Culture&Tradition

Culture&Tradition

What Is Shinto? Japan’s Nature-Born “Non-Religious Religion”

Discover the essence of Shinto, Japan’s indigenous belief system rooted in nature, community, and tradition. Learn why it emerged uniquely in Japan and how it still shapes Japanese culture today.
Culture&Tradition

Why Did They Sacrifice Their Lives? The Kamikaze Pilots – Japan’s Final Weapon

Discover the true story behind Japan’s WWII kamikaze pilots — their origins, cultural roots in Bushido, and the tragic reality of a nation pushed to the brink.
Culture&Tradition

Why Japanese Particles Are So Hard?(But Actually Super Useful)Understanding ‘Wa,’ ‘Ga,’ ‘Wo’ and More

Japanese has a set of tiny words called particles (“joshi” in Japanese).They’re usually just one syllable long, like “ga,” “wa,” “wo,” “ni,” “de”, and they play a huge role in making Japanese work.But for many learners, particles are one of the most confusing parts of the language—because changing just one of them can completely change the meaning of a sentence.
Culture&Tradition

Why Do Japanese People Eat Poisonous Fish? 4 Shocking Foods That Prove Japan’s Culinary Obsession

Discover 4 traditional Japanese foods that require extreme preparation—like poisonous pufferfish and stinky fermented fish—and the cultural obsession behind them.
Anime&Manga

The Global Phenomenon of Kawaii Culture: How Japan’s “Cute” Aesthetic Took Over the World

Japan’s “Kawaii culture” has become a worldwide phenomenon. Through anime, manga, fashion, and character culture, Japan’s unique interpretation of “cute” has captivated people across the globe. But is “Kawaii” just another word for “cute”? In this article, we will explore the origins of Kawaii culture, its characteristics, why it has spread globally, and its future prospects.
Culture&Tradition

The Culture and History of Japanese VTubers: Why Did They Become So Popular in Japan?

VTubers (Virtual YouTubers) are content creators who use avatars to upload videos or livestreams. Unlike traditional YouTubers and streamers, they don’t have to show their real faces, creating a unique entertainment culture.Japan, in particular, has seen a massive growth in VTuber culture, which has since spread worldwide. But why did VTubers originate in Japan, and why did they become so popular? In this article, we will explore the history, cultural background, and appeal of VTubers.
Culture&Tradition

What is Japanese Idol Culture? Unique Features and Differences from Overseas Idols

Japanese idol culture is a unique phenomenon in the global music industry. While “idols” in many countries refer to professional artists or actors, in Japan, idols are often seen as figures who fans support and watch grow.This article will explore how Japanese idol culture developed, what makes it unique, and how it differs from idol cultures in other countries.
Culture&Tradition

The Appeal of Vocaloid and Why It Became Popular

Vocaloid is a Japanese voice synthesis technology that has revolutionized the music industry. Characters like Hatsune Miku have played a major role in this transformation.However, Vocaloid is more than just a voice synthesis software. It has become a cultural phenomenon that allows creators worldwide to produce and share music freely. But what makes Vocaloid so appealing? Why has it gained such immense popularity? This article explores the key factors behind its success.
Culture&Tradition

Lightning-Fast Delivery! The Legendary “Hikyaku” of Edo Japan

In today’s world, we take fast delivery services like Amazon and Uber Eats for granted. But did you know that Japan had an incredibly efficient delivery system way back in the Edo period (1603-1868)?These couriers, known as Hikyaku (飛脚), were professional runners who transported letters and packages on foot. Some of them covered more than 100 km (62 miles) in a single day, a feat that sounds almost superhuman!In this article, let’s explore the fascinating history of Japan’s high-speed delivery service, the Hikyaku, and some of their unbelievable achievements.
Culture&Tradition

The Unique Features of Japanese Castles: How Do They Differ from Western Castles?

There are many types of castles around the world, but Japanese castles have particularly unique features. Compared to Western castles, their shape, materials, and purpose are quite different. So why did Japanese castles develop in such a distinct way? In this article, we will explore the characteristics of Japanese castles and how they differ from those in other countries.