Japanese Gift-Giving Tradition
Gift-giving is such an important part of Japanese society. Graduations, weddings, returning from a trip, and even sealing a business deal all call for gift-giving!
Ramune Soda: Japan's Favourite Summer Drink
It is hot every day in Japan. On such hot days, I feel like drinking Ramune. Have you ever had Ramune before? Ramune is a carbonated beverage in a glass...
Hydrangea Season in Japan
Hydrangea season is one of the most beautiful seasons in Japan. You will see some of the most incredible displays of hydrangeas around the country. Unshoji Temple 雲昌寺, also known as...
Tsubame Sanjo: The City of Metalworking
What is Tsubame Sanjo? Have you heard about it? Tsubame Sanjo is the name of a region well-known for its superior metalworking technology. It is located in the central area...
Sakura Blizzard
One of the reasons why Japanese people enjoy cherry blossoms so much is the graceful way the flowers fall. The phenomenon is called the “blizzard of falling cherry blossoms.” The...
Cherry blossoms on Mt. Yoshino
Cherry blossoms on Mt. Yoshino begin blooming in late March or early April and peak in early to mid-April. Going to see this magnificent view has been on my bucket...
A MUST-WATCH Documentary: The Unknown Master of Restoration
This morning, I watched a documentary produced by NHK Japan Broadcast Corporation. It tells the story of a master who claims to be able to restore any piece of pottery,...
Sakura Trees Are In Full Bloom In Tokyo This Week!
Do you have cherry blossom (sakura) trees in your city? Have your town’s cherry blossom bloomed yet? Sakura is a very special flower to the Japanese people. (It's no surprise...
Kujira Knives and Tosa Uchi Blade
Have you heard about the Kujira Knife? Do you have one already? It’s a stunning hand-forged multi-purpose knife from Tosa, Kochi. The knife is designed in the shape of a...
Harimi: The most beautiful dustpan
You don't want to tuck this dustpan away; instead, you want it to be displayed. It's a beautiful cleaning tool. Harimi is a paper dustpan made by paper coated it...
Setsubun Festival—The day when beans are thrown and eaten! a lot!
Setsubun (節分) is the day before the beginning of spring in Japan’s traditional calendar. The term literally translates to '“seasonal division” (setsu 節 = season, bun 分 = division). It is...
Miso Muddler: Great Tool When Homemade Miso Soup
Do you make and enjoy your own miso soup at home? Or do you love the miso soup served at your favorite Japanese restaurant and want to try making it at home?...
5 Place to Visit to See Beautiful Autumn Foliage in Japan
With the current situation of the world, it is not easy to travel to places right now. But we can still dream of the beautiful colors of autumn leaves while...
Edo Broom: My 18-Year-Old Broom
Edo Brooms are built with extraordinary craftsmanship using only natural materials. They are built to last.This is my Edo broom, which I've had for years. When my daughter was a...