Japan Through Japanese Eyes
Japan Through Japanese Eyes
Japan has made significant strides in recent years to reduce the cost of early childhood education and care. But if you’re a foreign national living in Japan (or considering a move), it’s helpful to understand the details—what’s truly free, what…
Have you ever tasted Castella before?It’s one of Japan’s most beloved traditional sweets — simple in appearance, yet refined in flavor.A good Castella is moist, soft, and full of subtle sweetness. Even today, Japanese people often give it as a…
Do you think all Japanese people are Buddhists? Yes, that’s roughly correct.However, Japanese people themselves are not aware of this. Let’s take a look at religion in Japan.According to the Agency for Cultural Affairs, the number of followers of religious…
When a loved one passes away, funeral customs vary widely across countries and cultures. In Japan, there is a distinctive “standard” style of funeral which many follow. In fact, around 90 % of funerals in Japan are held in the…
Sumo is often referred to as Japan’s national sport. But have you ever wondered how much money these wrestlers actually make?Let’s take a closer look at their earnings and what determines their income. Ranking System In professional sumo, wrestlers (rikishi)…
Japan has been welcoming more and more visitors every year, and travelers from around the world are enjoying its many famous attractions across the country. But depending on when you visit, there’s one invisible enemy that could completely ruin your…
Sumo has long been known as Japan’s national sport, but in recent years, it has begun to draw talented wrestlers from all around the world. Among them, one of the brightest new faces is Aonishiki Arata, a young rikishi (sumo…
It’s been six months since my daughter was born, and she’s growing up healthy and strong.This time, I’d like to share my experience raising my first child at the age of 41. Our life as new parents began after our…
Experience Modern Art, Temples, and Retro Japan Around Nippori Station For many travelers arriving in Japan and taking the train from Narita Airport, Nippori Station is often the first stop on their journey. Since both the Keisei Skyliner and JR…
A Long History in Japan Konnyaku has been part of Japanese cuisine for more than a thousand years. It was first introduced from China as a medicinal plant during the Nara period (around the 8th century), and over time, it…
Do you think all Japanese people watch anime?Well, not really. Though, compared to the rest of the world, it’s true that a lot of us probably do. I don’t dislike anime, but as I got older, I found myself watching…
Have you ever heard of hoshiimo, Japan’s dried sweet potato?In Japan, it’s a beloved snack that almost everyone has tasted at least once. What is Hoshiimo? Hoshiimo is a natural food made by steaming sweet potatoes and then drying them…