Japanese Culture

In Japan, there is a custom known as "hatsumode," which involves visiting a shrine at the start of the new year. Shrines are traditional Japanese "places of prayer," and many people visit to pray for happiness and good health for the year. Here, we will provide a simple introduction to how to enjoy hatsumode and the proper etiquette at shrines. [What is hatsumode?] Hatsumode is the first visit to a shrine after the new year.

In my last blog, I wrote about the theme, "Let's explore the roots of words! How did Japanese idioms come about?" This time, I would like to write about proverbs. Have you ever heard of the word "proverbs"? "Proverbs" are short phrases that have been passed down in Japan since ancient times, and they are used as "wisdom for daily life" or "people's wisdom."

Have you ever heard of the word "idiom"? An idiom is an expression that is used in a figurative sense that is different from the original meaning of the word. For example, "to be smart," "to act like oneself," and "to cut corners" are expressions that we often hear in our daily lives. However, if you think about it, "to cut one's head" is a little

Do you know about the traditional Japanese event called "Shichigosan"? Every year around November 15th, small children in Japan dress up in kimonos and visit shrines. It is a day to give thanks to the gods for the children's growth and pray for their future health and happiness. [What kind of event is Shichigosan?] "Shichigosan" is a traditional Japanese event for children aged 7, 5, and 3.

September is the season when the autumn sky is clear and the moon is beautiful. In 2025, Jugoya (the 15th night of the full moon) will be on September 29th. It is an event that has been loved by people since ancient times, and the custom of enjoying the moon continues in many households today. [Difference between Jugoya and the Harvest Moon] Although they are often used interchangeably, there is actually a slight difference. Jugoya (the 15th night of the full moon):

Do you know about Respect for the Aged Day? In Japan, the third Monday of September every year is Respect for the Aged Day. This day is considered to be a day to respect and express gratitude to the elderly who have worked hard for society and their families for a long time. Grandparents are very important to Japanese people. [The origin of Respect for the Aged Day

In the summer, you can often see people walking around Japanese towns and festivals wearing yukatas. Yukatas are traditional Japanese summer clothing. They are more casual and easier to wear than kimonos, so they have recently become popular with many foreign tourists. [What kind of clothing is a yukata?] 〇 They are worn by cinching the waist with a piece of fabric called an obi. 〇 They are made of light and breathable materials such as cotton or linen.

Have you ever heard the term "homecoming rush" in the Japanese news? The reason why Japanese people return to their hometowns en masse during this time of year when bullet trains, airplanes, and highways are extremely crowded is related to a special time called "Obon." Obon is a time when it is believed that the spirits of deceased ancestors return to this world.

When you think of summer in Japan, you think of fireworks displays and festivals. Large flowers spreading across the night sky, people wearing yukata, and bustling food stalls. These uniquely Japanese summer scenes are attracting attention from foreign tourists too. What is a fireworks display? Japanese fireworks displays are not just "firework shows." They are held to coincide with local traditional events and the Obon period.

Have you ever seen colorful paper hanging from bamboo in July in Japan? That is a scene from the traditional Japanese festival called "Tanabata". But why do people write their wishes on paper and hang them on bamboo? Today, I will explain the charm and meaning of Tanabata in an easy-to-understand way. [What is Tanabata?] Tanabata is celebrated on July 7th.