culture

: Why Do Japanese People Take Off Their Shoes?

Manners

Understanding the Culture, Manners, and Meaning Behind This Everyday Tradition Have you ever wondered why Japanese people always remove their shoes before stepping indoors?For first-time visitors, this simple gesture might seem curious—but it carries deep cultural meaning rooted in respect, cleanliness, and harmony with nature. This article explores the story behind this unique custom, explains where and when to remove your shoes, and shares practical tips to help you follow Japanese etiquette with confidence. 🏠 The Cultural Meaning Behind Removing Shoes In Japan, cleanliness is more than a habit—it’s a reflection of one’s respect for others and for the home.Traditional ...

: Relax and Recharge: 5 Must-Visit Hot Springs in Japan

Onsen

Japan is home to countless hot springs (onsen), each offering unique healing properties and beautiful surroundings. Whether you're new to hot springs or a seasoned visitor, this guide will introduce you to five of the most famous onsen in Japan. These destinations are perfect for relaxation and recharging your body and mind, with easy access from major cities like Tokyo and Osaka. 1. Hakone Onsen (Kanagawa) Access from Tokyo Distance: Approx. 85 km Travel Time: About 1.5 hours by train (Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku) Key Features and Recommendations Hakone Onsen is one of the most popular hot spring destinations ...

: A Complete Guide to Enjoying Japanese Hot Springs

Onsen

Japan is a country blessed with an abundance of hot springs, known as "onsen." These natural baths offer more than just relaxation—they provide a unique opportunity to experience traditional Japanese culture. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned onsen enthusiast, this guide will help you make the most of your onsen experience, covering essential etiquette, how to enjoy the hot springs, and recommendations for top onsen destinations. What is an Onsen? An onsen is a natural hot spring bath, heated by geothermal energy from the earth. The mineral-rich water in onsen is known for its various health benefits, ...

: Chopstick Etiquette: 13 Common Taboos Adults Should Avoid

Understanding chopstick etiquette is essential for respecting Japanese culture and ensuring a pleasant dining experience. Here are 13 chopstick taboos that adults should be particularly mindful of. Common Chopstick Taboos Chopstick handling taboos are known as "kiraibashi" in Japanese, and there are surprisingly many of them. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the key taboos that adults should be particularly mindful of. 1. Reversing Chopsticks (Kaeshi-bashi) When serving from a shared dish, some people reverse their chopsticks to avoid using the end that touched their mouth. However, this means using the part your hands touched, which is unhygienic. Additionally, ...

: Shiohigari : Clam Digging In Japan! What to bring and Tricks

Clam digging is one of many popular outdoor activities for all generations in Japan from April to the end of June. May and June are the most popular months of the year to go clam digging - (Shiohigari in Japan). Once I went clam digging in Egawakaigan-Shiohigarijo in Kisarazu, Chiba with some of my friends from back home in Europe, and they had a blast!. It took about one hour for each member to dig about 2 Kilos of Asari clams (Japanese littleneck clams). Clam digging is very popular in Japan so locations can get very crowded on holidays and ...

: Shogi: The History, Rules, and Charm of Japanese Chess

Shogi, also known as Japanese chess, is a two-player strategy board game in the same family as Western chess.The word “shogi” means “game of generals,” and the game has been played in its current form since the 16th century. What makes shogi unique is the rule that allows captured pieces to be reused, giving the game incredible strategic depth. A Brief History of Shogi Shogi traces back to Chaturanga, an Indian board game from the 6th century. Through China’s xiangqi, it eventually arrived in Japan. The earliest written reference appears in Shin Saru Gakuki (1058–1064). Archaeological finds from Kōfuku-Ji ...

: Earthquakes in Japan: How to Stay Safe When the Ground Shakes

Japan is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world.Small tremors happen almost every day, and while most are harmless, large ones can be devastating — as seen in Kobe (1995) and Fukushima (2011). For visitors, even a minor shake can feel frightening.But for Japanese people, earthquakes are part of everyday life — something they’ve learned to live with, prepare for, and respond to calmly. Understanding Japan’s Earthquake Reality From early childhood, Japanese people are taught what to do during a quake.Schools hold regular emergency drills, and workplaces train employees on evacuation procedures. Japan’s strict building standards mean that ...

: Sumo Wrestling: It's both a Shinto Ritual and a Sport

Sumo wrestling or Sumo is a competitive full-contact wrestling sport where a rikishi (wrestler) attempts to force another wrestler out of a circular ring or the Dohyō or into touching the ground with anything other than the soles of his feet. The sport originated in Japan, the only country where it is practiced professionally It is generally considered a Gendai-budō (a modern Japanese martial art), however, this definition is misleading, as the sport has a history spanning many centuries. Many ancient traditions have been preserved in sumo, and even today the sport includes many ritual elements, such as the use ...

: Maneki Neko: Cat That Strongly Invites Good Luck

The Maneki-Neko (literally "beckoning cat") is a common Japanese figurine (lucky charm, talisman) which is often believed to bring good luck to the owner. In modern times, they are usually made of ceramic or plastic. The figurine depicts a cat (traditionally a calico Japanese Bobtail) beckoning with an upright paw, and is usually displayed in—often at the entrance of—shops, restaurants, pachinko parlors, and other businesses. The Maneki-Neko is sometimes also called the welcoming cat, lucky cat, money cat, happy cat, raging cat, beckoning cat, or fortune cat in English. Various Types Maneki-Neko comes in different colors, styles and degrees ...

: Why Do Japanese Work So Much? The Culture Behind Overtime and Karoshi

Japan is famous not only for its advanced technology and unique culture, but also for its intense work ethic.For decades, Japanese office workers have been associated with long hours, late nights, and a word that shocked the world: karoshi — death from overwork. Why does this happen in a country that values harmony and discipline?And why do so many employees still find it difficult to leave the office on time or take their paid vacation? This article explores the cultural and structural reasons behind Japan’s overtime problem — from social pressure and “unwritten rules” to the tragic consequences of karoshi ...

1 2 3 … 6 Next »