For many professionals in Japan, the nomikai (drinking party) is as much a part of the workplace as the office itself. While not officially mandatory, these gatherings are deeply ingrained in Japanese…| Toranomon Language School
So, you’ve booked your ticket to Japan—home of sushi, samurai, and super-speed trains. Fantastic! But before you dive headfirst into bowls of ramen and wander... Read More The post Surviving Japan: A Beginner’s Guide to Language, Etiquette & Transport appeared first on KCP International.| KCP International
Boars are not an animal one would expect to find guarding a Shinto shrine. The story of how wild boars became divine guardians is an obscure and interesting one.| More Than Tokyo
If you ask people in Japan what their religion is, they’ll probably say they don’t have one. But those people may have a small 神棚 (altar) in their kitchen, visit...| Japan Intercultural Consulting
Despite the fact that 通勤電車 (commuter trains) are often すし詰め (packed like sardines), we Japanese actually value greater 物理的な距離 (personal space between people) compared to many other cultures. As much... The post 14. To Hug or Not to Hug 【Column: Leap Before You Look】 appeared first on Japan Intercultural Consulting.| Japan Intercultural Consulting
Dive into the heart of Japanese culture! Discover 7 must-see festivals every student should experience. Live Japan like a local!| KCP International
Discover how the ancient Bushidō code of the samurai teaches modern students about discipline, focus, and self-mastery—without the sword.| KCP International
Ever wondered why you throw beans for Setsubun? Learn how soybeans and sardines can expel the demons and bring you good fortune.| Rosetta Stone
“何かお手伝いできることはございますか (Is there anything I can assist you with)?” As soon as I stood at the end of a queue at the monorail station at the Haneda Airport, clearly non-Japanese... The post 12. Double Personality Wellbeing 【Column: Leap Before You Look】 appeared first on Japan Intercultural Consulting.| Japan Intercultural Consulting
Discover how origami offers students more than just paper folding—teaching patience, problem-solving, and cultural appreciation in a fun way.| KCP International
If this is your first summer working in Japan, you might find that the season brings more than just heat, it also introduces a unique set of customs and business norms that might be unfamiliar at first. Understanding these seasonal shifts can help you blend into the workplace more smoothly and avoid misunderstandings. Here’s what […]| Toranomon Language School
Japan blends ancient tradition with futuristic charm—think temples, bullet trains, and vending machines that sell ramen. But it’s the everyday cultural quirks that really surprise... Read More The post 10 Cultural Habits That Might Surprise (and Delight) First-Time Visitors to Japan appeared first on KCP International.| KCP International
"He writes with passion, sensitivity and somehow retains his composure even in face of the worst details of the story he is telling."| Writers Review
“What do you miss the most about Japan?” My answer to this よくある質問 (frequently asked question) should be “my family” (my mom, sister and her family are all living in... The post 11. Bon Appétit 【Column: Leap Before You Look】 appeared first on Japan Intercultural Consulting.| Japan Intercultural Consulting
Have you noticed when posing for photos, Japanese people often strike the “peace” sign, also known as a V-sign? There are various theories to why they do this: “it conforms... The post 10. What a Difference a Vowel Makes 【Column: Leap Before You Look】 appeared first on Japan Intercultural Consulting.| Japan Intercultural Consulting
Want to watch Noh in Japan? While Niigata prefecture's Sado Island is the most scenic place to see a performance, there are other options.| Japan Starts Here
Close your eyes, and… let us take you to Asia for a moment! In this episode of VOICES to Hear, Ania has a chat with the Pagoda team – Irma, Tanja and Stefan – about their travels to China and Japan…| VOICES
I admit. I am guilty of surrounding myself with ハローキティ (Hello Kitty). I drink tea out of my Hello Kitty mug. My cello case has a Hello Kitty sticker (I...| Japan Intercultural Consulting
Miki’s personal account of her journey with the Japanese tea ceremony (Sado) taught her that beyond refined movements, it is a practice of gratitude. Through each gesture and ritual, she discovered the power of appreciation in daily life. The post Learning Gratitude Through the Way of Tea appeared first on UWC ISAK JAPAN.| UWC ISAK JAPAN
Anyone who has visited a Shinto shrine in Japan has surely seen a collection of ema, or prayer tablets, containing the various prayers or thanksgivings| More Than Tokyo
February 14th is Valentine’s Day! In Japan, Valentine’s Day is a chance for women to show their appreciation to the different men in their lives. Here’s what the massive $800 million Valentine’s Day industry looks like in Japan. Origins Valentine’s Day has been celebrated across the globe for centuries, but it didn’t begin in Japan until 1958. That year, a ... Read More The post Valentine’s Day in Japan appeared first on LearnJapanese123.| LearnJapanese123
On February 3, the people of Japan will observe Setsubun, a revered holiday that involves a traditional practice of tossing roasted beans towards individuals wearing demon masks. This ceremonial act is performed with the intention of expelling malevolent spirits. Allow us to enlighten you on the rich history and significance of Setsubun, Japan’s centuries-old holiday celebration. Introduction to Setsubun Setsubun（節分）is ... Read More The post Setsubun👹 Japan’s Bean-Throwing Fest...| LearnJapanese123
