#VisitJapan

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 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

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

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

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

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

November 3rd, “Bunka no Hi”: Japan’s Clear “Singularity Day” for Celebrating Peace and Culture

Discover Bunka no Hi (文化の日), Japan's Culture Day. Learn why this Nov 3 holiday, once Emperor Meiji's birthday, now celebrates the Constitution, peace, and free museums.

2025.11.03

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series

Kamotori Gonbei: The Comical Tale of the Greedy Man Who Flew

Discover "Kamotori Gonbei," a classic Japanese folktale about a lazy, greedy man whose plan to catch all the ducks backfires, teaching a humorous lesson about moderation and the spirit of "hodohodo."

2025.11.02

Japanese Folktale Series

Deep Dive into “KARAOKE”: The World Language Born in Japan! October 17th is “Karaoke Culture Day”

Discover the history, cultural significance, and unique evolution of KARAOKE, the world-famous entertainment born in Japan. Celebrate "Karaoke Culture Day" (Oct 17th) and understand how it embodies Japanese "Omotenashi" and technology.

2025.10.17

“What’s Today’s Special Day?” Series