#Shinto

The Beautiful Japanese Folktale of Hearts Connected: “The Fox’s Pilgrimage of Gratitude”

Discover the beautiful Japanese folktale "The Fox's Pilgrimage of Gratitude" (Kitsune no Orei-mairi). Learn the deep cultural meaning of Inari foxes, Shinto animism, and karma in this comprehensive guide to Japanese folklore.

2026.07.08

Japanese Folktale Series

Japanese Folktale “The Mysterious Stone”: A Story of Granted Wishes and Japanese Spirituality

Discover "The Mysterious Stone" (Fushigi na Ishi), a captivating Japanese folktale from Ishikawa Prefecture. Explore the story of a magical stone that grants wishes, the consequences of greed, and its deep connection to Japanese animism and traditional values of gratitude.

2026.07.03

Japanese Folktale Series

June 30th: Nagoshi no Oharae – Japan’s Summer Purification Rite

Learn about Nagoshi no Oharae, Japan's traditional summer purification ritual held on June 30th. Discover the meaning behind Chinowa Kuguri, Katashiro paper dolls, and how the Japanese reset their spirit for the second half of the year.

2026.06.30

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

June 25: Preparing for “Chinowa Kuguri” and the Japanese Spirit of Purification

Discover the ancient Japanese tradition of Chinowa Kuguri and Nagoshi no Harae. Learn how Shinto shrines prepare for this summer purification ritual and the deep cultural significance of spiritual cleansing in Japan.

2026.06.25

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

June 24: “Omitasai” – The History and Essence of Japan’s Great Rice Planting Festival

Explore the history and cultural significance of Omitasai, one of Japan's top three rice planting festivals held every June 24th at Izawanomiya. Discover the deep roots of Shinto and Japanese traditions.

2026.06.24

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

The Legend of Fuefuki River: A Tragic Japanese Folktale of Nature’s Fury and a Son’s Love

Discover the tragic and beautiful Japanese folktale of the Fuefuki River. Explore the deep cultural connections between nature, animism, and the Japanese soul in this captivating story of a boy's eternal flute melody.

2026.06.17

Japanese Folktale Series

May 19: The Fall of the Nogata Meteorite, the World’s Oldest Witnessed Meteorite

Discover the fascinating story of the Nogata Meteorite, which fell in Japan on May 19, 861. Uncover how this celestial event shaped Japanese Shinto beliefs and remains the world's oldest witnessed meteorite fall.

2026.05.19

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

Mysteries of the Deep Japanese Forest: “Kaemon and the Mountain God”

Discover the heartwarming Japanese folktale of Kaemon and the Mountain God. Explore the beautiful bond between a postman and a wild wolf, and delve into Japan's deep Shinto culture and nature worship.

2026.05.14

Japanese Folktale Series

Touching the Heart of Japan: The Bond Between Nature and Humanity in “The Deer’s Gratitude”

Discover the profound Japanese folktale "The Deer's Gratitude" (Shika no Ongaeshi). Explore its gripping story, cultural significance, Shinto animism, and the deep-rooted Japanese respect for nature and karma.

2026.05.08

Japanese Folktale Series

[Japanese Folktale] Osugi and Omatsu’s Pilgrimage to Ise: The Gentle Spirits Who Saved a Village

Discover the heartwarming Japanese folktale of Osugi and Omatsu's Pilgrimage to Ise. Explore Japan's deep animistic roots, Edo period culture, and unconditional love in this beautifully analyzed story of two tree spirits.

2026.04.26

Japanese Folktale Series