tradition

Featured image for HATSUMODE: WELCOMING THE NEW YEAR IN JAPAN

HATSUMODE: WELCOMING THE NEW YEAR IN JAPAN

December 30, 2023
BY Chisato Takahashi

What do you usually do on New Year's in your country? In Japan, we often go to ‘Hatsumode'. Hatsumode is a tradition where people go to a shrine or temple at the beginning of the year to pray for happiness in the coming year. What is […]

Featured image for READY TO BREW? AN INTRODUCTION TO JAPANESE TEAWARE

READY TO BREW? AN INTRODUCTION TO JAPANESE TEAWARE

December 3, 2023
BY Jamie Kruse

Perhaps you’re ready to start brewing Japanese tea at home but not sure where to begin.  Today’s post will share a few basic, but essential tea utensils that can help transform a mundane tea experience into a simple, but beautiful and deeply flavorful experience that can […]

Featured image for Teishoku: A Culinary Journey Through Japanese Set Meals

Teishoku: A Culinary Journey Through Japanese Set Meals

November 17, 2023
BY Mason Leung

Japanese cuisine is renowned worldwide for its exquisite flavors, meticulous preparation, and beautiful presentation. While sushi and ramen often steal the spotlight, there's one culinary gem that deserves equal attention: teishoku. This great food platter is more than just a meal; it's a delightful culinary experience […]

Featured image for The Difference Between Japanese Shrines And Temples

The Difference Between Japanese Shrines And Temples

October 8, 2023
BY Kiko Yee

When one thinks of Japan, images of vibrant cities, technological advancements, and rich cultural heritage often come to mind. At the heart of this beautiful country lies a world of ancient traditions and spiritual practices. Japanese temples and shrines, deeply rooted in history and spirituality, stand […]

Featured image for Tanabata: one cosmic love story brings a festival of colour and wishes!

Tanabata: one cosmic love story brings a festival of colour and wishes!

July 7, 2023
BY Sarah Roach

Ever wished upon a star? Yes? I guess we all did at some point in life for sure! As you stroll the streets of Japan in the sweltering heat of the summer season, you happen to notice these amazing and beautifully coloured decorations hanging all around […]

Featured image for Hina Matsuri Girls’ Day: History, Food, and Culture

Hina Matsuri Girls’ Day: History, Food, and Culture

February 20, 2023
BY Aika Nakamura

History Hina Matsuri or Girls’ Day, is celebrated on March 3rd every year in Japan. It is said to originally come from China as momo no sekku (or peach blossom festival), one of the five seasonal celebrations every year. The way it is practiced now took […]

Featured image for What is Setsubun? Mamemaki? A traditional Bean-Throwing Festival in Japan

What is Setsubun? Mamemaki? A traditional Bean-Throwing Festival in Japan

January 20, 2023
BY Selsabil Chebbouba

Visiting Japan in February? We highly recommend you plan your trip in time with Setsubun. This festive holiday packs together tons of Japanese traditions that are still alive today. Let’s discover together what Setsubun is, and what to expect and learn from this event. What […]

Featured image for There is fortune in leftovers: Japan’s Fukubukuro -Lucky Bag-

There is fortune in leftovers: Japan’s Fukubukuro -Lucky Bag-

December 28, 2022
BY Selsabil Chebbouba

Fukubukuro (福袋) translates literally to “lucky bag”, and it represents a Japanese New Year custom in which almost all shops around the country (especially Tokyo) make beautiful grab-bags with a variety of random products and sell them for a substantial discount, depending on the shop but […]

Featured image for Osechi Ryori: Japan’s Traditional New Year Feast

Osechi Ryori: Japan’s Traditional New Year Feast

December 27, 2022
BY Clarence Rowan

New Year is one of the most celebrated events in the world, and in Japan, it is also one of the oldest. For a country deeply rooted in culture, New Year celebrations come with traditions - the first shrine visit, the first sunrise viewing, and even […]

Featured image for Kabuki, when eccentricity and tradition collide!

Kabuki, when eccentricity and tradition collide!

November 18, 2022
BY Jose Jacobo Lozano

From those who are interested in eccentric forms of entertainment to those who have a liking for traditional and historical proclamations of art, many should definitely take a strong interest in Kabuki. Be it because of its 400 years of history or because of the striking […]