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Nengajo – The culture of sending New Years’ postcards in Japan
What is Nengajo? Nengajo are cards that people send as greetings for the New Year. They are similar to Christmas cards in the West. They are used to express gratitude for the past year or to maintain friendships. People send Nengajyou ca... -
Mount Fuji: Japan’s Sacred Natural Wonder
About Mount Fuji Mount Fuji (富士山) is the highest point in Japan and a volcanic mountain. It is located about 100km southwest of Tokyo, on the border of Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures in the Fuji Hakone Izu National Park. Past volc... -
The Art and Culture of Cosplay in Japan
What is Cosplay? Cosplay (コスプレ, kosupure) is a contraction (or portmanteau) of the English words "costume" and "play". More specifically, it is a subculture that focuses on dressing up as characters from anime, manga, video games, te... -
Hello Kitty Fair!
Hello Kitty is a popular character that has been loved by fans since 1974. The Hello Kitty Fair is an event for fans to celebrate. It is a fun event for fans of all ages. For all Kitty's fans, a fair will be held in Tokyo's Ginza Mitsuko... -
Bunkasai: Japanese School Cultural Festival
Bunkasai (文化祭) Bunkasai, the "Japanese Cultural Festival," is an important event at almost every school in Japan, from junior high to university. The dates vary from school to school, allowing observers to attend multiple events. It's... -
Top 10 Foods for a Healthy Diet in Japan
The Japanese are known to have some of the longest life expectancies in the world, which many attribute to the traditional Japanese diet. Less well known is that the Japanese also have some of the lowest rates of obesity in the modern wo... -
Sanrio Puroland: A Hello Kitty Haven
Sanrio Puroland, an indoor theme park located just a short walk from Tama-Center Station (accessible via both the Keio and Odakyu lines), is a must-visit for fans of Sanrio Characters. Situated about 25 km west-southwest of Shinjuku in T... -
Exploring Tokyo’s JUMP Shop
InfoAddress: B1F Toukyo Station Ichi-bangai 1-9-1 Marunouchi Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, JAPANBusiness Hour: 10:00～20:30 ※ Open year round MapGoogle MapBing MapStationTokyo Station (inside of tokyo station)CostFree to enter shop One of... -
The Randoseru: A Japanese Schoolchild’s Iconic Backpack
Every student around the world carries a school bag, but in Japan, the randoseru holds a special place in the hearts of elementary school children. While not mandatory, this iconic backpack symbolizes childhood and represents a cherished... -
Osaka-Style Okonomiyaki: Your Guide to a Homemade Japanese Feast
Okonomiyaki is a beloved Japanese dish that's gaining international recognition. This Osaka-style recipe features unique ingredients, some of which may require a bit of explanation: Nagaimo: A starchy root vegetable, also known as Chines...
