Japanese History
Sohei: The Warrior Monks of Medieval Japan
Japanese Language What Does “Ottori Gatana de Kaketsukeru” Mean? The Surprising Samurai Origin of This Japanese Expression
Discover the true meaning of "Ottori Gatana de Kaketsukeru" — a Japanese idiom rooted in samurai culture. Learn why it means rushing urgently, not arriving calmly, and how it's still used today.
Japanese Culture The Truth About Karesansui: Is Japan’s Iconic Zen Garden Actually Influenced by China?
Discover the true origins of Japan’s Karesansui (Zen dry gardens), blending Chinese landscape traditions with Japanese Zen minimalism. Learn its history, symbolism, and modern influence.
Japanese Food Culture Why Do You Need to Wash Rice? The Cultural Science Behind Perfect Japanese Rice
Discover why washing rice is essential in Japanese cooking. Learn how rinsing removes impurities, enhances texture, and unlocks the full flavor of perfect Japanese rice.
Japanese Culture The Forgotten World of Sansuke: The Unsung Bathhouse Attendants of Japan’s Sento Culture
Discover the lost world of Japan’s Sansuke bathhouse attendants. Explore their roles, the purpose of Sansuke Rooms, and how their traditions live on in modern Japanese spa culture.
Japanese Language “Mukashi Totta Kinezuka”: The Japanese Proverb That Celebrates Skills That Never Fade
Discover the meaning of the Japanese proverb "Mukashi Totta Kinezuka," which celebrates how past skills never fade. Learn its origin, examples, and cultural significance.
Japanese Culture Why Do Japanese Children Grow Up Catching Insects? A Deep Dive into a Unique Cultural Tradition
Discover why Japanese children grow up catching insects. Explore this unique tradition’s cultural, educational, and environmental roots, and how it continues in modern Japan.
Japanese Culture The Complete Guide to Sarashi: Japan’s Traditional Binding Cloth and Its Many Uses Today
Discover the many uses of sarashi, Japan’s traditional binding cloth. Learn its history, cultural significance, modern applications, and safety guidelines for daily or ceremonial use.
Japanese Culture Tengu: Unraveling the Mysteries of Japan’s Supernatural Mountain Spirits
Explore the mysterious world of Japan’s tengu: legendary mountain spirits tied to Japanese folklore, Shugendo ascetics, and spiritual beliefs. Learn their evolving roles and surprising origins.
Japanese Culture Unraveling the Mystery of the Kappa: Japan’s Water Spirit and the Secrets of Its Iconic Head Dish
Explore the fascinating world of Japan’s kappa: water-dwelling yokai with mysterious origins. Learn about their legends, head dish symbolism, and their enduring cultural role in Japan.
Japanese Cuisine Okinawan Oden: Discovering the Unique Island Twist on Japan’s Classic Hotpot
Discover Okinawan Oden — a unique twist on Japan’s classic hotpot. Explore its rich pork-based broth, island-specific ingredients, and cultural significance in Okinawan cuisine.