Spring has sprung in Japan, meaning it’s that time of year again: cherry blossom season! Cherry blossom, or sakura (桜), typically bloom for about one week between late March to early April, starting in the Okinawan islands and finishing in Japan’s … [Read more...] about Sakura 2019: the best cherry blossom-themed items this year!
Hinamatsuri: Japan’s Doll Festival ?
What is Hinamatsuri? The weather is warming up in Japan, which mean the spring festival is just around the corner - Hinamatsuri! Hinamatsuri (ひなまつり), also known as Dolls Festival, is one of the five seasonal ”sekku” festivals celebrated throughout … [Read more...] about Hinamatsuri: Japan’s Doll Festival ?
Hanafuda – Japan’s Answer to Playing Cards ?
What is Hanfuda? Before the Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh trading card games, Hanafuda was the original card game obsession in Japan! Hanafuda (花札, literally “flower cards”) are Japanese playing cards with a long history in Japanese culture. A Hanafuda card … [Read more...] about Hanafuda – Japan’s Answer to Playing Cards ?
Japanese Kyusu Teapots: Your Guide to Japan’s Iconic Teaware
What’s the secret to a perfect cup of green tea? Perhaps the answer boils down to the teapot itself. Over the centuries, Japanese craftsmen have altered the shapes, materials, sizes, and filters of teapots, refining the tea-drinking experience by … [Read more...] about Japanese Kyusu Teapots: Your Guide to Japan’s Iconic Teaware
10 Japanese Puzzles to Train Your Brain
Few pastimes sharpen the mind like a good puzzle, and few countries craft puzzles like Japan. Over the centuries, Japan has mastered the art of piecing together entertaining puzzles in deceptively simple designs. Whether you desire to hone your … [Read more...] about 10 Japanese Puzzles to Train Your Brain
Happy Year of the Dog! Canine Cuties from Japan to start the New Year
Happy New Year! 2018 is the Year of the Dog, to the joy of puppy fans all over the world. In these early January days, dog-themed decorations both traditional and modern cover every storefront in Japan, not to mention countless thoughtful New Year's … [Read more...] about Happy Year of the Dog! Canine Cuties from Japan to start the New Year
