In western countries, it may be common that dishes are served in each person one after another, however, Japanese people like to share several dishes among people together. If you have visited to Japan before, you might encounter the scene that Japanese were exchanging small portions of their own dishes each other at restaurants. In…
Category: Culture
December is the Season of Volunteer Support for My Friend’s Shrine
The last month of 2018 has come and I am always surprised how the time fly by so quickly at the season of every year. It is also the season for me to have annual event in these several years, which is a volunteer support at the shrine where my friend devotes as Shinto priest….
White Mask is a Must-have Item During Winter and Spring
At the season between the late autumn and the early spring, you may see lots of people wearing a mask in Tokyo. I heard that people in other countries seldom use a mask unless having serious illness, so that the scene seems to be a bit bizarre among foreign tourists. Of course, it is very…
7,5,3 are special numbers for Japanese families with children
You may encounter Japanese families with children wearing on colorful kimonos when you visit to shrines and temples between late October and mid November in Japan. It is the season of “Shichi-Go-San” (means “Seven-Five-Three” in English) which is the traditional Japanese custom to celebrate children’s growth and to pray for their health in the future….
Somehow, I am an Omamori (Amulet) Collector
When you visit Shinto Shrine and Buddhist temples, you can find they are selling various kinds of Omamori (Amulets) at the booths in front of their main buildings. Each shrine and temple have usually their strengths and themes and are providing their own amulets such as exorcism, safety traffic, better fortune, good health, marriage &…
9 Basic Manners at Hot Springs or Public Baths in Japan
Hot springs (Onsen) and Public baths (Sento) are one of my favorite Japanese culture which I would like to leave to the future. So many foreign travelers also came when I visited to hot springs resorts all over Japan. I am very glad to share the wonderful culture with them, but I sometimes encountered regretful…
We Prefer Not to be Workaholic!
There is one question often asked from my foreign guests and friends and it is about “overworking” by Japanese people. Unfortunately, I have to say that “Yes, we do” as the answer for that. Although it depends on each company and industry to some extent, Japanese are still overworking compared with workers in other countries…
Japan is a Land of Natural Disasters – Earthquakes
You know, Japan is one of great countries with natural disasters in the world. We have lots of typhoons, river floods due to heavy rain, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes… (Of course, we must not forget that these volcanoes gave us wonderful hot springs all over Japan.) In particular, earthquakes are totally part of everyday life…
Where is the Most Wonderful Place in Japan!?
I have taken care of many foreign guests from various countries ever as volunteer guide, and there is one thing that almost all guests admired during staying in Japan. Can you guess what it is?? Toilet in Japan is super tidy among any other countries in the world As you have already known, Japanese people…
Do You Think Japanese People Are Keen on Sun Protection And Whitening??
After finishing the Golden Week, my office work made me busy, so I could not update any new topic for a while. Well…June has come, which means half of the year has almost passed!! Time flies by so quickly! And the climate in Tokyo has completely changed in a few weeks and it seems like…
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