#JapanCulture

Title: The Kappa’s Rain Prayer: A Japanese Folktale Where a Promise to the “Other” Brings a Miracle

Explore the Japanese folktale "Kappa no Amagoi." Discover how an act of kindness towards a mythical water spirit (Kappa) saved a village from drought, and what this story reveals about Japan's culture of animism and coexistence.

2025.11.10

Japanese Folktale Series

The Beggar’s Tenugui: A Tale of Selfless Kindness, Miracles, and the Ruin of Greed

Explore "Kojiki no Kureta Tenugui," a deep Japanese folktale. Discover how selfless kindness is rewarded with miracles, while greed leads to ruin. A powerful lesson in Japanese culture, virtue, and Omotenashi.

2025.11.08

Japanese Folktale Series

The Mysterious Fish of the Lake: A Japanese Folktale on “Knowing Enough” and Respect for Nature

Discover the full story of "The Mysterious Fish of the Lake," a Japanese folktale. We explore its deep lessons on animism, coexisting with nature, and the Japanese cultural virtue of "knowing enough."

2025.11.06

Japanese Folktale Series

Kitsune Nyobo (The Fox Wife): The Wife He Loved Was a Fox.

In Japanese folklore, there is a genre known as "Irui Konintan" (異類婚姻譚), which translates to "tales of interspecies marr...

2025.11.05

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."

2025.11.02

Japanese Folktale Series

October 25th: The Day of the Shimabara Rebellion – The Tragedy and Culture That Shaped Japan’s Seclusion | What’s Today’s Special Day Series

Dive deep into the Shimabara Rebellion of 1637, a massive peasant uprising led by Amakusa Shirō against brutal oppression and Christian persecution. Discover how this single event fundamentally reshaped Japanese culture and politics by sealing the policy of Sakoku (national seclusion).

2025.10.25

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

Oct 19th: The History and Culture of “Bargain Day” in Japan – Japan’s Passion for Deals

Discover the hidden history of October 19th, Japan's "Bargain Day." Learn how a 19th-century sale transformed Japanese commerce, reflects the "Mottainai" spirit, and fuels the nation's unique queuing and festive shopping culture. A deep dive for overseas readers.

2025.10.19

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

Chikarataro: The Mud-Born Hero & The Japanese Spirit of Strength and Nature

Explore the Japanese folktale of Chikarataro, the boy born from mud with superhuman strength. A deep dive into the tale's connection to Japanese animism, the spirit of Wa (harmony), and the philosophy of wielding great power for the public good.

2025.10.18

Japanese Folktale Series

October 16, The Gentleman Thrown into the River: How a Baseball Victory Gave Birth to the Bizarre Urban Legend of the “Curse of Colonel Sanders”

Discover the wild story of October 16, 1985, when Hanshin Tigers fans celebrated a victory by throwing a Colonel Sanders statue into a river, sparking Japan's most famous urban legend. Explore the culture behind the "curse."

2025.10.16

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

October 12th: Bashō-ki – Commemorating the Poetic Soul of Japan and the Wandering Master

October 12th is Basho-ki. Explore the life, philosophy (Wabi-Sabi, Karumi), and enduring legacy of Matsuo Bashō, the "Poetic Saint" who transformed Haiku into a world-class art form. Discover the spirit of the Japanese wandering poet.

2025.10.12

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series