Traditions & Customs
Every country has its own set of superstitions — small beliefs that mix fear, respect, and curiosity. Japan is no exception. Even today, many traditional sayings and actions are quietly passed down through daily life. When Someone Sneezes In English-speaking countries, people say “Bless you!” when someone sneezes. But in Japan, sneezing means something completely different — someone is talking about you! No one knows whether they’re saying good or bad things, but the idea still makes people smile. Don’t Waste Even a Grain of Rice Japanese people are often taught to finish every bite on their plate. Leaving ...
In Japan, students receive school lunches — kyūshoku — from elementary through junior high school. Everyone eats the same meal, served at the same time, in the same classroom. It’s part of the country’s compulsory education and continues until the end of junior high. From high school onward, students usually bring their own obento lunch boxes. Kyushoku=School Lunch The system began as a way to ensure that all children, regardless of family income, could eat a nutritious meal during the day. It also lightens the burden on parents, who no longer need to prepare daily lunches. With a small ...
In Japan, expecting mothers receive a small yet powerful booklet called the Boshi-techo (母子健康手帳), or Maternal and Child Health Handbook. It’s more than just a medical record — it’s a symbol of how deeply Japanese society values the connection between parent and child, and the idea of caring for life from the very beginning. 👶 What Is the Boshi-techo? Once a pregnancy is officially confirmed at the hospital, mothers are encouraged to visit their local city hall to receive the Boshi-techo. This diary-sized booklet contains essential information about pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare — including nutrition, mental health, and advice ...
In Japan, bathing is more than getting clean — it’s a daily ritual of resetting the mind and body. From steaming hot springs in the mountains to neighborhood public baths and quiet home tubs, bathing reflects Japan’s love of warmth, calm, and simple comfort. What Makes Japanese Bathing Unique Wash first, soak second: You always wash outside the tub, then enter the bath to relax. Hot but gentle: Typical bath temperature is around 40–42°C, warm enough to loosen the body without feeling harsh. Daily reset: Many people bathe at night to sleep better and “reset” for tomorrow. Seasonal joy: ...
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 — ...
Bamboo is one of the most beloved plants in Japan. It represents strength, purity, and growth, and appears in nearly every aspect of Japanese life — from cuisine to crafts and traditional New Year decorations. It’s also a sign of spring’s arrival, as young bamboo shoots begin to sprout across fields, marking a new season of renewal. Takenoko: The Taste of Spring Each spring, Japanese families look forward to harvesting takenoko, or baby bamboo shoots. These shoots grow incredibly fast — sometimes up to one meter per day! They’re dug up when only the tip appears above the soil, ...
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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