Traditions
Discover Japan’s rich cultural traditions, festivals, rituals, and customs that have shaped its unique identity.
Tokyo Ninja Experiences: Learn the ways of the Shinobi
This page contains affiliate links. Ninjas (also known as shinobi) have gained international fame over the centuries, both within Japan and abroad. Ironically, the very traits of secrecy and stealth t…
4 Popular Japanese Lucky Charms For the New Year
This page contains affiliate links. This article is contributed by 供TOMO. Since ancient times, some objects have been believed to bring luck to your family or prosperity to your business. If you are l…
What Is an Imabari Towel in Japan – And Why Is It So Special?
This page contains affiliate links. The following article is contributed by Japarcana. If you’ve ever used a truly great towel, you probably know the difference it makes. Most of the time, you don’t r…
Japanese Honorifics and Their Meanings Explained
Every language has different ways of showing respect and denoting one’s place in society. Japanese is no different with the use of honorifics being a key indicator of respect, authority, and interpers…
Prayer Offering Manners at Shrines and Temples in Japan
There are many people in Japan who still get confused about what to do when visiting shrines and temples. While the prayers given at a shrine and temple may be similar, they each have their own proced…
What are shinto offerings?
This page contains affiliate links. This article is contributed by 供TOMO. Shinto is an important part of Japanese culture and one of the main religions. If you live in Japan or if you have ever had th…
Welcoming the Obon Holiday: Exploring Japanese Tradition
Japan is well-known for its festivals, especially during the summertime. Fireworks, festivities, and food is the image that comes to mind for most people. However, Obon is a festival with a difference…
What is Sakaki and How Is It Used in Japan?
This page contains affiliate links. This article is contributed by 供TOMO. Japan is known for its deep attachment and respect for nature. Shinto, one of Japan’s main religions with Buddhism, is the pro…
The Seven Lucky Gods of Japan: Who Are Shichifukujin?
This page contains affiliate links. Spirituality in Japan is very unique in its wide acceptance and mixing of Shinto and Buddhist beliefs, traditions, and customs. However, there are also some traditi…
Omamori: A Guide to Japanese Amulets
This page contains affiliate links. If you’ve ever visited a shrine or temple in Japan, it’s likely you have seen an array of brightly-colored, name-tag-sized objects with intricate embroidery and uni…
Japanese New Year's Decorations: Culture, Traditions, Religion
This page contains affiliate links. As the New Year approaches, many shops, commercial buildings, and houses in Japan decorate for the occasion. It should come as no surprise that in Japan with its ri…
Japanese Business Gift Giving: Dos and Don'ts for Expatriates
This page contains affiliate links. For Western expats living in Japan, the frequency and occasions for giving and receiving gifts may be surprising. Not only are gifts given between loved ones and fr…
What is Shojin Buddhist Cuisine? Try it at Minobusan
This article is contributed by KAKURINBO. Located in Minobu (population approx. 10,000) in southern Yamanashi Prefecture, Minobusan is a Buddhist enclave that is home to Kuonji, the head temple of the…
Osechi Ryori: What to Know about Japan’s New Year's Food
This page contains affiliate links. New Year’s in Japan is a time of tradition, symbolism, and fortune. There are many rituals that take place around this time, a lot of which represent bringing good…
Mago wa Yasashii: Japanese Key to Healthy Eating
This page contains affiliate links. Japan is known for its rich cultural traditions, technological advancements, as well as delicious and healthy food. However, it would be a mistake to assume that al…
Japanese Sake - How to Brew and its History
This article is contributed by Konishi Sake Brewery and covers the history of sake, brewing process, and the differences between various types of sake, such as ginjoshu, junmaishu, Honjozo, Genshu, Ko…
Unagi Kabayaki: Exploring the Differences Between Edo Style and Kansai Style
This article is contributed by Japan Culinary Arts Academy. Unagi Kabayaki, a beloved Japanese delicacy, is prepared differently depending on the region, resulting in distinct culinary experiences. Th…
Unagi Kabayaki: A Taste of Tradition: Where to Enjoy Unagi
This article is contributed by Japan Culinary Arts Academy. In Japan, Doyo no Ushi no Hi (the Day of the Ox) is a traditional occasion where people eat grilled eel (unagi) to combat the summer heat an…
Japanese Gift Giving Tradition and Luxury Japanese Gifts
This page contains affiliate links. There are quite many occasions where Japanese people give gifts, it can be a gift giving season or a specific occasion. In this articles, you can learn about typica…
What is Kyudo? An Easy Guide to Japanese Archery History and Basics
Kyudo is a traditional Japanese martial art focused on discipline, spirituality, and self-improvement through archery. This article explores the rich history, cultural significance, and unique practic…
