In many countries, Christmas is a religious holiday — a time for church services, family gatherings, and traditional meals like roast turkey or ham. Japan, however, has shaped Christmas into something uniquely its own.Although only a small percentage of people in Japan are Christian, Christmas has grown into a beloved winter celebration — not for religion, but for romance, illuminations, and delicious food. A Celebration Without Religion Unlike Western countries, Christmas in Japan is largely secular: No traditional church visits for most families No nativity scenes at home No strong religious meaning Instead, it feels like a mix of a romantic holiday (similar to Valentine’s Day), a fun event for children, and a winter festival filled with lights and sweets.   Christmas Eve: A Romantic Night One of the biggest differences is the focus on Christmas Eve rather than Christmas Day. In many Western countries: December 25 is for family gatherings. In Japan: December 24 is for couples — gift exchanges, special dinners, and strolling through city illuminations. Restaurants offer exclusive dinner courses, and reservations fill quickly.   Why Japan Eats Fried Chicken Instead of Turkey Whole turkeys are rare in Japan, and most homes don’t have ovens large enough to roast one. In the 1970s, KFC launched a now-legendary campaign — “Kentucky for Christmas!” — and fried chicken became the national standby. KFC Christmas buckets often require reservations Supermarkets sell roast chicken Convenience stores offer seasonal fried chicken boxes So while many Western families enjoy turkey or ham, Japan celebrates with crispy chicken — ...

Gyokuro is the quiet pinnacle of Japanese green tea — a small, vivid cup with a soft glow and a depth of umami that feels almost brothy. It’s famous not just because it is “expensive,” but because it is carefully grown in shade and gently brewed to reveal sweetness that ordinary green tea rarely reaches.   Why Shade Changes Everything About 20–30 days before harvest, tea gardens for gyokuro are covered to block most sunlight. When leaves grow in shade, they keep more theanine (the source of sweetness and umami) and form fewer bitter catechins. The result is a tea that is deeply sweet-umami, low in astringency, and silky on the palate. This shaded cultivation is called hi-fuku (covering). Skilled producers adjust the density of the cover and the timing day by day, watching weather and leaf growth. That patient work becomes the quiet power in your cup.   From Garden to Needle Fresh leaves are picked and lightly steamed to stop oxidation, then rolled into fine needles and dried. The needles are often darker and more lustrous than regular sencha. When you open the bag, you may notice a unique “covered-leaf” perfume — in Japanese, people call it ooika, a rich, sweet-green aroma that only shaded teas like gyokuro and matcha possess.   Taste & Aroma (A Gentle Map) Color: clear yet saturated yellow-green Aroma: sweet-green, nori-like, with a soft warmth Taste: umami-forward, mellow sweetness, almost no harsh bitterness Mouthfeel: silky, concentrated, lingering   Brew Like a Pro (Low & Slow) Leaf: 3–4 g ...

In Japan, cleaning is more than a chore — it is a cultural ritual. Every December, homes, schools, and workplaces across Japan take part in ōsōji — a deep cleaning tradition before the New Year. It is a time to sweep away dust, clutter, and worries from the past year, and welcome the new one with clarity and gratitude. Ōsōji is not just about tidying rooms. It is about refreshing the heart and space to begin again.   Why Ōsōji Matters in Japan The practice dates back centuries and is rooted in Shinto beliefs. Cleanliness is closely connected to purity, renewal, and respect. A clean home invites good fortune and positive spirits, while dust and disorder are seen as obstacles to harmony. In this sense, ōsōji is not only practical — it is spiritual.   A Ritual of Transition Ōsōji typically takes place in late December. Families and coworkers work together to: Wipe windows and screens Dust ceilings and light fixtures Clean the kitchen and bath areas Organize storage spaces Polish floors and entryways By removing mess and clutter, people symbolically release stress, bad luck, and regrets from the past year. It is a quiet reminder: To welcome the new, we must clear space for it.   Children Learn the Tradition Too In schools, students clean their classrooms, hallways, and even restrooms together. This reflects a Japanese value — taking care of spaces you share. Cleaning becomes a lesson in cooperation, responsibility, and gratitude.   Not Just Homes — Temples and Shrines Join Too Temples ...

The Maneki-neko, or Japanese “beckoning cat,” is one of Japan’s most recognizable lucky symbols. Seen at shop entrances, homes, and even temples, this charming cat is believed to invite good fortune, customers, and prosperity. In this guide, you'll learn what the Maneki-neko actually is, where it came from, why different paw positions and colors have unique meanings, and how this small figure reflects Japan’s deeper culture of “inviting good luck.”   What Is the Maneki-Neko? The Maneki-neko is a traditional Japanese figurine shaped like a cat raising one paw to “beckon” good luck, customers, or prosperity. It is usually made from ceramic or plastic and is most commonly displayed at the entrance of stores, restaurants, and businesses. In Japanese culture, the gesture of raising a hand with the palm facing downward is the traditional motion for beckoning someone closer. This explains why the Maneki-neko’s paw appears to be “waving” in Western eyes — it is actually calling fortune toward you.   Origins: How the Lucky Cat Was Born The exact origin of the Maneki-neko is debated, but two famous stories stand out: 1. Gotokuji Temple (Tokyo)   A wandering samurai is said to have been invited into a temple by a cat raising its paw. Moments later, lightning struck the spot where he had been standing. Grateful for being saved, the samurai donated funds to rebuild the temple — which later became known for its lucky cats. 2. Imado Shrine (Asakusa) A poor old woman was forced to give up her beloved cat. One night, ...

In Japanese winter, few things feel more comforting than sliding your legs beneath a warm blanket and settling into a kotatsu. Soft light, gentle heat, and a shared table — the kotatsu is not only a heater, but a space that brings people together.   What Is a Kotatsu? A kotatsu is a low table with a built-in heating unit. A thick blanket (called a futon) is placed between the table frame and the tabletop, trapping heat underneath. You slip your legs inside, and warmth wraps around you instantly. Unlike central heating, the kotatsu warms your body rather than the entire room. It’s simple, efficient, and delightfully cozy.   How It Works Low wooden table Thick futon blanket Heater attached underneath Carpet or rug to seal warmth Sit down, stretch your legs under the blanket, and enjoy. That’s all — comfort with no effort.   Why Japanese People Love Kotatsu Warm Legs, Warm Heart Keeping your lower body warm helps your whole body stay comfortable. Japanese winter homes have historically been cool indoors, so the kotatsu became a smart, energy-saving way to stay warm.   Brings Everyone Together Families gather at the kotatsu to eat, talk, drink tea, and watch TV. It naturally becomes the center of the home — a place where conversations linger and moments slow down. Warning: You May Never Want to Move The kotatsu is famous for making people sleepy. Many say, “I only sat down for a moment…” — and then wake up an hour later under the warm blanket. ...