Flower power

M CrowsonApril 1, 2018

Be a limited-edition epicurean with one of the many sakura-flavoured foods and beverages this hanami season. Every Japanophile knows that spring ...

CultureOnly in Japan

Hina Matsuri

Bento Box MagazineMarch 2, 2018

Celebrate girl power the way Japan does with the annual Girls’ Day. March is the month for Hina Matsuri, or “Girls’ Day,” the day when pa...

CultureOnly in Japan

Love in translation

M CrowsonFebruary 7, 2018

On Japanese Valentine’s Day, women spend cash and shed (hopefully metaphoric) blood, sweat and tears on chocolate for their true loves ... and also some...

CultureOnly in Japan

Pile on the luck!

M CrowsonJanuary 8, 2018

Ring in the new year with some traditional kagami mochi. You’ve seen them in Japanese supermarkets, konbini and food stalls: white, snowman-lik...

CultureOnly in Japan

Warm hospi-towel-ity

M CrowsonDecember 2, 2017

Learn about the surprisingly lively world of oshibori, the hand towel felt ’round the world. Treat yourself to a meal at any mid-to high-range ...

CultureOnly in Japan

In case of emergency, drill here

M CrowsonNovember 1, 2017

Japan thinks ahead with a long tradition of nationwide “disaster drills.” Last week, my father-in-law sent a group email titled “Family Fun...

CultureOnly in Japan

Moon viewing

M CrowsonOctober 3, 2017

Exclusive courtly gathering, rowdy boat party or sedate family event? Otsukimi is all of the above. It’s autumn, which means it’s otsukimi (�...

CultureOnly in Japan

Character training

M CrowsonSeptember 10, 2017

Bring some joy to your commute by riding one of Japan’s many themed rail cars. Japan’s famous for its train-centric transportation system, an...

CultureOnly in Japan

Go Dutch

M CrowsonAugust 7, 2017

School days are extra chic with the Japanese randoseru. Have you ever seen those adorable photos of Japanese schoolkids romping around with their...

CultureOnly in Japan

Japan’s Hottest Festival

Ariel LitteljohnJuly 25, 2017

Summer in Japan means festivals. From massive water fights to awesome fireworks displays to giant paper floats lit up from inside by thousands of lights,...

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