#CulturalHeritage

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

While January 1st is celebrated as “O-shogatsu” (Great New Year), January 15th holds its own special place in Japanese hearts as “Koshogatsu” or the “Little New Year.” This day marks a significant cultural boundary, concluding the festive New Year period. Today, we delve into the profound history and spiritual essence behind this tradition.

Explore the rich traditions of Koshogatsu (January 15th) in Japan. Learn about the spiritual meaning of red bean porridge (Azuki-gayu), the Dondoyaki fire festivals, and the cultural significance of "Women's New Year."
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

January 12: “Coming of Age Day” (Seijin no Hi) — Japan’s Colorful Rite of Passage

Discover the beauty and complexity of Japan's Coming of Age Day (Seijin no Hi). Explore the history of samurai rituals, the vibrant Furisode kimonos, and how the shift from age 20 to 18 impacts this modern rite of passage.
“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.
Japanese Folktale Series

🐒Saru Jizo|A Heartwarming Japanese Folktale of Kindness and Miracles

Discover the touching Japanese folktale “Saru Jizo,” where a simple act of kindness brings unexpected blessings. Learn about Jizo Bodhisattva, monkey symbolism, and timeless cultural values.
Japanese Folktale Series

🌬️The Tengu’s Feather Fan: A Wind-Swept Tale from Japanese Folklore

Discover the mystical power of the Tengu’s feather fan in Japanese folklore. This long-form story explores its cultural meaning, legendary origins, and modern-day relevance for travelers and mythology lovers.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

🌃Lighting Up Meiji Japan: The First Gas Street Lamps in Yokohama

Discover how Japan’s first gas street lamps transformed Yokohama’s streets on September 29, 1872. Explore the cultural impact, historical context, and legacy of this milestone in Japan’s modernization, explained for international readers.
Japanese Folktale Series

The Three Magic Charms | A Tale of Wisdom, Faith, and Survival

Discover the thrilling Japanese folktale “The Three Magic Charms,” where a clever girl escapes a mountain witch using sacred charms. Learn the cultural meaning, moral lessons, and travel insights behind this timeless story.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

September 25: Fujinoki Kofun Memorial Day | Japan’s 1,400-Year-Old Time Capsule

Discover the story of Fujinoki Kofun, an untouched 6th-century tomb in Nara, Japan. Learn why September 25 is celebrated as Kofun Memorial Day and explore the cultural legacy of ancient Japan.
Japanese Folktale Series

Miminashi Hōichi: A Japanese Ghost Tale

Discover the chilling tale of Miminashi Hōichi, a blind musician who encounters ghosts from Japan’s tragic past. Learn about the cultural, historical, and spiritual roots of this iconic Japanese folktale.
Japanese Folktale Series

🐢Urashima Tarō: A Timeless Japanese Folktale

Discover the full story of Urashima Tarō, a classic Japanese folktale about a kind fisherman, a magical underwater palace, and the bittersweet passage of time. Perfect for international readers exploring Japanese culture and storytelling.