Japanese Folktale Series Clash of the Titans: Nio and Dokkoi
Have you ever noticed the gigantic, muscular statues with terrifying expressions standing at the gates of Japanese templ...
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Japanese Folktale Series 
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series January 10th: “Toka Ebisu” – The Day Japanese Businessmen Go Wild for Success
Discover Toka Ebisu, Japan's wildest festival for business prosperity held on Jan 10. Learn about the "Lucky Men Run," bamboo charms, and why Japanese merchants rely on Ebessan for success.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series January 9th: “Yoi-Ebisu” – The Enthusiastic Eve of Business Prosperity
Discover Yoi-Ebisu (Jan 9), the energetic eve of the Toka Ebisu festival in Japan. Explore the history of the God of Commerce, the lucky bamboo tradition, and why millions pray for wealth on this night.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series Silence and Rebirth: January 7th, “Jinjitsu no Sekku” and the Tale of Nanakusa-gayu
Discover the history and meaning of Jinjitsu no Sekku (Jan 7th) in Japan. Learn why Japanese people eat Nanakusa-gayu (Seven Herb Porridge) for health and longevity.
Japanese Folktale Series Himebuchi no Uta: The Song of the Princess Abyss – A Tale of Tragedy and Beauty
Discover the tragic legend of Himebuchi no Uta (The Song of the Princess Pool). A Japanese folktale of a fleeing princess, a cruel war, and a haunting song left behind in the Kiso River.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series Shokan (Lesser Cold): The Beginning of Japan’s Deep Winter
Discover the meaning of "Shokan" (Lesser Cold), marked on January 5th. Explore Japanese winter traditions like Kanchu-mimai, Kan-geiko, and the philosophy of endurance in this deep dive into the 24 Solar Terms.
Japanese Folktale Series The Treasure Clogs: A Mysterious Tale of Greed and Fate
Discover the Japanese folktale "The Treasure Clogs" (Takara no Geta). A story of magic sandals, gold, and the consequences of greed. Explore the deep cultural meaning behind this classic legend.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series January 4, 1948: The Bridge of Voices Across the Pacific and Japan’s Culture of Connection
Discover the history of January 4, 1948, when international phone service between Japan and the US resumed. Explore the cultural significance of connection, high costs, and the Japanese concept of Kotodama.
Japanese Folktale Series Japanese folktales are not just about fighting demons or magical adventures. Many stories, much like “Rakugo” (traditional comic storytelling), sharply depict human psychology with irony and humor. Today, I would like to introduce a story called “Sennin Mikan” (The Hermit’s Tangerine). This implies a tale about the universal desire to “get rich quick” without working, and the unexpected consequences that follow.
Discover the Japanese folktale "Sennin Mikan." A story of a greedy man, a magical tangerine, and a lesson on patience. What happens when you eat the gold?
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series January 3rd: Between Silence and Bustle. Decoding the Finale of “San-ga-nichi”
Discover the cultural significance of January 3rd in Japan, the final day of San-ga-nichi. Learn about the Hakone Ekiden, Mikka Tororo, and the transition from sacred celebration back to daily life.