japanese lifestyle

: Genkan: Japan’s Entryway Culture and Shoe Etiquette

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 ...

: Clam Digging in Japan: What “Shiohigari” Really Means in Japanese Spring Culture

In Japan, spring brings more than blossoms and warmer air. Along the coastline, the sea quietly pulls back, exposing wide stretches of rippled sand. This moment signals the start of shiohigari — clam digging — a tradition long rooted in coastal life. What Is Shiohigari? A Familiar Sign of Spring The name blends shio (tide), higa (to dry), and kari (to hunt). When the tide recedes, people gather clams from the exposed seabed. What began as a practical way to collect food has gradually become an annual spring activity enjoyed by families, friends, and seaside lovers. A Tradition Shaped ...

: The Secret to Japanese Longevity: How Everyday Meals Keep a Nation Young

Walk through any Japanese neighborhood around dinnertime, and you’ll catch a mix of aromas — grilled fish, simmered vegetables, miso soup steaming softly in the kitchen. Simple meals, yes. But together, they’ve quietly shaped one of the longest-living societies on Earth. What makes the Japanese way of eating so powerful? Let’s uncover the science — and the spirit — behind it. A Tradition That Evolved with Time Japan’s traditional meal structure, ichiju-sansai — “one soup and three dishes” — is a beautiful expression of balance: a bowl of rice, a clear soup, a piece of fish, and a few ...

: Why So Many Japanese People Love Having a Kitchen Garden

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 ...