Monthly Archives: December 2015

Oseibo – Japanese traditional Christmas type present

In Japan, it’s customary to give gifts periodically to people such as co-workers, bosses, relatives, teachers, friends, and so on. These gifts are given to express gratitude. The end of year gifts are called oseibo and the midsummer gifts are … Continue reading

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Charcoal for Hangover remedy

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! You many have office parties, family gatherings, and the flowing champagne of New Year’s Eve. Then you may have some ‘hang overs’. The one of the hangover remedy is “bamboo charcoal”. It … Continue reading

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The twelve zodiac signs

Each year has a symbolic animal. The cycle is completed every twelfth year.

  The order is : rat, bull, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, boar. This is the year of the monkey. (in Chinese astorology) . … Continue reading

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What is Ryokan

Ryokan are Japanese style inns found throughout the country, especially in hot spring resorts. Ryokans have been a part of Japanese culture for centuries. Some of the earliest ryokans were (and some still are) located on the Tokaido Highway which … Continue reading

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Christmas Market at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse

This Christmas market is becoming very popular every year. They had 640,000 visitors last year. You can enjoy German style Christmas Market. They have hot wine, sausages, baumkuchen and so on. They light up as Christmas illumination whole place. Their … Continue reading

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Etiquette at meal in Japan

The most important table etiquette in Japan is saying, “Itadaki-masu” before a meal and “Gochisou-sama” after a meal. These phrases mean thanks for the food and also indicate the beginning and the ending of a meal. It is a Japanese … Continue reading

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Japanese Convenience Stores

You see many convenience stores in Japan. It is almost every block you can find. Japanese people use convenience stores almost every day. We use quick shopping or buy things late at night – but not only that – Japanese … Continue reading

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The cat café

The cat café is very popular in Japan. It had its origin in Taiwan. One of the Japanese tourists took the idea back to Japan in 2004, It has been expanding all over the Japan. Some of cat cafes protect … Continue reading

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It’s time to write nengajo!

Japanese have a custom of sending New Year’s Day postcards, nengajo, to greet their friends and relatives. It’s similar to the Western custom of sending Christmas cards. Starting with a set greeting, you express your thanks for the relationship of … Continue reading

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Japanese Tradition ‘ a year-end-party’

A bonen-kai is a party held sometime between the middle and the end of December every year. People gather to share and shake off the hardships they experienced during the past year, and to prepare for the coming year with … Continue reading

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