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Japanese Folktale Series

Chapter 1: The Promise of the Deep Sea – Tako Hachi Choja (The Octopus Millionaire)

Discover the heartwarming Japanese folktale of "Tako Hachi Choja." A poor fisherman saves a giant octopus and receives a miraculous reward. Explore the cultural meaning of karma and animism in Japan.
2025.12.17
Japanese Folktale Series
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” 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
“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
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

November 15 “Shichi-Go-San” — Japan’s Beautiful Rite of Passage Celebrated at Winter’s Approach

Explore Shichi-Go-San (November 15), Japan's beautiful rite of passage celebrating children's growth (ages 3, 5, 7), and its connection to 'Ritto' (the start of winter).
2025.11.15
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series
Japanese Folktale Series

The Mud-Stained Guardians: What “Taue Jizo” Reveals About Japanese Labor and Faith

Discover the Japanese folktale "Taue Jizo." Read the full story and a deep analysis of why Jizo statues helped with rice planting, exploring Japan's sacred view of labor, rice culture, and deep-rooted faith.
2025.11.14
Japanese Folktale Series
Japanese Folktale Series

Japanese folktales often feature beings that transcend human common sense, posing deep questions to us. The story we are introducing today, “Tanishi Choja” (The Mud Snail Millionaire), is a particularly unique tale.

Discover "Tanishi Choja," the miraculous Japanese folktale where a mud snail marries a wealthy daughter. We analyze the story, its ties to Kannon Buddhist faith, and the deep lessons on not judging by appearances.
2025.11.11
Japanese Folktale Series
“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

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
“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
“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
Japanese Folktale Series

The Beggar’s Tenugui: A Tale of Selfless Kindness, Miracles, and the Ruin of Greed

Explore "Kojiki no Kureta Tenugui," a deep Japanese folktale. Discover how selfless kindness is rewarded with miracles, while greed leads to ruin. A powerful lesson in Japanese culture, virtue, and Omotenashi.
2025.11.08
Japanese Folktale Series
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