From martial arts like karate, aikido, judo to sports like sumo, traditional Japanese sports are rooted in culture and history.

Kimono is so widely known that the word itself has become a part of the English language. From the very heart of Japanese culture, this iconic garment was worn on a daily basis in 19th-century Japan. Its beginnings can be traced back over a thousand years, to the Heian period (794–1185), from what was known […]

Believe it or not, culture shock is a common experience for people who encounter a new and unfamiliar environment.

Setsunai (切ない) is a Japanese word that doesn’t have an exact English translation, but it roughly translates to “the pain of things” or even “sweet sorrow”.

Wagashi (和菓子) are traditional Japanese sweets that are often accompanied by a cup of green tea. They’re usually made with sweet azuki bean paste, rice cake, rice flour, sesame paste, and chestnuts.

When you think of Japan, what comes to mind is perhaps the technological prowess of its gadgets and automobiles. Maybe it’s the fascinating pop culture with its unique fashion and music. Or maybe it’s the centuries-old traditions that still play an important role in daily life. Japan is all of these things and more, and […]

Tabearuki (食べ歩き) is the act of eating while walking, but this practice is greatly frowned upon in Japan. In fact, a lot of places strictly prohibit you from eating while walking. Why is that?

The world’s first Studio Ghibli park opens on November 1 2022. A Totoro fan or not, here’s all you need to know — and what we can tell so far.

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.

On November 27, we gathered at Takaoguchi Station for a hiking trip to Mt. Takao. There were 16 of us. We did our first ice-breaking session, where we discover different people enjoyed different things after a hike. One student looked forward to an onsen (hot spring). Another can’t wait to get a drink. We were […]