The Japanese summer heat, with its high humidity, is famous for being difficult to bear. Japanese people themselves have a hard time coping with it, and “Atsui ne,” [“It’s so hot, isn’t it?”] is the seasonal…
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How Universal Movement Uses Instagram to Promote Inclusiveness in Japan
Kizu Takami is the creator of Universal Movement. This Instagram account promotes a better understanding and acceptance of people with disabilities in Japanese society. To do so, she uses colorful illustrations and easy-to-read explanations. I have interviewed…
The Life-Changing Power of Butoh and Japanese Performing Arts
Midori Okuyama is a Japanese theater producer who has always been involved with the Japanese performing arts. One of her main works is producing Sankai Juku, the most famous butoh dance company. In this interview, she…
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…
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…
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 Japanese Bow: How to Do It the Right Way
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…
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.”…
Why Do the Japanese Fold Toilet Paper?
Japanese washrooms have been attracting attention worldwide for some time. Common topics include the famous high-tech toilets with heated seats, and the cleanliness and abundance of public washrooms in the country. However, this time I’d like…
Are Tokyo’s Streets Really Clean?
Tokyo’s street cleanliness is a natural object of admiration among foreign visitors. “Japanese people don’t litter” has become one of the most famous misconceptions about Japan, along with “Japanese trains are always on time.” Tokyo is…