MAGAZINE
Living Between Shinto and Buddhism — A Life That Honors the Unseen
In Japanese daily life, there is a quiet reverence for things unseen. Shaped by the overlapping influences of Shinto and Buddhism, Japanese culture does not demand a choice between the two; instead, people have long lived naturally in the space between them. Rather...
The Fine Line Between Zen and Excess — Beauty in Simplicity
Rooted deeply in Japanese culture, the philosophy of Zen quietly permeates every corner of daily life. At the heart of this Zen sensibility lies a profound attitude: the deliberate removal of the unnecessary. Yet this is not mere minimalism. In Zen, simplicity is not...
“Itadakimasu”: A Word of Gratitude at the Heart of Japanese Dining
At every Japanese meal, a single word is spoken before the first bite: itadakimasu. More than a cultural habit, this expression carries a deeply rooted sense of appreciation. It is not just a signal to begin eating—it is a graceful ritual that honors the food, the...
The Aesthetic of “Ma”: Japan’s Love of Space in a World that Rushes
In Japanese culture, there exists a unique aesthetic known as ma—the space in between. It is found between sounds and words, between movements, between architecture and nature. Ma is not emptiness, but a form of presence. It represents an appreciation for “what is not...
Embracing “Mottainai”: Japan’s Quiet Philosophy of Abundance
In everyday Japanese life, the word mottainai is often heard—but its meaning goes far beyond “wasteful.” It embodies a deep cultural mindset rooted in appreciation: for things, time, and life itself. Rather than mere thrift or frugality, mottainai reflects a uniquely...
The Country Where Lost Items Come Back: Everyday Miracles at Stations and Cafés
Japan is often described as one of the rare places in the world where lost belongings are likely to be returned. A wallet dropped on the street ends up at the nearest police box with its contents untouched. A smartphone left behind is still sitting where it was hours...
No Trash Cans, Yet Spotless Streets—Why Japan Stays So Clean
Walking through the streets of Japan, one of the most striking impressions is the overwhelming cleanliness. Whether in tourist areas or busy downtown districts, it’s rare to see trash scattered on the ground. And yet, if you look closely, you’ll notice something...
The Remarkable Silence of Japanese Trains: Where Speaking Feels Like a Breach of Etiquette
One of the first things many visitors notice when riding a Japanese train is the silence. Even during rush hour, with carriages packed shoulder to shoulder, the atmosphere remains remarkably calm. There’s a subtle tension in the air—an almost deliberate quiet—as...
“Itadakimasu” Is Not a Religious Phrase—It’s Japan’s Unique Expression of Respect for Food
In Japan, the word “Itadakimasu” is quietly spoken before every meal. While it may seem simple, this everyday phrase is in fact a rare kind of food ritual, even by global standards. Many cultures express gratitude before eating, often in the form of religious prayers....
Chopsticks Can Handle Anything? From Soup to Ice Cream to Fried Chicken—All with Just Two Sticks!
For those living in Japan, the sight of eating everything with chopsticks may feel so natural that it goes unnoticed. But to many people around the world, the ability to handle almost any dish—without a spoon or fork—is both surprising and fascinating. In Japan, aside...
Convenience Stores in Japan: A 24/7 Micro-Universe of Everyday Wonders
Japan’s convenience stores, or konbini, have evolved far beyond the realm of ordinary retail. Found on city corners, in quiet neighborhoods, and even along remote mountain roads, these compact “micro-universes” operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, seamlessly...
A Single Bite of Sushi is Art: Silent Conversations with the Chef at the Counter
In Japanese sushi culture, the act of eating in one bite carries meaning far beyond mere etiquette. Especially at a traditional Edomae-style sushi counter, each piece—carefully crafted for size, temperature, and the perfect harmony between topping and rice—represents...
Is Slurping a Virtue? Decoding the Cultural Mystery of Slurping Soba and Ramen in Japan
In Japanese noodle culture, making noise while eating isn’t considered rude—it can even be seen as a virtue. Especially with soup-based noodles like soba and ramen, the enthusiastic “zuru‑zuru” slurp often conveys satisfaction and appreciation for the dish. This...
When Staff Shout “Irasshaimase!” at Full Volume — The Impact of Japan’s Energetic Welcome
One of the first things foreign visitors often notice when entering Japanese restaurants or shops is the sheer volume and enthusiasm of the staff’s “Irasshaimase!” greeting. The moment the door opens, you may be greeted by a powerful chorus of voices—even from deep...
Menus in Manga Style? Discovering Japan’s Picture-Book Approach to Dining
When you open a menu at many Japanese eateries, you might find it’s more than photos and text—it can feel like a storybook or manga brought to life. Dishes are described through playful illustrations and narrative, turning each page into a mini-adventure. It’s not...