“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

Ritto (立冬): The Calendar’s Signal for Winter and Japan’s Delicate Art of Seasonal Preparation

Ritto, around Nov 7, signals the start of winter on the Japanese calendar. It's not just a cold day; it's a cue to prepare. Discover the culture of kotatsu, nabe, and Shichi-Go-San.
2025.11.07
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series
Japanese Folktale Series

The Mysterious Fish of the Lake: A Japanese Folktale on “Knowing Enough” and Respect for Nature

Discover the full story of "The Mysterious Fish of the Lake," a Japanese folktale. We explore its deep lessons on animism, coexisting with nature, and the Japanese cultural virtue of "knowing enough."
2025.11.06
Japanese Folktale Series
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

It Didn’t Start with a “Nagaya”: November 6th, the Day Privacy Was Born in Japan

Discover why November 6th is Apartment Day in Japan. Explore the history of the 1910 "Ueno Club," the first apartment building, and how it shaped modern Japanese living and the unique terms "apaato" vs "mansion."
2025.11.06
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series
Japanese Folktale Series

Kitsune Nyobo (The Fox Wife): The Wife He Loved Was a Fox.

In Japanese folklore, there is a genre known as "Irui Konintan" (異類婚姻譚), which translates to "tales of interspecies marr...
2025.11.05
Japanese Folktale Series
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

November 5th, Japan-Brazil Friendship Day: A 130-Year Bond and Cultural Fusion Forged Across the Globe

Discover why November 5th is Japan-Brazil Friendship Day. Explore the 130-year history, from the Kasato Maru migration to the vibrant cultural exchange in soccer, music (Bossa Nova), and food (Açaí) that binds these two nations.
2025.11.05
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series
Japanese Folktale Series

Zatō no Ki (The Blind Man’s Tree): The Japanese Folktale Where a Father’s “Curse” Became Golden Treasure

Discover "Zatō no Ki," a bizarre Japanese folktale about a lazy son, a final message commanding suicide, and the hidden treasure that reveals a father's deep love.
2025.11.04
Japanese Folktale Series
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

November 4th is “Good Embroidery Day”: The Thread of Japanese Beauty and History

Discover why November 4th is 'Good Embroidery Day' (Ii Shishu no Hi) in Japan. Explore the deep history of Japanese embroidery (Shishu), from ancient Buddhist relics and samurai armor to modern Sashiko and Sukajan jackets.
2025.11.04
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series
Japanese Folktale Series

Tabibito Uma (The Traveler Horse): A Blizzard, a Spirit, and the Debt of Gratitude

Discover the story of "Tabibito Uma," a Japanese folktale about a poor traveler and a mysterious horse. Explore the deep cultural roots of Ongaeshi (gratitude) and Shinto animism found in this moving tale of kindness.
2025.11.03
Japanese Folktale Series
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

November 3rd, “Bunka no Hi”: Japan’s Clear “Singularity Day” for Celebrating Peace and Culture

Discover Bunka no Hi (文化の日), Japan's Culture Day. Learn why this Nov 3 holiday, once Emperor Meiji's birthday, now celebrates the Constitution, peace, and free museums.
2025.11.03
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series
Japanese Folktale Series

Kamotori Gonbei: The Comical Tale of the Greedy Man Who Flew

Discover "Kamotori Gonbei," a classic Japanese folktale about a lazy, greedy man whose plan to catch all the ducks backfires, teaching a humorous lesson about moderation and the spirit of "hodohodo."
2025.11.02
Japanese Folktale Series
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