Every spring, Japan bursts into color with its iconic cherry blossoms—but have you ever heard of fuji? Known in English as wisteria, this cascading bloom is one of Japan’s most cherished flowers, both for its beauty and the deep cultural meaning behind it.

From student to teacher to an entrepreneur changing the world, one child at a time. Sasha Lee Seals, a Jamaican native, has been working and living in Japan for over twenty years! We here at Giving Tuesday Japan got the exclusive opportunity to interview her about her experience living in Japan, teaching and raising children here, and what her goals for the future are.

Mothers and mother figures are an important part of most of our journeys. Whether a birth mother, stepmother, or someone who you view in a maternal light, today is a perfect day to honor them. Today, in Japan, America, Canada, and other countries, we celebrate Mother’s Day. While we are all familiar with Mother’s Day, worldwide, we don’t celebrate it on the same day. Some countries celebrate it in March, while others, like us, celebrate it on the 2nd Sunday in May.

Giving people the courage to step out of their comfort zone. Medhi Fliss, a Tunisia native, has been interested in bridging the gap of social impact and travel experiences from a young age! We here at Giving Tuesday Japan got the exclusive opportunity to interview him about his experience coming to Japan, how the pandemic encouraged him to make a life here in Japan, and what his goals for the future are.

Blood is essential for all life.  It helps deliver oxygen and important nutrients to our cells, removes waste from our bodies, helps fight infections, and many more things that would drastically decrease your quality of life.  More than bodily functions, it connects families.  It saves lives.  Today, we celebrate World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, the birth anniversary of Henry Dunant.

Ronald McDonald House Charities Japan is a nonprofit organization that funds accommodation facilities for families with children undergoing medical treatments.  Its concept is “A Home-Away-From-Home, a second place where people can feel at home. The Houses should be a place that families accompanying sick children can spend their time as comfortably as if they were at home.

If you read our earlier post about Hinamatsuri, you should know that March 5th is an important day for little girls.  Hinamatsuri, known as Girl’s Day, is a Shinto holiday that focuses on praying for the health, prosperity, and happiness of girls under the age of 10.  May 5th is an important holiday for little boys.  May 5th is Kodomo no Hi, also known as Children’s Day.  While the name may suggest it is for all children, it focuses on boys.  Let’s check out the history.  

Ever wondered what it is like to run in marathons all across the globe? John Peach, a UK native, has been running in various marathons around the world for over ten years!