#JapanTravel

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

March 2: The Day the Blind Monk Ganjin Arrived in Heijo-kyo. What Was His Immeasurable Impact on Japanese Culture?

Discover the epic journey of Ganjin (Jianzhen), the blind Tang dynasty monk who arrived in Nara, Japan on March 2, 754. Explore his profound impact on Japanese Buddhism, medicine, and architecture, and learn how his never-give-up spirit shapes Japanese culture today.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

March 1st is “Mayonnaise Day”! The Secret Behind the Magic Sauce Japanese People Love

Discover why March 1st is Mayonnaise Day in Japan. Explore the unique history of Kewpie, the "Mayora" phenomenon, and how Japanese egg-yolk mayo differs from the rest of the world. A deep dive into Japanese food culture!
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

February 27, 1996: Where It All Began

Celebrate Pokémon Day on February 27! Discover the origins of Pokémon, its connection to Japanese animism, miniature culture, and why this iconic pop culture phenomenon captivated the entire world.1996年2月27日の『ポケットモンスター 赤・緑』発売を記念する「Pokémon Day」。ポケモンの原点である昆虫採集や、日本特有のアニミズム、ミニチュア文化など、ポケモンが世界中で愛される理由を日本文化の視点から深く解説します
Japanese Folktale Series

[Japanese Folktale] The Mystery of “The Dancing Monster”: Tsukumogami and the Japanese Spirit of “Mottainai”

Dive into the fascinating Japanese folktale "The Dancing Monster" (Odoru Bakemono). Explore the deep cultural roots of Tsukumogami, Yokai, and the unique Japanese animistic belief of treating old objects with respect. Learn the true origin of the "Mottainai" spirit!
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

February 25th is Michizane-ki: The Tragedy and Deification of Japan’s God of Learning

Discover the tragic history of Sugawara no Michizane, honored on February 25th in Japan. Explore how a vengeful spirit became the beloved God of Learning, deeply rooted in Japanese culture.
Japanese Folktale Series

[Japanese Folktale] Kappa no Fuchi – The Noble Disguise and the Letter of Death

Discover the eerie Japanese folktale "Kappa no Fuchi." A story of a deadly trap set by a disguised water spirit, and how a monk's wisdom turned a death sentence into a fortune.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

What is Today? February 17th: “Gacha Day” and the Infinite World inside a Plastic Capsule

Discover the history of Japan's Gacha Day (Feb 17). Explore why high-quality capsule toys are a cultural phenomenon, from anime figures to weird miniatures, and essential souvenirs.
Anime

Pokémon: Why the Dream of a Japanese “Bug Catching Boy” Conquered the World

Why did Pokémon conquer the world? A deep dive into the Japanese cultural roots of the franchise, from Satoshi Tajiri's insect collecting to Shinto animism. Discover the philosophy behind the anime.
Japanese Folktale Series

The Crab’s Hot Spring Cure: A Japanese Folktale of Love and Healing

Discover the heartwarming Japanese folktale "The Crab's Hot Spring Cure." Explore the cultural origins of Onsen (hot springs), the spirit of Toji healing, and the deep bond of family in this comprehensive guide to Japanese folklore.
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

A spicy aroma drifting from the kitchen. A golden sauce that stimulates the appetite. When you hear “curry,” which country’s cuisine do you imagine? India? Or perhaps the UK?

Discover the history of Bon Curry, launched on Feb 12, 1968. Learn how this "magic bag" from Japan revolutionized global food culture, from NASA tech to disaster prep.