Japanese culture
In Japan, Mother’s Day falls on the second Sunday of May. It’s the same date as many countries — but the mood feels uniquely Japanese: gentle, warm, and quietly grateful. 🌸 Red Carnations Everywhere Walk through town in early May and you’ll see a wave of red. Flower shops and supermarkets fill their displays with red carnations. Ads read “お母さん、ありがとう” — “Thank you, Mom.” This custom came from the United States in the early 20th century and spread widely after World War II. Over time, it blossomed into one of Japan’s sweetest spring traditions. 🎁 Gifts Beyond Flowers ...
When you think of sushi,you probably imagine a chef shaping rice and fish with delicate hands. That image is right — but it’s only one part of Japan’s sushi story. In Japan, sushi is not only a fine dining experience.It’s also homemade, festive, and unique to each region. Let’s take a look at the different types of sushi that go beyond what you already know. Chirashi-zushi – The “Scattered” Sushi The most popular homemade sushi is called chirashi-zushi (ちらし寿司).The word chirashi means “to scatter.” A layer of vinegared rice is placed in a bowl or tray.Then it’s topped with colorful ...
If you walk through a Japanese suburb on a sunny weekend, you might spot a patch of soil surrounded by neat fences — rows of tomatoes, cucumbers, and shiso leaves quietly basking in the light. This is a kitchen garden, or katei saibai in Japanese. It’s one of the most popular hobbies in Japan, blending the calm of nature with the satisfaction of harvest. 🌱 A Little Farm in the City Many people don’t have a backyard, so they rent a small plot from a local landowner or community garden. The space is modest — often just a few ...
Japan loves to borrow words from English — but what’s funny is that many of them have taken on completely new meanings here.They sound familiar to English speakers, yet… not quite right.These unique creations are called Japanese-made English, or wasei-eigo (和製英語). Let’s look at some fun examples you might come across in everyday Japan! “Salaryman” and “Office Lady” If you meet someone who introduces himself as a salaryman, he’s simply saying he’s an office worker — someone who earns a monthly salary.And his female colleague? She’s an Office Lady, or OL for short. These words are everywhere in Japan — ...
In Japan, expecting mothers receive a small yet powerful booklet called the Boshi-techo (母子健康手帳), or Maternal and Child Health Handbook. It’s more than just a medical record — it’s a symbol of how deeply Japanese society values the connection between parent and child, and the idea of caring for life from the very beginning. 👶 What Is the Boshi-techo? Once a pregnancy is officially confirmed at the hospital, mothers are encouraged to visit their local city hall to receive the Boshi-techo. This diary-sized booklet contains essential information about pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare — including nutrition, mental health, and advice ...
Few things represent Japan’s sense of comfort and mindfulness better than taking a bath.Japanese people love to soak in hot water — called “Ofuro” (お風呂) — all year round, regardless of the season.It’s more than just washing the body; it’s a daily ritual of relaxation, purification, and renewal. Onsen: Japan’s Natural Hot Springs When people think of Japanese bathing culture, Onsen (温泉) — natural hot springs — often comes to mind.Japan is blessed with thousands of onsen across the country, from snowy mountain villages to the heart of Tokyo. Visiting an onsen is not just about the bath itself.It’s an ...
If you walk through a Japanese neighborhood early in the morning, you’ll see small children in uniforms heading to school — each carrying the same box-shaped backpack. That backpack is called a “randoseru” (ランドセル). For many Japanese people, it’s a nostalgic symbol of childhood — and surprisingly, its name came from Dutch. From Dutch Soldiers to Japanese Schoolchildren The word randoseru is derived from the Dutch word “ransel”, meaning “backpack.” During the late Edo and early Meiji periods, Japan adopted many ideas from Western countries, including the Netherlands. The original ransel was a military backpack used by Dutch soldiers. ...
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