With increasing numbers of people embracing nengajo-jimai and switching to digital equivalents, many now find they are left feeling empty.
Japanese tradition
Go devises his own, completely unique way to enjoy a classic summer meal, and named it: Jibun wo Nagashi Somen.
People in Japan are turning to the mysterious Amabie to help us through the coronavirus pandemic.
Another festival season and summer is coming to an end. The dragonflies are out and the days are getting shorter, which means fall will soon be upon us.
But before the fireworks fizzle away and the festival food stalls have packed up for good this year, one area in Japan decided to go out with a bang and surprise festival-goers with superb portable shrine, or mikoshi, recreations of some of Japan’s most popular characters, including one famous red mobile suit from the anime classic Gundam.
Bonsai and sushi are two of Japan’s most well-known cultural exports with fans all over the world. But while Japan may cling to the traditional presentation of these two icons, globalization has taken these Japanese icons and turned them into something new. Not just happy with tiny trees and raw fish on top of vinegar rice, these cultural hybrids have evolved into something far beyond their origins in the Japanese archipelago. Click below to see some very creative bonsai as well as some food that really stretches the definition of “sushi.”
No matter what country you call home, there are always moments when you feel like a true citizen. For me, it’s when I’m sitting on the couch watching football (the American version) and eating chips (of the thinly sliced, wavy fried potato variety) and dip.
What about Japan? What makes Japanese citizens feel distinctly Japanese? My Navi News asked 1,000 of their members to tell them about a moment when they felt Japanese. Here are the results of their survey:
![[On Location at Somin Naked Festival] I Was So Cold I Actually Thought I Was Going To Die](https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2012/01/sominrepo1.jpg?w=580 "[On Location at Somin Naked Festival] I Was So Cold I Actually Thought I Was Going To Die")
Japan’s premier naked festival, Sominsai (Somin Festival), was held this year on January 29 at Kokuseki Temple in Iwate Prefecture.
The name “naked” is somewhat misleading though, as participants are required to wear a fundoshi, a piece of white cloth which can best be descried as a traditional Japanese G-string. This scant clothing offers little protection from the blistering, below-freezing cold participants are expected to endure. Nevertheless, the toughest of men from across Japan come to test their mettle by trekking through grueling icy course from the temple to the river that’s cold enough to make you feel like you’re dying.
I know this because I took part.
That’s right, your fearless reporter put his life at risk to bring the experience of Kokuseki’s Sominsai to you, our beloved readers.
MOST POPULAR
Now
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Start saving room now – Japanese grocery store’s biggest sushi roll yet is coming for Setsubun
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Black Thunder chocolate-bar-shaped fishing lures coming next year
Dragon Quest Slime toys appear at McDonald’s Japan in crossover with Grimace and pals【Video】
JR’s new overnight sleeper train will connect Tokyo and northern Japan, is private cabin-only
New Japanese KitKat flavour stars Sanrio characters, including Hello Kitty
Eight Ways You Really, Really Shouldn’t Use a Japanese Toilet
Retailer Muji converts all plastic beverage bottles into aluminum cans
Insane Lump of Meat Curry, a.k.a. “Bam! Hearty Tender Meat Curry,” returns to Japan’s CoCo Ichi
Weekly
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】- Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
- 7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Street Fighter Hadouken Churros to be launched and eaten in Tokyo, Okami pudding on offer too
More Shinkansen trains being added to Japan’s “golden route” to meet traveler demand
Japanese avoiding domestic travel as foreign tourists increase, possibly creating vicious cycle
Japanese woman mistaken for bear
Return of Totoro sequel short anime announced for Ghibli Park
Starbucks Japan quietly slips fans another Christmas present with Joyful Medley Strawberry Milk Tea
We go on a quest to find the cheesiest sushi at Japanese conveyor belt sushi chains【Taste test】
Monthly
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Real-world Nausicaa Ghibli anime glider completes its final flight in Japan【Video】
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】- Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Yearly
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer- Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
RECOMMENDED STORIES
JR’s new overnight sleeper train will connect Tokyo and northern Japan, is private cabin-only
New Japanese KitKat flavour stars Sanrio characters, including Hello Kitty
Eight Ways You Really, Really Shouldn’t Use a Japanese Toilet
Retailer Muji converts all plastic beverage bottles into aluminum cans
Insane Lump of Meat Curry, a.k.a. “Bam! Hearty Tender Meat Curry,” returns to Japan’s CoCo Ichi
Sanrio Pompompurin purin custard pudding sweets sound doubly delicious, look like pooch bottoms
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Japanese Arita ware porcelain converted into jewelry to reduce waste from the traditional art
We tried the awesome battery-free, instant photo printer for smartphones and came away impressed
Japanese convenience store Family Mart adding crane games to thousands of branches
Number of voice actresses in Japan hits record high, but is that a good thing?
Christmas arrives at Starbucks in Japan with new festive Frappuccino and drinkware
-
