Articles about Japanese culture

Kevin Henrique · Jan 15, 2025

Higanbana: Meaning of Japan’s Red Spider Lily

The meaning, season, names, and cultural associations of Japan’s red spider lily.

Kevin Henrique · Jul 21, 2026

Who Was Giant Baba? The Man Behind All Japan Pro Wrestling

Giant Baba was not only a towering star in the ring. He built All Japan Pro Wrestling into a lasting home for some of puroresu’s...

Kevin Henrique · Jan 15, 2015

Neko: Cat in Japanese and Its Meaning in Japan

Learn what neko means, how to use related Japanese cat words, and why cats appear so often in Japan’s history and culture.

Kevin Henrique · Jan 15, 2015

Chindogu: Japan's Bizarre and Almost Useless Inventions

Chindogu describes inventions that try to solve a real problem, then become so awkward or excessive that their charm lies in being...

Kevin Henrique · Jan 15, 2025

Kishōtenketsu: Japan’s Four-Act Storytelling Structure

How introduction, development, twist, and conclusion reshape Japanese stories, manga, anime, and everyday writing.

Kevin Henrique · Jan 15, 2025

Kemono - Anthropomorphic Animals in Japan

From medieval picture scrolls to BEASTARS, Aggretsuko and the maneki-neko on your favourite shop window.

Kevin Henrique · Jan 15, 2025

What is the correct suit to wear in Japan for each situation?

Why the right suit in Japan is a question of context, not fashion.

Kevin Henrique · Oct 17, 2024

What Makes Japan a Unique Country?

A country shaped by tradition, discipline and constant reinvention.

Kevin Henrique · Jan 28, 2022

How Japanese Culture Shapes Anime Stories

Why anime storytelling often feels emotionally different once you look at the cultural ideas underneath it.

Kevin Henrique · May 21, 2019

Wedding in Japan: Costs and Procedures

A practical overview of marriage procedures and wedding costs in Japan.

Kevin Henrique · Mar 10, 2018

Inspirational and motivational animes — Chase your dreams!

A curated list of anime series that remind you to chase your dreams.

Kevin Henrique · Jan 15, 2018

Dating in Japan: How to Get to Know a Japanese Person (Respectfully)

Cultural context, dating apps, and first-date conventions for getting to know a Japanese person without leaning on stereotypes.

Kevin Henrique · Jan 15, 2018

Routine: Life of a Sumo Wrestler

A day in a heya: training, chanko nabe, hierarchy and the price of life in the ring

Kevin Henrique · Jan 15, 2017

Father's Day in Japan - Chichi no Hi

When, how, and why the third Sunday in June became a small family day across Japan.

Kevin Henrique · Jan 15, 2017

Genkan: where you take off your shoes in Japan

Japan's entrance area — origin, etiquette, and small rules for visitors

Kevin Henrique · Jan 15, 2017

Sexual Consent and Public Nudity in Japan: What the Law Says

Japan’s customs around bathing, festivals and media do not replace consent or the law.

Kevin Henrique · Jan 15, 2017

Drinking in Japan: Rules, Etiquette and Useful Tips

A practical guide to Japanese drinking etiquette, izakaya customs, and the small rules that help you avoid awkward mistakes.

Kevin Henrique · Jan 15, 2017

Honne and Tatemae - Understanding the two faces

Entenda o conceito de honne e tatemae no Japão, as duas faces do comportamento social e seus efeitos nas relações humanas.

Kevin Henrique · Jan 15, 2017

Hatsune Miku - Unraveling this famous Vocaloid

How a virtual girl from a computer became a global pop phenomenon

Kevin Henrique · Jan 15, 2017

Meaning of the codes of Japanese adult videos

How Japan labels each adult video with a studio code and a production number — and why the system has stuck for decades.

Kevin Henrique · Jan 15, 2016

The secret of Japanese beauty, slimness, and longevity

Diet, baths, community and rituals — what Japan reveals about long youth and good health.

Kevin Henrique · Jan 15, 2016

Fansub - The two sides of fansubs

Who actually sits behind an anime subtitling group?

Kevin Henrique · Jan 15, 2016

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star - Japanese version

きらきら星 – how a British poem became one of Japan's most sung children's songs.

Kevin Henrique · Jan 15, 2016

The most bizarre festivals in Japan

Navel, fertility and naked festivals: a respectful look at Japan's most unusual matsuri.