Miniblog: Coming Of Age In Japan
For me, the new year conjures up memories of Coming of Age Day (成人の日 Seijin no Hi). In Japan, Coming of Age Day occurs on the second Monday in January. It’s a day that celebrates those who reached the age…
Category Culture
Ringing the Bell – Celebrating New Year’s in Japan
In Japan, people ring in the New Year literally. Many people will go to a local temple where monks ring a giant bell in order to dispel the sins of the year. Called “Omisoka” 大晦日, December 31st is a day…
Miniblog: Eating Kohakuto, Japanese Crystal Candy
While watching TikToks in fall 2023, I became intrigued by several videos showcasing Japanese “crystal candy” Kohakutō’s ASMR-inducing crunch and elegant appearance were instantly fascinating. It’s colorful appearance and ability to be formed into fun shapes also captivated me. What…
Japan’s Illumination – How City Streets Transform in the Winter
From November to January, the air grows chill. Leaves turn signature shades of orange, red and yellow. And Illumination graces the city streets, bathing everything in the ethereal glow I’ve come to associate with Winter in Japan. Unlike the US, people…
To Cross or Not to Cross – Is Halloween in Shibuya Worth it?
Shibuya is world-renowned for its numerous high-end shops and eateries, the Hachiko statue, and the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing. If you’re interested in Japanese culture or media, you’ve definitely heard of it one way or another. Thousands of bodies cross…