Hana Matsuri is also known as the Flower Festival or Buddha’s Birthday. Hana Matsuri is an annual Buddhist celebration celebrated in Japan and other parts of the world in honor of the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha and founder of Buddhism. The celebration takes place on April 8 each year. Hana Matsuri: Origin of […]
Hana Matsuri: The Celebration of the Birth of the Buddha Read More »
The Seven Gods of Happiness, or Shichifukujin (七福神), bring good luck and prosperity. They are often found in netsuke prints and other artistic representations. Six of them are mythological figures and one is historical. Origin and Significance Originally, these gods were distant and impersonal. Gradually, they became protective figures associated with professions and the arts.
The 7 gods of happiness Shichifukujin Read More »
Nestled in Oita Prefecture, on the island of Kyushu in Japan, the city of Beppu is renowned for its hot springs and its festive atmosphere. Every spring, Beppu celebrates the Beppu Hatto Spring Festival. Indeed, it is a vibrant celebration of the vibrant season and Japanese cultural richness. History and Origins The Beppu Hatto Spring
Beppu Hatto Spring Festival: A Japanese Celebration Read More »
The Randoseru is a traditional Japanese schoolbag used by children to go to elementary school. It is a hard leather bag, resistant and comfortable, which is worn on the back. Japanese parents consider the Randoseru as an investment in their child’s future, as it is often passed down from generation to generation. Origin of the
Randoseru the Japanese schoolbag Read More »
An Ancestral Expertise from Iwate Prefecture Nambu craftsmanship is an iconic tradition from the Morioka and Mizusawa regions, located in Iwate Prefecture in northern Japan. Inheriting a know-how passed down since the 17th century, it is particularly renowned for its Nambu cast iron, used in the creation of teapots, pans, and other everyday utensils. Nambu
Nambu Craftsmanship: A Continuing Tradition Read More »
Japanese floral art, or Ikebana, is much more than just a way to arrange flowers. It is a philosophy, a meditation, and an artistic expression that finds its essence in the harmony between nature and humans. At the heart of this ancient practice are Ikebana vases, unique pieces that embody the simplicity and sophistication of
Ikebana Vases: Japanese Elegance to Enhance Your Flowers Read More »
A Wild and Unspoiled Island Yakushima, located in the south of Kyushu Island, is an ideal destination for nature lovers. This little slice of Japanese paradise is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its exceptional biodiversity. Covered largely by a dense and lush forest, the island offers a rare natural spectacle combining mountains, rivers,
Yakushima Island: Japan’s Mystical and Unspoiled Island Read More »
Hanami, a traditional custom of Japan, has its roots in the Nara period. It is a practice of admiring the fleeting beauty of flowers in full bloom. This custom is practiced during spring, mainly with the famous cherry blossoms, called Sakura. Hanami also includes the appreciation of apricot flowers (Ume), which bloom earlier, as well
Spring in Japan: A Dive into Hanami Read More »
What is the Dogū Doll? The Dogū doll is a terracotta figurine created by the inhabitants of Japan during the Jōmon period. It is particularly interesting because it is one of the oldest traces of prehistoric Japanese culture. These objects, often small in size, feature stylized human forms, but their true purpose remains a mystery.
The Dogū Doll: A Window into Japanese Prehistory Read More »
White Day is a Japanese tradition full of sweetness and delicacy. It is a unique celebration which takes place on March 14 each year. While Valentine’s Day highlights the advances of women by offering chocolates for men. White Day gives men the opportunity to respond in an equally caring manner. White Day and its origin
The White Day: Sweet celebration of love and friendship Read More »
