lifestyle | One Map by FROM JAPAN

Traditional Japanese Masks: Own a Piece of Japan’s Rich History

Nowadays Japanese people commonly wear surgical masks to prevent the spread of germs, as a fashion statement, or even just for a little sense of privacy. But masks have a history almost as old as Japan itself. Originally they were used in prehistoric religious rituals beginning in the Jomon period (10,000 B.C. to 300 B.C.). Masks are alive and well in Japan today, and you can own a piece of the tradition! But if you want to hang one on your wall, you may want to know what they’re all about when someone asks!

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Desktop Zen Garden Kits: 5 Reflections on Why You Need One

What is a Desktop Zen Garden?

Stressed at work? Stressed at home? Escape from the never-ending stream of incessent noises and thoughts that bombard your daily life. If you’re open to Eastern meditation, maintaining a personal zen garden is a great way to find your inner piece. Keep reading to find out why you should have one in your home or office and where you can find a truly authentic Japanese desktop zen garden!

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Japanese School Uniform Obsessed? What to Wear, Where to Buy

Along with the kimono, one of the most recognized outfits from Japan is the standard Japanese school uniform. Thanks to anime and manga, the traditional sailor styled uniform is synonymous with Japan and something that even people outside Japan want to wear themselves, either for cosplay or as a fashion-forward statement. Whether cosplayer or not, options are flourishing especially for women who want to buy a Japanese school girl outfit. The Internet has made it possible for anybody to indulge in their cute Japanese fashion obsession.

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High-Tech Japanese Toilets are Awesome!

11 Reasons Why Japanese Toilets Are Awesome

Japanese Toilets

Perhaps you’ve heard of them–these majestic plastic thrones with the latest in rear-end pampering technology. To the Western eye they are a fabled bathroom wonder only available to Hollywood’s super-rich, but in Japan these “washlet” toilets are accessible to all, from train stations to shopping malls to private commodes, with 72% of Japanese households now performing their daily duty atop these electronic bidet toilets.

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7 Tips for the Fukubukuro Hunting Season

Fukubukuro Season in Japan is basically the equivalent of Black Friday in the United States. Starting from the day after New Years and usually lasting until January 5, stores try to get rid of products left over from the previous year, by packaging them into bags called fukubukuro and selling them at ridiculously discounted prices. Usually, the fukubukuro is sealed to prevent you from looking inside, basically making it a mystery shopping event; however, in an effort to draw more customers recently some stores have departed from the surprise aspect and now post fliers showing what’s inside. That way, the customers don’t feel like they got a raw deal. Interestingly, it seems to be working for the stores as fukubukuro are as popular as ever.

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Japan’s Anime Nails: A Look at the Ultimate Naruto Nails and More!

Japan’s youth culture has never shied away from strange and fascinating fads, including the use of nail art as an extension of their often extreme fashion statements. Recently, a new style of nail art has become the form of expression for the country’s otaku who can afford it—anime nails!

anime nails

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