Japanese culture
In many countries, Christmas decorations remain until January. But in Japan, something striking happens: the moment Christmas ends on December 25th, the entire atmosphere shifts overnight. On December 26th, Santa displays disappear, and stores fill with shimekazari, kadomatsu, kagami mochi, and ingredients for traditional New Year dishes. It feels as if the country has changed seasons in a single night. Why the Switch Happens So Fast This dramatic shift comes from the cultural difference in how Christmas and the New Year are viewed in Japan: Christmas is a light, seasonal event — illumination, gifts for children, and romantic dinners. ...
Nengajō are Japan’s traditional New Year greeting cards, sent to express gratitude and maintain relationships. But in recent years, rising postage costs, the convenience of smartphones, and lifestyle changes have led to a clear decline. This article explains the cultural meaning of nengajō, why they are disappearing, and why some people — and companies — still send them today. What Is a Nengajō? A nengajō is a postcard sent to friends, family, and acquaintances to welcome the new year. Japan Post runs a special system ensuring that cards mailed in December arrive exactly on January 1st, making it a ...
Osechi ryōri is Japan’s traditional New Year feast, prepared in advance and beautifully packed into lacquered boxes called jūbako. Each dish carries symbolic meaning — from health and longevity to prosperity and family harmony. This article explains what osechi is, why it’s prepared before New Year’s Day, and the cultural beliefs behind this centuries-old tradition. What Is Osechi? Osechi literally means “seasonal festival food,” originally referring to meals offered during important points in the calendar year. Today, the word mainly refers to the special dishes eaten during Oshōgatsu — Japan’s New Year celebration. These dishes are packed into a multi-tiered ...
In Japan, the New Year is welcomed not just with celebrations but with a deep sense of renewal and spiritual preparation. Two traditional decorations — shimekazari and kadomatsu — are placed at entrances to purify the home and invite the New Year deity, Toshigami, to bring blessings for the coming year. What Is a Shimekazari? A shimekazari is a sacred New Year decoration made from twisted rice straw, pine, zigzag paper strips, and various auspicious ornaments. Hung above the doorway, it marks the entrance as a purified, protected space suitable for welcoming the divine. Although simple in appearance, each ...
Kagami mochi is one of Japan’s most iconic New Year decorations. Placed in the home to welcome the New Year deity, it represents purity, continuity, and good fortune. This guide explains what kagami mochi is, the meaning behind its shape, why a “daidai” fruit sits on top, and how modern versions have changed. What Is Kagami Mochi? Kagami mochi is a traditional New Year offering consisting of two stacked rice cakes with a citrus fruit on top. The decoration is displayed from late December until Kagami Biraki, a ceremonial “opening” in early January. The two mochi symbolize harmony between ...
In Japan, giving a gift is rarely just about the object itself. It is a language — a way to show gratitude, care, respect, and connection. From seasonal gifts to souvenirs brought back from travel, Japanese people often exchange small presents in everyday life. These gestures may seem formal, but behind them lies a warm wish: *“Thank you for being part of my world.”* In this article, we explore why gift-giving is so important in Japan, and why the wrapping and presentation often matter just as much as the gift inside. The Heart of Japanese Gift Culture: Relationships, Not ...
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 ...
Sencha is the green tea most Japanese people drink every day. A small cup after meals, during work, or when guests arrive — sencha is the quiet heartbeat of daily life. Its bright color, clean aroma, and gentle bitterness embody the balance of Japanese taste. How Sencha Is Made Fresh tea leaves are harvested in spring, quickly steamed for about 30–60 seconds to stop oxidation, then rolled and dried into fine needle-like shapes. This short steaming preserves the vivid green color and refreshing aroma. The rolling process draws out the natural oils, giving sencha its signature sweetness and clear ...
Green tea may all look the same, but there are actually several kinds — each with its own aroma, flavor, and story. In Japan, the basic method is to steam the leaves to stop oxidation, then roll and dry them for storage; small differences in steaming time, shading, roasting, and which parts of the plant are used lead to surprisingly different cups. Sencha — The Bright Everyday Standard Japan’s daily staple since the Edo era, sencha is made by steaming fresh young leaves, then rolling and drying to seal in verdant aroma for casual, everyday drinking. Flavor & brew in ...
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, ...
We use cookies to improve your browsing experience, serve ads, and analyze traffic.
By clicking “Accept,” you agree to our use of cookies as described in our
Cookie Policy .
Accept
Decline
