Japanese with Hikari's Blog

New year in Japan, or Oshōgatsu (お正月), is a big deal. It’s calm, meaningful, and full of traditions that go way beyond countdowns and fireworks. If you’ve ever wondered why the whole country feels different around January 1, here’s your guide to the ...

If you've ever been to Japan, you've probably noticed something pretty wild...
Vending machines are literally everywhere.
Like, on quiet streets, in the countryside, even up mountains! 🏞️🥤

So, what’s the deal? Why does Japan have more vending machines...

When we think about “lockdowns” today, we think of the pandemic.
But did you know Japan once locked itself off from the rest of the world… for over 200 years?

This was called 鎖国 (sakoku), literally “closed country.”
And wow, did it change the course o...

Let’s take a look into who geisha really are, where they came from, and why they’re still so loved in Japan today. 

🖌️ What Does “Geisha” Mean?

The word geisha (芸者) means:

• 芸 (gei) = art or performance
• 者 (sha) = person

So, a geisha is lite...

Let’s take a look at what makes these places so unique, and why they’re such a big part of Japanese social life!

🏮 What is an Izakaya?

The word izakaya (居酒屋) breaks down like this:

• 居 (i) = to stay or sit
• 酒 (sake) = alcohol
• 屋 (ya) = shop

Did you know that Japan has a truly unique Christmas tradition? It doesn’t involve Santa hats or caroling, it’s all about crispy fried chicken from KFC!
Yep, every December, millions of families in Japan celebrate the holiday with a "party barrel" fro...

On March 3rd, in Japan, we celebrate Hina Matsuri ひな祭り, the Doll (girls’) Festival. If you’re really into Japanese culture, you may have already known about it and even seen the colorful altars where little dolls are displayed.

Are you curious to kn...

You probably know already that Japan is obsessed with Sakura leaves (cherry blossom leaves).

You probably also know that in Spring, all of Japan is covered with beautiful Sakura trees, and we gather to see them.

But why?

I’m about to tell you why ...

 Have you ever looked at something and immediately thought, “OMG, that’s so cute!”?

Well, in Japan, there’s a word for that: kawaii. But "kawaii" isn’t just about being cute, it’s a whole vibe.

Let’s dig into where it comes from, how it’s evolved, ...

In this article, I’m telling you about one of Japan’s most stunning autumn traditions: Kōyō (紅葉), or the changing of the leaves! Let’s dive into why Kōyō is such an important part of Japanese culture and where you can experience it.

🍂 What does "Kōy...

Are you fascinated by the samurai? You’re not alone! These legendary warriors from Japan's past continue to inspire people all over the world. But who were they really, and what did they stand for? Let’s dive into the history, values, and legacy of t...

Japan’s work culture is known around the world for being hardworking, respectful, and… well, a little intense. But there’s way more to it than just long hours and bowing!
Let’s take a look at what makes Japan’s workplace unique. Some things might surp...

Not a while ago I introduced you to Kenzo Takada, a successful Japanese fashion brand.Now, I’m here to introduce you to Naoto Fukasawa, a very bright Japanese industrial designer!

Let’s learn about him together 👩🏻‍🏫

Who is Naoto Fukasawa 深澤 直人

Let’s get to know Kenzo, his life and his most popular work😀

Japanese Roots

Kenzo Takada (高田賢三) was born on February 27, 1939, in Himeji, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan. Kenzo’s love for fashion started early, thanks to his sisters' magazines. He started ...

We are continuing with the Yokai series!

Read about other Yokais: Kappa, Oni, Tengu and Yukionna!

(image from Wikipedia)

What is Inugami?

Ever heard of Inugami? It’s one of Japan’s spookier yokai, a dog spirit with a mix of loyalty and da...

I’m super excited to share the story of the Japanese Yokai Yukionna (雪女), known as the Snow Woman. This fascinating figure from Japanese folklore is a mix of beauty and danger, perfectly capturing the spirit of winter.

 Let's read about other Yok...

Continuing with Yokai, we'll dive into the mysterious world of Tengu.

 Let's read about other Yokai: Kappa and Oni!

👺What is a Tengu?

(image via Wikipedia)

In Japan, everyone knows what a tengu looks like. Unlike the kappa, these long-nosed mon...

In our continuing exploration of yokai, the mysterious creatures from Japanese mythology, today we’re diving into one of the most iconic and fearsome figures: the Oni. Unlike the mischievous kappa or mysterious tengu we’ve discussed before, oni are a...

Let's dive into the world of yōkai, those fascinating supernatural beings from Japanese folklore. One of the most intriguing yōkai is the kappa, a creature that lives in rivers and ponds. But before we get into that, let's explore a bit of the histor...

If you’re interested in Japanese culture, I’m sure you’ve heard of “idol” アイドル before.

In Japan, idols are young entertainers who sing, dance, act, appear on TV shows, do modeling, star in commercials, and interact with fans.

Their main charm? T...

Have you ever been to a Japanese Onsen 温泉 before? It’s a very ancient tradition in Japan that even the oldest Japanese book ever, the Kojiki 古事記 (712 CE), mentions it. So, I will teach you how to successfully experience Onsen in Japan so you can enjo...

I want to talk about one Japanese poet that I admire so much! Her name is Misuzu Kaneko, and her poems are timeless pieces of art that were discovered not so long ago. Her writing is full of passion, and it makes you change your perspective of the wo...

Earthquakes (地震・じしん) happen very often here in Japan. It’s just part of life.

But why so many? And how do Japanese people deal with it on a daily basis? Let’s break it down.

🌋 Why Does Japan Have So Many Earthquakes?

Short answer? Japan is sitt...

Let’s dive into the world of ukiyo-e (浮世絵), Japan’s famous woodblock print art that’s been a big part of the country’s culture for centuries. This art style captured everything from landscapes to daily life, and some of the most iconic pieces we know...