Why “YUNOMI”?

Whenever and wherever Japanese people travel, one thing is always on their mind — souvenirs, or omiyage (お土産). In Japan, bringing back souvenirs isn’t just about buying gifts; it’s about sharing your experience and showing thoughtfulness toward others. Whether it’s for friends, family, coworkers, or neighbors, bringing home omiyage is a deeply rooted social custom.   More Than a Gift — A Gesture of Connection Souvenirs represent the joy of travel and the appreciation of those waiting back home. In Japan, it’s almost unthinkable to return from a trip without omiyage. People might even feel embarrassed to come back empty-handed ...

Japan is full of shortened words — and once you notice them, you’ll hear them everywhere. From remote control becoming Remo-con to smartphone becoming Sma-pho, abbreviations are a fun and natural part of everyday Japanese communication.  1. Why Japanese People Shorten Words Japanese culture values efficiency and simplicity, but there’s more to it than that. The Japanese language has a natural rhythm made of short syllables, so shortening words makes them easier to say and gives them a catchy, rhythmic sound. That’s why even foreign brand names and people’s names get shortened based on sound, not spelling: Starbucks → Staba ...

In Japan, students receive school lunches — kyūshoku — from elementary through junior high school. Everyone eats the same meal, served at the same time, in the same classroom. It’s part of the country’s compulsory education and continues until the end of junior high. From high school onward, students usually bring their own obento lunch boxes.   Kyushoku=School Lunch The system began as a way to ensure that all children, regardless of family income, could eat a nutritious meal during the day. It also lightens the burden on parents, who no longer need to prepare daily lunches. With a small ...

Shinmai is Japan’s “new rice” season—freshly harvested rice from the current year, prized for its aroma, softness, and subtle sweetness. In Japan, shinmai is not just a product label. It’s a seasonal moment: the first bowls of rice that feel lighter, glossier, and more fragrant than the rest of the year. This guide explains what shinmai means, when it appears, how it tastes different, and how Japanese people actually enjoy it at home.   What Is Shinmai? Shinmai means “new rice”—rice harvested in the current year and sold as the season’s first fresh crop. In practice, shinmai is the rice ...

Who would have imagined that curry would become one of Japan’s most beloved dishes? Many people in Japan even say they could eat curry every single day without getting tired of it! In Japan, the word “curry” almost always refers to curry rice (kare raisu) — a dish quite different from the spicy curries found in India or Thailand. Japanese curry has its own distinct flavor, texture, and cultural story.   The Secret of Japanese Curry’s Unique Taste Japanese curry is made using a roux — a thick paste created by blending various spices with wheat flour and oil. This ...

In Japan, expecting mothers receive a small yet powerful booklet called the Boshi-techo  or Maternal and Child Health Handbook. It’s more than just a medical record — it’s a symbol of how deeply Japanese society values the connection between parent and child, and the idea of caring for life from the very beginning.   👶 What Is the Boshi-techo? Once a pregnancy is officially confirmed at the hospital, mothers are encouraged to visit their local city hall to receive the Boshi-techo. This diary-sized booklet contains essential information about pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare — including nutrition, mental health, and advice for ...

Japan is famous for small kindnesses in everyday life — from a free wet towel at restaurants to complimentary amenities at hotels. But what counts as “free,” and what comes with small rules or expectations? Here’s a clear guide so you can enjoy Japan’s freebies politely and confidently.   What “Free” Usually Means in Japan Included in the service price: Items are offered as part of what you already pay for (meals, rooms, tickets). Compliments for comfort: Small extras intended to improve the experience (wet towels, water, tea, condiments). Promotional samples: Freebies given to introduce a new product (supermarkets, drugstores, ...

Japan’s rainy season—known as tsuyu or baiu—is a unique early-summer period marked by steady rain, warm humidity, and the soft, muted beauty of hydrangeas. More than just a weather pattern, tsuyu subtly influences daily life, travel plans, and the overall atmosphere of June and early July in Japan.   What Is Tsuyu? Tsuyu is Japan’s annual rainy season. A slow-moving seasonal rain front settles over the archipelago, creating weeks of drizzle, cloud cover, and humid air. The term tsuyu literally means “plum rain,” as this period coincides with the ripening of plums (ume) across Japan.   When Does the Rainy Season ...

Few everyday items reflect Japan’s love of precision and minimalism better than the so-called “sharp pencil” — what English speakers know as the mechanical pencil. In Japan, these aren’t just tools for writing; they’re a blend of engineering, practicality, and quiet beauty.   What Is a “Sharp Pencil”? In Japanese, a mechanical pencil is called shaap penshiru (シャープペンシル) — often shortened to “sharp.” While many countries rely on ballpoint pens for schoolwork, Japanese students overwhelmingly prefer mechanical pencils. Why? Because graphite can be erased cleanly with a plastic eraser, keeping notebooks neat and legible. For most students, a sharp pencil ...

Every summer in Japan, the night sky bursts into color as fireworks festivals — hanabi-taikai (花火大会) — light up towns and cities across the country. More than just a visual spectacle, these events represent joy, togetherness, and the fleeting beauty that defines Japanese aesthetics. Families, couples, and friends gather by riversides, parks, and beaches to watch the fireworks bloom like giant flowers.In a season marked by heat and humidity, these displays offer a cool, shared moment of wonder under the stars. The Meaning Behind Hanabi The word hanabi (花火) literally means “flower fire.”It captures the Japanese appreciation for impermanence — ...