Tanabata: The Star Festival in Japan
Tanabata, also known as Star Festival, is an annual Japanese celebration inspired by a Chinese legend. Observed on July 7 (or August 7 in some…
District Akihabara – History and treasures of the otaku paradise
Japan’s popular culture shines all over the world. Its high-quality video games, manga and fascinating animated films have crossed borders. Today, every geek and otaku…
Hakata Gion Yamagasa Festival: An ancestral celebration
Hakata Gion Yamagasa is an iconic festival and one of the oldest in Japan. It is celebrated every year from July 1st to 15th in…
Japanese Oni: Between Myth and Reality
Japan is a country rich in folklore and legends, and among the mythical creatures that populate its imagination, the Oni occupy a prominent place. The…
Prince Shōtoku: A Key Figure of the Asuka Period
A Key Figure of the Asuka Period in Japan Prince Shōtoku, born February 7, 574, in Nara and died April 8, 622, was a major…
Hokkaido Island: Japan’s Wild Pearl
Hokkaido Island is the second largest island in Japan. It is the northernmost of the four main islands that make up the Japanese archipelago. With…
“The Ballad of Narayama”: A poignant Japanese film
Directed in 1983 by Imamura Shohei, The Ballad of Narayama is inspired by the eponymous novel by Fukazawa Shichirō. Through its understated yet powerful direction,…
The Sanno Matsuri: A major celebration of Tokyo
The Sanno Matsuri, also called Sanno Festival, is one of the largest Shinto festivals in Tokyo, alongside Fukagawa Matsuri and Kanda Matsuri. This festival takes…
Otaue Rice Planting Festival, a Japanese tradition
The Otaue Rice Planting Festival is an iconic annual celebration in Japan. It marks the start of the rice planting season. This event is mainly…
5 Absurd Rules in Japan That Could Land You in Jail
Japan fascinates with its unique culture, but the absurd rules in Japan can seem completely baffling to foreigners! Behind this harmonious society lie strict prohibitions…
One Piece: A Worldwide Manga Phenomenon
Origin and Success One Piece is a manga Japanese manga series created by Eiichiro Oda in 1997. Since its first publication, the work has achieved…
Takigi Noh at Heian Shrine
Takigi Noh is a traditional Japanese open-air theater performance that takes place every year at the Heian Shrine in Kyoto. This unique event offers an…
The Koromogae: A Japanese Season Change Tradition
Koromogae is an ancient Japanese ritual practice of changing seasonal clothes. It is usually performed twice a year, in spring and fall, to celebrate the start of each season. This practice is seen as a way to purify the soul and renew the mind in preparation for the upcoming seasonal changes. Koromogae is a highly respected ritual in Japan and is often associated with other spiritual and religious practices, such as
Kawaii: The adorable symbol of Japanese pop culture
Kawaii is a unique cultural phenomenon that has become emblematic of Japanese pop culture. Its impact on Japanese society and the world is undeniable, especially in the fields of fashion and entertainment. However, it is important to acknowledge the criticisms surrounding Kawaii and to promote a culture of self-esteem and self-acceptance.
The Work of Naruto: The Epic Ninja Anime
Created by Masashi Kishimoto, the work of Naruto has influenced generations since its publication in 1999. Adapted into anime, films, video games, and other derivative…
Tsukiji Market: History of this Iconic Market
Tsukiji Market: A Global Icon of Fresh Fish The former Tsukiji Fish Market, located in the heart of Tokyo, was the world’s largest fish market.…
Discover the Asakusa Sanja Matsuri Festival!
The Sanja Matsuri Festival is one of the most famous and lively festivals in Tokyo. It takes place on the third weekend of each May…
Toshogu Shrine Festival in Nikko
A Historic Celebration The Toshogu Shrine Festival in Nikko is an iconic event. It celebrates the life and legacy of Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the…
Aoi Matsuri: The Kyoto Holly Leaf Festival
The Aoi Matsuri is also known as the “Holly Leaf Festival”. It is one of the most remarkable events in Kyoto, an emblematic city in…
Yoyogi Park: The Unmissable Spot for Chilling Out in Tokyo
Yoyogi Park is one of the largest public parks in Tokyo, Japan, covering an area of 54.1 hectares. It is located in the Shibuya Ward,…
Kamakura City
Kamakura is a historic city located in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. This city is famous for its rich history and culture, as well as for its…
Midori no Hi Celebration : Earth Day in Japan
Midori no Hi, also known as Green Earth Day, is an annual celebration in Japan that takes place on May 4. This day is dedicated…
Kodomo no hi: Children’s Day in Japan
Kodomo no hi, or Children’s Day, is an annual celebration in Japan. It is held on May 5. This day is dedicated to promoting the…
Kenpo Kinenbi: Celebrating Constitutional Day in Japan
May 3 is a special date in Japan. It marks Constitutional Day, also known as Kenpo Kinenbi. This day commemorates the entry into force of…
Meiji-jingu Shrine: An Oasis of Peace in the Heart of Tokyo
A haven of peace in the heart of Tokyo Meiji-jingu Shrine is located in Yoyogi Park in the heart of Tokyo. It offers a peaceful…
The Sake: Secrets of Making This Iconic Drink
The Sake is a traditional Japanese alcoholic beverage that has become popular worldwide. Also called nihonshu, this drink is made from rice, water, and koji,…
Imari Porcelain – Arita
Origins and History Imari porcelain – Arita dates back to the 17th century in the city of Arita, located in Saga Prefecture, Japan. At that…
Yayoi Matsuri Festival: A Colorful Celebration in Japan
Yayoi Matsuri is an annual festival celebrated in Nikko, a city located in Tochigi Prefecture in Japan. During this festival, the local deity, Futarasan, is…
The Sanno Matsuri Festival at Hie-jinja Shrine in Takayama
The Sanno Matsuri celebration is an annual festival held at Hie-jinja Shrine in Takayama. It is a city located in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. This festival…
Miyako Odori, dance show in Kyoto
Miyako Odori is a traditional Japanese dance performance that takes place every year in Kyoto, Japan. The Miyako Odori Executive Committee organizes this show. This…
Hana Matsuri: The Celebration of the Birth of the Buddha
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…
The 7 gods of happiness Shichifukujin
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…
Beppu Hatto Spring Festival: A Japanese Celebration
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.…
Randoseru the Japanese schoolbag
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…
Nambu Craftsmanship: A Continuing Tradition
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.…
Ikebana Vases: Japanese Elegance to Enhance Your Flowers
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…
Yakushima Island: Japan’s Mystical and Unspoiled Island
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…
Spring in Japan: A Dive into Hanami
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…
The Dogū Doll: A Window into Japanese Prehistory
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…
The White Day: Sweet celebration of love and friendship
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…
Tashirojima Island: Cat Island
Tashirojima Island is a small island located in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. Nicknamed “Cat Island”, it is a unique place where felines coexist harmoniously with humans.…
Omizutori, Nara festival announcing spring
Omizutori (お水取り) or the Torch Festival is a Buddhist religious rite. It is celebrated every year in the Nigatsu-do of the Todai-ji temple, in Nara,…