Japanese Culture

Information on Japanese culture, manners, food, martial arts, and more

There are many aspects and customs that are unique to Japanese culture. Traditionally, Japanese culture has many strict rules of etiquette for every situation from interactions between neighbors to how to eat from a bowl depending on its contents and the size of the bowl.

Below we have made some guides that should help you blend in. Some topics covered are business etiquette, praying manners at shrines and temples, and Japanese funeral manners. We also have guides with information for learning, watching, and experiencing Japanese culture and art.

Tokyo Ninja Experiences: Learn the ways of the Shinobi

Ninjas (also known as shinobi) have gained international fame over the centuries, both within Japan and abroad. Ironically, the very traits of secrecy and stealth that characterized ninjas in the past are what makes them so well known today. While they practiced the arts of combat and inner harmony…

Learning Japanese Martial Arts – Karate, Judo and Kendo

This page contains affiliate links. Many countries around the world have their own forms of martial arts. Japan in this respect is no different. The most well-known forms of martial arts originating in Japan are Karate, Kendo, Judo, and Aikido. Each of these different forms of martial arts have d…

Chopstick Etiquette: A Simple Guide from Do's to Taboos

Most people around the world are familiar with chopsticks these days, whether from eating out in a favourite Asian-cuisine restaurant or chowing down on cup noodles at home. But whether you think you've mastered the skill or you've resorted to the two-handed approach, you'll find there's more to lea…

Great Places for 'Hatsumode' around Tokyo during the Japanese New Year

On the first day of the Japanese new year, you will see many people heading to shinto shrines and temples for "hatsumode," or the first prayer of the year. On this day, people bring back old omamori protective amulets - which are supposed to have a shelf life of one year - and obtain new ones from…

Nengajo – New Year’s Cards

Every year in late December the Japanese postal system is inundated with colorful post cards crisscrossing the country. These are 年賀状 (Nengajo) or New Year’s cards. Similarly to the way many westerners send Christmas cards to family and friends, Japanese people send nengajo to friends and family, co…

Takarazuka Revue: Follies, Broadway and Vaudeville Combined!

Takarazuka is an onsen town in rural Hyogo Prefecture. Until the second decade of the 20th century, it was the final stop on an unimportant train line owned by Hankyu Railways where visitors were few and reasons to visit even fewer. That was until Hankyu head Ichizo Kobayashi started to employ troup…

The Best Way to Learn Japanese: 7 Savvy Strategies

So you're living in Japan and the only Japanese you know involves food names like sushi and tempura or brand names of electronics or cars. Some other expats may jokingly reassure you that you can get around with just saying "sumimasen (excuse me)" and "arigato gozaimasu (thank you)," but you can o…

Best Japanese Learning Apps: 8 Tools for Language Mastery

Whether you are studying at home or newly arrived in the country, the Japanese language can seem impossible to those just starting to learn it. That said, there's one simple way to survive no matter how little time you have: All you need is a smartphone and a couple of apps to help you memorize vo…

Studying Traditional Japanese Arts & Hobbies in Tokyo

If you have been living in Japan for a while and looking to pick up a traditional Japanese hobby, or maybe you have just arrived, unpacked your stuff and wondering what there is to do in Tokyo that you can't find anywhere else. If so, we're going to share a few popular pastimes from traditional Jap…

Payer Offering Manners at Shrines and Temples

There are many people in Japan who still get confused about what to do when visiting shrines and temples. While the prayers given at a shrine and temple may be similar, they each have their own procedures. We've written a quick and simple explanation on what to do at each place when praying below. …