For many of us, it feels as though we spend most of our waking hours working to cover bills and keep food on the table—some even juggle two jobs at once. Ever wonder how other countries handle work-related pressures? Take Japan, for example, where the professional world holds a central...
Japanese folklore is such a cool place; it’s where all those weird, surreal, and just bizarre things come to life. You have everything from nightmare-eating monsters to haunted umbrellas to giant ears of corn-these stories give you a peek into this world where nature and the supernatural kind of mix...
Japan never ceases to astonish the world with its unique blend of tradition, innovation, and culture. From its captivating entertainment industry to its complex social norms, this island nation continues to offer a plethora of surprising factlets that intrigue and delight. Here are four factlets that shed light on the lesser-known...
Japan, a country renowned for its technological prowess and cultural heritage, never ceases to amaze. Beyond the neon lights of Tokyo and the serenity of its temples lies a Japan that is full of surprising, and sometimes puzzling, facets. Let’s delve into three of these lesser-known yet intriguing aspects of...
Japan, the Land of the Rising Sun, is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and pioneering technological advances. But beneath the common narratives, the country holds a treasure trove of intriguing anecdotes and unusual practices that are less known to the outside world. In this article, we delve into...
Manjirō Nakahama, at the young age of 14, was a fisherman who, along with four companions, found himself stranded on an island following a shipwreck. Their rescue arrived in the form of an American whaleship, which transported them to Honolulu. While his friends decided to stay in Honolulu, Manjirō ventured...
In a 1861 Japanese publication detailing the supposed “history” of the United States, imaginative illustrations depicted George Washington engaging in a fistfight with a tiger and John Adams vanquishing a colossal serpent.
Ekiben, the quintessential Japanese train travel companion, are specially crafted bento box meals that showcase the unique flavors of each region. As passengers journey through Japan, they can indulge in these locally inspired delicacies that differ from station to station. In the 1980s, the popularity of ekiben soared, with an...
In the majority of Japanese schools, janitors or custodians are not hired for cleaning tasks. The Japanese education system upholds the belief that students should be responsible for maintaining their schools’ cleanliness. This practice instills values of respect, responsibility, and equality among students. By participating in communal cleaning activities called...