“Why Japan?” Series

Why Do Japanese Characters Dress for the Seasons?

Discover why Japanese anime and mascot characters wear seasonal outfits. Explore the cultural philosophy of kisetsukan, emotional marketing, and visual storytelling that connects tradition with pop culture.
travel to Japan

Awa Odori Festival Guide | From Koenji to Tokushima – Japan’s Dancing Soul

Introduction: “We’re all fools, so let’s dance!”Among Japan’s many summer festivals, few match the energy and joy of Awa...
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

August 24: Love Sake Day — A Quiet Celebration of Poetry, Fermentation, and the Japanese Soul

August 24 is Love Sake Day in Japan, honoring poet Wakayama Bokusui and the quiet beauty of sake culture. Explore the philosophy of fermentation, seasonal rituals, and poetic silence in this immersive guide.
Japanese Culture

Dancing with Ancestors: A Local Bon Odori at My School

Experience Japan’s summer tradition through a local Bon Odori festival—where ancestral prayer, community, and dance come together under lantern light.
travel to Japan

Why Japanese Hot Springs Are More Than Just a Bath

Discover the deeper meaning of Japanese hot springs—from naked bathing to seasonal rituals—in this guide for curious global travelers.
“Why Japan?” Series

🚆 Why Are Japanese Trains So Quiet?A Journey into Empathy, Etiquette, and the Aesthetics of Silence

If you've ever taken a train in Japan, you may have experienced something quietly astonishing: the near-total absence of...
Japanese Culture

【Tradition × Pokémon】How Mataro Dolls Are Redefining Japanese Craftsmanship for the Future

🧵 Introduction: The Day Pikachu Wore a KimonoIn a quiet workshop in Ueno, Tokyo, a team of artisans carefully crafts a P...
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

🧊 Shosho: Japan’s Gentle Farewell to Summer

Discover the meaning of Shosho, one of Japan’s 24 solar terms. Learn how Japanese people sense seasonal change through nature, food, and tradition—an invitation to experience your own seasonal mindfulness.
Japanese Culture

🌸 What Is “Kawaii”? Japan’s Culture of Cuteness That Charms the World

Explore the origins and global influence of Japan’s kawaii culture—from Hello Kitty and Harajuku fashion to character bento and adorable stationery. Learn why “cute” is more than a look—it’s a way of life.
“Why Japan?” Series

🌞 Why Japan? Why Are Japanese Streets So Clean?

Discover why Japan’s streets remain spotless — not just through rules, but through a cultural belief that “the sun is watching.” Learn how invisible ethics shape public behavior in Japan.