japanese culture

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 […]

There are many traditions around the world when the year ends. For Japan, one such tradition is eating toshikoshi soba, or “year-crossing noodles.” This simple dish holds a special place in the Japanese New Year celebration traditions as soba noodles bring good luck in longevity because […]

With the winter cold in the air and the city decorated for the season, December is a wonderful time to visit Osaka. Since Osaka doesn’t get snow as often, you don’t have to worry about your trip being too cold, but still expect chilly weather around […]

Being between Shizuoka and the Izu Peninsula, Suruga is typically referred to as the area surrounding the gorgeous Suruga Bay. Known for its beautiful views of Mount Fuji, fishing opportunities, tea harvesting, and drinking experiences, along with much more throughout each season, there is never a […]

The taiko drums are an integral part of Japanese music and culture and have been for over 2000 years. Interestingly, the word Taiko can refer to a Japanese drumming style, the music from the drums, a group of musicians who play the drums, and even the […]

In Japan, there’s a cherished tradition taking place every November when temples and shrines fill with brightly dressed children, proud parents, and an air of festivity. This celebration is Shichi-Go-San — a longstanding Japanese tradition that honors children who have reached the special ages of 3, […]

Every year on November 3rd, Japan celebrates Bunka no Hi (文化の日), or Culture Day. This national holiday gives an opportunity for the Japanese people to celebrate their culture, historical achievements, and artistic creativity. It's a day made to appreciate the richness of the diverse cultural heritage […]

Do you have a sweet tooth? A curiosity about traditional Japanese culture? Or perhaps an eye for culinary aesthetics? If you’ve said yes to any of the above, you are definitely in for a treat.  Nestled in the heart of Hiroshima’s culinary traditions is a confectionery […]

Please welcome Kayoko San, an ikebana specialist who offers classes in Nagoya and sometimes in Tokyo! She has spent the past 7 years teaching ikebana to people from various countries and has been practising this amazing skill for almost 20 years. Her pieces are a real […]