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  • Japanese lessons
  • How to learn Japanese
  • Japanese culture
  • Courses and resources

Japanese culture

Love Japan? You’ll love these posts all about life in Japan and Japanese culture.

Japanese Classroom Phrases and School Culture Explained

by Hannah Stafford
Three Japanese high school students in school uniforms sit at a desk, writing and reading books, with a stack of books nearby and sunlight streaming through the window.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to attend school in Japan? Or maybe you are thinking about attending yourself, or perhaps even teaching in Japan! The Japanese education system is quite unique and you may find it slightly different to your own school experience growing up. In this post we will go … Read more

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February in Japan: Setsubun, Snow and Sweet Surprises

by Rebecca Shiraishi-Miles
A red oni mask with gold horns lies next to a black container filled with roasted soybeans on a floral patterned surface, representing setsubun, a festival celebrated in February in Japan.

February in Japan is a time to welcome the first early hints of spring! From setsubun bean-throwing rituals to romantic chocolate making and gifting, there’s a lot to enjoy in this cold month. Whether you’re planning a winter trip or learning about Japanese culture from home, here are the highlights of February in Japan: Festivals … Read more

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11 Hello Kitty Gift Ideas that are Just Too Cute

by Rebecca Shiraishi-Miles
Collection of Hello Kitty-themed items—perfect hello kitty gift ideas—including mugs, a water bottle, headphones, a notebook, Monopoly game, plush pouch, keychain, and a travel tumbler on a pink background.

Hello Kitty is one of Japan’s best loved and most famous exports, and for good reason! Her sweet, cosy aesthetic and timeless appeal have been spreading kawaii charm for years, and she’s popular with kids and adults too in Japan. If you have a friend or family member who’s a Sanrio fan, here are my … Read more

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9 Best Hello Kitty Room Decor Finds for Fans of All Ages

by Rebecca Shiraishi-Miles
Six Hello Kitty-themed items—lamp, blanket on chair, pillow, mirror, tray, and a pink polka dot chair—are arranged on a light pink background, perfect for adding adorable Hello Kitty room decor to any space.

Hello Kitty is one of Japan’s most iconic characters, loved for her cute, comforting style and timeless appeal! If you’re looking to create a space that feels cosy, playful, and full of personality, Hello Kitty room decor is an easy way to bring that look together. From soft furnishings to lighting, there are plenty of … Read more

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Japanese National Holidays 2026: Dates and Traditions

by Rebecca Shiraishi-Miles
Two women in colorful kimonos walk through a pathway lined with bright orange torii gates.

There are 16 national holidays in Japan each year. If you’re planning a trip to Japan, it’s essential to know the dates of the Japanese national holidays to avoid disruption to your plans! Here are all the Japanese public holidays in 2026: Date Name (English) Name (Japanese) January 1 New Year’s Day 元日 (Ganjitsu) Second … Read more

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January in Japan: Festivals, Traditions and Seasonal Highlights

by Rebecca Shiraishi-Miles
Crowd of people walking and standing in front of a large traditional Japanese shrine on a sunny day, celebrating New Year's Day with the first shrine visit (hatsumode) in Japan in January. The path is lined with colorful Japanese decorations, including daruma dolls and a maneki-neko.

Japan in January is full of fresh starts, fun traditions and frosty scenery! January is one of the most important times of the year for Japanese culture, with an array of nationwide and local celebrations to bring in the New Year. Whether you’re planning a winter trip or just want to enjoy a little Japanese … Read more

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9 Inspiring Japanese Philosophy Books For A Simpler, Happier Life

by Rebecca Shiraishi-Miles
Eight books on Japanese philosophy, culture and lifestyle are arranged in two rows on a woven surface; titles include themes like Zen, ikigai, wabi sabi, tea, and mindfulness.

There’s something special about the calm, thoughtful wisdom that runs through Japanese culture. No wonder so many people feel drawn to Japanese philosophy. And the wonderful thing is that so many Japanese concepts are easy to apply to everyday life, even in the west. You don’t have to become a monk or give away all … Read more

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9 Charming Japanese Books About Cats to Curl Up With

by Rebecca Shiraishi-Miles
Eight book covers of Japanese books about cats including "If Cats Disappeared from the World," "The Travelling Cat Chronicles," and "We'll Prescribe You a Cat," arranged in a grid.

I can’t explain why, but for some reason there is a pretty big overlap between people who love Japan and people who love cats! Yes, I include myself in that number 😻 Luckily for us, there’s a huge amount of Japanese books about cats available in English translation right now. Cats have long been a … Read more

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