着物 – Kimono
The kimono is the traditional native clothing of Japan. There are many different types of kimono. For women the most gorgeous and …
花火大会 – Fireworks
In Japan, fireworks are normally held in late July to August. In the Tokyo area, about eight different places annually hold big …
節分 – Setsubun
Setsubun literally means “dividing season” and it is the day before the beginning of spring according to the traditional East Asian calendar. …
鏡開き – Kagami Biraki
Kagami biraki means “to open the mirror” in Japanese. The mochi that was offered to Toshigami-sama as a Shōgatsu kazari is called …
謹賀新年 – Happy New Year
“謹賀新年” is read as kinga shinnen. It means “happy new year” in Japanese, but it is only used as a written greeting for nengajo, …
大晦日 – New Year’s Eve 2017
New Year’s Eve is called Ōmisoka in Japanese. Through the ages Japanese people have believed that the Shinto God, Toshigami will visit …
正月飾り – Shōgatsu Kazari
Shōgatsu kazari is the generic term of all types of Japanese New Year’s decorations. Shōgatsu kazari is usually suggested to be put …
妖怪 – Yōkai
In Japanese folklore Yōkai are supernatural beings of many kinds including monsters, spirits, ghosts, and demons. Some of them are friendly and …
Tipping in Japan
The custom of tipping is not common in Japan as it is in the U.S. While you can tip a personal driver, …
招き猫 – Maneki Neko
Maneki-neko is a Japanese lucky charm of a cat and is also called “beckoning cat” in English. Today it is well known …