What is a Torii? A torii gate is a traditional Japanese structure that marks the entrance to a sacred space, most often a Shinto shrine. Passing through a torii means moving from the everyday, secular world into a spiritual realm. With their striking vermilion color and elegant shape, torii are one of the most iconic symbols of Japan. History and Meaning The origins of torii are not entirely clear, but they have been part of Japanese religious culture for centuries. The word "torii" is often translated as "bird perch," though its exact roots are debated. In Shinto belief, the torii acts as a boundary, separating the human world from the domain of the kami (deities). Types of Torii   Torii gates come in several distinct styles: Shimmei Torii (神明鳥居) – Simple, straight lintels. Myojin Torii (明神鳥居) – Elegant, with slightly curved lintels. Ryobu Torii (両部鳥居) – Thick, heavy design influenced by Buddhist traditions. Floating Torii – Famous examples like Itsukushima Shrine’s torii, standing dramatically in the sea. Colors and Symbolism   Vermilion (red-orange)  The most common, symbolizing protection against evil and purification. Black Sometimes seen at shrines dedicated to powerful deities, representing strength and authority. Stone or unpainted wood Suggest timelessness and connection to nature. Materials   Traditionally, torii were built of wood and painted with protective coatings. Over time, stone became common at larger or wealthier shrines. In modern times, steel and concrete torii also exist, ensuring durability while preserving the traditional form. Famous Torii in Japan   Itsukushima Shrine (Hiroshima) The “floating torii” ...

If you think every foreign-sounding word in Japan comes from English… think again! Many words that sound English actually come from German or French — and most Japanese people don’t even realize it. It’s one of those delightful quirks of language that shows how Japan borrowed, mixed, and reinvented words in its own way. Let’s explore some examples that might surprise you!   German Words Hiding in Plain Sight During the Meiji era (late 19th century), Japan learned a lot from Germany — especially in medicine and science. That’s why many “English-looking” words in Japanese actually came from German.     Arubaito (アルバイト) — from Arbeit, “work”. In English you’d say “part-time job,” but in Japan even students proudly say, “I have an arubaito.”   Karute (カルテ) — from Karte, “medical record/card”. Every patient has one — this word lives in every hospital.   Kombināto (コンビナート) — from Kombinat, “industrial complex”. It sounds high-tech — because it is, linguistically!   Orugōru (オルゴール) — from Orgel, “music box”. The word feels as nostalgic as the sound it makes.   Even today, medical and technical fields in Japan keep many German-based terms — a reminder of how much Japan once admired German precision and discipline.   French Elegance in Everyday Life France left its mark on fashion, food, and lifestyle. Some words are so natural in Japan that few realize their French roots.   Zubon (ズボン) — from jupon, “petticoat/underskirt”. Somewhere along the way, it transformed into “pants.” Quite a wardrobe change!   Apaato (アパート) — from ...

What Is Oshogatsu (Japanese New Year)? In Japan, New Year’s celebrations, called Oshogatsu (お正月), are the most important annual event. Unlike Western countries where December 31 is central, Japanese families focus on January 1–3, spending time with relatives, visiting shrines, and preparing symbolic food. It is a time for starting fresh, showing gratitude, and praying for health, happiness, and prosperity in the year ahead. Decorations for the New Year Kadomatsu (門松) Kadomatsu are bamboo and pine decorations placed at the entrance of homes or buildings. The bamboo represents growth and strength, while pine symbolizes longevity and resilience.They are meant to welcome ancestral spirits and the Shinto deities who bring blessings for the year. Shimenawa (注連縄) A sacred rope made of rice straw, shimenawa is hung on doors or gates to ward off evil spirits.Paper streamers called shide are often attached, marking the space as pure and protected. Kagami Mochi (鏡餅) Kagami mochi is a decoration made of two stacked rice cakes with a small bitter orange (daidai) on top. The round shape represents harmony, while the daidai symbolizes prosperity for future generations.Families display kagami mochi in their living rooms as an offering to the gods and later eat it in a ritual called kagami biraki in January. Food Traditions Osechi Ryori (おせち料理) Osechi ryori is a set of traditional dishes served in colorful lacquered boxes called jubako.Each dish carries symbolic meaning: Kuromame (black beans)  Good health and hard work. Sweet black soybeans simmered slowly in sugar and soy sauce. Soft, slightly sweet, and glossy in ...

Matsuri—Japanese festivals—are vibrant gatherings where communities celebrate the seasons, give thanks, and come together in joyful spirit. From the thunder of taiko drums and the glow of paper lanterns to the aroma of sizzling street food, a matsuri is less a performance than a living tradition that welcomes locals and visitors alike.   What Is a Matsuri? At its heart, a matsuri is a community celebration often connected to a shrine, a seasonal milestone, or local history. While rooted in tradition, festivals are remarkably open: streets fill with music, dancers form circles you can join, and neighborhoods proudly showcase their unique styles.   So Many Styles, So Much Energy Japan’s festivals are wonderfully diverse. You’ll see mikoshi—portable shrines—carried on shoulders through narrow streets; floats (some on wheels) rolling by to the beat of drums; raucous festivals where floats are pushed, spun, or even crashed into each other; and fiery rites where sacred objects are symbolically burned to purify and renew. Daytime can feel like a neighborhood parade—night brings a magical shift: lanterns glow, chants rise, and the crowd moves as one.   Street Food & Stalls Most matsuri feature rows of yatai (food stalls): yakisoba, takoyaki, grilled corn, shaved ice, candy apples, and more. Game stalls offer goldfish scooping or ring toss for kids. It’s casual, delicious, and social—the snack-in-one-hand, cheer-with-the-other kind of evening.   Joining the Festival Matsuri aren’t just for watching—many invite participation. You might rent a yukata in summer, learn simple dance steps, or join a chanting crowd as the procession passes. ...

Omikuji (おみくじ) are traditional Japanese fortune slips found at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples.Visitors draw them to receive guidance or predictions about different aspects of life, such as health, love, business, or travel.The word omikuji comes from kuji (lottery), reflecting the random nature of drawing a slip. History of Omikuji The origins of omikuji can be traced back to the Heian period (794–1185).Initially, they were used for decision-making at temples, often to determine important matters by divine will.Over time, omikuji became more accessible and transformed into a fortune-telling practice for ordinary people. Types of Fortunes Daikichi (大吉) – Great Blessing The best result, symbolizing excellent fortune, success, and happiness. Chūkichi (中吉) & Shōkichi (小吉) – Middle & Small Blessings Moderate luck, often meaning gradual progress or small successes. Kichi (吉) – Blessing A general good fortune, but with advice to be cautious. Suekichi (末吉) – Future Blessing Luck that will come later, after patience and effort. Kyō (凶) – Curse / Bad Luck Unfavorable fortune. However, it often comes with advice on how to overcome challenges. How to Draw an Omikuji Approach the omikuji stand at a shrine or temple. Pay a small fee (usually 100–300 yen). There are two common styles: Lottery Box Style Shake a wooden box until a numbered stick comes out, then receive the corresponding fortune slip.   Self-Service Box Style Place your coin into a donation box, and directly pick one folded paper slip from the box yourself. Read your fortune and reflect on its message. What to Do with ...