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 […]
You may be surprised to hear Japan has its holiday for both Labor Day and Thanksgiving. In fact, they are actually celebrated on the same day, on November 23. Known as Labor Thanksgiving Day or 勤労感謝の日 (Kinrou Kansha no hi), it is used to commemorate people’s hard work and was established by the Japanese government […]
One of the most surprising things about getting a hot bowl of ramen in Japan is that you often have to order from a vending machine. Most ramen specialty stores have you select and pay for your choice of ramen at a vending machine, or rather a meal ticket machine called 食券機 (shokkenki) in Japanese. […]
