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 – July 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
Lines That Guide Us: The Quiet Language of Spatial Courtesy in Japan
- 05-15-2026
In Japan, movement through public space is rarely chaotic. Even in the busiest train stations, where thousands of people pass through every hour, there is a sense of order that feels almost invisible. This order is not enforced loudly, nor is it explained in detail. Instead, it is guided by subtle ... READ MORE
What’s Happening Now in Fukuoka & Japan April 2026
- 05-01-2026
A Strong Earthquake and Japan’s Everyday Preparedness
In April 2026, people across Japan were reminded once again of the country’s close relationship with nature. On April 20, a powerful offshore earthquake struck near the northeastern coast, reaching a magnitude of 7.7. The tremor triggered tsu... READ MORE
Morning Market Culture: Where Japan’s Day Begins with Community
- 04-15-2026
In many parts of Japan, the day does not begin with the rush of trains or the hum of office buildings—it begins quietly, in the soft light of early morning, at the local asaichi, or morning market. Before the streets fill and the shops open, vendors are already arranging fresh vegetables, seafood, ... READ MORE
What’s Happening Now in Fukuoka & Japan March 2026
- 04-01-2026
Early Cherry Blossoms and the Feeling of a New Start
March in Japan always carries a special kind of excitement, and in 2026, that feeling arrived a little earlier than usual. Reports across the country showed that cherry blossoms, or sakura, began blooming ahead of the typical schedule in many ... READ MORE
A Meal for the Journey: The Cultural Story of Ekiben in Japan
- 03-15-2026
In Japan, travel is not only about reaching a destination—it is also about savoring the moments in between. One of the most beloved symbols of railway travel is the ekiben (駅弁), or station bento. Sold at train stations across the country, ekiben are boxed meals designed to be eaten on board, turnin... READ MORE
What’s Happening Now in Fukuoka & Japan February 2026
- 03-01-2026
Snowball Fights That Feel Like a Real Sport: Yukigassen in Japan
In February 2026, northern Japan became the stage for a surprising and exciting sporting event that might feel familiar to many learners — but with a twist! In a small town called Sobetsu in Hokkaido, teams from Japan and around th... READ MORE
