Why “YUNOMI”?

The name comes from the casual phrase “you know mean?” — something people say when sharing small stories. It sounds just like yunomi (a Japanese teacup), which also represents warmth and everyday life. That’s exactly what this blog is about: sharing small, warm moments of Japanese culture that make you say, “Ah, I get it now.” Written by YUNOMI A Japanese writer sharing firsthand insights into Japanese daily life, culture, and seasonal traditions.

: Hanabi-taikai: Japan’s Summer Fireworks Tradition and the Spirit of Celebration

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 — ...

: Koinobori: It seems that fish swimming in the sky is in Japan

In late April and early May, the skies of Japan are decorated with vibrant, fluttering carp streamers.These are called Koinobori, and they are displayed every year to celebrate Children’s Day on May 5th. Far more than just decorations, Koinobori carry deep symbolism, representing parents’ hopes for their children’s health, strength, and future success. Origin and Symbolism The tradition of Koinobori began in the Edo period (1603–1868), when samurai households displayed banners to celebrate the birth of boys.Over time, these evolved into carp-shaped streamers, inspired by a Chinese legend: A carp that bravely swims upstream and climbs a waterfall transforms into ...

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