“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

May 21st – Shoman: The Season of Awakening and Flourishing Life

Discover the deep cultural meaning of Shoman (May 21), one of Japan's 24 solar terms. Learn how the season of growing greenery reflects the Zen philosophy of "Wabi-sabi" and finding joy in small fulfillment.
Japanese Folktale Series

[Japanese Folktale] Can 3 Purchased Words Save Your Life? The Shocking Truth and Lessons of “Hanashi Juryo”

Discover the thrilling Japanese folktale "Hanashi Juryo" (A Story for Ten Ryo). Dive into its cultural significance, the value of wisdom over money, and powerful life lessons from the Edo period.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

May 20 is Tokyo Port Opening Anniversary: The Day the Heart of Modern Japan Opened to the World

Discover the history and cultural significance of the Tokyo Port Opening Anniversary on May 20. Learn how this vital maritime gateway connects Japan's rich history to the modern world.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

May 19: The Fall of the Nogata Meteorite, the World’s Oldest Witnessed Meteorite

Discover the fascinating story of the Nogata Meteorite, which fell in Japan on May 19, 861. Uncover how this celestial event shaped Japanese Shinto beliefs and remains the world's oldest witnessed meteorite fall.
Japanese Folktale Series

Japanese Folktale “Spirit of the Grain”: The Identity of the Monsters in a Wealthy Village and the Depths of Japanese Culture

Discover the chilling Japanese folktale "Spirit of the Grain." Learn about faceless Yokai monsters, the profound Japanese philosophy of Animism, and the true meaning of Mottainai regarding food waste.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

May 18, 1869: The End of the Hakodate War. The Fall of the Samurai and the Dawn of Modern Japan

Discover the dramatic end of the Boshin War at Hakodate's Goryokaku on May 18, 1869. Explore the contrasting fates of samurai heroes and the dawn of modern Japan.
Japanese Folktale Series

A Hidden Masterpiece of Japanese Folktales: “The Swapped Wallet” and True Wealth

Discover the heartwarming Japanese folktale "The Swapped Wallet" (Surikaeta Saifu). Learn about the deep-rooted cultural values of honesty, "Otentosama ga miteiru", and why dropped wallets always return in modern Japan.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

May 17 is Ochazuke Day: The Hidden History and Zen Spirit of Japan’s Soul Food

Learn about Ochazuke Day on May 17th. Discover the history of Nagatani Soshichiro, the invention of Sencha, and why this simple dish of green tea over rice is the ultimate Japanese soul food.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

May 16 is “Travel Day”: Understanding the Japanese Spirit of Travel through Matsuo Basho’s “Oku no Hosomichi”

Discover the origins of Japan's Travel Day on May 16. Learn about Haiku master Matsuo Basho's epic journey, Oku no Hosomichi, and the profound Japanese philosophy of travel.
Japanese Folktale Series

The Hidden Horror of “The Nut Thrown into the Fire”: Nature’s Law and a Terrifying Taboo

Discover the eerie Japanese folktale "The Nut Thrown into the Fire." Explore its deep cultural meaning, the concept of animism, and the spiritual rules of the traditional hearth (Irori). Read the full story and uncover the dark secrets of nature's laws!