#JAPAN

Japanese Folktale 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?
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” 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.
Japanese Folktale 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.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

Ritto (立冬): The Calendar’s Signal for Winter and Japan’s Delicate Art of Seasonal Preparation

Ritto, around Nov 7, signals the start of winter on the Japanese calendar. It's not just a cold day; it's a cue to prepare. Discover the culture of kotatsu, nabe, and Shichi-Go-San.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

It Didn’t Start with a “Nagaya”: November 6th, the Day Privacy Was Born in Japan

Discover why November 6th is Apartment Day in Japan. Explore the history of the 1910 "Ueno Club," the first apartment building, and how it shaped modern Japanese living and the unique terms "apaato" vs "mansion."
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

November 4th is “Good Embroidery Day”: The Thread of Japanese Beauty and History

Discover why November 4th is 'Good Embroidery Day' (Ii Shishu no Hi) in Japan. Explore the deep history of Japanese embroidery (Shishu), from ancient Buddhist relics and samurai armor to modern Sashiko and Sukajan jackets.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

November 3rd, “Bunka no Hi”: Japan’s Clear “Singularity Day” for Celebrating Peace and Culture

Discover Bunka no Hi (文化の日), Japan's Culture Day. Learn why this Nov 3 holiday, once Emperor Meiji's birthday, now celebrates the Constitution, peace, and free museums.
Japanese Folktale Series

Kamotori Gonbei: The Comical Tale of the Greedy Man Who Flew

Discover "Kamotori Gonbei," a classic Japanese folktale about a lazy, greedy man whose plan to catch all the ducks backfires, teaching a humorous lesson about moderation and the spirit of "hodohodo."
Japanese Folktale Series

The Geisha’s Portrait: Wisdom, Love, and the Triumph Over Power in a Japanese Folktale

Discover the Japanese folktale 'Esugata Nyoubou' (The Portrait Wife). Explore how a peasant's wife uses her wits, a peach seed, and three years of patience to triumph over a powerful Lord and reverse their fate. Insights into Japanese culture, Gaman, and the value of wisdom.
Japanese Folktale Series

Exploring the Japanese Heart: The Folktale “Tenpuku Chifuku” and the Philosophy of “Toku” (Virtue)

Dive into "Tenpuku Chifuku" (Heaven's/Earth's Luck). We analyze why the greedy man's treasure turned to bees while the honest man received gold from the sky, linking the tale to the core Japanese value of Toku (Virtue) and the power of honesty.