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.
How to Sell on Mercari Japan
While in the West there are secondhand online marketplaces like eBay, in Japan there is Mercari, where you can both save money on buying used, yet still high-quality goods and easily make some extra m…
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…
Nengajo – New Year’s Cards
This page contains affiliate links. Every year in late December the Japanese postal system is inundated with colorful post cards crisscrossing the country. These are 年賀状 (Nengajo) or New Year’s cards.…
The Story Behind “Washi”, Japan’s Traditional Handmade Paper
This article is contributed by MADALAND. Located about 15 minutes by car southeast of Takefu Station on the JR Hokuriku Line, the village of Goka in Fukui Prefecture (which comprises the Imadate-cho n…
The Japanese Lucky Cat: Unlocking the Secret to Good Fortune
This page contains affiliate links. The maneki neko statue, also known as the lucky cat, is a symbol that is instantly recognizable all around the world. You can find these lucky cats in businesses, h…
The Japanese Zodiac: Unleash the Fun of This New Year Tradition
This page contains affiliate links. The Japanese zodiac has a rich history and unique features that include a fascinating blend of Chinese and Japanese influences. While some aspects are based on the…
The Enduring Allure of Rakugo: Japanese Storytelling Evolved
Japan boasts a rich variety of traditional performance arts, from the dramatic flair of Kabuki to the simplicity of Noh. Another form of storytelling, Rakugo, adds a comedic twist to this mix. Rakugo…
NINJA: Their True Mission & Ultimate Purpose (Part 1/3)
This article is contributed by COMMU忍(NIN)CATION. What do you imagine when you hear the word "ninja"? What comes to mind may differ from generation to generation. Perhaps you think of movies. Or anima…
NINJA: How they collected useful information (Part 2/3)
This article is contributed by COMMU忍(NIN)CATION. In our previous column, we explained the image of ninja held by the public and what recent research has revealed about ninja. In this article, we will…
Ninja : The Secrets of Unwavering Mental Strength (Part 3/3)
This article is contributed by COMMU忍(NIN)CATION. In our previous columns, we explained that ninja were more like secret agents than combatants, that they used disguises to gather information, and tha…
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…
A Guide to Getting Married in Japan
While holding a traditional Japanese wedding ceremony at a Shinto shrine or exchanging marriage vows in a chapel in a western style may be popular, no religious ceremony can be a substitute for offici…
Disability Symbols and their Meanings in Japan
There are many symbols for people with disabilities in Japan. Some of the symbols are universal and you may have seen them abroad. Various symbols and signs relating to people with disabilities indica…
Osaka vs Tokyo - What are the differences?
Tokyo and Osaka are two cities in Japan that are often compared. Tokyo is the capital of Japan and part of Kanto region, while Osaka is the largest city of Kansai region. However, the differences are…
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,…
A Guide to Tatami and Tatami Mats
This page contains affiliate links. Tatami mats have long been an important part of Japanese culture, design, and even sports. The woven rush grass of tatami mats creates a welcoming, relaxing environ…
Chopstick Etiquette in Japan : DOs and DON'Ts
This page contains affiliate links. Most people around the world are familiar with chopsticks these days, whether from eating out in a favourite Asian-cuisine restaurant or chowing down on cup noodles…
10 Most Convenient Daily Life Services in Japan for Expats
Living in Japan, it’s easy to notice how many everyday services are “just too convenient.” For foreigners, Japan’s lifestyle services are not only efficient but also impressively thoughtful. From shop…
Art, Music, Sports Classes for Children in Tokyo
There are many fun classes for children in Tokyo and these classes are supported in English. Here is some information that you may be interested in. If you are looking for daycares or kindergartens, i…
Karate Dojos & Karate in Japan
This page contains affiliate links. Emerging from the tranquil islands of Okinawa, Karate is esteemed as one of the most iconic martial arts worldwide. Renowned for its compelling repertoire, includin…
