About Life in Japan

1. The origin of Setsubun Setsubun is one of Japan's traditional events, and it means "dividing the seasons." Originally it was a ceremony held on the day before the beginning of spring, summer, autumn, and winter, but now it refers to the day before the beginning of spring, which is around February 3rd. Since ancient times in Japan, it has been believed that evil spirits (bad things) are more likely to enter at the change of seasons.

Coming-of-Age Ceremony is an important traditional event in Japan to celebrate people who have turned 20 years old. It takes place on the second Monday of January and is a symbolic event where people officially join the ranks of adults! In fact, the age of adulthood has been lowered to 18 years old due to the revision of the Civil Code in 2022, but many municipalities still continue to hold Coming-of-Age Ceremonies for 20-year-olds. Here are some reasons why

Ebisu, the Japanese god of fortune, brings happiness to people with his smile. He is especially known as the god of prosperity in business and bountiful catches, and is enshrined at many shrines across the country. His friendly character and bright smile make him popular with foreigners too! In this article, we will introduce Ebisu in an easy-to-understand way. What kind of god is Ebisu? What is Ebisu?

New Year's Day is one of the most important events in Japan. During this period, many Japanese people visit shrines and temples to pray for good health and good fortune in the new year. One thing you can't miss when visiting shrines and temples during New Year's is "omikuji" (fortune telling slips)! In this article, we will explain the appeal and fun of omikuji in an easy-to-understand way for foreigners. What is omikuji? Omikuji is a

Japanese New Year is one of the most special times to experience Japanese culture. Not only do you celebrate the New Year with family and friends, but you can also fully experience the Japanese character through a number of traditions and customs. One of the most indispensable things is "mochi". In this article, we will introduce the charm of Japanese New Year and mochi in an easy-to-understand way. Japanese New Year Traditions In Japan, January 1st is celebrated as the first day of the New Year.

Christmas in Japan is very different from Christmas in the West, and its own culture and customs have developed. Here are some Christmas features that foreigners find particularly "Japanese". 1. In the West, where religious meaning is weak, Christmas is a religious event based on Christianity, and is centered around church mass and the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

It seems that it is often a little difficult for foreigners to pronounce Japanese names correctly. While some names have beautiful sounds and deep meanings, it can be hard to know how to read them or what gender they are. Because of this, it seems that they can have a hard time remembering and pronouncing names. In this article, we will introduce some names that foreigners often have trouble with!

In winter, the entire city of Osaka and Kobe is enveloped in sparkling illuminations. Here are some spots where you can experience the romantic atmosphere and beautiful scenery that are unique to this season. It's perfect for a date or an outing with friends! Nakanoshima Illumination Street The illuminated tree-lined streets along the river in Nakanoshima, the city of water, are beautiful.

One thing that almost always surprises foreigners who come to Japan is the quality of the toilets. Normally, you wouldn't be impressed by a toilet. However, in Japan, that concept is completely overturned! There are warm water flushing functions, automatic opening and closing, and even "Otohime" (sound princess) systems for privacy. In this article, we will take a look at the cutting-edge technology and comfort of Japanese toilets.

When you visit Japan, you will see vending machines wherever you go. They are installed in a variety of places, including roadsides, stations, tourist spots, and even in the mountains and on remote islands. It is said that there are more than 4 million vending machines in Japan, a number unparalleled in the world. What's more, the variety of items they sell is astonishing! Not only drinks, but also other items are sold in Japanese vending machines.