2025-11

Japanese Folktale Series

[Japanese Folktale] Ushikata to Yamanba: A Battle of Wits in the Silent Mountains

Discover the chilling Japanese folktale "Ushikata to Yamanba." A cattleman faces a mountain witch in a battle of wits. Explore the cultural meaning of the Mackerel Road and Yokai legends.
2025.11.25
Japanese Folktale Series
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

November 25th: “OL Day” and the Evolution of Japanese Office Culture

Discover the origin of Japan's "OL Day" on Nov 25. Learn how the term shifted from "BG" to "Office Lady" in 1963 and how Japanese work culture has evolved for women.
2025.11.25
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series
Japanese Folktale Series

【Japanese Folklore】Funa Yurei: The Boat Spirits Seeking a Ladle

Discover the chilling tale of Funa Yurei, Japanese ship ghosts that sink boats with a ladle. Learn the folklore, cultural meaning, and how to survive this maritime horror.
2025.11.24
Japanese Folktale Series
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

November 24th is “Opera Day”: The Day Meiji Japan Met Western Voices

Discover why November 24 is celebrated as "Opera Day" in Japan. Explore the history of the first performance of Faust in 1894, the Meiji era's cultural modernization, and how Western music fused with Japanese tradition.
2025.11.24
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series
Japanese Folktale Series

Jigoku no Abaremono (The Rampage in Hell): A Tale of Japanese Craftsmanship Even in the Afterlife

Discover "Jigoku no Abaremono," a hilarious Japanese folktale where a doctor, priest, and acrobat outwit the King of Hell. Explore the cultural meaning of Japanese Hell and Rakugo humor.
2025.11.23
Japanese Folktale Series
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

Autumn in Japan is not merely a change of seasons. It is a sacred time when we receive blessings from the earth, and gods and humans become one through “food.” Today is November 23rd. While most modern Japanese recognize this day as “Labor Thanksgiving Day” (Kinro Kansha no Hi) and enjoy a public holiday, the true form of this day is hidden within the most important and mysterious imperial ritual that has been protected for over 2,000 years.

Discover the deep spiritual meaning of November 23rd in Japan. Beyond Labor Thanksgiving Day lies "Niinamesai," an ancient ritual where the Emperor communes with gods through rice. Explore Japan's soul.
2025.11.23
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series
Japanese Folktale Series

There is a story passed down in Japan, often told on rainy nights or during the humid heat of summer. It is not merely a ghost story intended to scare, but a tale of “love” that persists even after death. Today, I will introduce the legendary folktale known across Japan, particularly in Kyoto, as “The Child-Rearing Ghost” (Kosodate Yurei). While the word “ghost” may evoke fear, by the time you finish reading this story, you will likely feel a distinct warmth in your heart.

Discover the legend of the Child-Rearing Ghost (Kosodate Yurei). A poignant Japanese folktale from Kyoto about a mother's love that defied death to save her baby. Read the full story and cultural analysis here.
2025.11.22
Japanese Folktale Series
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

The Quiet Approach of Winter: Exploring “Shōsetsu” (Small Snow)

November 22nd is "Shōsetsu" in the Japanese calendar. Explore the meaning of Small Snow, the tradition of dried foods like Hoshigaki, and the cultural shift into winter in Japan.
2025.11.22
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series
Japanese Folktale Series

Walking along the ancient roads of Japan, you may occasionally come across weathered stone monuments or old, decaying shrines. These are not merely ruins; they are fragments of memories where people once confronted “something beyond human understanding.”

Discover the thrilling Japanese folktale of "Sarugami Taiji" (Shippeitaro). A story of a brave dog, a terrifying monkey god, and the legend of human sacrifice in ancient Japan. Read the full analysis.
2025.11.21
Japanese Folktale Series
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

November 21st is “Fried Chicken Day” in Japan: Why Did the Nation Fall in Love with This Taste?

Discover why November 21st is Fried Chicken Day in Japan. Explore the history of the first KFC opening in 1970, the unique "Christmas Chicken" tradition, and how Japan distinguishes between Karaage and Fried Chicken.
2025.11.21
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series
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