This Month in Japan | October

Posted on October 12, 2015 by Patricia Thao

Kannazuki, the old name for the month of October, is often translated as “month of no gods.” There is an interesting story behind the meaning of Kannazuki. In October, all of the gods throughout Japan gather at Izumo Shrine and forgo their responsibilities for the month. Conversely, in the town of Izumo where the shrine is located, the month is known locally as Kamiarizuki, or “the month of gods.”

In Japan, the second Monday of October is Taiiku no hi (Health and Sports Day). This year it is set on Oct 12. Typically, schools and some businesses host field days to encourage both physical and mental health. Popular activities include track, field events, and tug of war. This event allows students to bond and work together as a team. Mid-autumn is the best season for sport events as it isn’t too cold or too hot.

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October also includes lots of festivals that occurs all around Japan. Click here to learn about information about the events.

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This Month in Japan | September

Posted on September 8, 2015 by Patricia Thao

Nagatsuki is the shortened form of Yonagazuki, meaning “long-night month” for what is today the month of September. Tsukimi or “Moon-viewing” parties are popular today but originally began in the Heian Era (794-1185 CE) to honor harvests and the beauty of the moon. At tsukimi celebrations, many feast on dumplings and celebrate the coming of autumn.

This month, two national holidays including Keiro no hi, or Respect for the Aged Day, and Autumnal Equinox Day are observed.

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Respect for Aged day is celebrated on the 3rd Monday in September and is one of many Japan’s national holidays. It’s a holiday that is spent respecting, honoring, and giving gifts to the elders. It highlights the longevity of Japan’s elderly population.

“With improvements in healthcare, Japanese people are living longer than ever and the number of people over the age of 100 is expected to reach 32,000 next month.

One in five Japanese are aged 65 or older and Japanese women can expect to live to see their 85th birthday.” – http://www.officeholidays.com/

http://web-japan.org/

Autumnal Equinox Day usually falls on Sept 22 or 23. It is a period of time where Japanese people pay respects to their ancestors, elders, and important family members. Also, it marks the day that daylight will be getting shorter as winter approach.

“The Japanese have traditionally called the period around the autumnal and vernal (springtime) equinoxes higan. There’s a saying that goes, “both the heat and cold end with higan.” Higan lasts for seven days – beginning three days prior to the equinox and ending three days after it. It occurs twice a year, once when the blustery winter temperatures give way to spring and again when the heat subsides and the cool, crisp air of autumn arrives.

Higan has Buddhist origins. It means the “other side of the river of death.” This side of the river is the world where we live, and the other side is the realm where the souls of those who have passed away dwell. To pray for the repose of deceased ancestors, visits are made to the family grave.” – http://web-japan.org/

This Month in Japan | June

Posted on June 5, 2015 by Patricia Thao

http://image.rakuten.co.jp/kawabata/cabinet/01231002/img56515715.jpg?_ex=60×60

Minazuki, the old name for June, means “water month.” Tsuyu, or heavy rainfall season takes place during the months of June and July and lasts about 6 weeks. Ajisai or hydrangeas are the rainy season flower, because they are considered by many to be most beautiful when wet and enshrouded in mist. The rainy season can vary in duration from year to year. Other areas of Japan may be experiencing more humid or overcast weather except Hokkaidō where it is the least affected. Travelers, locals, and visitors can still enjoy their stay in Japan in places such as onsens, mountains, and temples.

In Japan, there are no official holidays in June. June is the start to many summer festivals and firework events, like the well-known Sanno Matsuri of Hie-jinja Shrine in Akasaka district. It is a parade in Tokyo where people dress in traditional costumes with portable shrines, drums, and horses.

But there are still many festivals during June. The Yosakoi Soran Festival is from June 10-June 14 and is held at the Odori Park (Sapporo). It is a festival that host a Yosakoi dance competition with competitive teams from all around Japan.

http://www.oshamambe.com/hokkaido/festival/sapporo_yosakoi_soran_festival_parade_01.JPG

Another festival is the Hokkaidō Shrine Festival that is held at Maruyama Park (can vary in dates). It features festive food, temples, shrines, parades, and activities that draws out 1 million people. There are probably visitors, travelers, and locals who are attending this popular event; so, it can be quite crowded.

http://www.japan-guide.com/g7/6552_01.jpg

For a quieter and smaller scale festival, there is the Sanno Festival that occurs in Tokyo. It happens in mid June and there are less people who are involved in it due to traffic complaints in the past. But people can see the parades and visit shrines depending on their individual public time. The parade usually starts at Hie Shrine in the morning and then they continue their way throughout Tokyo.

