Every autumn across the Kanto region, a lively festival called Tori no Ichi fills the air with cheers, lantern lights, and laughter. People come to wish for good health and successful business in the year ahead. Dating back to the Edo period, this celebration was originally seen as the first event to welcome the New Year.

Japan, like many other countries, celebrates this wonderful spooky event. But just as every nation adds its own flair to this Irish-origin holiday, Japan has thoroughly adapted and curated its own unique version of the ghostly tradition. Festivities now start as early as the beginning of October and climax on the 31st.

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

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.

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

While people of all gender identities whole-heartedly believe year-round in the truth that love is love, the month of June in particular is when people and communities around the globe celebrate this irrefutable fact and take enormous pride in themselves for who they are and for who they wish for others to recognize them to be. Hence the name of the month-long celebration PRIDE.