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Eating at a restaurant in Japan is usually a pleasant experience, but language differences can initially make it feel uncertain. Many restaurants, especially local ones, do not offer English menus or explanations. Learning common Japanese phrases helps diners move through meals more confidently. When both sides of the exchange feel familiar, dining becomes more relaxed...

Japan’s traditional New Year, known as Oshogatsu, is a meaningful time to welcome the New Year deity, Toshigami, and wish for health, luck, and prosperity.

A beloved Christmas tradition in the United States is watching the 1964 stop-motion TV special, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Although it feels thoroughly American, the studio that brought Rudolph to life was actually based in Japan.

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.

Japan tourism is exploding in 2025, with over 39 million visitors by November, shattering records and filling streets from Tokyo to Kyoto.