At the center of many traditional Japanese sweets lies Anko (あんこ) — a sweet red bean paste made from azuki beans. Its gentle sweetness, earthy aroma, and smooth texture have made it an essential part of Japan’s dessert culture for centuries. From Ohagi and Dorayaki to Taiyaki and Daifuku, you’ll find anko in nearly every wagashi (traditional sweet) across Japan.   What Is Anko? Anko is made by slowly simmering azuki beans with sugar until the beans become tender and sweet. The result is a thick, sweet paste that perfectly balances natural earthiness with delicate sweetness — never too sugary. It’s a flavor that pairs beautifully with green tea, whose slight bitterness complements the anko’s warmth.   Two Main Types of Anko Tsubuan (Chunky Red Bean Paste) Tsubuan (つぶあん) keeps some of the bean skins intact, giving it a rustic texture and rich flavor. It’s commonly used in sweets like Taiyaki and Manju, where the slight graininess enhances the traditional taste.   Koshian (Smooth Red Bean Paste) Koshian (こしあん) is made by straining the beans through a fine sieve to remove the skins, creating a smooth, silky paste. Its refined texture makes it ideal for elegant sweets like Ohagi or Nerikiri, often seen in tea ceremonies.   Other Delicious Variations While azuki-based anko is the most common, Japan’s regional and seasonal creativity has given rise to several colorful variations:   Shiroan (white bean paste) Made from white kidney beans, mild and less earthy.   Kuri-an (chestnut paste) A golden autumn favorite made with chestnuts and ...

When you enter a Japanese home, the first space you see is the genkan (玄関) — the traditional entryway where shoes are removed. It may look small and simple, but it reflects deep values in Japanese daily life. This humble step-down area tells a story of cleanliness, respect, and mindfulness — all before you even step inside.   What Is a Genkan? The genkan is a recessed entry space found in almost every Japanese home. It serves as a boundary between the outside world and the clean indoor living area. The custom dates back to the Heian period, when nobles and temples used raised-floor architecture. Over time, the practice evolved into a cultural standard in everyday homes.   Why Do Japanese Remove Shoes? Removing shoes in Japan is about more than hygiene — it reflects cultural values: Cleanliness — keeping dirt, dust, and mud out Respect — honoring the home and its inhabitants Comfort — maintaining clean floors, especially with tatami mats Practicality — Japan’s climate brings rain, snow, and dust In Japan, shoes symbolize the outside world — and leaving them at the genkan shows courtesy and care.   How to Use the Genkan Properly When entering a Japanese home, here’s the polite way: Step into the genkan area Remove your shoes while facing inward Turn your shoes around to face the door Step up into the home wearing socks or slippers This small gesture demonstrates neatness and awareness — qualities highly appreciated in Japan.   Slippers, Socks, and Tatami Rules Inside a Japanese ...

Japan is often seen as a country full of traditions and rituals—but strangely, most Japanese people don’t identify as “religious.” They rarely go to church or temples on a regular basis,yet they’ll visit shrines during New Year, buy charms for good luck,and pray before exams or big events. So why do Japanese people still buy omamori,even if they don’t think of themselves as religious? Let’s explore this fascinating question. What Are Omamori? Omamori (お守り) are small amulets sold at shrines and temples across Japan.They’re believed to provide blessings and protection in specific areas—for example, safe travels, good health, exam success, or love. Each omamori is wrapped in a small silk pouchand usually contains a prayer or sacred paper from the shrine. People often buy them at the beginning of the year,before a trip, or when starting something new—like a job or school life. Religion in Japan Is Different To understand this, we first need to understand how religion works in Japan.In Western cultures, religion often means “belonging”—you’re Christian, Muslim, or Hindu, and your faith defines your identity. In Japan, it’s not about belonging. It’s about coexisting. Most Japanese people grow up surrounded by both Shinto and Buddhism,and they move between them naturally.It’s common to attend a Shinto-style weddingand later have a Buddhist funeral. To foreigners, that might seem contradictory—but to Japanese people, it’s simply natural.Each tradition has its own purpose and timing in life. Omamori as Emotional Security Buying an omamori doesn’t necessarily mean “I believe in God.”It’s more like saying, “I hope everything goes ...

Few drinks capture the heart of Japanese daily life as beautifully as green tea — called ocha (お茶). It’s more than just a beverage; it’s a quiet ritual that reflects respect, mindfulness, and connection. From the first flush of shincha (“new tea”) in spring to the humble cup shared with guests, green tea accompanies every season and emotion of life in Japan.   Shincha: The Taste of a New Season Every year in early May, tea farmers across Japan begin harvesting the year’s first young tea leaves — known as shincha. This tea is prized for its fresh, grassy aroma and mild sweetness, embodying the spirit of renewal after a long winter. For many Japanese, the arrival of shincha marks a gentle seasonal joy — just like the blooming of cherry blossoms. People visit tea shops to buy the year’s first batch, often beautifully wrapped and shared as gifts to celebrate good health and fortune.   Regional Tea Culture Japan’s green tea is deeply regional. Shizuoka Prefecture produces nearly half of the nation’s tea, known for its balanced flavor and vivid green color. Uji in Kyoto is famed for its refined aroma and long tea-making tradition — the birthplace of matcha. Meanwhile, Sayama in Saitama offers rich, full-bodied tea made from thick leaves that thrive in the cooler northern climate. Each area has its own story, reflecting the land, water, and dedication of generations of tea growers.   Everyday Tea, from Home to Workplace In Japanese homes, brewing tea is a small but meaningful gesture. ...

What is Shichi-Go-San? Shichi-Go-San (literally “Seven-Five-Three”) is a traditional Japanese celebration held every year on November 15th. It marks an important rite of passage for children: three and seven-year-old girls, and three and five-year-old boys. Families visit Shinto shrines to express gratitude for healthy growth and to pray for future well-being. Origins and History The custom began during the Heian period (794–1185) among noble families. Each age represented a milestone: 3 years old – Children were allowed to grow out their short, shaved hairstyles. 5 years old (boys) – Boys wore hakama trousers for the first time. 7 years old (girls) – Girls began wearing the traditional obi sash with kimono. These practices symbolized growth, maturity, and new stages of life. Over time, the tradition spread to common people and became a family celebration nationwide. When is Shichi-Go-San Celebrated? The official date is November 15th, but in modern times families often choose the nearest weekend or any convenient day in October or November. During this season, shrines and photo studios across Japan are crowded with families celebrating the event. Outfits and Family Preparation Traditionally, children dress in formal kimono. Girls wear brightly colored kimono, often with ornate hair ornaments (kanzashi). Boys wear hakama trousers and haori jackets, sometimes decorated with family crests. In modern celebrations, some families choose Western-style suits and dresses, but kimono remain the most iconic. Parents also dress formally—mothers may wear kimono or elegant dresses, while fathers typically wear suits. The entire family’s attire reflects the importance of the occasion. Photography Traditions ...