Natsu Matsuri (夏祭り), Japan’s summer festival season, is more than taiko drums and fireworks—it is a living tradition of gratitude, prayer, and connection. Through sound, dance, and community, people celebrate life itself beneath the warm night sky.
culture
Published: 2025/10/27
Kodomo no Hi (こどもの日), Japan’s Children’s Day on May 5, celebrates not only the strength but also the kindness of the next generation. From carp streamers and samurai helmets to iris baths and sweet rice cakes, each tradition carries a family’s wish for health, courage, and happiness.
culture
Published: 2025/10/26
In Japanese, “prepare” can be expressed in several ways—each carrying its own nuance and timing. Understanding the difference between junbi, youi, shitaku, and dandori helps you sound more natural and reveals how Japanese culture values careful planning and readiness.
expression
Published: 2025/10/26
Hanami (花見), Japan’s springtime cherry blossom viewing, is more than an outdoor party—it’s a cultural ritual celebrating beauty, impermanence, and renewal. Under the falling petals, people share food, laughter, and gratitude for the fleeting yet brilliant nature of life.
culture
Published: 2025/10/25
Hinamatsuri (ひな祭り), Japan’s Doll Festival on March 3rd, is more than a celebration of girls’ growth — it is a timeless expression of love, protection, and renewal. Through elegant dolls and colorful foods, families give shape to their prayers for happiness and the gentle arrival of spring.
culture
Published: 2025/10/23
Setsubun (節分) marks the turning point between winter and spring in Japan, when people drive away demons with beans and welcome good fortune. More than a festive ritual, it is a moment of inner renewal and gratitude, preparing the heart for the light of spring.
culture
Published: 2025/10/22
Osechi ryōri (おせち料理), Japan’s traditional New Year cuisine, expresses gratitude, wishes, and family connection through symbolic dishes. Each food—from black beans for diligence to golden chestnuts for wealth—carries the taste of both prayer and celebration.
culture
Published: 2025/10/20
Hatsumōde (初詣), Japan’s first shrine visit of the year, is a tradition that blends spirituality, gratitude, and renewal. Through prayer, reflection, and connection, it allows people to begin the year with both calmness and purpose.
culture
Published: 2025/10/19
In Japanese, there are two words for “corner”: 角(かど) kado and 隅(すみ) sumi. Although both mean “corner” in English, their meanings differ completely depending on whether the corner points outward or inward.
expression
Published: 2025/10/15
Oshōgatsu（お正月）, Japan’s New Year, is not simply the start of another calendar year but a sacred time to welcome a divine presence, reflect on the past, and set intentions for renewal. From the first sunrise and shrine visits to symbolic foods and family gatherings, each tradition embodies gratitude, continuity, and hope for the future.
culture
Published: 2025/10/14 （Updated: 2025/10/20）
