Articles About Japanese Culture
Valentine's Day in Japan
In Japan, it is only the women who give presents (mainly chocolates) to men on Valentine's Day.
How do the Japanese see the color of red? How do they use it in their culture? We will take a look at the Japanese conception of red.
How do the Japanese see the color of red? How do they use it in their culture? We will take a look at the Japanese conception of red.
Japanese Zodiac - The twelve Zodiac Signs
Learn about the Japanese zodiac and find out what animal you are.
The Year of the Ox - Ushidoshi
2009 is the year of the ox (ushidoshi).
The Year of the Tiger - Toradoshi
2010 is the year of the tiger (toradoshi).
Japanese Words for "Love"
Both "ai" and "koi" can be roughly translated as "love" in English. However, they have a slightly different nuance in Japanese.
Japanese Tea Pronunciation
Japanese tea is getting popular these days. This page helps you to learn how to pronounce various Japanese teas.
The Year of the Rabbit - Usagidoshi
2011 is the year of the rabbit (usagidoshi).
Relationships with Nature (1): Cherry Blossom
The cherry blossom (sakura) is the national flower of Japan. It is probably most beloved flower among the Japanese.
The Number Seven
It seems that every culture has lucky numbers and unlucky numbers. Seven appears to be a universally lucky or holy number. Find out how the number seven is used in the Japanese language.
Japanese Gestures
Some of the gestures the Japanese use might be different from your culture's. Find out about sitting, beckoning, indicating yourself and banzai.
Japanese Events in January
The Japanese word for January is "ichi-gatsu" which literally means "the first month."
The Year of Dragon - Tatsudoshi
2012 is the year of the dragon.
Japanese Number Seven
Learn how the number seven is used in the Japanese language.
What is Japanese school system like and what is their student life?
What is Japanese school system like and what is their student life?
Kanji for "Fish" and Fish Proverbs
Learn the kanji character for "fish" and Japanese Fish Proverbs.
Japanese Fish Proverbs
Fish are closely related to Japanese culture. There are quite a few expressions and proverbs including fish in Japanese. Find out more.
Children's Day in Japan and Koinobori Song
May 5 is Japan's national holiday known as, Kodomo no hi (Children's day). It is a day to celebrate the health and happiness of children.
The Tanabata Festival in Japan and the Tanabata Story
July 7th (or August 7th in some areas) is the Tanabata, or star festival, in Japan. People write their wishes on tanzaku (colorful small strips of papers) and hang them on bamboo trees along with other decorations.
Rainy Season in Japan and the Song "Amefuri Kuma no ko"
There is a rainy season called, "tsuyu". There are quite a few rain themed songs in Japan. I will now introduce a children’s song called, "Amefuri Kuma no ko".
Symbols of Japanese Summer
August is the hottest month of the year in Japan. Let's look at the symbols for the hot Japanese summer.
Japanese Flowers in Proverbs
The Japanese word for flower is hana. Hana also means nose, though two words usually don’t get confused through a context. Japanese has a quite few proverbs that include the word flower, or the names of flowers.
The Role of Bamboo in Japanese Culture
Learn about the relationship between bamboo and Japanese culture.
Japanese Children Song - Donguri Korokoro
The Japanese word for acorn is “donguri”. Learn a popular children’s song titled “Donguri Korokoro”.
Urashima Taro – Japanese Folktale
Dogs in Japanese Culture
The Japanese word for “dog” is “inu.” Learn the role of dogs in Japanese culture.
Japanese Events in February
The Japanese word for February is "ni-gatsu（二月）." Learn some Japanese events in February.
Japanese Snake Proverbs
2013 is the year of the snake. The Japanese word for snake is “hebi”.
Hinamatsuri Song
"Hinamatsuri (Doll's Festival)" is held on March 3rd. This is a day to pray for young girl's growth and happiness.
Relationships with Animals: Cats
Neko (cats) are regarded as both auspicious and fearful in Japan. You will learn some of many expressions including cats.
"Spirited Away (Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi)" - Japanese Animated Film
"Spirited Away" tells the adventuresof a 10-year-old girl, Chihiro, who is accidentally thrown into a "spirit" world.
Japanese Ghosts
The Japanese ghost is usually a thing of summer. The Japanese have their own ghosts, and there are a few terms to describe them.