Celebrating the Holidays In Japan? Here’s What To Expect
Japan has no shortage of year-end traditions — but not all the ones you’re used to. On Christmas Day the banks and markets are all open, and people largely go about their regular routines. This isn’t to say, of course, that Christmas and New Year’s aren’t celebrated....
What Is a Geisha, Anyway?
GaijinPot, a blog for newcomers to Japan, describes the main difference between Tokyo and Kyoto: “A lot of dreamers go to Tokyo to find success. Others choose Kyoto to live out their dreams.” And for many young Kyoto women interested in preserving Japanese culture,...
The Anatomy of a Kimono
A revered symbol of Japanese culture often handed down through families over generations, the kimono (Japanese for “the thing worn”) can tell a unique story based on the chosen fabric and details of each one. The garment originated in the 8th century during the Heian...
Experience Japan From the POV of a Cat
Wander a Japanese city through the eyes of a cat — just as thousands of actual felines already do. In the summer of 2016, it wasn’t uncommon to see throngs of people gathered in public places, all looking down at their phones as they accidentally bumped into one...