TCJ Blog

In this article, we explore the iconic Japanese 招き猫: Maneki-neko, also known as the “lucky cat,” often seen at the entrances of restaurants and homes. We look at its origins, the meanings behind its colors, and the raised paw gesture. We also introduce famous sites where tourists can encounter numerous Maneki-neko, offering an opportunity to deepen your understanding of Japanese culture.

Matsuri (Japanese festivals) take place throughout Japan all year round. During festival seasons, towns are filled with the sounds of taiko drums and flutes as people gather in a joyful atmosphere. Matsuri have a long history and deep cultural meaning, and this article explores Japanese festival culture.

In Japan, blood types are commonly brought up in conversations. A lot of people tend to categorize characteristics based on blood types, such as “A person with blood type A tends to be like…”. Today, we will explore why this belief is so popular. Read on to find out the reason!

The Chinese zodiac is the name of the 12 animal species used in the Japanese calendar. China, Korea, Vietnam, and other countries also have their own Chinese zodiac signs, but the animals that appear in them seem to be different from those in Japan. In this article, we will introduce the zodiac signs in Japan and their differences from the zodiac signs of other countries.

Spring, summer, fall, and winter—these four seasons in Japan are clearly distinct, making the country unique. Each season is deeply rooted in Japanese life, shaping its beautiful nature, culture, and traditions. Today, we explore a wide range of seasonal characteristics, including events, climate, flowers and landscapes that symbolize each season and can be enjoyed throughout the year.