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ニュース/ News


Homecoming of the Ancestors: The Obon Festival in Japan
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.

Narelle Katsumoto
8月13日読了時間: 3分


Mountain Day (山の日)
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.

April Dykes
8月11日読了時間: 5分


Tenjin Matsuri: Osaka’s Love Letter to Summer
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.

Narelle Katsumoto
7月24日読了時間: 5分


Umi no Hi (Marine Day)
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.

April Dykes
7月21日読了時間: 3分


The Summer Gift in Japan (Ochūgen)
Ochūgen is a custom well-known among Japanese people, but less well-known to non-Japanese. So, let’s start with the most common question: What is Ochūgen? Ochūgen is a mid-year gift, or a summer gift, that is given to the people you feel a sense of gratitude towards, professionally (superiors) or personally (family, friends, etc). It is also a way to show consideration for the recipient's health for the hot summer ahead. While you can technically give someone a gift at an

April Dykes
7月8日読了時間: 6分


Osaka’s Aizen Festival
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

April Dykes
6月30日読了時間: 5分


Izawanomiya Omita Festival
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.

April Dykes
6月24日読了時間: 2分


Changing Seasons, Changing Clothes: Koromogae in Japan
If you visit Japan in early June or October, you might notice something curious: people’s outfits suddenly shift! Long sleeves become short sleeves, dark colors turn to light ones, and heavier fabrics are swapped for breezy ones. This isn’t just a coincidence—it’s a centuries-old tradition called 衣替え (koromogae), or the seasonal change of clothing.
Let’s take a closer look at what koromogae really means.

Narelle Katsumoto
6月1日読了時間: 3分
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