Life After Sumo: Retirement Money, Pensions, and Income for Retired Rikishi
For many people outside Japan, sumo looks like a lifelong calling. But in reality, most sumo wrestlers retire young, often in their 30s, and must…
Real Life in Japan
Japan Through Japanese Eyes
Real Life in Japan
Japan Through Japanese Eyes
Category Culture / Custom
Read More Life After Sumo: Retirement Money, Pensions, and Income for Retired Rikishi
Living in a Danchi in Japan: A Practical Guide for Foreign Residents
When people think about housing in Japan, small apartments near train stations usually come to mind. But for many long-term residents—especially families—danchi can be a…
Attending a Wake or Funeral in Japan: A Practical Guide for Foreigners
Being invited to a wake or funeral in Japan can feel intimidating, especially if you are unfamiliar with Japanese customs. Many foreign residents worry about…
Understanding PTA in Japan: A Practical Guide for Foreign Parents
Moving to Japan with children often means learning an entirely new school culture. One topic that frequently surprises foreign parents is the PTA. You may…
The Dignity And Destiny Of Yokozuna
Before the roar of the crowd and the clash of bodies on the clay ring, sumo carries a quieter story—one of restraint, tradition, and an…
What Japanese School Lunch Is Really Like: Meals, Allergies, Milk Rules, and Everyday Etiquette
School lunch in Japan often comes up in conversations among parents, teachers, and anyone raising children here. It’s simple on the surface—kids eat together at…
Otoshidama: Japan’s New Year Gift-Giving Tradition Explained
As the New Year approaches in Japan, families begin preparing for one of the most anticipated moments for children: receiving otoshidama. While it may look…
Shichi-Go-San in Japan: A Family Guide to This Children’s Tradition
Japan has many seasonal traditions that quietly mark the passage of life, and Shichi-Go-San is one of the most beloved. If you live in Japan…
Japan’s Coming-of-Age Ceremony: Understanding Seijin Shiki
Turning twenty is an important milestone in Japan. It marks the moment when a young person is officially recognized as an adult by society, with…
Zazen In Japan: Sitting Meditation, History, Practice, And Experience
Before diving into definitions and history, it helps to pause for a moment. Zazen is not something that can be fully understood by reading alone.…
Kyūdō: Exploring the Art, Spirit, and Tradition of Japanese Archery
Before stepping into a kyūdō training hall, you immediately sense that this is more than archery. The quiet atmosphere, deliberate movements, and unwavering focus make…
Renting an Apartment in Japan: Step-by-Step Guide for Foreigners
If you’re planning to live in Japan—whether for work, study, or adventure—you’ll eventually face one of the most confusing challenges of all: renting an apartment.…
Top 5 Anime Shops to Visit in Akihabara for Otaku Travelers
From Dragon Ball to Attack on Titan, Demon Slayer, and Jujutsu Kaisen, Japanese anime continues to expand its influence across the world.Akihabara — known around…
A Complete Guide to Japanese “Resignation Agency” Services
Have you ever heard of a “resignation agency”?If you’re living outside Japan, this term might sound unusual—or even strange.But in Japan, resignation agency services (退職代行サービス…
Daruma Dolls: A Complete Guide to Japan’s Symbol of Perseverance and Good Fortune
Daruma dolls are one of the most recognizable traditional items in Japan. With their bold red color, round shape, and determined expression, they have become…
How to Become a Professional Sumo Wrestler in Japan as a Foreigner
Japan’s national sport of sumo might seem closed to outsiders—but it is possible for foreign men to become professional rikishi (wrestlers) in Japan. That said,…