Religion & Rituals How Japanese People See Kami in Everyday Life
Understanding the Japanese Sense of the SacredIn the previous article, we looked at the kami who appear in Japan’s ancie...
Japanese culture
Religion & Rituals 
Religion & Rituals What Is Kami? Understanding the Japanese Concept of God
How Nature Shaped the Japanese Concept of KamiWhat is kami? The Japanese concept of kami (神) is quite different from the...
Words & Spirit What is Wa Japanese Culture? Meaning of “Wa” Explained
The Meaning of Wa Japanese Culture“Wa” (和) is a key concept in Japanese culture, often described as wa Japanese culture,...
Seasons & Traditions Sakura and School Life in Japan
Learn why the school year in Japan begins with sakura and what this symbolizes in Japanese culture.
Words & Spirit Haru-Ichiban: The First Spring Wind and a Song Loved in Japan
Haru-Ichiban is the first strong spring wind in Japan. This article explores its meaning, history, and the famous song by Candies that still touches Japanese hearts.
Seasons & Traditions Bonenkai（忘年会）: Japan’s Year-End Party to Forget the Year
Learn what a Bonenkai is, why Japanese people celebrate it, and how this year-end tradition began. A simple guide to Japan’s unique “forget-the-year” party culture.
Words & Spirit Taian (大安): The Day When Everything Goes Well
Discover Rokuyō, Japan’s six-day fortune calendar used to decide lucky or unlucky days for weddings, funerals, and daily events. Learn its history and meanings.
Seasons & Traditions January 1st and the Beginning of the Year – The Japanese Spirit Reflected in the New Year’s Days
Explore Japanese New Year customs including Hatsu-Moude, Kito, Omamori, Osechi-Ryori, and traditional ceremonies, revealing the spiritual heart of Japan.
Seasons & Traditions What Are Japanese Year-End Traditions?
December in Japan is full of traditional customs to welcome the New Year — from house cleaning and writing New Year’s cards to visiting temples and enjoying warm meals. Discover how Japanese people end the year with gratitude and preparation for a fresh start.
Seasons & Traditions Koyo (紅葉): Japanese Autumn Leaves and the Spirit of Japanese Aesthetics
Discover the beauty of autumn leaves in Japan, where vibrant momiji reflect the Japanese sense of impermanence and the fleeting nature of life.
