#JAPAN

【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

“Charara, Charara, Charararara…” The Day a Melody Changed Japanese Dining Tables Forever

Discover the history of Japan's longest-running cooking show, "Kewpie 3-Minute Cooking," starting Jan 21, 1963. Explore how this iconic 3-minute program changed Japanese food culture, popularized mayonnaise, and defined home cooking.

2026.01.21

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

【January 20】Daikan (Major Cold): The Day Japan Loves and Utilizes the Cold

Discover "Daikan" (Jan 20), Japan's Major Cold solar term. Explore why Japanese culture embraces the freezing cold for brewing the best Sake (Kan-jikomi), spiritual training (Kan-geiko), and lucky foods like golden eggs.

2026.01.20

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

Deep within the mountains of Japan, countless legends remain about tools possessing mysterious powers. The story I will introduce today is not just about a magical tool, but a tale of a “Masu” (measuring box) that reflects the true nature of the human heart. This story speaks to us with humor and a bit of irony about the meaning of wealth and what lies at the end of greed.

Discover the Japanese folktale "The Mysterious Masu." A story of an honest man, a greedy neighbor, and a magic wooden box that multiplies whatever is inside. Explore the cultural meaning of the Masu cup.

2026.01.19

Japanese Folktale Series