The Difference in Meaning between Kaede, Momiji and Koyo
The fall foliage is at its best from November to the early December in Kyoto, which is known as one of the most popular autumn leaves viewing spots in Japan. The autumn leaves, or...
Category: Culture
Reasons why Wagashi has to be eaten first in Japanese tea ceremony
Chado (茶道), the tea ceremony is one of the traditional Japanese cultures loved by many overseas people, where the Japanese sweet called “Wagashi (和菓子)” is usually served first, and then Matcha green tea is...
4 Fundamental Differences between Japanese Temples and Shrines
If you have a chance to stroll around the city in Japan, you will see 2 types of sacred spots scattered in the city.The 2 types are Japanese temples called “Otera (お寺)” and Japanese shrines...
Sho Chiku Bai – The meaning of the 3 plants (pine, bamboo, and plum)
When the Japanese describe congratulatory things, we often use a compound word composed of 3 words that mean plants.The compound word is Shochikubai (松竹梅), or Sho Chiku Bai, each of which has a meaning of...
The reason why Japanese like 8 as a lucky number
Today is August 8, 2018, or 20180808.Do you remember what day 10 years ago today was?Yes, the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympic Games was held in Beijing, China at 8 PM on August...
The reason why Japanese like Kohaku, the combination of red and white
The meaning of colors differs depending on the country.For example, we Japanese generally associate yellow with happiness, vigor, and delight, while the color symbolizes deceit and cowardice in some countries. Accordingly, each country has its...
The reason why Sumo wrestlers throw salt into the ring
Salt has been used to preserve foods from ancient times.It prevents the food from rotting because it has a sterilizing action, but have you ever heard that Japanese use salt in the different ways for...
Ohagi and Botamochi rice cakes are the same thing or different ?!
Centering on the spring equinox and autumnal equinox, a traditional week-long seasonal event is held in Japan.That is Ohigan (お彼岸). Ohigan is a Buddhist event exclusively held by Japanese sects, during which we have a...
