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Japan Public Holidays 2026 – Full Official List and Key Dates at a Glance
If you are planning work, school schedules, travel, or just trying to avoid showing up to a closed bank (it happens), here is a fully updated, more detailed guide to…
Emperor’s Birthday in Japan – Date, Meaning, and Traditions
Japan’s Emperor’s Birthday is a national holiday that celebrates the birthday of the reigning Emperor. It’s a quiet holiday for many people, but it carries a lot of cultural weight,…
What Is Setsubun? Meaning, Date, and How Japan Celebrates It
If you’ve ever seen photos of people in Japan throwing beans at someone dressed like a demon, that’s Setsubun. It’s a loud, funny, slightly chaotic tradition with a serious purpose…
Top Careers for Foreigners in Japan: A Complete Guide
Finding the right career in Japan can feel overwhelming, especially for newcomers navigating a different culture, hiring system, and set of workplace expectations. As Japan continues to face labor shortages…
What to Do in Kumamoto: A Guide to Castles, Craters, and Culture
Located in the center of Kyushu, Kumamoto is a prefecture defined by dramatic contrasts. It is known as the "Land…
Japow: Enjoy a Unique Japanese Ski Experience in Hokkaido
Winter in Japan has (finally) well and truly arrived! Along with the new bite in the air and the chic-yet-cozy…
Tokyo Comic Con 2025 – What to Expect
Japan has a number of events for anime and manga enthusiasts throughout the country. From Comiket to the World Cosplay…
Gyaru Explained: Style, Makeup, and Fashion
Gyaru (ギャル) is a Japanese youth fashion and lifestyle subculture that became a huge deal in the 1990s and 2000s.…
Yanki Meaning in Japanese – What This Term Refers to in Japan
In Japan, yankii refers to a delinquent youth subculture, not just a general troublemaker. The term is used for teenagers…
Funeral Traditions in Japan – What Happens and How to Show Respect
Funeral traditions in Japan can feel quiet and highly structured at the same time. People speak softly, movements are deliberate,…
Shoganai Meaning: Understanding Japan’s “It Can’t Be Helped” Mindset
You’ll often hear Japanese people say shoganai (しょうがない / 仕方がない) when plans go wrong—like when it rains on a holiday…
Nanpa Meaning: Inside Japan’s Flirty Street Culture
You’ll often hear stories of people being approached by strangers in Tokyo or Osaka — a bold move known as…
Maji Meaning: How This Simple Japanese Word Expresses Emotion
If you’ve ever watched Japanese dramas, scrolled through anime clips, or overheard a group of teens chatting in Shibuya, you’ve…
Shimbashi Guide: Top Things to Do in Tokyo’s Salaryman District
Known affectionately as the "holy ground for salarymen," this bustling area offers a fascinating glimpse into Japan's post-war economic engine,…
Daikanyama – Tokyo’s Stylish Neighborhood Guide
Daikanyama, often called the “Brooklyn of Tokyo,” is a chic yet laid-back neighborhood filled with trendy cafés, fashion boutiques, and…
Roppongi Guide, Nightlife, Culture and Things to Do in Tokyo’s Entertainment Hub
Roppongi is one of Tokyo’s most famous districts, blending international nightlife, world-class art, and upscale dining. Known for its cosmopolitan…
Japanese School Holidays 2026: Dates, Terms, and What to Expect
The Japanese school year is structured differently than in many Western countries, often sparking confusion for new expats or families…
Is same-sex marriage legal in Japan? The 2026 update
Japan is often viewed as a modernization success story, blending deep-rooted tradition with futuristic technology. Yet, for LGBTQ+ couples living…
Minimum Wage vs Cost of Living in Tokyo
Japan’s minimum wage has been rising in recent years, but a lot of people still ask the same basic question,…
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