Culture, travel and cuisine

Have you ever wondered why you see Japanese businesspeople peacefully napping on crowded trains without anyone batting an eye? Or perhaps you’ve been curious about those mysterious capsule hotels and floor sleeping arrangements you’ve heard about? Sleeping in Japan encompasses a fascinating blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge innovations that might completely transform how you […]

Have you ever noticed how many adorable creatures call Japan home? From the snowy mountains of Hokkaido to the southern islands, cute Japanese animals have captivated both locals and tourists alike. These charming critters have even inspired countless anime characters, kawaii merchandise, and have become cultural icons in their own right. As someone who fell

Have you ever been watching your favorite anime or Japanese drama and noticed certain last names appearing over and over again? There’s a fascinating reason for this pattern! While Western countries often have tens of thousands of surnames, Japan has a relatively concentrated pool of popular Japanese last names that many families share. Understanding these

Have you ever wondered about the majestic creature behind the famous Japanese beer brand? The kirin Japanese (麒麟, きりん) is far more than just a corporate logo—it’s one of the most revered mythological beings in Japanese folklore, embodying virtues of wisdom, prosperity, and peace. Today, we’ll explore this fascinating creature that has captivated Japanese imagination

Have you ever heard sailors whisper about massive dark shadows lurking beneath the waves on calm nights? In Japanese folklore, these mysterious entities are known as Umi Bozu (海坊主), one of Japan’s most enigmatic and feared sea monsters. An Umi Bozu (literally “sea monk”) is an enormous, shadowy yokai that emerges unexpectedly from tranquil waters,

Have you ever encountered the term “gaki” while exploring Japanese mythology or studying Buddhism? These fascinating yet tormented spirits offer a powerful glimpse into traditional Japanese Buddhist cosmology and continue to influence modern Japanese language and culture. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about these haunting hungry ghosts of Japanese

Uncover the chilling legends of the jikininki, one of Japan’s most macabre supernatural entities, and discover why these human-eating ghosts continue to fascinate folklore enthusiasts worldwide. What Are Jikininki? Understanding Japan’s Corpse-Devouring Spirits In the rich tapestry of Japanese folklore, few creatures evoke as much dread as the jikininki (食人鬼). These supernatural entities—whose name translates

Have you ever imagined being attacked by a seemingly innocent strip of cloth? In Japanese folklore, such nightmares are embodied by the ittan momen, a peculiar and deadly yokai that has haunted the skies of Kagoshima for centuries. Let’s unravel the mysteries of this unique supernatural being! What is an Ittan Momen? The ittan momen

Have you ever wondered about the mythical creatures that once served as guardians against disease and misfortune in ancient Japan? Among the vast pantheon of Japanese yokai (supernatural beings), the Hakutaku (白澤, はくたく) stands out as one of the most revered and mysterious divine beasts. With its distinctive nine eyes and six horns, this ox-like

Have you ever wondered about those beautiful motifs adorning Japanese pottery, artwork, and gifts? Japan’s rich cultural heritage includes numerous lucky symbols that have been cherished for centuries. In this guide, we’ll explore the fascinating world of Japanese lucky symbols, their meanings, and how they continue to bring good fortune today. The Cultural Significance of

Have you ever heard the faint sound of “teke teke” on an empty street at night? If so, you might want to run—and fast. The teke teke story is one of Japan’s most terrifying urban legends, featuring a vengeful female ghost missing her lower body who drags herself along on her hands and elbows at

Have you ever imagined your umbrella might spring to life when you’re not looking? In Japanese folklore, this whimsical notion isn’t just imagination but a fascinating supernatural belief. Umbrella yokai are among the most recognizable and charming spirits in Japan’s rich tapestry of supernatural beings. These animated parasols with their single eye and protruding tongue

Have you ever wondered what nightmares lurk along Japan’s misty coastlines? Among the vast pantheon of Japanese supernatural beings, few inspire as much dread as the Ushi Oni (牛鬼, うしおに), a fearsome creature whose name literally translates to “ox demon.” These terrifying yokai have haunted the imagination of coastal communities throughout Western Japan for centuries,

Discover the fascinating lore and cultural significance of tanuki yokai, those playful tricksters from Japanese folklore with supernatural powers and oversized anatomical features. When exploring the rich tapestry of Japanese folklore, few creatures capture the imagination quite like the tanuki yokai. These supernatural raccoon dogs have enchanted the Japanese consciousness for centuries, appearing in countless

Have you ever felt a mysterious presence while walking through a forest at dusk? In Japan, that eerie sensation might be attributed to a nogitsune watching you from the shadows. These fascinating creatures have captivated Japanese imagination for centuries, appearing in countless tales that blend the supernatural with everyday life. The nogitsune (野狐, のぎつね), literally

Discover the fascinating mythology and cultural significance of Genbu, one of Japan’s four sacred celestial guardians, and why this ancient symbol continues to captivate modern imagination. The Enigmatic Nature of Genbu in Japanese Mythology Have you ever looked up at the northern night sky and wondered about the ancient stories hidden among the stars? In

Have you ever gazed at the western sky and wondered about the ancient myths that connect our world to the cosmos? Among Japan’s most powerful mythological beings stands the magnificent Byakko (白虎, びゃっこ), the celestial white tiger who guards the western heavens. This striking creature isn’t just another yokai—it represents one of the four sacred

Discover the chilling legend of the rokurokubi, one of Japan’s most intriguing supernatural beings whose neck stretches to impossible lengths under the cover of darkness. What is a Rokurokubi? Have you ever sensed something unusual while sleeping in an old Japanese inn? Perhaps it was the eerie presence of a rokurokubi (轆轤首, ろくろくび), one of

Have you ever heard the captivating legend of Tamamo no Mae? Among the rich tapestry of Japanese folklore, few tales are as fascinating as that of Tamamo no Mae, the legendary nine-tailed fox whose cunning and magical powers have enthralled audiences for centuries. This mythical figure represents one of the most complex and powerful yōkai

Have you ever heard whispers of a strange, stumpy serpent that rolls like a wheel through the Japanese countryside? The tsuchinoko (槌の子, つちのこ) is one of Japan’s most fascinating cryptids—a creature that blends the line between myth and potential reality. With its unique hammer-shaped body and extraordinary abilities, this elusive yokai has captivated the imagination