Festivals & Traditions Hinamatsuri — The Wishes Entrusted to the Hina Dolls
Hinamatsuri — The Wishes Entrusted to the Hina DollsAs March approaches, dolls begin to appear inside Japanese homes.The...
Annual Rituals
Festivals & Traditions 
Festivals & Traditions Setsubun — “Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi”
Setsubun — “Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi”Japan has many annual observances that mark the turning points of the seasons.Some...
Festivals & Traditions Japan’s Year-End – New Year’s Eve and the Ways It Is Spent
Japan’s Year-End – New Year’s Eve and the Ways It Is SpentIn many Western countries, the centerpiece of the holiday seas...
Cuisine What is Osechi Ryōri, the Symbol of Japanese New Year?
What is Osechi Ryōri, the Symbol of Japanese New Year?On New Year’s morning in Japan, a set of tiered lacquered boxes is...