Traditions & Customs
The soroban — the Japanese abacus — may look like a relic from the past, but it remains one of Japan’s most trusted tools for learning mathematics and developing concentration. Even in today’s digital age, children across Japan still learn to calculate with the soroban. It’s more than a counting tool; it’s a mental exercise that sharpens both logic and creativity. What Is a Soroban? The soroban is Japan’s version of the abacus, originally adapted from the Chinese suanpan during the 16th century. The Japanese model simplified the structure — using one bead on top and four on the ...
Every September, Japan celebrates Keiro no Hi (敬老の日) — Respect for the Aged Day, a heartfelt holiday to honor grandparents and elders who have devoted their lives to family and society. It’s not only about longevity; it’s about gratitude, wisdom, and the ties that hold generations together. 🗓 When Is It? Keiro no Hi is observed on the third Monday of September. The holiday became official in 1966 and moved from September 15 to Monday in 2003 under the “Happy Monday” system to create a long weekend. In 2025, Keiro no Hi falls on September 15. 🌾 Meaning ...
Undo-kai is Japan’s school Sports Day, but it is not simply a day of races and games. It is a cultural event where children learn how to exist within a group.Rather than celebrating individual winners, undo-kai focuses on cooperation, shared roles, and the experience of striving together.This article explains what undo-kai really is, why it matters socially, and how it shapes values that carry into adult life. What Is Undo-kai? Undo-kai is an annual school event where students, teachers, and families gather to participate in physical activities as a school community. While it may resemble a sports festival, its purpose ...
Flea market has been progressively common and popular since 1990's in Japan. You can find notices of the events being held every weekend and holiday here and there. Unlike regular antique markets which are usually taken place in the open space of shrine and temple, flea markets usually take place in public space like park or large parking lot. Used clothes are the major items sold at flea market among the other used items from households. Especially, children's items are the most popular – people prefer to procure such items that are used only for a short period at the ...
When you buy a book or a small gift in Japan, it’s common for the shop clerk to wrap it neatly — often within seconds. This may seem surprising in an age of eco-awareness and minimal packaging, but in Japan, wrapping reflects thoughtfulness and respect. Why Bookstores Offer Wrapping In Japan, even a simple purchase like a book often comes wrapped in paper featuring the store’s logo. The clerk folds the corners with precision, creating a neat cover in seconds. So, why is this practice still loved today? 1. Privacy: Many readers prefer others not to know what they’re ...
Whenever and wherever Japanese people travel, one thing is always on their mind — souvenirs, or omiyage (お土産). In Japan, bringing back souvenirs isn’t just about buying gifts; it’s about sharing your experience and showing thoughtfulness toward others. Whether it’s for friends, family, coworkers, or neighbors, bringing home omiyage is a deeply rooted social custom. More Than a Gift — A Gesture of Connection Souvenirs represent the joy of travel and the appreciation of those waiting back home. In Japan, it’s almost unthinkable to return from a trip without omiyage. People might even feel embarrassed to come back empty-handed ...
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, 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 — ...
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