Dwarves, fairies, ghouls, demons—mythical creatures have filled our world and our storybooks, sometimes whimsical and sometimes dark. It’s not surprising that a country like Japan has its own versions of supernatural beings—Yōkai, whose legends are still talked about to this day. With the rise of anime adaptations, it’s no wonder that the tales of Yōkai have found their way back into people’s imaginations—this time through cosplay. Let’s take a dive into the world of Yōkai Fe

Jidai Matsuri, the Festival of the Ages, is one of Kyoto’s 3 major festivals.  It is held annually on October 22nd.  It is known for its walk through history in the form of processions that showcase the different eras during which Kyoto was the capital of Japan; from 794 to 1868. 

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.

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.

Osaka’s Aizen Festival, also known as the Yukata Festival, is an event that marks the beginning of summer.  One of Osaka’s 3 main summer festivals and Japan’s oldest summer festival, the Aizen Festival has a rich history that dates back to the Asuka period (538-710).  Since 2015, the Aizen Festival has been recognized as an intangible folk cultural property by the city of Osaka.  Every year at Tennoji’s Aizendo Shomanin Temple on June 30th until July 2nd, the streets are fill

Mie Prefecture is home to the most famous shrine in Japan, Ise Jingu, also known as the Ise Grand Shrine.  Ise Jingu has 125 betsugu (separate, detached shrines), which include Shima’s Izawanomiya Shrine.  According to the Japan Royal Service, Izawanomiya shrine has a special status among the betsugu under Ise Jingu’s Naiku.  Every June 24th, Izawanomiya Shrine holds the Izawanomiya Omita Ceremony, a rice planting ceremony known as Isobe no Omita.