tradition

McDonald’s Japan’s new Tsukimi Moon-Viewing Pie receives mixed reviews online

New dessert divides the nation. 

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Secrets of the sumo ring: Behind-the-scenes rituals that support the wrestlers…literally【Video】

A fascinating look at how the mound is newly built before every tournament. 

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Mos Burger releases new Tsukimi Moon-Viewing focaccia burgers for 2024

A triple-moon showing at Japan’s famous homegrown burger chain.

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How Japanese people deal with death at Nagasaki’s Shoro Nagashi ceremony

Honouring the dead in a moving way that aids the grieving process.

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Tsukimi Moon-Viewing season begins in Japan with new Yoshinoya gyudon beef bowls

Moon and meat arise in a tasty new collection.  

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The unusual and surprising ways people in Nagasaki celebrate Obon, the festival of spirits

One of the few places in Japan where you’ll see families setting off fireworks at the cemetery.

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Shinjuku Ninja Live Show: New Tokyo tourist attraction created by the Japan Ninja Council

Kabuki musician teams up with the world’s only official ninja organisation for a night you’ll remember forever.

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Pikachu appears as a noh actor in kimono at Pokémon x Crafts Exhibition in Japan

A rare chance to see Pokémon like you’ve never seen them before.

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How to dress for summer in Japan: Tips from a rickshaw driver in Asakusa

Fashion advice on how to dress for a Japanese summer leads us to some historic stores.

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Studio Ghibli releases My Neighbour Totoro range showcasing traditional Japanese craftsmanship

Blending anime with centuries-old design.

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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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Akutai Matsuri: Japan’s Verbal Abuse Festival, where insults and bad behaviour are encouraged

People in Japan are known for being polite, but not at this weird winter festival.

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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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You can enjoy traditional Japanese New Year’s osechi eats on a budget with Lawson Store 100

Slight price increases don’t stop them from being affordable.

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Celebrate Japanese New Year traditions with Studio Ghibli decorations

Totoro, Jiji and No Face bring anime charm to some traditional customs.

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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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100-year-old brush shop in Tokyo sells a Japanese body brush that’s painfully good

Mr Sato treats his skin to a beauty product that’s surprisingly painful. 

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Expensive Japanese nail clippers: Are they worth it?

Precision quality from a city known for its blacksmithing techniques. 

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300-year-old Tokyo comb company sells 30,000-yen wooden hair combs—Are they worth it?

And if you’d rather have a 60,000-yen comb, this Asakusa shop has some of those too.

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Usher good luck into your home this New Year with Totoro tenugui from Studio Ghibli

My Neighbour Totoro and Spirited Away characters reimagined as New Year’s decorations.

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