culture

: Emoji: Let's convey your thoughts with Pictogram

Pictogram

I guess ‘Emoji’ is one of the must-have apps. on the mobile phone. Those emotions and pictures help a lot to convey the nuances which alphabets cannot do enough; it softens the words and strengthens the emotions. But did you know the word ‘Emoji’ is Japanese? ‘E’ means picture and ‘moji’ means character, i.e. pictograph. Although Emoji first appeared on Japanese mobile phone in late 1990's, the use of pictograph in writing had been seen since 1980’s among young generations. Haven’t you found some Emoji icons that you would want to question what they mean? The Emoji app. includes a ...

: Saving is one of the core ideas of Japanese style of living

Saving

It is said that in Edo era, everything was recycled in the metropolitan city of Edo. The idea has been nurtured until now being aware that Japan is a natural-resource-poor country. Though there were some times that the idea of overheat consumption was appreciated as seen in the late 80's. But people are basically very keen to live frugally. A lot of saving ideas are shared via books, magazines and internet etc. and people don’t wait to bring those ideas into practice. It is a common tip to use bath water for washing clothes Pump up the remaining bath ...

: Shodo: The Art and Spirit of Japanese Calligraphy

Calligraphy in Japan, known as Shodo (書道), is more than just writing beautifully.It is an art form that expresses both character and emotion through brush, ink, and balance. The black ink on white paper creates a striking contrast, where every line and curve reflects the writer’s spirit and discipline.Shodo is considered one of the most refined expressions of traditional Japanese aesthetics. What Is Shodo? The word Shodo literally means “the way of writing.”It combines artistic beauty with spiritual concentration — a practice deeply rooted in Zen philosophy. When you watch a calligrapher move the brush, each stroke seems alive.The rhythm, ...

: Kodomo-kai: There is a system that increases the experience value of children

Kodomo

It is quite common for kids from 6 years old under age 12, i.e. children of primary school age, to enrol the activity club called ‘Kodomo-kai’. ‘Kodomo’ means children and ‘Kai’ means society, club or gatherings in Japanese. The purpose of the kodomo-kai is to provide children with a chance to communicate and cooperate with younger and elders in the community and give them variety of experiences outside of the family and school life, with the backup of their parents. Funding source of "Kodomo-kai" A few coins of the fee are collected from every member monthly to keep up ...

: There are many kinds of Japanese crockery prepared according to cooking and season.

Do you have any idea how Japanese crockery could look like? If the bowls and plates you know are the ones with smooth surface and round shape, you shall be betrayed. To suit with Japanese dishes whose nature is principally simple by singling out the spirit of the ingredient, crockery has got a chance to flourish itself. Japanese table is consisted of many plates and bowls whose material and shape are varied. They are chosen according to the image of the dishes and also four of the seasons of Japan. For instance, the cool and handsome look of glassware and ...

: Let's prepare souvenirs when you go on a trip.That is cool

souvenirs

Whenever and wherever Japanese people travel, what they always have in mind is about souvenir (Omiyage). Souvenir for them is sharing of the memory and experience with friends, co-workers and neighbours not to mention own family and relatives. Actually, it might be almost impossible to come back without any souvenir to share once you have announced that you were travelling. You could even feel embarrassed if you are found you had travelled but came back with no souvenirs. Local products are Best Kyoto: Yatuhashi Mie: Akafuku-Mochi They can be anything but shall be something to display where you travelled, ...

: Antique Markets in Japan: Where Everyday Objects Become Hidden Treasures

Antique, antique market, flea market, history, Japanese culture, local life, secondhand Japan, shrine, traditional crafts

Antique lovers will be delighted to know that Japan has a thriving market scene filled with charm and history.From small local gatherings to large monthly events, these markets offer a fascinating glimpse into Japan’s past — and maybe, a chance to find your own little treasure. A Serene Setting Beneath the Shrine Trees One of the most beautiful things about Japanese antique markets is their setting.Many are held in the precincts of shrines, where tall trees sway quietly and the air feels calm.It’s a perfect match — the sacred atmosphere of the shrine and the nostalgic charm of timeworn objects. ...

: Almost a quiz problem! Abbreviations are abundant in Japan

Abbreviations

Is it because Japanese culture value minimalism and simplicity? Japanese people seem to be very enthusiastic in shortening the words. For instance, we call a remote controller ‘Remo-Con’ and a smart phone is usually called ‘Sma-Pho’ in Japan. Even the world’s big names have been converted into Staba (Starbucks) and Bana-Ripa (Banana Republic). Will Mr Brad Pitt ever know that he is most commonly called ‘Bra-Pi’ in Japan?! Often the words are abbreviated paying no attention to English syllables so it would sound quite peculiar for the people who speak English; they are rather created much depends on the sound ...

: What is "Renrakumou”? It makes me think of a Chinese whispers

Every school classes or group of certain members would like to organise ‘Renrakumou’. Renrakumou is a list on which the member’s name and contact details are written. With renrakumou, you won’t need to collect member’s contact by asking individually. Especially, renrakumou made in schools has a purpose of emergency network When school has got some notices that they want to spread to the students/guardians urgently is when the renrakumou will play its roll. It is usually arranged in the tree-form network, starting from the teacher at the top then it comes down to the 2nd layers downwards. The teacher passes ...

: Superstition in Japan: Believe it or not Believe depending on you

superstitions

Every culture has its own set of superstitions. Some are good teaching and some are lacking sensible foundation. But any of them are simply fun and interesting. In English-spoken world, people give a response ‘bless you!’ whenever they hear someone sneeze. While in many other countries the words for health instead will be thrown, but not in Japan. When someone sneeze, that’s the sign that someone is talking about you － nicely or badly is unknown. It may be noticeable how entirely Japanese eat up the dish on the plate. That’s how they are taught. Or if you ...