Despite its terrible looks granted by nature and its slimy texture, anglerfish is actually edible. The monster is turned into a delicacy by Japanese cooks. The Edible Parts of the Anglerfish Anglerfish likes to live in the deep sea and looks pretty horrible with its big head and sharp teeth… but don’t be fooled by its…
How to Say ‘Sorry I’m Late’ in Japanese Depending on Your Situation
It is a well-known fact that being late is frowned upon in Japanese culture. Being late when you meet friends will not hurt your friendships badly as long as you apologize and don’t try to make up excuses. Actually, your Japanese friends might very well be the ones who are late. But in business culture,…
The History of Hanami: The Japanese Tradition of Cherry Blossom Viewing
In Spring in Japan, cherry blossom trees are in bloom for about two weeks. During this very short period of time, Japanese people enjoy the traditional activity called hanami, which can be literally translated as “viewing the flowers.” Read on to discover the origins and meanings of this celebration and how it is celebrated today….
A Family of Fingers! How to Name Each Finger of the Hand in Japanese
The Fingers’ Names in Japanese Originate from Size or Usage In Japan, fingers’ names are called the following: #1 The thumb is oyayubi (親指), the “parent finger”.#2 The index finger is hitosashiyubi (人差し指), the “pointing finger”.#3 The middle finger has the same meaning as in English, and is called nakayubi (中指).#4 The ring finger is called,…
Japanese Miso Soup: its Origins and Why Japanese People Like it so Much
When and where was miso soup invited? What is it made of? Why is it so important to the Japanese people? Is there a correct way to eat it? Is it really good for your health? Here are some answers to the most commonly asked questions related to the most famous soup of Japanese cuisine….
Traditional Meanings of Colors in Japanese Culture
The meanings and perceptions of colors are a cultural construct that can reflect a country’s history and beliefs. Read on to discover the interesting historical background and some unusual facts for some important colors in Japanese culture. Green and Blue Used to Be the Same Word Today this word means blue, but for a very…
The Joys and Challenges of Japanese Traditional Painting: an Interview with Allan West
UPDATE: Because of the Coronavirus pandemic, Allan’s studio is temporarily close to the public. It may open again in autumn depending on the situation. If you intend to visit, please contact the studio beforehand to make sure it is open. You may have seen his elegant kimono-clad figure on television, in newspapers, or in your Tokyo guidebook….
Interview with a Rickshaw Driver: from Guiding People to Changing People’s Lives
For a long time, I ignored that the rickshaw was actually a Japanese invention! This old profession still subsists today in a newer form in Japan: the rickshaw drivers double as guides who often speak several languages. Let me introduce you to Mr. Taira, a rickshaw driver you can meet in Asakusa, Tokyo. All the…
‘Becoming Like the Sky’: an Encounter with a Street Monk in Ginza
In Tokyo, Buddhist priests chanting sutras in the streets, with their traditional robes and straw hats, have become an exotic sight not only to foreign tourists but to Tokyoites too. Mr. Mochizuki has been practicing takuhatsu (religious mendicancy and sutra chanting) in the streets of Ginza for nine years.I had the opportunity to interview him…
Keeping the Legacy Alive: the Singing Mangaka Chie Araki
Chie is a nagashi artist: her job consists of wandering the streets of Arakicho (a part of Shinjuku ward), going from tavern to tavern to play and sing to entertain the customers. She’s also a mangaka and draws people’s portraits while singing. I met Chie by chance at the Ringo no Hana tavern in Arakicho back in 2018, and we talked…