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New Years is celebrated everywhere in the world, but it is interesting to compare the differences between western New Year / Christmas, with the way we celebrate it here in Japan. In many western countries, Christmas is meant to be spent with family and is a treasured time with loved ones while New Years is about fun celebrations with friends.  In Japan, it is the opposite. New Years is one of the most important times of year here in Japan and I would love to tell you more about it, so read on! Oshogatsu and Hatsumode As a Japanese person,...

The Magic Of Ghibli Ghibli movies have captured the hearts of audiences around the world for decades. Founded in 1985 by directors Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and others, Ghibli is a Japanese animation studio known for its imaginative and beautifully crafted films. Some of Ghibli's most popular movies include "Spirited Away," a coming-of-age tale about a young girl who finds herself in a magical world of spirits, and "My Neighbor Totoro," a heartwarming story about two sisters and their encounters with friendly forest spirits. Both of these films have received critical acclaim and have become cultural touchstones, introducing many people...

Furoshiki is a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth that has been used for centuries to carry and transport a wide range of items. From groceries and gifts to clothing and household goods, furoshiki is a versatile and eco-friendly alternative to plastic bags and other disposable packaging materials.   Where and When is Furoshiki from? The origins of furoshiki can be traced back to the Nara period (710-794) in Japan, when people used square or rectangular cloths to carry goods to and from the public baths, or furo. The word furoshiki is derived from the combination of these two words. Over time,...

Japan is a wonderful country known for its stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and fascinating history. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the peaceful forests of the Japanese Alps, there is no shortage of amazing places to explore in this diverse and unique country. However, not all destinations in Japan are created equal, and some places are definitely worth avoiding. If you're planning a trip to Japan, be sure to steer clear of these five worst places to visit: Mount Aso Mount Aso is a beautiful and well known mountain in Japan, yet it is still an active volcano located...

Why Learn Japanese? Why not? Ok, it is difficult, but we think it’s worth it. Japanese may not be the most spoken languages in the world, but as the third largest economy in the world, and one of the globes largest contributors to culture and innovation, it may be worth learning. That being said, it is also one of the hardest languages to learn. But, it's worth the effort! What if you could speak Japanese? Just imagine being able to visit Japan and actually speak with people here locally. Otherwise you’ll just be flailing your arms and trying to use...