The beauty of the old Japanese seasonal celebrations is that they remind us of the constancy of the seasons. Has your winter been long and cold? Take courage—Setsubun means that…
Category: HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS

Oshougatsu Part 1: How to Prepare for New Year’s Day
新年あけましておめでとうございます。 Shinnen akemashite omedetou gozaimasu! (Belated) Happy New Year! 2021 has already begun, but in case you missed any New Year’s prep and want to be better prepared for next…

Have a Good New Year! 良いお年をお過ごし下さい!
The new year, “shin-nen” 新年 (しんねん) has already come in Japan and will soon be arriving in the West. We want to thank each one of you who has taken…

Oseibo: Japan’s Winter Gift-Giving Tradition
御歳暮 おせいぼ Oseibo Right around the same time that we in the West start Christmas shopping for friends, family, and co-workers, Japan is also getting into Santa-mode. Only, it’s not for…

Otsukimi: Japan’s Mid-Fall Harvest Moon Festival
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Obon Midsummer Festival
*Please note that this article contains affiliate links, which means that your purchasing a product via that link may provide us with a commission. We make it our goal to…