In older times during Setsubun, people also participated in role reversal. Young girls would do their hair in the styles of older women and vice versa, and even do some cross-dressing. This custom is still practiced among Geiko in Kyoto (Geisha in Kyoto called Geiko), who still participate in these old traditions by wearing disguises or dressing as men when ... Read More The post Setsubun Obake👻 ~Cosplay Setsubun Day by Geiko~ appeared first on LearnJapanese123.| LearnJapanese123
Hiroshima offers a perfect blend of history, peace, and culture. In this half-day journey, explore six must-visit spots, from serene gardens and historic castles to iconic memorials and local culinary delights. Discover Shukkeien, Hiroshima Castle, the Atomic Bomb Dome, Orizuru Tower, Peace Memorial Park, and Okonomi Village—all in just an half day! Video: Hiroshima 6 Must Visit Places in 2024✨ ... Read More The post A Half-Day Journey Through Hiroshima: A Blend of History, Peace, and Cul...| LearnJapanese123
UWC ISAK Japan students led the return of Entrepreneur Weekend, a high-intensity event where participants launch startups in just 54 hours. After competing at Startup Weekend Nagoya, they’re brought their experience back to campus—ready to inspire innovation and action. The post Entrepreneur Weekend at UWC ISAK Japan: Turning Ideas Into Action appeared first on UWC ISAK JAPAN.| UWC ISAK JAPAN
Explore the Japanese concept of nakama, emphasizing camaraderie and belonging. Learn its significance in culture and storytelling.| Wise & Shine
UWC ISAK Japan students are leading the return of Entrepreneur Weekend, a high-intensity event where participants launch startups in just 54 hours. After competing at Startup Weekend Nagoya, they’re bringing their experience back to campus—ready to inspire innovation and action. The post Students Realizing Their Potential at Entrepreneur Weekend appeared first on UWC ISAK JAPAN.| UWC ISAK JAPAN
Kenbishi Sake Brewery, established in 1505, stands as one of Japan’s oldest sake producer, renowned for its unwavering commitment to traditional brewing methods. Recently, the brewery has taken significant steps to preserve the authentic flavours of sake and the rich culture surrounding it by initiating in-house production of traditional wooden barrels. This move aligns with Read more... The post Kenbishi Sake Brewery: Preserving Japan’s Sake Heritage appeared first on HyogoJapan.com.| HyogoJapan.com
Jizo (also written Jizō) is a bodhisattva, that is, one who achieves enlightenment but postpones Buddhahood in order to help others.| More Than Tokyo
The lucrative Kitamaebune trade was a vital conduit for commerce and cultural exchange from Kyoto and Osaka to Hokkaido from the mid-18th to 19th centuries.| More Than Tokyo
Shinto was born from the Japanese people's instinctive awe and respect toward the power, beauty, and ravages of nature and gratitude for its bounty.| More Than Tokyo
Choosing sake can be daunting on many levels. Once you understand the basics of sake and its varieties, making that choice becomes much easier.| More Than Tokyo
The Obon festival of the ghosts traces its origin to Buddha’s disciple, Mokuren, whose mother had fallen into the world of the hungry ghosts, a hellish realm.| More Than Tokyo
UWC ISAK Japan recently had the distinct privilege of welcoming Takuma Kawauchiya, a master watchmaker from Seiko, who has been honored with the title of Contemporary Master Craftsman by the Japanese government. This accolade is a testament to his unparalleled skill and innovation in the field of watchmaking, particularly for his role in advancing the […] The post The Art of Time: Master Watchmaker Takuma Kawauchiya Inspires UWC ISAK Japan appeared first on UWC ISAK JAPAN.| UWC ISAK JAPAN
On November 23rd, 2023, Japan will witness a spectacular celebration honouring the Hanshin Tigers and Orix Buffaloes. This victory parade, a first of its kind, will simultaneously take place in both Hyogo and Osaka. Details of the Event Date: November 23rd, 2023Locations: Sannomiya in Hyogo and Midosuji in Osaka.In Osaka, the Orix Buffaloes will start Read more... The post Celebrating Triumph: The Hanshin Tigers and Orix Buffaloes Victory Parade appeared first on HyogoJapan.com.| HyogoJapan.com
Embark on a cultural journey to the heart of Japan as Himeji city in Hyogo Prefecture comes alive with the vigorous and colourful Nada Fighting Festival (灘のけんか祭り, Nada no Kenka Matsuri) this October 14 and 15. Held annually at the Matsubara Hachiman Shrine, this festival epitomises the robust spirit of the Japanese community, offering a Read more... The post The Fierce and Vibrant Nada Fighting Festival Himeji appeared first on HyogoJapan.com.| HyogoJapan.com
What may be the strangest foods to an American are not necessarily so in Japan. Sauteed crickets, raw whale, fermented mackerel. But for me, one is a definite standout.| More Than Tokyo
You may feel like one Valentine’s Day a year is enough, but Japan’s confectionery industry thinks otherwise. In addition to celebrating Valentine’s Day on February … The post White Day in Japan: Japan’s Complicated Second Valentine’s Day appeared first on Notes of Nomads.| Notes of Nomads
Valentine's Day is Japan is quite the unique holiday. What your chocolate means and the culture of Valentine's Day gift giving in Japan.| Notes of Nomads
