culture

: How about using Wrapping Service?

This might be against the global trend of ‘saving resources' and 'reduction of rubbish' but if you buy a book from Japanese bookshops, they usually put a cover on the book by folding the wrapping paper with the bookshop logo very quickly. Why is the cover supported? One of the two major reasons is because it covers the reader's privacy － many people don't want others to know where their interest lies being learnt from what they are reading. The other reason is that they want to preserve the books as neat and clean as new. There are more practical ...

: Deliver milk to your house

delivery

We used to see a little wooden box with a flap lid hung at the house gate. They were to receive delivery of milk bottles. It was a regular sight at anywhere until some decades ago. Such box can be still observed though with much less frequency and now it's made of plastic. Earlier than 1970's, milk used to be a drink to be delivered to home not to buy from the supermarket. Very early in the morning, milk packed in classical glass bottles are delivered by bicycle before -- now by car. Because of the delicacy of the ...

: How eagerly I have been waiting for Summer holiday!

School, summer

Every school kids are looking forward to the summer vacation. The summer vacation is the longest school holiday, though in fact the regions where people experience heavy snow or tough coldness, winter vacation is the major holiday of the year and the summer vacation is just transient. However, summer vacation must be the most active and awaited holidays for everyone as it is the best season to visit the sea and mountains! In Tokyo region, for example, it starts from around 20th July until the end of August For compulsory education students – primary and junior high school – there ...

: Japan summer is Hot and Humid! I highly recommend you to go to Beach resort.

Beach, summer

Every coast region have some beach resorts of which they are proud. The announcement of the termination of the rainy season is the notice of the arrival of the summer. People flock to the sunny beaches with families and friends. They enjoy dipping themselves into the sea water, sunbathing or play some beach sports. Umi-no-ie The beach side will be filled with temporary cottages called ‘Umi-no-ie’ (beach house) Umi-no-ie provides various services for visitors to satisfy every kind of needs they would wish to have; shower and bathrooms, space to relax, and serves drinks and light meals. They are ...

: Koromo Gae: I changed my wardrobe for new season.

As Japan is blessed with four characteristic seasons, we need to survive all of distinctive environment. So our house and closet are filled with the items and gears for the survivals; from icy cold in winter to burning heat in summer. Clothing is switched basically twice a year In fact the dates are officially set; 1st June and 1st October. Of course you can wear anything any time to make yourself comfortable but official clothes such as uniforms are changed in a snap on those days exactly – summer version from 1st June on starts and winter version from ...

: If you love festivals, you should go to Japan in summer

Festival, summer

Summer festival －Natsu-matsuri in Japanese － is one of the largest events in each community. Some of them are so prominent that attract a flock of visitors and tourists, even from abroad. But in fact, almost every local community holds their own summer festival. So just imagine thousands of summer festivals are happening throughout the season, throughout Japan. Such local-based Natsu-matsuri is a great opportunity for reconnection among the neighbours; people are too busy with each body’s activities － a person who lives in your next door doesn’t mean you can catch often. But the day of the Natsu-matsuri ...

: How about trying to send Shochu-mimai in summer in Japan?

In the age of internet, sending a physical postcard seems to be outmoded. But the fashion still persists with some nostalgia. There is one greeting card specific for the middle of summer. ‘Shochu-mimai’ greeting card is the postcard exchanged in the mid-summer The main purpose is to share the sympathy in enduring the consecutive days of harsh heat and remind the recipient to take good care of him/herself. Actually, there is a great deal of potential risk for heat stroke in recent years, and basically there’s high risk for food poisoning and loss of appetite in summer. ...

: At school in Japan We will teach swimming from elementary school.

Pool, summer, swimming

wimming lesson seems to be set as one of the crucial parts of the education in Japan. Every school usually is equipped with a swimming pool, and kindergarten will not complete their time-table without giving children a dip during the mid-summer Learning swimming at swimming club is one of the most popular activities that parents arrange for their small children, often for health purpose, as many parents claim that the children became tougher against cold after starting swimming lessons. Swimming in school curriculum starts in June in Kanto region. It is still in the middle of annual rainy season so ...

: Summer in Japan is too hot! Let's set Green curtains

bitter guard

During the summer, people are keen to grow climbing plants such as morning glory and bitter guard most commonly, by the windows of houses or public buildings. Windows will eventually get covered all over with the ‘Green Curtain’. This is a very practical idea. Not only the green coverage produces cool breezy shades against the sun but furthermore, the transpiration from the plants will actually reduce the temperature of nearby area. It also contributes to the reduction of CO2. This idea is not a new. But it has grown as much mainstream event in recent years along with the rise ...

: Bukatsu: Building a Strong Body and Spirit Through School Clubs

Discipline, Education, School Life, Senpai-Kohai, Teamwork

Extracurricular activities — known in Japan as Bukatsu — are an essential part of junior high school life. For many students, Bukatsu defines their school experience and plays a major role in shaping both their body and mind. What Is Bukatsu? The term Bukatsu is short for Bukatsudō (部活動), which literally means “club activities.” When students enter junior high school, they are expected to join at least one club — whether it’s a sports team, art club, music group, or science club. These activities help students develop discipline, teamwork, and friendship beyond the classroom. The Daily Routine of ...