“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

🇯🇵 December 1st is “Movie Day”! A Special Day Where the History and Culture of Japanese Cinema Live On

Explore December 1st, Japan's official Movie Day, and its deep roots in history. Learn about the unique Katsudō Shashin Benshi (narrators), the fusion of traditional arts, and the modern legacy of Kurosawa and Miyazaki. A must-read for global film fans.
Japanese Folktale Series

[Japanese Folktale] The Kappa’s Miraculous Medicine: A Legend of a Yokai’s Promise

Discover the Japanese folktale "The Kappa's Miraculous Medicine." A story of a doctor who trades a severed arm for a secret remedy. Explore the cultural meaning of Yokai, Giri, and traditional healing in Japan.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

📸 Focus on the Future: November 30th, Japan’s “Camera Day” and the Democratization of Photography Culture

November 30th is "Camera Day," commemorating the launch of the world's first autofocus camera, the "Juspin Konica." This article for international readers details how this Japanese technological leap made photography accessible to the masses, rooted in Japan's "monozukuri" spirit and the culture of "Ichigo Ichi-e."
Japanese Folktale Series

The Fountain of Youth: A Japanese Folktale of Desire and Innocence “The Old Woman Who Became a Baby”

Discover the Japanese folktale "The Old Woman Who Became a Baby." A story about the Fountain of Youth, the consequences of greed, and cultural lessons on moderation.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

November 29th is “Good Meat Day” (Ii Niku no Hi): The Magic of Japanese Puns and a Culinary Revolution

Discover why November 29 is "Good Meat Day" (Ii Niku no Hi) in Japan. Explore the history of Wagyu, the 1,200-year meat ban, and the unique culture of Japanese wordplay (Goroawase).
Japanese Folktale Series

“The Snow That Hides Footprints”: A Heartbreaking Tale of Beauty and Separation

Discover "Atokakushi no Yuki," a haunting Japanese folktale about a snow woman's sacrifice. Explore the cultural meaning behind the spring snow that hides tragedy.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

November 28th is “French Bread Day”: A Culinary Revolution on Japanese Tables

Discover why November 28th is French Bread Day in Japan. Explore how Japanese bakeries revolutionized baguettes with unique creations like Mentaiko France and An-Butter. A deep dive into Japan's culinary fusion.
Japanese Folktale Series

Sokotsu Sobei: The King of Carelessness and His Epic Fails

Discover the Japanese folktale of "Sokotsu Sobei," a man so absent-minded he eats incense at a funeral. Explore the humor of Edo period Rakugo and the cultural acceptance of human flaws.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

Revolution in a Box: Unpacking “Instant Curry Day” on November 27th

Discover the history of November 27th, Instant Curry Day in Japan. Learn how the invention of solid curry roux blocks transformed a foreign dish into Japan's beloved national comfort food.
Japanese Folktale Series

The Water Seed: A Miracle Blooming in the Parched Earth

Discover the Japanese folktale "The Water Seed" (Mizu no Tane). A story about a mysterious monk, Kobo Daishi, and how a single act of kindness brought water to a drought-stricken village. Explore the cultural significance of water in Japan.