KFC, the home of finger lickin' good chicken, is famous for its signature Original Recipe – a secret blend of 11 herbs and spices that create a crispy, flavorful coating. Furthermore, have you experienced the satisfying crunch and juicy ...

If you're a fan of Japanese culture, you've likely heard of Kabuki. This iconic form of traditional theater has captivated audiences for centuries with its vibrant costumes, dramatic makeup, and powerful storytelling. Today, let's explor...

Ramen, Cup Noodles – these instant noodle delights have captured the hearts (and stomachs) of people worldwide. Whether you love them for their convenience or savor their diverse flavors, their popularity in Japan is undeniable. Now, ima...

What Is an Onsen? An Onsen is a Japanese term that translates to “hot spa” in English. It refers to a specific type of hot spring that occurs naturally due to thousands of years of underground volcanic activity. These hot springs are hea...

What is Hanami? Hanami (花見), meaning flower viewing, is a traditional Japanese custom of appreciating flowers. Hanami usually refers to viewing cherry blossoms, commonly known by the Japanese name Sakura (桜). However, the term applies...

What is Oden? Oden is a traditional Japanese dish served in winter. It is similar to a Western-style stew or hot pot with all ingredients simmered in one pot. Oden is very popular in Japan and is often sold in convenience stores, from si...

What is Hatsumode ? Hatsumode (初詣) is the first shrine visit of the New Year.The first character 初 means “first,” and the second character 詣 means “attend” or “visit a shrine.” Most of Japanese are off work from December 29 untill Ja...

Oomisoka: Japanese New Year's Eve Celebration New Year's Eve is "Oomisoka" in Japanese which means "the last day of the year." Christmas is big in Japan, but New Year's Day is the real holiday. They celebrate from New Year's Eve to New Y...

Japan has many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which are very popular in Japan. There is even a weekly travel show dedicated to showcasing these sites from around the world. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisati...

The Tradition of Oosouji Oosouji, which literally means "big cleaning" in Japanese, is a New Year's tradition similar to a Western-style spring cleaning. People typically perform Oosouji around December 28th in preparation for the New Ye...