Have you ever wondered how Valentine’s Day is celebrated in Japan? While we all associate Valentine’s Day with romantic dinners and roses, things take a unique turn in Japan! Forget men giving chocolates; in Japan, on February 14, women give chocolates to their loved ones. This does not always have to be their romantic partner. […]

Setsubun is the day before the beginning of spring (according to the old Japanese lunar calendar) when people chase away demons to welcome a new season. It usually falls around February 2, 3 or 4.

If you work in Japan, chances are you have been invited to and participated in a bonenkai (忘年会)? They are Japan’s high-spirited parties, usually held at bars or izakayas with plenty of drinks, to celebrate the end of the year in Japan. Instead of a family-focused event, it is often the time to celebrate with […]

Find out different ways you can say happy birthday for the next party you’re invited to!

Toward the end of December each year, the North Pole tilts farthest from the sun, marking the shortest day and longest night and turning into a celestial moment we know as the winter solstice.

Discover why eating KFC on Christmas has become a beloved tradition in Japan. Learn how a clever 1970s marketing campaign, cultural influences, and festive holiday menus!

If you ever get invited to a wedding in Japan, there might be some words and terms that are good to know before you attend.

With temperatures dropping and the chilly winter months quickly approaching us, what better way to stay nice and toasty than to savor some comforting food? If you’re in Japan, there is no shortage of mouth-watering options to choose from when selecting a tasty meal to warm your stomach during the winter months. In our list […]