Shinmai: The First Rice of the New Harvest
- 10-15-2026
As the long, humid summer slowly gives way to autumn, Japan begins to welcome one of the simplest but most anticipated tastes of the new season: shinmai (新米), or newly harvested rice.
Walk through a Japanese supermarket in early autumn, and you may notice bags of rice proudly marked with the two... READ MORE
What’s Happening Now in Japan – September 2026
- 10-01-2026
Asia Comes Together in Japan: The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Begin
September 2026 has brought an international atmosphere to central Japan with the opening of the 20th Asian Games. On September 19, athletes from across Asia gathered in Nagoya for an opening ceremony filled with music, dance, and f... READ MORE
Looking Up at Autumn: The Tradition of Tsukimi in Japan
- 09-15-2026
As the intense heat of summer slowly begins to fade, Japan enters a quieter and gentler season. Evenings become cooler, insects replace cicadas as the soundtrack of the night, and the moon seems especially bright in the clear autumn sky. For centuries, Japanese people have celebrated this seasonal ... READ MORE
What’s Happening Now in Japan – August 2026
- 09-01-2026
Summer Koshien Ends with a Dramatic Comeback Victory
Every August, one sporting event captures the attention of people across Japan—not professional baseball, but baseball played by high school students. The National High School Baseball Championship, better known as Summer Koshien, is one of th... READ MORE
A Cool Journey Under the Sea: Why Aquariums Are So Popular in Japan During Summer
- 08-15-2026
When summer arrives in Japan, temperatures often climb above 30°C, bringing hot, humid days to cities across the country. During this season, many people look for places where they can relax while escaping the heat. One destination that becomes especially popular is the aquarium. Unlike outdoor att... READ MORE
What’s Happening Now in Japan – July 2026
- 08-01-2026
Japan Celebrates a New World Champion as Spain Wins the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Football fans across Japan spent much of July following one of the world's biggest sporting events—the FIFA World Cup. Although the tournament was held in North America, it quickly became one of the most talked-about top... READ MORE
A Taste of the Season: Discovering Summer in Japan’s Depachika
- 07-15-2026
For many visitors to Japan, department stores are known for fashion, cosmetics, and beautifully designed shopping spaces. Yet beneath almost every major department store lies another world waiting to be explored—the depachika, or department store food hall. Located in the basement level, depachika ... READ MORE
What’s Happening Now in Japan – June 2026
- 07-01-2026
The 2026 World Cup Brings Football Fever to Japan
July 2026 has brought an exciting atmosphere to Japan as the FIFA World Cup enters its knockout stages. Although the tournament is being held in North America, football fans across Japan have been following the matches closely, gathering in sport... READ MORE
Cooling Aesthetics in Japan: Finding Refreshment Before Summer Arrives
- 06-15-2026
In recent years, many parts of Japan have experienced warmer temperatures earlier than expected, and 2026 has been no exception. Long before the official start of summer, sunny afternoons and rising humidity have already reminded people that the hottest season is approaching. As temperatures climb,... READ MORE
What’s Happening Now in Fukuoka & Japan May 2026
- 06-01-2026
Golden Week in 2026: More People Traveling, But Spending More Carefully
Every year, Golden Week is one of Japan’s busiest holiday periods, and in May 2026, it once again became a major topic across the country. This year’s holiday calendar created a convenient five-day break from May 2 to May 6,... READ MORE
