Tag: Society and Values
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Rules and Etiquette in Japan
LikeTips for Japanese Society, Manners, and Communication Japan is a fascinating country with a unique culture and traditions, but its society has customs and manners that may be unfamiliar to foreigners.Recently, as the number of foreign tourists visiting Japan has increased, it’s become common to see visitors confused by these unfamiliar practices, and there are…
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Rules without penalties in Japanese society
LikeInvisible Rules, Invisible Order Japan is full of rules.As someone who has lived in Japan my entire life, these rules were always so normal that I never gave them a second thought.But a friend living overseas pointed them out, and I became curious myself.So, in this article, I want to explore the rules that Japanese…
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The Magic of Kanji: Infinite Meaning in a Single Character
LikeThe Allure and Communicative Power of Kanji If you ask a Japanese person, “How many Kanji do you know?”, you probably won’t get a definitive answer.The number of Kanji actually used in the world is quite vast.According to a “Kanji Frequency Survey” published by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, out of 385 books surveyed, the…
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Kawaii Yuru-chara: The Lovable Ambassadors with a Japanese Soul
LikeAn Alternate Reality Where Characters Walk the Streets Imagine stepping off a train in a regional Japanese city.You see the familiar sights: business people striding purposefully, students chatting and laughing.Then, suddenly, appearing amidst this everyday scene is a giant, smiling pear (or perhaps a cat, or even a bowl of ramen).This bizarre figure, however, is…
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Unraveling Japan’s Complex Relationship with Tattoos
LikeThe 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,…
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Sekku: A Deep Connection with Tradition and Belief
LikeThe 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…
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What is Hina Matsuri?: A Tapestry Woven Through Time
LikeThe 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…
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Why Are Westerners So Astonished by Japan’s Safety?
LikeJapan’s safety: Lost wallets, safe night streets, and the culture behind it all. Placing a laptop on a cafe table and leaving it unattended, a young elementary school student riding a crowded train alone, a bicycle leaning against a wall without a lock—for those of us living in Japan, these are completely normal sights. However,…
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What Hidden Gems Can You Find Beyond Japan’s Popular Tourist Route?
LikeFor many first-time visitors to Japan, the so-called “Golden Route” connecting Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka is a classic itinerary for experiencing the country’s diverse attractions.However, beyond these major cities lie countless undiscovered regions that captivate those who venture further.If you yearn for a deeper cultural immersion, seek tranquility away from the crowds, or simply desire…
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What Is Kawaii? Origins, Meaning, and Popular Japanese Characters
LikeThe word “kawaii” in our daily lives.Small animals we see in the city, the adorable smiles of children, and charming character goods.But what exactly is “kawaii”?Let’s explore the special nuances of this Japanese word, which is slightly different from the English “cute”, trace its origins, and introduce some of the popular “kawaii” characters in Japan…
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How Does Shohei Ohtani Reflect Traditional Japanese Moral Values?
LikeShohei Ohtani: A Phenomenon and the Japanese Spirit Shohei Ohtani, a player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, has garnered global attention for his exceptional baseball talent.However, his appeal extends beyond his unprecedented two-way abilities to the values he demonstrates through his character and actions.This article analyzes the numerous ways Ohtani has been praised by the…
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How Does Direct vs. Indirect Communication Work in Japan?
LikeThe complexity of Japanese people’s Honne and Tatemae “Honne” is a Japanese word that means “true feelings” or “real intentions.”In Japanese culture, Honne refers to one’s inner emotions, opinions, and genuine thoughts.In contrast, “tatemae” translates to “something built in front” or “facade” and refers to the behavior and opinions a person displays in public.It’s the…
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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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