#JAPAN

[Japanese Folktale] The Kappa’s Miraculous Medicine: A Legend of a Yokai’s Promise

Discover the Japanese folktale "The Kappa's Miraculous Medicine." A story of a doctor who trades a severed arm for a secret remedy. Explore the cultural meaning of Yokai, Giri, and traditional healing in Japan.

2025.11.30

Japanese Folktale Series

November 29th is “Good Meat Day” (Ii Niku no Hi): The Magic of Japanese Puns and a Culinary Revolution

Discover why November 29 is "Good Meat Day" (Ii Niku no Hi) in Japan. Explore the history of Wagyu, the 1,200-year meat ban, and the unique culture of Japanese wordplay (Goroawase).

2025.11.29

“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.

2025.11.24

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

The Quiet Approach of Winter: Exploring “Shōsetsu” (Small Snow)

November 22nd is "Shōsetsu" in the Japanese calendar. Explore the meaning of Small Snow, the tradition of dried foods like Hoshigaki, and the cultural shift into winter in Japan.

2025.11.22

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

November 15 “Shichi-Go-San” — Japan’s Beautiful Rite of Passage Celebrated at Winter’s Approach

Explore Shichi-Go-San (November 15), Japan's beautiful rite of passage celebrating children's growth (ages 3, 5, 7), and its connection to 'Ritto' (the start of winter).

2025.11.15

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

The Tragic Tale of Sadaroku and Shiro: A Loyal Dog’s Doomed Race Against Time

Discover the heartbreaking Japanese legend of "Sadaroku and Shiro." A tale of a Matagi hunter, a fatal mistake, and a loyal Akita dog's desperate race against time. Explore the deep cultural themes of loyalty, honor, and tragedy.

2025.11.12

Japanese Folktale Series

November 10th is Elevator Day: The Technology and Culture That Expanded Japan Vertically

Nov 10th is Elevator Day in Japan. Discover how the 1890 debut of Japan's first elevator in Asakusa's Ryōunkaku shaped Japanese society, architecture, and unspoken rules.

2025.11.10

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

【Japanese Folktale Series】The Black Dragon of Oonuma

Explore the Japanese folktale "The Black Dragon of Oonuma." Discover a story of drought, sacrifice, and the profound Shinto belief in nature's voice. What can we learn from the dragon's message?

2025.11.09

Japanese Folktale Series

November 9th: The Day Japan “Deleted” a Month and a Half

On Nov 9, 1872, Japan abandoned the lunar calendar for the Gregorian system. Discover the urgent political and secret financial reasons behind this massive cultural shift.

2025.11.09

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

Kiji mo Nakazuba: Why Silence is Golden and Speaking is Disaster

Explore the Japanese folktale "Kiji mo Nakazuba" (If the Pheasant Hadn't Cried), a powerful story about the dangers of careless words. Learn its deep connection to Japanese culture, proverbs, and the virtue of silence.

2025.11.07

Japanese Folktale Series