Holidays

New Year's traditions in Japan
Culture

Japanese New Year Traditions: 10 Ways to Celebrate Like a Local

Put those pajamas on and settle in for a proper o-shogatsu—Japanese style.

By 6 min read

Learn

Beyond ‘I Love You’: 5 Tips For Navigating Romance in Japan

Ready for Valentine's Day and its alter ego White Day? Want to let that special someone know how you feel? Here are five ways to tell it from your heart.

By 5 min read

Live

Nengajo: How to Send a Japanese New Year Postcard


Living in Japan or know somebody who does? Here’s how to send a nengajo and win culture points for 2021!

By 4 min read 3

Live

The True Story of Why People in Japan Eat KFC at Christmas

Last year, KFC Japan earned a record-breaking ¥6.9 billion from December 21 to 25. So what's the deal with "Kurisumasu ni wa kentakkii!"?

By 7 min read

Culture

7 Places to See the First Sunrise of 2020 in Japan

An awesome tradition in Japan is "hatsuhinode," or viewing the first sunrise of the New Year.

By 6 min read

Explore

Ultimate Guide to Winter Illuminations in Japan’s 47 Prefectures 2019-20

Here’s your chance to enjoy some festive Christmas cheer—the Japanese way!

By 14 min read

Learn

Beyond ‘Kowai’: 10 Japanese Words For When You’re Freaked Out

This Halloween, be more than just scared with these new Japanese words and phrases to express your fear like a pro.

By 5 min read

Explore

Nightmare on Dotonbori: Top Halloween Spots in Osaka

Five spooktastic places for to get your monster mash on this Halloween in Osaka.

By 4 min read

Learn

How to Ask for Time Off in Japanese

It can be a tricky business asking for time off in a Japanese workplace. Try these useful phrases.

By 3 min read

Culture

3 Things Working Women In Japan Deserve More Than White Day Chocolate

Giri-choco is nice, but we want something much cheaper: respect.

By 7 min read

Culture

8 Awesome Anime Christmas Gift Ideas

Four new and four classic goodies from Japan for the animaniac in your life.

By 6 min read

Explore

10 Ways to Get Spooky for Halloween 2018 In Japan

Stage your own funeral, go to a topless VIP lounge or keep it family friendly this Halloween.

By 3 min read