Author: wa-japan.org

Exploring the World of Japanese Abbreviations (Ryakugo)

—
by
in Culture and Traditions
The Everyday Abundance of Shortened Words “Smartphone” becomes sumaho (スマホ), “remote controller” becomes rimokon (リモコン).We Japanese people routinely use such shortened words, known as ryakugo (略語), in our daily lives.These are not mere slang; they are a fundamental characteristic of the Japanese language, permeating everything from everyday conversation and media to business and even official…
Significance of Japanese Onomatopoeia

—
by
in Culture and Traditions
Welcome to the World of Onomatopoeia that Colors the Japanese Language One of the expressions that richly colors the Japanese language is “onomatopoeia.”Onomatopoeia is a general term for words that mimic sounds, known as giongo (擬音語), words that depict states or movements, known as gitaigo (擬態語), and even words that express emotions, called gijoogo (擬情語).Our…
Unraveling Japan’s Complex Relationship with Tattoos

—
by
in Culture and Traditions
The Onsen Problem – Why Tattoos Spark Debate in Japan Recently, there’s been growing attention on cases where individuals, particularly foreign tourists, are denied entry to onsen (hot springs) and public bathhouses due to having tattoos.This phenomenon highlights Japan’s intricate cultural backdrop concerning tattoos.According to the Japan Tourism Agency (part of the Ministry of Land,…
Japan’s Five Great Castles: Legacy and Innovation

—
by
in Culture and Traditions
The Importance of Castles to the Japanese People Soaring majestically over the Japanese landscape, castles are far more than mere fortresses or historic structures.They are potent symbols of Japan’s history, culture, power, and artistry, captivating people both domestically and internationally across the ages.Numerous castles dot the nation, each holding its own unique story.This article delves…
Okinoshima: The Mysteriously Veiled “Island Where Gods Dwell”

—
by
in Spirituality and Religion, Japanese Spirit
The Spirit of Japan’s Sacred Sites Japan has a long history of revering nature as sacred and strictly limiting access to certain places.For instance, the Nintoku Tenno Ryo Kofun (tomb of Emperor Nintoku), managed by the Imperial Household Agency, is a site of immense scale where entry to the burial mound itself is forbidden.While rigorously…
The Mausoleum of Emperor Nintoku: 1600 Years of Enigma

—
by
in Culture and Traditions, Japan Tourism
A Gigantic Keyhole-Shaped Mystery of Kofun Imagine, spread out before you, a colossal structure so vast that its full form cannot be grasped from ground level.This is the “Mausoleum of Emperor Nintoku” (officially known as Daisen Kofun, or Daisenryo Kofun), quietly nestled in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture.This ancient tomb, the largest in Japan, is truly…
Sekku: A Deep Connection with Tradition and Belief

—
by
in Culture and Traditions
The Japanese Spirit of Celebrating Seasonal Milestones – The Significance of Sekku Japan has a long-cherished culture of valuing the changing seasons and marking these transitions with special events.Representative of this are the “Go-Sekku” or Five Seasonal Festivals.But are these merely annual observances?This article delves not into the specifics of each festival, but rather into…
What is Hina Matsuri?: A Tapestry Woven Through Time

—
by
in Culture and Traditions
The Enduring Charm of Hina Matsuri – A Bridge Connecting Centuries Celebrated annually on March 3rd, Hina Matsuri, also known as “Momo no Sekku” (the Peach Blossom Festival), is a visually splendid and deeply symbolic Japanese tradition dedicated to wishing for the happiness and healthy growth of young girls.The fact that this festival, with origins…
What is Okaki, Senbei, Arare?: Japanese Rice Crackers!

—
by
in Japanese Food
Delicious, Historic, and Surprisingly Healthy World of Japanese Rice Crackers! Take a bite, and you’re met with a satisfying crunch and a fragrant aroma.These are traditional Japanese snacks, often enjoyed with freshly brewed green tea.We’re talking about okaki, senbei, and arare. More than just simple snacks, they are like a mirror reflecting Japan’s rich food…
Onigiri: A Timeless Story of Love and Rice Balls

—
by
in Japanese Food
Onigiri, Japan’s Comforting Soul Food When you hear the word “onigiri,” what comes to mind?Perhaps it’s fluffy, warm rice, crisp nori seaweed, and a delightful hidden filling.More than just a food item, onigiri symbolizes Japanese food culture and, for many Japanese, it’s a “soul food” that deeply resonates.As one person eloquently put it, “Onigiri is…

Search the website

Profile

Takeshi.K

A creator sharing the beauty of Japan with the world. I run a design firm and SHIBUMIWORKS, an apparel brand featuring Japanese traditional patterns and kanji. This blog explores Japanese culture, food, history, and travel.

I’ll let you know on X when there’s a new post.
Please follow me.

I’ll let you know on Facebook when there’s a new post.
Please follow me.