CELEBRATE SPRING! CAST OUT THE ONI AND FEAST ON A LUCKY FAT SUSHI ROLL Are you ready to rid your place of bad luck and welcome spring? Setsubun, February 3rd, gives you just that chance. Pick up a... Read more »
Depending where you live in Japan, you’ve already experienced the heat of summer. Here in Nagoya, we’ve had little rain and the winds still have a hint of coolness in them. But in just a few days... Read more »
You might say the Japanese are a bit obsessed with numbers. Some numbers are lucky, some are unlucky, and there’s a reason for each one. Take 4 and 9 for example. If you pass by a... Read more »
In this country of numerous customs and traditions, rites of passage are taken very seriously. Between the time a child is born to when they reach adulthood, there are three (for boys) or five (for girls) major... Read more »
Being relative newcomers to Japan, taking part in oshogatsu celebrations is still a novelty for my children and I (although not my hubby obviously!) We recently returned from spending our second new year with my husband’s family... Read more »
Contributed by Sarah-Rumme Nishida, owner and creator at Pure Hearts Soy Candles: As soon as we recover from western holiday festivities, it’s time to get ready for the Japanese New Year. Wreaths are replaced with shime kazari,... Read more »