Quiz: What Japanese makeup look should you try?

Another year, another fantastic output of anime! 2025 was a phenomenal year for fans of anime, as both new series and established heavy hitters alike topped the charts and even broke a few records.

Holiday cards are a familiar tradition around the world, but in Japan, they take on a uniquely meaningful form known as nengajo. These handwritten or printed messages act as small tokens of gratitude, luck, and connection exchanged at the start of the year.

The end of the year in Japan is not just about countdowns, parties, and feast-worthy food. It is also the moment when people hit pause, look around their homes, and decide to give everything a fresh start.

During the New Year in Japan, people perform hatsumode, the first visit to a shrine or temple. Families, couples, and friends put on their warmest clothes (and sometimes a kimono!), brave the winter chill, and step through shrine gates to pray for good luck, health, and happiness.

New Year’s in Japan is a time of fresh starts, family gatherings, and heartfelt exchanges that set the tone for the months ahead. Unlike casual “Happy New Year” wishes in other countries, Japanese phrases for the New Year carry deep cultural weight, blending politeness, gratitude, and optimism.  There are formal office greetings to playful texts...

One of the best low-cost and unique activities to do in Japan is stamp collecting! In fact, many tourist destinations and transportation hubs offer them, making it easy to participate. Here’s the rundown of what it takes to get stamps in Japan.