#JAPAN

Voices in the Dark: The Creepy yet Heartwarming Japanese Folktale of “Obusaritei”

Discover the eerie yet heartwarming Japanese folktale "Obusaritei." Explore the deep spirituality of Japanese culture, a Yokai's terrifying test on a dark road, and the surprising reward for true courage.日本の不気味で心温まる昔話「おぶさりてい」のストーリーと、そこから読み解く日本文化の深い精神性をご紹介します。夜道で「おんぶして」と迫る妖怪がもたらす試練と驚きの結末とは？

2026.02.27

Japanese Folktale Series

[Feb 19] Usui (Rain Water): The Day Snow Turns to Rain and Spring Awakens

Discover the magic of Usui (Feb 19), the Japanese solar term when snow turns to rain. Learn why this is the perfect day to display Hina Dolls for good luck and how Japan welcomes spring.

2026.02.19

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

February 16th: “Weather Map Day” in Japan – Why We Read the Sky

Discover why February 16 is celebrated as Weather Map Day in Japan. Explore the history from 1883 and how weather shapes Japanese culture and aesthetics.

2026.02.16

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

【Feb 14】Valentine’s Day in Japan: A Unique Festival of Love, Duty, and Chocolate

Discover why Japanese women give chocolates to men on February 14th. Explore the history, the difference between Honmei and Giri-choco, and the evolution of this unique cultural event in Japan.

2026.02.14

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

[Japanese Folktale] The Miracle of Sleep-Talking: How a Lazy Man Scared Away a Thief – “Maa Da Mada Wakan”

Discover the hilarious Japanese folktale "Maa da mada wakan." A story of how a wealthy man's sleep-talking accidentally defeated a cunning thief. Explore the Japanese culture of "Kotodama" and traditional humor.

2026.02.10

Japanese Folktale Series

【In-Depth Review】How “Sailor Moon” Changed the World: The Miraculous Anime Born from Japanese History and Culture

Discover why "Sailor Moon" became a global icon. Dive into this in-depth review exploring its plot, cultural impact on gender roles, 90s Japanese origins, and timeless appeal that continues to inspire generations.

2026.02.04

Anime

[January 27] The Day Japan’s Icon Was Born: Decoding the Aesthetics of the “Hinomaru”

Discover why January 27th is National Flag Proclamation Day in Japan. Explore the history of the Hinomaru, the symbolism of the sun, and the Japanese aesthetic of minimalism in this deep-dive article.

2026.01.27

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

January 26: “Cultural Property Fire Prevention Day” – A Vow to Protect Japan’s Beauty

Why does Japan hold massive fire drills at temples on January 26? Discover the tragedy of the Horyu-ji fire and the Japanese dedication to protecting wooden cultural heritage.

2026.01.26

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

Flip through a Japanese calendar, and you will find a special period marked from January 24th to the 30th. This is “National School Lunch Week.”

Discover the history of Japan's National School Lunch Week (Jan 24). Explore how "Kyushoku" evolved from post-war aid to a pillar of Japanese education and culture.

2026.01.24

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

【Japanese Folktale】The Yamabushi and the Baby Tanuki: A Battle of Wits

Discover the humorous and spiritual Japanese folktale of "The Yamabushi and the Baby Tanuki." Explore the cultural meaning of mountain ascetics, shapeshifting Tanuki, and the lesson of humility in nature.

2026.01.23

Japanese Folktale Series