#JapaneseHistory

November 20: The Day Japanese Hospitality Met the West. What is “Hotel Day”?

Discover why November 20 is celebrated as Hotel Day in Japan. Explore the history of the Imperial Hotel, the blend of Western and Japanese hospitality, and how it changed travel culture in Japan.

2025.11.20

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

Winter in Japan is a season of breathtaking beauty, but also of ruthless severity. Buried deep within the snowy mountain villages lie stories of silence and sorrow. Today, I would like to introduce a Japanese folktale that symbolizes the deep “compassion” and “love” found in the Japanese soul: “The Tale of the Futon” (also known as “Futon Kabuse” or “The Poor Birds”). This story may differ from the happy-ending fairytales you are used to. However, within it lies the true essence of Japan.

Discover the heartbreaking Japanese folktale "The Tale of the Futon." A story of poverty, sibling love, and transformation into birds that reveals the deep spirituality and history of Japan.

2025.11.19

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 18】The Birth of Eternal Kyoto: Why the Emperor Sought “Heian”

On Nov 18, 794, Emperor Kammu moved the capital to Heian-kyo (Kyoto). Discover the history, spiritual feng shui, and how this event shaped Japanese culture and the concept of "Mono no Aware."

2025.11.18

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

[Japanese Folktale] The Mystery of the Char: A Desperate Cry from the River Guardian

Discover the haunting Japanese folktale "Iwana no Kai" (The Mystery of the Char). A story about a giant fish, a mysterious monk, and the consequences of greed in the deep mountains of Japan. Explore the cultural meaning behind this legend.

2025.11.17

Japanese Folktale Series

November 17th, “Shogi Day”: The Japanese Spirit and a Unique Global Rule on the Board

Nov 17 is Shogi Day. Discover why Japanese chess is unique. The "Mochigoma" (captured pieces) rule changes everything. Learn its connection to Bushido, Tokugawa Shoguns, and the modern AI battles.

2025.11.17

“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

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

✨🇯🇵 November 1st: A Shipwreck, an Empress, and the Day of Black Tea (Kōcha no Hi) 🚢👑☕

Discover the fascinating history of Japan's Day of Black Tea (Kōcha no Hi) on November 1st. Learn how a shipwrecked Japanese sailor, Daikokuya Kōdayū, met Empress Catherine II and first tasted Western black tea, and how this event shaped modern Japanese culture.

2025.11.01

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

🏗️🇯🇵【Japanese Folktale Series】Wisdom and Courage Tame the Rapids: The Essence of Japanese Culture in “The Carpenter and the Oni Roku”

Discover "The Carpenter and the Oni Roku," a Japanese folktale where human wisdom defeats an Oni's brute force. Explore the symbolism of "name power," its link to Kotodama, and the cultural values of water management and intellect in Japan.

2025.10.31

Japanese Folktale Series