Japanese culture
Equinox Day and Higan week (Eqinoctial week)
Higan is a week centering around the Equinox day. There are two Equinox days in a year, vernal and autumnal, so we have 2 Higan weeks in a year, Haru-Higan（vernal higan) and Aki-Higan（autumnal higan). Each Equinox day is designated as a National Holiday. During this period Buddhist temples hold special memorial services and we have the custom of visiting our […]
"Hina-matsuri" Doll Festival on March 3rd.
March 3rd is cerebrated as Girl’s Festival called “Hina-matsuri” in Japan. Although it is not designated as a national holiday, it is commonly cerebrated for the family with girls.Hina-maturi is translated to “Dolls Festival”, because families with girls display Hina-ningyo, or Hina-dolls, at their homes to pray for girls’ healthy growth and happiness. Hina-dolls are […]
What is Ema, or picture tablet?
Ema are wooden votive picture tablets which are found in shrines or temples in Japan. People write their wishes and dreams on the back of "Ema" and hang them in the designated area in the precincts of shrines or temples. People originally donated living horses. Front of Ema has picture. […]
Valentine’s Day in Japan
How it goes with Valentine’s Day in Japan ? Saint Valentine's Day on Feb. 14th is cerebrated around the world. Each country has its own custom how to cerebrate this day. How it goes in Japan? The day for women give Chocolates to men. Rather than couples exchanging cards or gifts each other, only women give […]
Setsubun festival in Feb 3rd. Eat Eho-maki!
Setsubun Festival "Demons out! Happiness in!" February 3rd is “Setsubun” festival in Japan. (The date is different on each year, but mostly around Feb.3rd) It’s kind of a funny holiday in Japan. “Setusbun” literally means “splitting the seasons”. It is the day before the first day of spring, so Setsubun splits between winter and spring. Although […]