Category: Arts and Culture

A matcha whisk with powder and a plate.

The History of Chanoyu: The Japanese Tea Ceremony

Japan is often linked with peaceful gardens, quiet temples, and wooden tea houses where a graceful tea ritual occurs. This is chanoyu (the Japanese tea ceremony), a practice that is much more than drinking Japanese green tea. Starting with Zen Buddhism, which has been refined over centuries, it combines art, religion, philosophy, and social life into one mindful tradition. 

A person holding up a yellow omamori.

Omamori: The Traditional Japanese Good Luck Charm

In Japan, daily life often blends tradition with modern convenience. You might walk past a vending machine right after visiting a centuries-old shrine. One tradition that has stayed strong over the years is the use of omamori—Japan’s beloved good luck charms.

An Japanese art piece featuring a full moon tsukimi dango and a rabbit.

Japanese Moon Art: Beautiful Lunar Themes in Iconic Works!

The moon is vital in Japanese culture; it symbolizes change, mystery, and peace. Poetry, folklore, and festivals draw from the nation’s long history with the lunar cycle. Artists across the centuries have used it as inspiration. Some simply tried to capture its beauty or explain its deeper meaning. Japanese moon art in particular captures this.

A bunch of hanafuda cards arranged on a grid.

The Rules of Hanafuda: Everything You Need to Know!

One of the oldest and most popular card games in Japan is hanafuda. People still play it today. Hanafuda is a matching game featuring cards with beautiful artwork. Today, we’ll explore this classic game. It is for anyone who has never heard of the game and those who want to play.

Hokusai Great Wave off Kanagawa print.

Hokusai Great Wave: The Print That Shaped Japanese Art

Hokusai’s “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” is one of the classic masterpieces of Japanese prints. As one of the first Japanese artworks to gain global fame, The Great Wave helped introduce Japanese art overseas and shaped how the world views Japan’s rich artistry. Discover the novelty behind The Great Wave and how it influenced both the Japanese and foreign art scenes. 

A gold crane origami on top of origami papers with vibrantly-patterned designs.

Origami Paper: Beautiful Mediums Behind Japanese Paper Folding

Origami, the art of paper folding, was once woven into formal ceremonies and religious rituals. People were fascinated by seeing paper come to life with each fold. However, its beauty is also thanks to the origami paper’s texture, rich color, and nature-inspired pattern. 

A display of mizu uchiwa fans.

Mizu Uchiwa: Beautiful Japanese Fans for the Summer

Traditional Japanese fans are often more than just tools to stay cool; they’re like holding a quiet piece of Japan and its craftsmanship in your hand. Among them, mizu uchiwa stands out with its elegant look, soothing origin, and unique way of being made. Let’s take a closer look at this delightful summer treasure together!

A woman wearing traditional Okinawan clothes at an event.

Okinawan Festivals: Three Great Events You Must See!

These events blend ancient rituals with lively celebrations, showcasing the island’s distinct identity. The warm climate and the hearts of the locals make these gatherings a must-see for those seeking meaningful travel experiences. Today, we’ll look at captivating Okinawan festivals you should experience!

Kokusai Dori at night in Okinawa, which is on the map.

Okinawa Map: A Look at Some of the Best Cities!

When looking at an Okinawa map, you can clearly see it’s Japan’s southernmost prefecture. Today, we’ll learn why these cities in Okinawa, so far away from the rest of Japan, are worth the trip!