Culture

Common Japanese Gestures and Their Meanings

Discover the unique gestures commonly used in Japan, from calling someone over to showing thanks or confusion. This guide explains their meanings and how to use them.

Journey to Japanese MasteryCulture

Understanding Gift-Giving in Japan

Delve into the rich traditions of Japanese gift-giving, where each gift carries deep significance, from expressing gratitude to honoring social ties.

CultureJourney to Japanese Mastery

How to Visit a Shinto Shrine in Japan: A Simple Guide

Discover the proper etiquette for visiting a Shinto shrine in Japan, from purification at the temizuya to offering prayers at the main hall, in our straightforward guide.

Culture

Annual Events in Japan #5: Celebrating Obon Festival – A Time of Family and Memory

Discover how the Obon Festival in Japan brings families together to honor their ancestors with traditional dances, special foods, and heartfelt reunions, making it a profound time of family bonding and memory.

Journey to Japanese MasteryCulture

Annual Events in Japan #4: Celebrating Tanabata – The Star Festival

Join us in discovering Tanabata, Japan's Star Festival, where heartfelt wishes are written on colorful tanzaku and hung on bamboo to reach the stars, celebrating love and hope.

Journey to Japanese MasteryCulture

Annual Events in Japan #3: Celebrating Children’s Day – Honoring the Strength and Success of Youth

Join us in exploring Children’s Day in Japan, a heartfelt celebration filled with traditions like Koi Nobori and samurai displays, aimed at fostering strength and success in young people.

Journey to Japanese MasteryCulture

Annual Events in Japan #2: Celebrating the Doll Festival – Honoring Girls’ Health and Happiness

Explore the Doll Festival, known as Hina Matsuri, where families honor their daughters' health and happiness through beautiful displays of traditional dolls and festive foods.

Journey to Japanese MasteryCulture

Annual Events in Japan #1: Celebrating Setsubun – Japan’s Bean-Throwing Festival

Discover Setsubun, the unique Japanese festival that celebrates the arrival of spring with rituals designed to purge evil spirits and attract good luck through bean-throwing.

Journey to Japanese MasteryCulture

Understanding the Japanese Zodiac System

Explore the intriguing Japanese Zodiac system, from its ancient Chinese roots to the meaningful animal symbols that influence Japanese cultural traditions and personal identities.

Journey to Japanese MasteryCulture

Undertanding the Japanese Imperial Era System

Discover the fascinating world of Japan’s imperial era system, 元号 (Gengou), which reflects the nation's history and cultural identity through era names tied to each emperor's reign.

Culture