In Japanese, you can say Happy New Year with various expressions, so let’s get familiar with a few phrases.

Vernal Equinox Day, also known as Shunbun no Hi (春分の日), is one of two Japanese public holidays that mark the times of the year when day and night are approximately equal in length. Shunbun no Hi is the first of two and typically falls between March 19 and March 22, hence it is often referred […]

Although the Japanese monarchy still exists, its role today is largely symbolic—much like the royal family in the United Kingdom. Even so, the Imperial Household continues to observe important traditions, including the celebration of the reigning emperor’s birthday. This occasion is marked by a national holiday known as the Emperor’s Birthday (天皇誕生日, Tennō Tanjōbi). Under […]

Did you know Japanese people have a tradition not to cook on the first few days of January? Instead, they prepae and eat ‘osechi ryori’ in December.

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 […]

Culture Day isn’t dedicated to Japanese culture alone, but whilst we are in Japan, how can we further appreciate the arts here?

Sports and Health Day in Japan is more closely associated with exercise, the community and healthy-eating, but is there anything else we should pay attention to?

Far from being a new practice, the foundations of Autumnal Equinox Day were actually laid out centuries ago. But, many moons later, are the origins of this holiday still relevant today?