Cold mugicha (barley tea) is a drink that is popular in Japan, especially in summer, or after taking a bath or exercising. How is it different from green tea and what are its effects? What Are the Differences Between Mugicha and Other Teas? Mugicha is golden brown, whereas green tea is… well, green.There are other…
Petting Beetles: The Strange Love of Japanese People for Insects
You may be one of the numerous people who have spent long lockdown hours playing the Nintendo video game hit Animal Crossing: New Horizons. If so, the hobby of insect collecting, and the sound of cicadas have become familiar to you. But did you know this is directly inspired by the Japanese’s peculiar relationship with…
10 Japanese Language Tips That Will Make You Sound Fluent
Here you are: you have been studying the Japanese language for some time and you are ready to have conversations with Japanese people. However, the Japanese language learned from a textbook or in the classroom can be quite different from the Japanese language people actually speak! Here are some tips that will make your Japanese…
A Short Introduction to Jizo, a Japanese Bodhisattva
When traveling in Japan, you may see statues dressed in red cloth. They are representations of Jizo, the Buddhist divinity loved by most Japanese people! I, too, love them and would like to give you a brief introduction to their role and symbolism. The Roles of Jizo The Jizo Bodhisattva, “O-Jizo-san” in Japanese honorific language,…
A Guide to Daikoku PA: Heaven on Earth for Fans of Japanese Car Culture
I’ve been a stalwart fan of Japanese sports cars since I was a teenager. So naturally, one of the first things I did upon arriving in Tokyo in 2009 was to seek out the local car scene. It was easy enough to attend car shows or visit Fuji Speedway for a track day, but living…
Greetings Used Before and After Meals: “Itadakimasu” and “Gochisosama”
Before eating meals, Japanese people join their hands in front of their chests and say, “itadakimasu.” After finishing, they perform the same gesture and say, “gochisosama.” These greetings are part of a day-to-day manner. Japanese people hold their hands this way to show respect and to put their thoughts and feelings into form. They use the…
How to Use your Japanese Folding Fan the Right Way
The Different Uses of the Folding Fan in Japanese Culture Many people may think of the folding fan as something to put on the wall for decoration or as an accessory used by noble ladies at social gatherings. They are among our recommended best summer souvenirs. However, in Japan, the folding fan is an object…
5 Quick and Easy Tips to Make a Good Impression on the Japanese Business Scene
Learning all of the intricate rules that shape business conduct in Japan could take a lifetime. This is evidenced by the intimidating amounts of content available on this topic. It’s enough to make you throw in the towel and give up your dreams of working or starting a business in Japan. I’m here to tell…
The Dos and Don’ts of Bowing in Japan
In shops, in the streets, on the phone… You may have noticed that Japanese people bow all the time! Japan has a lot of hidden rules and manners, but the habit of bowing is evident. Why and When Do Japanese People Bow? Ojigi, the “bow,” is an essential manner for the Japanese people, especially when…
Kotodama: The Spiritual Power of Words in Japanese Culture
During my recent interview with Sathi, she mentioned kotodama as one of the Japanese concepts she tried to integrate into her everyday life. She summed it up as follows: “When you say good things, good things will happen.” This made me want to know more and do further research on this concept. Here is what I found….