Today is Tanabata (七夕, the Star Festival), the one day of the year that the legendary Princess Orihime and her husband, Prince Hikoboshi, are allowed to meet in the heavens.…
Category: HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS
July–What Happens and What To Eat
This month, read Japanese literature, make wishes, and send summer gifts and greetings! Month Name–Fumizuki According to the lunisolar calendar, July is called “fumizuki” (文月, Literature Month). In light of…
June–What Happens and What to Eat
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…
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…