culture

The mysterious case of the horrifying sign on a cemetery wall in Tokyo

Ominous eye and promise to “develop special abilities” leads to a hunt for clues around the city.

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Japanese women lift skirts, flash ocean to attract lots of fish at annual ceremony【Video】

Tradition has roots in “the authoritative power of the female genitalia.”

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Why do Japan’s noisy-gulp drink commercials exist, and are they gross?【SN24 reader survey】

We asked your opinions about this long-standing, big-gulping tradition.

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Is Japan’s custom of slurping noodles irritating, and why do they do it?【SN24 reader survey】

Foreign traveler’s comment about soba slurping sparks some slurping soul searching, and the SoraNews24 reader community weighs in.

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American ehomaki? Searching for lucky Setsubun sushi rolls in the U.S.【Taste test】

Looking for a taste of home-away-from-home while back home.

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Japan’s Setsubun Bean-Throwing Bazooka is so powerful demons won’t dare come near you

Taking Japanese customs of demon-vanquishing to impressive new levels.

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It’s time to throw beans and banish demons! A look at family Setsubun traditions in Japan

From ogre teachers to desserts in the dark, the SoraNews24 team shares their Setsubun styles.

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Japan has a set phrase for the crazy busy feeling we all get at the start of the year

If you’re shocked that January is almost over, Japanese has a phrase for that.

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Shinto shrine naked festival ritual asks men to cover up for first time in three-century history

Loincloths at least, gentlemen, says shrine in change of policy in how to ask the gods for a good harvest and plenty of fish.

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Japanese model’s revealing outfit prompts debate about appropriate Coming of Age Ceremony attire

Kimono and suits are the standard clothing choice for this annual event, but this model chose something much skimpier.

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Kitakyushu’s Seijinshiki Coming-of-Age Ceremony: Where new adults go wild with outlandish kimono

Japanese style usually errs on the conservative side, but not at this ceremony. 

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Why Sensoji temple in Asakusa is better at night

One of Tokyo’s most historic areas is even more spectacular without the crowds.

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Japanese exam-taking jeans: The luckiest jeans in Japan

Drawing on cool traditional details and the mystical power of kotodama to help you pass any test in style.

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Starbucks teams up with 164-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Dragon decorations【Photos】

Higashiyama artisans craft figurines, bells, and gosho ningyo dolls to ring in the new year.

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Kyoto hotel OMO5 Kyoto Gion offers Yojiya cosmetics Pretty Girl Room Stay for New Year’s season

OMO5 Kyoto Gion by Hoshino Resorts partners with Kyoto cosmetics brand Yojiya for Fresh Beginnings in Kyoto Pretty Girl themed rooms.

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One-of-a-kind Osaka-themed Uniqlo Shinsaibashi opens

You’ve never seen a Uniqlo quite like this.

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Kyoto’s “ikezu” culture of backhanded compliments explained in hilarious souvenir sticker series

Behind the calm, polite face of a Kyotoite is an angry woman who wants to shout at you for being so uncultured.

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Macross anime and Japan’s oldest kabuki theater collaborate for special art exhibit

Traditional deculture!

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Tokyo vending machine sells beautiful shugifukuro money envelopes for wedding and other gifts

A modern twist on Japan’s traditional gift-giving culture.

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Panju: A Rare Japanese sweet you can buy from a food cart for less than 30 cents

A hidden gem that’s popular with locals. 

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