Blogs

Japanese Festival of Dolls (Hina-Matsuri)

Japanese Festival of Dolls (Hina-Matsuri)

Posted by Yoshi Kai on 1st Mar 2019

In Japan, one of the sure signs of the arrival of spring is Hina-Matsuri, the Festival of Dolls. Japanese have celebrated Hina-Matsuri since at least the 8th-century Heian period. During this … read more
What is the best season to visit Japan?

What is the best season to visit Japan?

Posted by Yuri Nonaka on 24th Aug 2018

I often get asked about the best season to visit Japan. Such a seemingly simple question. However, there are more choices and more “seasons” than most people realize. Japan is a land of … read more
Gentle rains of early May

Gentle rains of early May

Posted by Yukiko Kisaki on 2nd May 2018

A sure sign of summer’s arrival in Japan is warm, pleasant rains of early May, called samidare.The picture above was taken in Miyazaki Shrine. The priestess ladies are about to begin their workday, wh … read more
Place Where There Are No Strangers

Place Where There Are No Strangers

Posted by Momoko Kagamizu on 5th Mar 2017

under cherry blossoms’ shade even those whom we don’t know are not strangers (Issa Kobayashi, 1819) When we can share feelings with others, they are no longer strangers. If we have em … read more
A Passion for Cherry Blossoms

A Passion for Cherry Blossoms

Posted by Momoko Kagamizu on 5th Mar 2015

In Japan, passion for cherry blossoms run deeps and anticipating their arrival every spring borders on a national obsession.Pictures above are from nightly news national TV broadcasts in early March. … read more