Life In Japan

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  • Why Do Japanese Sit On The Floor?

    Why Do Japanese Sit On The Floor?

    When visiting Japan, you may have noticed that many people will opt to sit on the floor, but why? There are many reasons that the Japanese sit on the floor, but here in the west, it’s difficult for us to comprehend how the Japanese can sit on the floor for as long as they do.  […]

  • How To Sew A Kimono

    How To Sew A Kimono

    A kimono is a long and loose robe traditional to Japanese culture. It is tied with a sash, and usually worn for formal occasions.  For example, kimono are worn for Seijin-Shiki, a coming-of-age ceremony that happens on the second Monday of January. This ceremony welcomes those who have just turned 20 into the world of […]

  • How To Tie An Obi

    How To Tie An Obi

    Kimonos are traditionally worn by men and women and are a part of Japan’s cultural heritage. These traditional garments are worn for many purposes and are often worn for formal events. However, many people may wear a kimono for their work. There are many different ways to tie an obi. In fact, there are many […]

  • What Is The Legal Drinking Age In Japan?

    What Is The Legal Drinking Age In Japan?

    Just like many other people from other countries in the world, people in Japan like to drink occasionally. Drinking has its place in Japanese society, with drinking parties usually being held in izakaya and restaurants to strengthen both business and social relationships.  And, like the majority of other countries in the world, Japan has a […]

  • Most Popular Types Of Sashimi You Can Try Today (Full In-Depth Guide)

    Most Popular Types Of Sashimi You Can Try Today (Full In-Depth Guide)

    Part of the beauty of many Japanese delicacies is that they can be prepared in a plethora of different ways depending on the taste preferences of the person eating them. Take sushi for example, where you have the option of choosing maki sushi, hako sushi, chirashi sushi, and so many more, giving you an opportunity […]

  • Japanese Weaponry A Guide To Japanese Weapons

    Japanese Weaponry: A Guide To Japanese Weapons

    When we think of a nation with a long history of warriorship and military power, Japan has to be one of the top thoughts that comes to mind. Japan nowadays might not have the largest military in terms of size, but it has one of the biggest budgets.  Indeed, defense has long been important to […]

  • What Are The Similarities And Differences Between Knights And Samurai

    What Are The Similarities And Differences Between Knights And Samurai?

    There are many similarities to be found between Medieval Japan and Medieval Europe. However, there are also many differences. One that immediately jumps out is that the warriors of Medieval Europe were knights, and the warriors of Medieval Japan were samurai.  Knights and samurai may be considered the equivalent of one another, and they indeed […]

  • 15 Japanese Flower Favorites And Their Meanings

    15 Japanese Flower Favorites And Their Meanings

    Japan has a rich history and a beautiful, unique culture. Within this culture, flowers play a very important role inclusive of all the aspects of Japanese culture, including that of Japanese art, literature and the general lifestyle.  Of course though, there are many Japanese flowers out there which bring their own beauty, glory and charm […]

  • Sakura What Does It Really Mean In Japanese

    Sakura: What Does It Really Mean In Japanese?

    It feels as though the word ‘sakura’ has taken the world by storm, each day we’re hearing it more and more, and it’s considered to be a great signifier of beauty. After all, sakura actually means ‘cherry blossom’, in Japanese. Cherry blossoms, of course, are the beautiful ephemeral flowers that we see in photographs, and […]

  • Saying ‘Mother’ In Japanese - 7 Different Ways

    Saying ‘Mother’ In Japanese – 7 Different Ways

    Oftentimes when we’re learning a new language, it isn’t the initial translation that we find difficult, but rather, when we realize that one single word can be spoken in several different ways. This is often the case for Japanese, and it’s one of the reasons why it’s considered so difficult to learn.  The word ‘mother’, […]

  • What Is the Difference Between Hiragana and Katakana

    What Is the Difference Between Hiragana and Katakana?

    One of the most challenging parts about learning to read Japanese is the three different alphabet systems. Many people are familiar with kanji, but there are two more: hiragana and katakana. Kanji all have a specific meaning, while hiragana and katakana are all separate sounds and syllables. Unfortunately, this is also where it gets complicated. […]

  • Best Samurai Anime

    Best Samurai Anime

    Japan often uses its own rich culture and past for its entertainment productions. This is the same way Western countries often use their history and mythology to create TV shows and movies.  Samurai anime is one of the most popular genres in Japanese TV. It can range from being historically accurate to being complete fantasy, […]