While we are all familiar with cherry blossoms, did you know that there are more than 600 varieties (The Gate).  There are 10 types of cherry blossom trees that grow naturally in Japan, among them are the Kawazu cherry blossoms. The discovery of these cherry blossoms less than 70 years ago led to the creation of the famous Kawazu cherry blossom festival.

新宿区内に本拠地がある社会貢献活動団体、または区内で活動しているＮＰＯ、およびそれに類する地域団体が、情報共有・連携・協力して団体活動の充実と安定、発展を図り、豊かで住みよい「新宿」の実現を図るため設立されました。 また、NPO協働機構は、指定管理者として「新宿ＮＰＯ協働推進センター」の管理・運営を行っています。

The Harbin Ice Festival and the Quebec Winter Carnival are among the most famous winter festivals in the world. But did you know that Japan also hosts one of the largest snow festivals on the planet? Held on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido, the Sapporo Snow Festival (さっぽろ雪まつり) welcomes over two million visitors from Japan and abroad every year and rivals its famous counterparts in China and Canada in both scale and spectacle.

Teaching young people through real-world experience. Chau Bui, a Vietnamese native, grew up in an international education background; her work and personal values are deeply shaped by community, education, and cross-cultural experiences. We at Giving Tuesday Japan had the exclusive opportunity to interview her about why she joined CRCC, what inspires her to give back, and what her future goals are. Take a look at the My Giving Story interview.

If you ever visit an Inari Shrine in Japan around February, you might notice something different from your regular visit: special offerings, unique foods, and a lot more visitors. That’s because it’s Hatsuuma (初午), one of the most important days in the Shinto calendar for Inari shrines. But what is it really all about? Let’s jump right in!

A certified Japanese night view heritage and a major event in Tochigi, the Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura festival is worth adding to your winter itinerary.  According to the official tourism website for Nikko city, Yunishigawa Onsen, the location of the Kamakura festival, has a history that spans more than 800 years. With deep ties to the Taira clan, the Today, we will dive into that history as well as the origins of the famous Kamakura festival. 

Laughter, cheers, and the clinking of small wooden cups follow. That’s the joyful tradition that is Kagami Biraki (鏡開き).  It’s a ceremonial event you might see at weddings, business gatherings, sports events, and festivals.

Have you ever walked around temples and stumbled upon small, angry-looking, round figures displayed in unexpected corners? Those are Daruma dolls (だるま), lucky charms traditionally used in Japan.