Sanno Festival Parade Guide

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3065.html

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Japan’s Onsen

Posted on June 1, 2015 by Patricia Thao

“Onsen” means “hot springs” in the Japanese language. Japan has literally thousands of geothermal onsen scattered throughout the country, due to its volcanic activity, as well as “sento” or indoor public bathhouses with heated water. Onsen is really popular among tourists and in Japanese culture. Here are some facts and benefits about the onsen culture in Japan:

Before entering into the hot springs, people are required to shower first. In this way, you can clean your body and allow your body temperature to adjust to the heat of the hot springs. Also, onsens are for people to soak in the water and not for people to clean themselves in.
Onsens are enjoyed by being fully nude. Outsiders might find this quite odd, but you are allowed to bring a small cloth with you. And men and women are separated so it should more comfortable.
Did you know that people with tattoos aren’t allowed to show it or have to pay extra fees to be able to use onsens? Tattoos in Japan have been long outdated and ban in many areas because they can associate it with being part of the yakuza.
Some of the benefits of using hot springs for health is to help control blood temperature, massage body muscle, relieve painful joints, and much more. Here is a quick link about onsen’s effect on the body.
Best of all, it helps people to physically and mentally relax. Often times, onsen may have services such common rooms, foods, traditional clothing, and other traditional aspects that customers can enjoy to fully experience the onsen culture.

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Introduction to Japanese Lifestyle

Posted on March 20, 2015 by Patricia Thao

Have you ever wonder how other kinds of people live their life on a daily basis? It is a great way to explore and learn a bit more of what life is like from different perspectives. Today’s focus will be on the Japanese lifestyle.

Bowing is a prevalant custom in many Asian cultures that shows respect towards others. It is ingrain in people to do so for strangers, elderly, friends, families, and respected people.
Slurping while eating noodle dishes is a good sign and it is not considered rude like in other cultures. It shows that you are enjoying your meal.
Eating alone at home or at restaurants in Japan is very normal. Although some other people may see as odd, Japanese people see it as having alone time with yourself.
There are many Japanese holidays, but some of the most famous ones are Valentine’s Day, Children’s Day, Coming of Age, and Christmas. The Japanese culture has incorporated many influences into their cultures from other Asian and Western cultures.
Ever wonder why so much people in Japan wear masks while doing daily tasks? Due to health concerns such as allergy, people wear them to prevent them from getting sick.
Karaoke is a fun way to let people’s wall down, have food and drinks, and sing without trying to be a pro. The karaoke entertainment is widely available in many Asian countries because of it’s popularity. It is not uncommon that group of co-workers or friends go out together to karaoke together.
In Japan, it is very important to properly address someone based on their position as it is another custom of respect. It can also tell how superior or elderly someone is and how close they are to each other. This type of custom also exsist in other cultures.

These are just a few glimpse into the Japanese lifestyle. There are more customs, traditions, and holidays that the Japanese culture has. The more interested you are about another culture, the more you will learn from them.

Holidays From All Over the World

Posted on November 24, 2014 by Patricia Thao

There are many countries that the U.S. don’t share holidays with and it’s nice to know what we miss out on some of the great things people celebrate from all over the world. Here’s a list of cultural groups that have their own unique holidays.

1. Thailand – Songkran

http://www.hellomagazine.com

One of the many celebrations of Songkran involves people splashing each other with water in the hot weather. “Part of the ritual was the cleaning of images of Buddha. Using the ‘blessed’ water that cleaned the images to soak other people is seen as a way of paying respect and bring good fortune.” – http://www.officeholidays.com/

2. Malaysia – Malaysia Day

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malaysia_Day

The holiday day title is literally what the holiday stands for. The people of Malaysia celebrate the day “16 September 1963, when the former British colony of Singapore and the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, joined to create the Federation of Malaysia” – http://www.officeholidays.com/. It’s for everyone to take pride of Malaysia and its historical events of the people and country gaining independence.

3. Japan (including other Asian countries) – Childerns’ Day

www.cheng-tsui.com

Yes, there is a national holiday to celebrate children with gifts, food, blessings, and wishes. Also, it is a time when parents pray for the best in health and success for their children.

4. Korea – Hanguel Day

http://asiasociety.org

In celebration of the development of Korean alphabets after the colonial rule of Japan. “King Sejong the Great who was the fourth monarch of the Joseon Dynasty, devised and proclaimed the Korean alphabet in the 15th century” – http://www.officeholidays.com/. Korea did not develop their own alphabets as early as other cultural groups due to strong influence of the Chinese and Japanese characters.

5. Indonesia (including other Asian countries) – Waisak Day

http://www.borneoexplorertours.com

A national holiday made in name of Buddha’s birthday, death, and enlightenment. A ‘holy day’ for Buddhists monks and Buddhism believers that celebrates the life of Buddha. The holiday allows people to pray, receive or/give blessings, cleanse one soul and mind, make offerings, and display beautiful lights.

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