Traditional Japanese New Year Food
- 02-15-2022
The New Year's celebration brings forth a festive time. Many countries and cultures have their own traditions for celebrating, and Japan is no exception. One of the ways that people celebrate the New Year's is through food. Traditionally there are certain foods that are eaten during the celebrations... READ MORE
What’s Happening Now in Fukuoka & Japan January 2022
- 02-01-2022
Japan's COVID-19 foreign entry ban spurs demonstrations in several countries – Nationwide
Demonstrations against Japan's tight border restrictions on non-resident foreigners implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19 have been staged in several countries, with people urging the Japanese governme... READ MORE
A Deep Look Into Japan’s “Omotenashi”
- 01-15-2022
The concept of Japanese hospitality, otherwise known as omotenashi (お持て成し), has come to light recently due to its use in the Tokyo Olympics 2020 talks. Though translated simply as hospitality, the word omotenashi has a meaning deeply rooted in the Japanese psyche. It’s not simply being kind to guest... READ MORE
4 Easy-To-Learn Points For The Japanese Language
No language is easy. Not really. That said, the difficulties of learning a particular language are often exaggerated. Whenever I mention that I study Japanese, most people look horrified. “That must be so difficult!” “How long does it take to learn?” “Is that even a real language?!”
Japanese is, ... READ MORE
What’s Happening Now in Fukuoka & Japan December 2021
- 01-01-2022
Japan launches COVID-19 vaccine certificate app – Nationwide
The Japanese government launched a smartphone app that allows people to display proof of vaccination that can be used for multiple purposes, including immigration procedures. The app, called the COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate Applicatio... READ MORE
Innovative Living Art of Ikebana
- 12-15-2021
Japanese flower arranging, or Ikebana, has come a long way from its humble roots as temple offerings centuries ago. Today it is a popular and innovative living art, unique to Japan, that is cherished by both experts and novices.
In this article, we will discuss the origins of Ikebana, and include... READ MORE
What’s Happening Now in Fukuoka & Japan November 2021
- 12-01-2021
Japan considers letting more skilled foreign workers stay indefinitely – Nationwide
Japan is considering expanding the scope of fields for foreign workers skilled in specific blue-collar jobs that will allow them to stay in the country indefinitely, the justice minister said. The move aims to addre... READ MORE
Celebrating Birthdays in Japan
- 11-15-2021
How Birthdays Are Celebrated in Japan
Just like in English, it can be a bit too straightforward to ask for someone’s age on their birthday. But you can definitely ask about their birthday wishes! Because of customs like this, it’s extremely important you understand basic cultural etiquette befo... READ MORE
What’s Happening Now in Fukuoka & Japan October 2021
- 11-01-2021
Scholars urge Japan to restart issuing visas to foreign students – Nationwide
Over 650 academics and students from universities in the United States, Japan, Britain and other countries have called on the Japanese government to resume issuing student and researcher visas, a process currently suspend... READ MORE
The COVID-19 Situation in Japan
- 10-15-2021
On Jan. 31, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of COVID-19 or the coronavirus a global emergency. After a surge in cases, several prefectures in Japan entered the fourth state of emergency. On Aug. 18, 2021, the state of emergency was extended until Sept. 12, 2021, but w... READ MORE