culture
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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. ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Calligraphy in Japan, known as Shodo , 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, ...
We use cookies to improve your browsing experience, serve ads, and analyze traffic.
By clicking “Accept,” you agree to our use of cookies as described in our
Cookie Policy .
Accept
Decline
