Otemae, the practice of matcha (tea) making, is an art shrouded in history. Associated closely with Japanese Tea Ceremony (Sado 茶道), it continues to intrigue both Japanese and foreigners alike. In a tea ceremony, matcha is the liquid “bridge” that binds guest and host. Combined with the equipment chosen, the Qi (chi energy 気) of…

We are Recruiting Writers & Editors ・Bengali ・Burmese ・Cambodian ・Nepali language speakers *1 position for each languages Japan Info is a site that brings information to those who want to travel, work or study here, a site that brings the latest news and updates from Japan and offers you plenty of information regarding the Japanese…

If you are in Japan throughout November or December, it will become obvious to you that Christmas is definitely celebrated here. Department stores and shopping arcades are lined with decorations, parks are lit up with lights and Christmas carols seem to be playing everywhere. Christmas in Japan, however, is not quite the same as Christmas…

Japan is the land of many surprises. A lot of people describe the country as “different to what they’re used to” and many unique cultures and customs make it a fascinating country to visit. With the third largest economy in the world and with one of the lowest crime rates, Japan is well known for…

As a goodwill ambassador appointed for JENESYS 2.0 last September 2013, I was tasked to spread Japanese culture in my own country through my very own ways. As soon as I found out that the Japan embassy in the Philippines is looking for candidates for JENESYS 2.0, I immediately sent out my application. I presented…

Karaoke directly translated means ’empty orchestra’. It is one of the favorite pastimes of the people in the land of the rising sun. Karaoke Boxes (private rooms which you can rent) and Karaoke bars can be found all over Japan, often as part of an evening of drinking with friends. It can be enjoyed at…

Myths and legends are common things in Japan. From city origins to shrine deities, the country has rich stories for how things came about, where they are from, and what they mean for modern Japan. Animals are no exception. In fact, they are highly revered by the Japanese, to the point that they build shrines…

Public WIFI and mobile personal hotspots may be widely accessible across Japan, but if you’re looking for a strong internet connection with a variety of snacks, plus a comfortable and private place to stay, Manga Kissa (manga cafes) are increasingly becoming a popular and affordable choice! Regardless of whether you are staying in Tokyo or…

Japan has many subcultures that really make you wonder how different it is from the rest of the world. When it comes to gender-specific cliques, there are a few such as “Reki-jo,” also known as “History Girls,” that have become very popular in the past few decades. Reki-jo is a group of women who show…

Japan, being a tech-savvy nation, boasts a large smartphone user base. There are some things that Japan does in a different way when compared to the rest of the world, but every country on the planet has been hooked onto smartphones with the advent of social media, online news, games, and video sharing. However, the…