Life
In Japan, you usually obtain a driver’s license by taking lessons at a private driving school. You obtain a license by entering a designated driving school and taking the lessons needed to acquire driving skills and accumulate driving knowledge. Most driving schools offer driving lessons and classes only in Japanese. Although in recent years this has changed, some schools have English speaking staff, and some even hire foreign, or native English speaking instructors. In the case of Tokyo The Koyama Driving School in Tokyo, says it is “the only driving school that provides lessons in English.” Most Japanese go ...
It is estimated there is a vending machine of some variety for every 20 people in Japan. With Japan’s population in excess of 127 million people, there must be some 5 million vending machines in the country. This figure might be hard to believe, until you step foot in Japan. There are vending machines for virtually everything, from the expected soft drink, ticket and food machines to the unusual machines which sell underwear or stuffed toy animals. General vending machine Many of the drink machines provide both hot and cold beverages, and they are fairly cheap in contrast to ...
A spiral of green incense, a faint smoky trail, and that unmistakable summer scent—katori senkō (mosquito coils) are woven into Japan’s warm-season memories. Beyond nostalgia, they’re a clever design born from pyrethrum (chrysanthemum) and refined into a practical tool still used today. What is it exactly, how did it begin, and do people in Japan still rely on it? What Is Katori Senkō? Katori senkō is a mosquito-repelling incense coil. A dried paste—traditionally containing pyrethrum derived from Tanacetum cinerariifolium—is extruded and formed into a spiral. You light the outer tip; it smolders slowly toward the center, releasing a thin, ...
When you walk through a Japanese neighborhood, you may notice small nameplates mounted beside the entrance of many homes. These hyōsatsu are more than labels—they reflect identity, hospitality, and a unique way of organizing daily life in Japan. A hyōsatsu placed beside the entrance reveals the family name of the home. What Is a Hyōsatsu? A hyōsatsu is a nameplate typically displayed near the front door or gate, showing the family’s surname. In some cases, the first names of family members are included as well. For visitors, postal workers, and delivery staff, the hyōsatsu serves as a clear confirmation ...
Walk through any Japanese neighborhood around dinnertime, and you’ll catch a mix of aromas — grilled fish, simmered vegetables, miso soup steaming softly in the kitchen. Simple meals, yes. But together, they’ve quietly shaped one of the longest-living societies on Earth. What makes the Japanese way of eating so powerful? Let’s uncover the science — and the spirit — behind it. A Tradition That Evolved with Time Japan’s traditional meal structure, ichiju-sansai — “one soup and three dishes” — is a beautiful expression of balance: a bowl of rice, a clear soup, a piece of fish, and a few ...
Did you know that many Japanese neighborhoods still use a paper board to share news?It’s called Kairan-ban, and instead of email or group chats, it literally gets passed from house to house. From festival announcements to warnings about wild monkeys, this old-school system shows how Japanese communities stay connected in their own unique way. A Paper-Based System Still Alive in Modern Japan Even in today’s digital age of smartphones and instant messaging, one analogue communication tool is still widely used in Japanese neighborhoods.It is called “Kairan-ban” (literally, “circulation board”). The Kairan-ban is a clipboard or folder that circulates from house ...
There is a certain exercise that every Japanese person knows — Radio Taiso (literally “radio exercise”). It’s a short, rhythmic workout that has been part of Japanese life for nearly a century. The Beginning of Radio Taiso Radio Taiso was first introduced in 1928, inspired by similar fitness programs from the United States. Since then, it has become a familiar routine taught in every Japanese elementary school. The exercises are performed to piano music and verbal instructions broadcast by Japan’s national radio station, NHK. The goal is simple: to promote good health, flexibility, and a sense of unity among ...
Japan experiences four beautiful yet distinct seasons, and with each one comes a shift not only in temperature but also in lifestyle. One of the most symbolic customs of this adaptation is Koromogae (衣替え) — the traditional practice of changing wardrobes to match the season. More than just cleaning out your closet, it reflects Japan’s deep respect for nature’s rhythm and social harmony. 🌸 What Is Koromogae? Koromogae literally means “changing clothes.” It’s a long-standing Japanese custom where people put away clothes from the previous season and bring out those for the upcoming one. Historically, even schools, offices, and ...
‘Seikyo’ which is known as Consumers' co-operative is largely popular and common system among Japanese to enrol in all over the country. You may see boxes of foods and groceries placed at the entrance of houses or apartments on certain time and date. They are delivered to the members of the Seikyo, which is familiar with the name ‘CO-OP’, upon their orders. The system is like this member will place their orders weekly, choosing items from paper catalogue or via internet and receive the order on their specific date of the week. You may like to have a private delivery ...
Despite its significance to the life and health, household chores are often under-evaluated as a work, just because its value is not easily recognised as in the way we hardly dare to acknowledge how much air and water mean to our lives. You may catch a hint of male chauvinism in Japanese tradition; access of women to the Sumo ground is strictly prohibited, daughters of Emperor Family cannot take the throne but they are rather dismissed from the royal family once they get married. You may be also suggested by the low rate of political and executive positions taken by ...
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