#JapaneseCulture

November 29th is “Good Meat Day” (Ii Niku no Hi): The Magic of Japanese Puns and a Culinary Revolution

Discover why November 29 is "Good Meat Day" (Ii Niku no Hi) in Japan. Explore the history of Wagyu, the 1,200-year meat ban, and the unique culture of Japanese wordplay (Goroawase).

2025.11.29

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

Revolution in a Box: Unpacking “Instant Curry Day” on November 27th

Discover the history of November 27th, Instant Curry Day in Japan. Learn how the invention of solid curry roux blocks transformed a foreign dish into Japan's beloved national comfort food.

2025.11.27

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

November 26th “Pen Day”: Unraveling Japanese Literature and World-Class Stationery Culture

November 26 is Pen Day in Japan. Explore the history of the Japan P.E.N. Club, Toson Shimazaki, and why Japanese stationery culture is world-class. Rediscover the art of handwriting.

2025.11.26

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

November 25th: “OL Day” and the Evolution of Japanese Office Culture

Discover the origin of Japan's "OL Day" on Nov 25. Learn how the term shifted from "BG" to "Office Lady" in 1963 and how Japanese work culture has evolved for women.

2025.11.25

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

Jigoku no Abaremono (The Rampage in Hell): A Tale of Japanese Craftsmanship Even in the Afterlife

Discover "Jigoku no Abaremono," a hilarious Japanese folktale where a doctor, priest, and acrobat outwit the King of Hell. Explore the cultural meaning of Japanese Hell and Rakugo humor.

2025.11.23

Japanese Folktale Series

The Quiet Approach of Winter: Exploring “Shōsetsu” (Small Snow)

November 22nd is "Shōsetsu" in the Japanese calendar. Explore the meaning of Small Snow, the tradition of dried foods like Hoshigaki, and the cultural shift into winter in Japan.

2025.11.22

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

Walking along the ancient roads of Japan, you may occasionally come across weathered stone monuments or old, decaying shrines. These are not merely ruins; they are fragments of memories where people once confronted “something beyond human understanding.”

Discover the thrilling Japanese folktale of "Sarugami Taiji" (Shippeitaro). A story of a brave dog, a terrifying monkey god, and the legend of human sacrifice in ancient Japan. Read the full analysis.

2025.11.21

Japanese Folktale Series

In the mornings in Japan, you often see a vibrant green figure on the school commute routes. This isn’t just a uniform; it is a symbol of Japan’s “myth of safety” and the strength of its local communities. November 19th is known in Japan as “Green Auntie Day” (Midori no Obasan no Hi). Why green? Why “Auntie”? delving into this anniversary reveals the post-war history of Japan and its unique spirituality dedicated to protecting children.

Discover the history of "Green Auntie Day" on November 19. Learn how these school crossing guards symbolize Japan's community spirit, safety culture, and the "Traffic War" era. A deep dive into Japanese daily life.

2025.11.19

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

November 16th, Kindergarten Anniversary: A Symbol of Japan’s Modernization and the First Step in Learning “Group Harmony”

Discover the history of Japan's first kindergarten, established on November 16, 1876. Explore how early childhood education shapes Japanese culture, from group harmony (Wa) to "Kawaii" bento boxes.

2025.11.16

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

Outwitting a Monster with a Single Word: The Japanese Trickster Tale of “Tanokyu”

Discover "Tanokyu," a Japanese folktale about an actor who outwits a giant serpent by pretending to be a Tanuki (raccoon dog). Explore its meaning, the role of the Tanuki in Japanese culture, and the art of the "trickster tale."

2025.11.15

Japanese Folktale Series