Shaved ice, summer clothes, and a summer solstice. What is special about June? Month Name–Minazuki Last month we introduced the traditional naming system for the months in Japan. Although the…
Category: HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS
May–What Happens and What to Eat
Summer has begun! In this post we’ll introduce celebrations, seasonal foods, and fun facts you should know about the month of May. Month Name – Satsuki If you have had…
Golden Week–Japan’s Long Holiday
Golden Week holiday is coming, but what is it and where did it come from? Golden Week is not one but four national holidays and a weekend that make up…
Why Setsubun Falls on February 2 This Year
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…
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 year, or if…
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…