2025-12

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

🇯🇵 December 9th: Sōseki-Ki – Commemorating the Literary Giant and Exploring the “Kokoro” of Modern Japan

Explore Soseki-Ki, the anniversary of Natsume Soseki's death. Uncover the legacy of Japan's national author, his role in modernization, and how his exploration of individualism and the inner "Kokoro" (heart) still defines Japanese culture today.
Japanese Folktale Series

🇯🇵 Japanese Folktale Series: The Kajika Screen (Frog Screen) ~ The Fate of a Love Trapped in a Byōbu ~

Explore 'The Kajika Screen' (河鹿の屏風), a tragic Japanese folktale where a Samurai traps a beautiful Kajika frog maiden in a painting. Delve into the themes of forbidden love, the consequence of broken trust, and the deep-seated Japanese reverence for nature and the concept of 'Ma'.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

📅 December 8th: Harikuyo and Koto-osame ― The Culture of Gratitude and Closure in Japan

Discover the profound meaning of December 8th in Japan: Harikuyo, the ceremony honoring broken needles, and Koto-osame, the day marking the start of New Year's preparations. Learn about the Japanese spirit of "Mottainai" and the culture of valuing time's clear boundaries.
Japanese Folktale Series

👹 The Rashomon Demon: A Tale of Life, Death, and Ego in Japanese Culture

Explore the terrifying and profound Japanese folktale of the Rashomon Demon and the samurai Watanabe no Tsuna. This in-depth analysis connects the story to Japanese culture, Animism, Bushido, and the Heian period's aesthetics of transience (Mono no Aware). Discover the true monster lurking within humanity.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

🇯🇵 December 7th: “Taisetsu” (Major Snow) — Unveiling the Depths of Japanese Culture Shaped by Winter

Explore December 7th: "Taisetsu," the Major Snow term in the Japanese calendar. Learn how snow shaped Japan's history, food culture, Wabi-Sabi aesthetic, and communal wisdom for surviving winter. Essential reading for Japan enthusiasts.
Japanese Folktale Series

🇯🇵Japanese Folktale Series: The Raccoon Dog’s Spinning Wheel – A Tale of Wisdom and Kindness

Explore "The Raccoon Dog's Spinning Wheel" (Tanuki no Itoguruma), a beloved Japanese folktale. Discover its cultural meanings, from the spirit of reciprocity to the Animistic belief in Yaoyorozu no Kami and the philosophy of Mottainai. A deep dive into traditional Japanese virtues for international readers.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

🇯🇵 December 6th: Sound Day and Symphony Memorial Day – The Harmony of Japanese Spirit and Technology

Explore the significance of December 6th in Japan: Sound Day (Oto no Hi), celebrating audio technology and Edison's invention, and Symphony Memorial Day, marking the first full performance of Beethoven's 'Fate' by Japanese musicians. Discover the Japanese spirit of 'Wa' (harmony) and dedication to sound quality.
Japanese Folktale Series

👺 The Tengu’s Cloak of Invisibility: Ancient Wisdom and Lessons from Japan’s Mysterious Mountains

Explore the classic Japanese folktale, "The Tengu's Cloak of Invisibility," and its deep connection to Japanese cultural concepts like 'Seken' and Mountain Worship (Shugendō). Discover the eternal lesson on anonymity and the moral cost of unchecked power.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

🇯🇵 【Ultimate Guide】Japan’s Anniversary Series: December 5th – The Day Prince Shotoku Established the “Twelve-Cap Ranks.” The Dawn of Meritocracy and the Culture of Color in Japan

Discover December 5th, the day Prince Shotoku established the Twelve Cap Ranks (Kan'i Jūnikai) in 603 CE. Explore how this pioneering merit-based system transformed ancient Japan, influenced the nation's aesthetic sense, and laid the foundation for modern Japanese values of ability and harmony ("Wa"). A deep dive for international readers.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

🎬 December 4th is “E.T. Day”! The Timeless Masterpiece of SF Fantasy That Continues to Resonate in Japanese Hearts

Explore the history and cultural significance of "E.T. Day" in Japan on December 4th. Discover how Steven Spielberg's masterpiece on friendship and empathy captivated the Japanese audience and reflects local values.