2025-11

Japanese Folktale Series

[Japanese Folktale] Azukitogi: The Mystery of the Bean Washer

Discover the eerie tale of Azukitogi, the Japanese Yokai who washes beans by the river. Explore the story, cultural analysis, and the mystery behind the "Shoki Shoki" sound in this deep dive into Japanese folklore.
2025.11.20
Japanese Folktale Series
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

November 20: The Day Japanese Hospitality Met the West. What is “Hotel Day”?

Discover why November 20 is celebrated as Hotel Day in Japan. Explore the history of the Imperial Hotel, the blend of Western and Japanese hospitality, and how it changed travel culture in Japan.
2025.11.20
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series
Japanese Folktale Series

Winter in Japan is a season of breathtaking beauty, but also of ruthless severity. Buried deep within the snowy mountain villages lie stories of silence and sorrow. Today, I would like to introduce a Japanese folktale that symbolizes the deep “compassion” and “love” found in the Japanese soul: “The Tale of the Futon” (also known as “Futon Kabuse” or “The Poor Birds”). This story may differ from the happy-ending fairytales you are used to. However, within it lies the true essence of Japan.

Discover the heartbreaking Japanese folktale "The Tale of the Futon." A story of poverty, sibling love, and transformation into birds that reveals the deep spirituality and history of Japan.
2025.11.19
Japanese Folktale Series
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

In the mornings in Japan, you often see a vibrant green figure on the school commute routes. This isn’t just a uniform; it is a symbol of Japan’s “myth of safety” and the strength of its local communities. November 19th is known in Japan as “Green Auntie Day” (Midori no Obasan no Hi). Why green? Why “Auntie”? delving into this anniversary reveals the post-war history of Japan and its unique spirituality dedicated to protecting children.

Discover the history of "Green Auntie Day" on November 19. Learn how these school crossing guards symbolize Japan's community spirit, safety culture, and the "Traffic War" era. A deep dive into Japanese daily life.
2025.11.19
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series
Japanese Folktale Series

Introduction: Horror and Humor, Two Sides of the Same Coin

Discover "Yurei no Sakamori," a unique Japanese folktale where horror meets humor. Learn how an old man's love for sake turned a scary encounter with ghosts into a friendly banquet. Deep dive into Japanese culture and spirits.
2025.11.18
Japanese Folktale Series
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

【November 18】The Birth of Eternal Kyoto: Why the Emperor Sought “Heian”

On Nov 18, 794, Emperor Kammu moved the capital to Heian-kyo (Kyoto). Discover the history, spiritual feng shui, and how this event shaped Japanese culture and the concept of "Mono no Aware."
2025.11.18
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series
Japanese Folktale Series

[Japanese Folktale] The Mystery of the Char: A Desperate Cry from the River Guardian

Discover the haunting Japanese folktale "Iwana no Kai" (The Mystery of the Char). A story about a giant fish, a mysterious monk, and the consequences of greed in the deep mountains of Japan. Explore the cultural meaning behind this legend.
2025.11.17
Japanese Folktale Series
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

November 17th, “Shogi Day”: The Japanese Spirit and a Unique Global Rule on the Board

Nov 17 is Shogi Day. Discover why Japanese chess is unique. The "Mochigoma" (captured pieces) rule changes everything. Learn its connection to Bushido, Tokugawa Shoguns, and the modern AI battles.
2025.11.17
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series
Japanese Folktale Series

Greed Leads to Ruin: The Mysterious Voice from the Edo Moat, “Oiteke-bori”

Discover "Oiteke-bori" (The Leave-It-Behind Moat), a chilling Japanese folktale from the Seven Wonders of Honjo, Tokyo. Learn the cultural lesson about greed hidden in this terrifying Yokai story.
2025.11.16
Japanese Folktale Series
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

November 16th, Kindergarten Anniversary: A Symbol of Japan’s Modernization and the First Step in Learning “Group Harmony”

Discover the history of Japan's first kindergarten, established on November 16, 1876. Explore how early childhood education shapes Japanese culture, from group harmony (Wa) to "Kawaii" bento boxes.
2025.11.16
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series
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