“Kagami Mochi: The Art and Tradition Behind Japan’s New Year Charm”
What is Kagami Mochi (鏡餅)? During the New Year season, you may have seen this unique decoration in Japanese stores and restaurants. Kagami Mochi (literally “mirror rice cake”) is a traditional Japanese New Year decoration deeply rooted in Shinto practices … Read More
Katsuo-ji Temple in Osaka: Embracing Victory with the Symbol of Katsu Daruma”
Katsuo-ji Temple (勝尾寺) in the city of Minoh, Osaka, is a historic temple widely known as the “Temple of Victory.” The temple is particularly famous for its numerous “Katsu Daruma (勝達磨)” (Victory Daruma dolls), which are an integral part of … Read More
Happy new year in Japan = Hatsumode to shrine or temple
New Year’s visit to a shrine, known as “Hatsumode (初詣)”, is a time-honored tradition deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Have you ever wondered about the meaning and origins behind this practice? Meaning of Hatsumode: Hatsumode refers to the tradition of … Read More
Japanese Road Signs: Be Mindful of the Unique Shape of the ‘止まれ’ Sign
When driving in Japan, there is one road sign that you must be aware of, which differs from those in many other countries: “止まれ (Tomare) ” sign. The phrase “止まれ” on a road sign in Japan translates to “Stop” in … Read More
Snowy Splendor and Historic Charm: Takada Castle and its Enchanting Park in Joetsu City, Niigata
Niigata Prefecture’s Joetsu City (上越市), renowned for its heavy snowfall, is a snowy wonderland. In the historically rich castle town of Takada, snow falls gently, covering the surroundings in a pristine white layer. Takada Park (高田公園) is a meticulously landscaped … Read More
Explore the Stylish Destination of Nagoya: RAYARD Hisaya-odori Park
We will introduce the trendy spot in Nagoya, “Hisaya-odori Park.”Hisaya-odori Park is an integrated area combining a park and commercial facilities located in the bustling district of Sakae in Nagoya.Its official name is “RAYARD Hisaya-odori Park,” and it emerged as … Read More
Ginza Loft Reopens with Exciting New Features
Ginza Loft underwent a major renovation and reopened its doors in September 2023.The store now offers the latest and greatest in stationery with cutting-edge features, as well as globally popular items like plush toys. The shop has become a favorite … Read More
Safety and Etiquette Guidelines for Mt. Fuji Climbing
Mt. Fuji stands at an impressive 3,776 meters (12,389 feet) above sea level, making it Japan’s highest peak. Mt. Fuji is a symbol of Japan’s natural beauty and attracts climbers from all over the world. During the climbing season, the … Read More
Exploring the CAPCOM Store: Gateway to Japanese Gaming Merchandise
Do you know “Street Fighter”, “Resident Evil” and “Mega Man”?These are CAPCOM’s game titles.If you’re a dedicated fan of CAPCOM’s iconic games and characters, there’s no better place to immerse yourself in the world of gaming than the CAPCOM Store. … Read More
Comparing Japan’s Top 3 Convenience Store: What to Buy Where
Convenience stores are convenient places Japanese people often visit in our daily lives. However, lately, attractive products have been introduced one after another, raising the overall shopping experience to a higher level. So, let’s take a closer look at the … Read More