Category: Culture and Traditions

Mochi: The Heart and Soul Food of Japan

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in Culture and Traditions, Japanese Food
Mochi and the Japanese People – An Inseparable Bond Mochi, or rice cake, holds a special place in Japanese food culture.The sight of kagami mochi (mirror rice cakes) adorning homes during New Year’s, and freshly pounded mochi being served at celebrations and gatherings, is a quintessential part of Japan’s traditional landscape.It’s more than just food;…
Exploring the World of Japanese Abbreviations (Ryakugo)

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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

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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

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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

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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…
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…
Why Japanese Tea Could Be Your Next Healthy Choice

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in Health and Wellness, Culture and Traditions
More Than Just a Drink – Tea at the Heart of Japan If you ever get the chance to visit Japan, take a moment to observe the people on its streets.You’ll notice many Japanese individuals with tea in hand – during work breaks, with meals, and from the ubiquitous vending machines found on nearly every…
Why Is Japanese language Like This? Common Pitfalls for Foreign Learners

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in Culture and Traditions
An Insider’s Guide to the Most Confusing Aspects of Japanese language Learning Japanese can feel like navigating a maze, especially when you encounter concepts that don’t have direct equivalents in English.Have you ever wondered why the simple English verb “get” turns into “morau” or “ageru” depending on who is giving to whom in Japanese?Or why…

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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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