meters in diameter and is covered in sand. In order to win the match, the rikishi has to […]

Today, I will share some practical tips on how to reduce the amount of plastic you use on your next visit to Japan. By following the advice, you’ll be sure to make your trip more eco-friendly. However, to achieve a plastic-free trip, it’s important to understand […]

A new year has begun, and what better way to celebrate than taking a trip to Japan, especially Osaka? While the past December may have seemed like the peak for holiday celebrations in the country, do not underestimate the January season, full of New Year’s welcomings, […]

In the Land of the Rising Sun, as the final chimes of December fade and nature lifts a crisp January dawn, Japan wakes to a spectacle of tradition unlike any other. This is not merely the turning of a page on a calendar; it's Shōgatsu, the […]

Do you know what “Yatai (屋台)” means? Generally, Yatai refers to outdoor stalls (台) with roofs (屋), typically used for selling goods, that are movable. There are two types of Yatai in Japan. When hearing the word “Yatai”, the most famous type that comes to mind […]

This is a phrase I've heard from my mother since I was little. To be honest, I wasn't a fan of rice when I was young as I preferred bread, and was tired of having rice every day. Moreover, if even a single grain of rice […]

With the New Year upon us, let’s learn how Japan celebrates the welcoming of this time of year! Instead of merely celebrating the countdown to midnight, Japan does a bit more than that. By having parties with their company, other students, friends, or family, Japan celebrates […]