Obon is a cherished time when families reunite to celebrate the memory of their ancestors. It’s believed that the spirits of loved ones return to visit during this period. Think Halloween meets Día de los Muertos—but with a very Japanese touch of gratitude, family, and celebration.

Today, as we celebrate Mountain Day, let’s look at some statistics about Japan’s geography.  According to the Ministry of the Environment: Government of Japan, forests cover 67% of Japan’s total land area, and mountains and hills cover 70%.  70% is a lot of space to be covered by mountains. 

Japan is once again ready to host the world—this time with a theme focused on shaping a human-centered, sustainable future. Expo 2025 takes place from April 13 to October 13, 2025, on Yumeshima Island, a man-made island in Osaka Bay. This marks Japan’s third time hosting a World Expo.

Every summer in Japan, something truly magical happens along the rivers and coasts — thousands of glowing lanterns gently float on the water, creating a peaceful, dreamlike scene. This beautiful tradition is called Toro Nagashi, the Japanese Floating Lantern Festival, a heartfelt ceremony honoring ancestors, praying for peace, and celebrating life itself.

Making sure that no child is left behind, Hikari Naito, joined Chance for Children because of her own childhood experiences! We at Giving Tuesday Japan had the exclusive opportunity to interview her about her mission, what inspired her to join Chance For Children, and how we all can support this amazing cause.

If you’re planning a summer trip to Japan, one of the most spectacular events you won’t want to miss is Tenjin Matsuri in Osaka. This lively festival, held every year on July 24th and 25th, is considered one of Japan’s top three festivals, alongside Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri and Tokyo’s Kanda Matsuri. It’s a wonderful celebration full of tradition, energy, and dazzling sights that truly capture the spirit of Japanese summer.

With the World Expo currently being held in Osaka, many of us are curious about expos.  What is a World Expo?  What is the purpose behind it?  With this article, I hope to answer most, if not all, of those questions.

Umi no Hi, also known as Marine Day, is celebrated annually on the third Monday of July.  As a maritime country, Japan has a deep connection with the ocean, and although the holiday itself has only been officially recognized for 20 years, its history dates back much further.