Hina Matsuri (The Doll’s Festival)

Not only today, but every year on March 3rd Japan celebrates the so-called “Hina Matsuri” (ひな祭り). The festival is (...)

Shogatsu: Japanese New Year’s Day

It’s January. A new year has just started here in Japan. After the busy time in December (cleaning, cooking, (...)

Omisoka: Japanese New Year’s Eve

Around this time of the year Japanese people are busy with various things. Christmas is not what keeps them (...)

Valentine’s Day in Japan

Hello. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you what day today is, now do I? Yes, it’s February (...)

Setsubun: Bean Throwing Day

Happy “Bean Throwing Day“! “Demons out, Good Fortune in!” – that’s today’s motto as it’s “Setsubun” (節分) today (February (...)

Japanese New Year Cards (Nengajo)

Today I want to tell you a little about the custom of sending Japanese New Year Cards, better known (...)