#JapaneseCulture

November 11th is Cheese Day: How Japanese Culture Embraced a Western Flavor

Discover why November 11th is Cheese Day in Japan. Explore its ancient origins (700 AD) and how a Western food was adopted, adapted, and perfected by modern Japanese culinary culture.

2025.11.11

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

November 10th is Elevator Day: The Technology and Culture That Expanded Japan Vertically

Nov 10th is Elevator Day in Japan. Discover how the 1890 debut of Japan's first elevator in Asakusa's Ryōunkaku shaped Japanese society, architecture, and unspoken rules.

2025.11.10

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” 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?

2025.11.09

Japanese Folktale 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.

2025.11.09

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” 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.

2025.11.07

Japanese Folktale 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.

2025.11.07

“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."

2025.11.06

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

November 5th, Japan-Brazil Friendship Day: A 130-Year Bond and Cultural Fusion Forged Across the Globe

Discover why November 5th is Japan-Brazil Friendship Day. Explore the 130-year history, from the Kasato Maru migration to the vibrant cultural exchange in soccer, music (Bossa Nova), and food (Açaí) that binds these two nations.

2025.11.05

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

Zatō no Ki (The Blind Man’s Tree): The Japanese Folktale Where a Father’s “Curse” Became Golden Treasure

Discover "Zatō no Ki," a bizarre Japanese folktale about a lazy son, a final message commanding suicide, and the hidden treasure that reveals a father's deep love.

2025.11.04

Japanese Folktale 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.

2025.11.04

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series