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New Years is celebrated everywhere in the world, but it is interesting to compare the differences between western New Year / Christmas, with the way we celebrate it here in Japan. In many western countries, Christmas is meant to be spent with family and is a treasured time with loved ones while New Years is about fun celebrations with friends.  In Japan, it is the opposite. New Years is one of the most important times of year here in Japan and I would love to tell you more about it, so read on! Oshogatsu and Hatsumode As a Japanese person,...

In Japanese folklore, yokai are creatures with supernatural powers. They can take many different forms, from animals to inanimate objects, and their powers can be both helpful and harmful to humans. Yokai have been a part of Japanese culture for centuries, and their stories are still popular today.   Yokai is a Japanese term that translates to "apparitions" or "mysterious creatures." It can refer to a number of different things, but they typically represent something supernatural. People may use this word when they're talking about folktales, monsters, fictional characters, demi-gods and more. Here are some of the best Japanese yokai...

Tengu, which can be translated as "Heavenly Dog" or "Heavenly Sentinel," are mythical creatures that are central to Japanese folk religion (Shinto). They are classified as yōkai, or supernatural beings, and are also revered as Shinto kami, or gods. In Japanese culture, tengu are known for their mischievous and trickster-like behavior, and they are often depicted as bird-like beings with human-like features such as long noses, pointed ears, and sometimes beards. Despite their reputation for causing chaos and disruption, tengu are also revered as wise and knowledgeable, with a deep understanding of the natural world. In some stories, they are...

What is a Japanese Daruma Doll? Have you ever heard about the traditional Daruma doll from Japan? You may only know of Daruma as the Japanese dolls with big eyes. This adorable-looking figure has a deeper meaning, in that it aspires for perseverance and grants good fortune. Most foreigners are not even aware of its origins or what hides under its wacky appearance. A Daruma doll is a traditional Japanese good luck charm that is used to help stay motivated on a goal. A Japanese legend states that the doll will lose its powers of good luck if it is...

1. What Maneki Neko Means Say "Hello" to Maneki Neko or Lucky Cat or Fortune Cat. This little kitty goes by many names.  Fortune Cat is known as Maneki Neko in Japanese, which means “beckoning cat.” The cat has its paw raised as if it’s waving in good fortune for its owners. In Japan the beckoning motion is different than most Western countries, almost the opposite. Other common monikers include Lucky Cat, Money Cat, Waving Cat and Welcoming Cat. 2. The Legends Behind the Maneki Neko There hasn't been much agreement on exactly how Maneki Neko came into existence. However, most will agree that Lucky Cats first...