Disposable hand warmers: a winter staple in Japan

In the winter in Japan, a heating item called a "disposable hand warmer" is often used. Just by opening the bag, it becomes warm, and it can be put in a pocket or attached to the body over clothing. [Did disposable hand warmers originate in Japan?] Disposable hand warmers are actually an item that was invented in Japan. They are now sold in Asian countries such as Korea and China,

January and February are the coldest months of the year in Japan. Some areas get a lot of snow, while others get less snow but have a cold wind. Many people may feel that winter in Japan is cold not just in temperature, but also in the way it feels. Today, we'll be introducing how Japanese people spend the cold season. [Inside Japanese homes, it's surprisingly cold.

Did you know that there are two New Year's holidays in Japan? One is the well-known New Year's Day on January 1st. The other is "Kosho-gatsu" (Little New Year). Kosho-gatsu falls around January 15th. It is not a big event these days, but it is an important part of Japanese culture, as it shows the way Japanese people live and think. [Taisho

In Japan, special greetings are exchanged at the beginning of the new year. These words are filled with relationships with people who are important to the Japanese, gratitude, and hopes for the future. This time, we will introduce some words that Japanese people often use at the New Year. [Happy New Year] This is the most common New Year greeting.