JAPANESE CULTURE BLOG
New Year in Japan - Otoshidama (お年玉）
The most exciting Oshōgatsu (“New Year”) tradition for school-age children in Japan is the custom of receiving otoshidama (New Year money) from their close elders, in a show of appreciation and good wishes. Presented...
New Year in Japan - Otoshidama (お年玉）
The most exciting Oshōgatsu (“New Year”) tradition for school-age children in Japan is the custom of receiving otoshidama (New Year money) from their close elders, in a show of appreciation and good wishes. Presented...
New Year in Japan - Hatsumōde (初詣)
One of Japan’s most culturally important traditions, hatsumōde sees people visit a Shinto (or Buddhist) jingu (shrine) and otera (temple) to make a small offering and pray for good luck in the new year (Oshōgatsu). Most...
New Year in Japan - Hatsumōde (初詣)
One of Japan’s most culturally important traditions, hatsumōde sees people visit a Shinto (or Buddhist) jingu (shrine) and otera (temple) to make a small offering and pray for good luck in the new year (Oshōgatsu). Most...
New Year in Japan - Osechi-ryori (おせち料理)
While the infamous tradition of eating KFC at Christmas is true for some young people in Japan, the real star of festive Japanese cuisine is osechi-ryōri (a variety of traditional New Year’s...
New Year in Japan - Osechi-ryori (おせち料理)
While the infamous tradition of eating KFC at Christmas is true for some young people in Japan, the real star of festive Japanese cuisine is osechi-ryōri (a variety of traditional New Year’s...
New Year in Japan - Nengajo (年賀状）
The Japanese tradition of sending nengajō (New Year’s greeting cards) is similar to Christmas cards, but with a whole host of unwritten rules to consider. If you think sending loved ones a...
New Year in Japan - Nengajo (年賀状）
The Japanese tradition of sending nengajō (New Year’s greeting cards) is similar to Christmas cards, but with a whole host of unwritten rules to consider. If you think sending loved ones a...
New Year in Japan - Ōsouji (大掃除)
Whilst the Christmas festivities are enjoyed in Japan, when it comes to celebrations New Year (Oshōgatsu) is the most important date in the calendar. As there are quite a few traditions, customs and...
New Year in Japan - Ōsouji (大掃除)
Whilst the Christmas festivities are enjoyed in Japan, when it comes to celebrations New Year (Oshōgatsu) is the most important date in the calendar. As there are quite a few traditions, customs and...
Our Guide to Osake (お酒)
Although many think of rice wine when they hear the word sake (酒), in Japan the kanji generally refers to any alcoholic drink. Instead, 'rice wine' is more commonly known...
Our Guide to Osake (お酒)
Although many think of rice wine when they hear the word sake (酒), in Japan the kanji generally refers to any alcoholic drink. Instead, 'rice wine' is more commonly known...