Author: wa-japan.org

The Mausoleum of Emperor Nintoku: 1600 Years of Enigma

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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

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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

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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!

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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

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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…
Rediscovering the Allure of Rice: Japan’s Soul Food

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in Japanese Food
The Secret Behind Japan’s Delicious Rice Rice is an indispensable part of the Japanese dining table.From a perfectly prepared bowl served in an orthodox Japanese restaurant to the simple convenience store onigiri (rice ball) or a hearty gyudon (beef bowl), Japanese rice has earned a reputation for deliciousness both domestically and internationally.Why is this familiar…
Dive into the Wonderful World of Japanese Seaweed

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in Health and Wellness, Japanese Food
Seaweed: The Everyday Superfood Hidden on the Japanese Table While an earlier article, “5 Japanese Superfoods Regularly Consumed by Japanese People,” highlighted some key Japanese power-foods, there’s another, even more unassuming superfood gracing Japanese tables daily.It’s the “seaweed” (kaiso) you might see floating in your miso soup or served alongside your sashimi.This kaiso is more…
Umeboshi: Unveiling the Allure of Japan’s Ancient Superfood

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in Health and Wellness, Japanese Food
The Versatile Umeboshi: A Japanese Staple Umeboshi, a pickled Japanese plum, has been a cornerstone of the Japanese diet for centuries. Often found nestled in a corner of a bento box or used as a filling for onigiri (rice balls), its presence is far more profound than just a “sour pickle.”Within each small umeboshi lies…
Not Just for Miso Soup! A Deep Dive into Miso

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in Health and Wellness, Japanese Food
Explore the rich world of miso “Miso soup is an almost indispensable part of the Japanese diet.”Many would nod in agreement with this statement.Miso is truly a cornerstone of Japanese food culture, cherished for centuries not only for its rich, savory flavor (umami) but also for its remarkable health benefits.However, miso’s appeal extends far beyond…
5 Japanese Superfoods Regularly Consumed by Japanese People

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in Health and Wellness, Japanese Food
Ancient Wisdom and Modern Health in Everyday Japanese Cuisine While the term “superfood” has a modern ring to it, traditional Japanese cuisine has long incorporated numerous foods with exceptional health benefits.These are not rare or hard-to-obtain ingredients but are, in fact, “everyday foods” commonly found on the daily dinner table.This article will spotlight five representative…

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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.

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