Japanese Culture
Explore various aspects of Japanese culture, including traditional manners, customs, weddings, funerals, cross-cultural exchanges, history, recycling and reuse, sustainability, and cultural classes that shape life in Japan.
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…
Essential Japanese Phrases and Cultural Tips for Dining in Japan
This article is contributed by Wakoku. The culinary journey through Japan extends far beyond just savoring the exquisite flavors of sushi, ramen, or tempura. It's an immersive cultural experience wher…
Japanese Apartment Etiquette: Essential Rules for Expats
Adjusting to life in a Japanese apartment? Mastering local etiquette is key to a hassle-free experience! Understanding these essential rules will help you settle in smoothly and avoid cultural misunde…
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…
Hanko/Inkan: A Guide to the World of Japanese Signature Seals
This page contains affiliate links. If you're a foreigner planning to live in Japan, you'll likely need to set up a bank account, apply for a phone, and sign up for public utilities. During these proc…
Setsubun: Welcoming Spring with Ogres, Beans, and Sushi
This page contains affiliate links. Famous for bean-throwing antics and parents dressed in ogre costumes to scare children, Setsubun is celebrated in Japan on February 2 or 3 (depending on the year) t…
Japanese Kotatsu: Staying Warm in Winter
This page contains affiliate links. Kotatsu, while largely unknown outside of Japan, has long been part of Japanese culture, keeping people warm during cold winters. With the exception of Hokkaido, ho…
Japanese Punctuality in the Workplace
There are many differing opinions on the importance of punctuality and what time frame is considered 'on time.' In Japan, this is very important and can be the key to making a good impression, being a…
What is Mottainai? The Japanese Meanings and Expressions
The Japanese word "Mottainai" has been used in many countries around the world as a universal language. If you look up "mottainai" in a Japanese-English dictionary, you will find words like "waste" an…
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…
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…
Great Places for 'Hatsumode' around Tokyo during the Japanese New Year
This page contains affiliate links. On the first day of the Japanese new year, you will see many people heading to shinto shrines and temples for "hatsumode," or the first prayer of the year. On this…
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…
Wadaiko: The Summer Rhythm and Movements of Taiko in Japan
With a multitude of purposes, strong traditions, and dynamic rhythm, wadaiko, or traditional Japanese drums also known internationally as "taiko", is a unique and interesting part of Japanese culture.…
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…
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…
What to Expect When Attending a Japanese Funeral
This page contains affiliate links. Funerals are a difficult experience for many, but are often considered a necessary part of grieving. This has led to funerals being quite a ritualistic process in m…
Bonsai Basics: Beginner's Guide, Top Trees, Tokyo Picks
This page contains affiliate links. Bonsai is perhaps the most well-known and treasured of Japan’s botanical beauty. What you may not realize, however, is that “bonsai” is not the name of the trees th…
BOOKOFF: How to Sell Your Unwanted Items in Japan
BOOKOFF is the most famous second-hand shop with 800 locations in Japan. It offers not only second hand books, but also CDs, DVDs, cell phones, cameras, home appliances, musical instruments, clothes,…
Mercari Japan: How to Shop in English
E-commerce platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Gumtree have made it easy to find secondhand items available at a good price. This is no different in Japan, where Mercari has become a very p…
