holidaysinjapan
While you may recognize it under a different name, for instance, Mikado in Europe or (up until 2014) Rocky in Malaysia, the product is the same: irresistible sweet chocolate biscuit sticks that give a satisfying snap in your mouth. Hence, the origin of the name: “Pocky” which comes from the Japanese onomatopoeic word for that satisfying crack: pokkin (ポッキン.) Pocky has garnered international fame, which is quite a feat considering all the chocolate snacks out there. But even the Guinness World Records says Pocky is the “world’s largest chocolate-coated biscuit brand.” The treat is so popular in...
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On July 7, the Japanese Hoshi Matsuri (star festival) called Tanabata is celebrated. The streets of Hiratsuka in Kanagawa Prefecture will be lined with food carts visited by young women in yukata (traditional summer clothes) and the young men escorting them. Millions of Japanese people all over Japan will enjoy one of the first festivals of the summer. Children will hang tanzaku (wishes written on strips of paper) on tree branches, and adults will nostalgically recall the summer festivals of their own youths. If the sky is cloudless, those with romantic inclinations will look expectantly at th...
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While not a public holiday, chichino hi, or Father’s Day, is celebrated in Japan and it’s not much different from the rest of the world. It’s that special day just for dads when their family can give a little something back to say “thanks.” It’s also not a bad way to get in your father-in-law’s good graces, hint-hint. The question is: What does dad want? According to surveys, dads in Japan expect everything from beer and good cheese and meat for the barbecue to nice clothes and gift vouchers. However, probably the best gift you can get dear-old-dad is the gift of simplicity because many dads (...
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Golden Week (ゴールデンウィーク) is Japan’s longest and much-needed string of national holidays starting from April 29 through early May. Although there are only four holidays, most people use their allotted paid vacation days to take the entire week or more off. Hideo Matsuyama, the managing director of Daiei Motion Pictures, coined the name in 1951. Matsuyama noticed ticket sales would surge during this holiday week more than any time of the year. He dubbed it “Golden Week” after Japan’s radio and TV phrase “golden time,” which was the point of time with the highest listener and viewer ratings. Durin...
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Hinamatsuri is an ancient Japanese tradition that puts dolls (and girls) in the spotlight. Along with Children’s Day, families take this opportunity to shower their younger members with toys and—as you may have guessed—dolls. Japan has a long history of ningyo (dolls), and these almost-forgotten handicrafts are still passed down from generation to generation in remote mountain towns. From dolls that grant wishes to those that can serve you tea, you’ll soon discover that Hinamatsuri isn’t the only festival to celebrate dolls. Here are seven kinds of dolls you’ll find in Japan. 1. Hina dollsDesp...
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In most places celebrating Valentine’s Day, women can expect chocolates, flowers and a romantic dinner from their partner. However, in Japan, it’s the opposite: women give chocolates to the men in their lives—from their boyfriends to their coworkers—although not all chocolates are equal. The special men in their lives receive honmei choco, “true feeling” chocolates, while Taro from accounting only receives giri choco, or “obligatory chocolates.” Guys stuck in the friend zone and even lady pals can also receive tomo-choco, or “friend chocolate.” It isn’t entirely one-sided. In March, the tables...
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Last Monday, Japan celebrated 成人の日 (Seijin no Hi), or the Coming of Age Day. This day is dedicated to young people who turned 20 in the past year, the official age of majority until 2021. While the pandemic has forced everyone to scale down the traditional picturesque celebrations, the day was still very colorful all around Japan. Young people wore kimonos and suits, and some wore even more original outfits for this rite of passage into adulthood. What the duck北九州の成人式、毎年一人は珍な人おるけ好き “Every year at the coming-of-age ceremony in Kitakyushu, there is at least one unusual person.” Hail Zeon!明日の成人式に...
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Many cultures celebrate their youth’s passage into adulthood. In Latin America, the lavish quinceanera beckons 15-year-old girls into womanhood. Then, there’s North Baffin Island, where the Inuit take their 11 or 12-year-old boys on an arduous hunting expedition for the first catch of their adult lives. In Japan, things are more low-key with the celebratory Seiji no Hi, or Coming of Age Day. It’s a holiday for those who pass the adult threshold between April 2 of the previous year and April 1 of the current one. But what age is an adult in Japan? For the last 140 years, that has been 20 years ...
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Japan’s next national holiday is Mountain Day on August 8 (and observed on the 9th). Although technically celebrated on August 11, the date was changed to correspond with the 2020 Summer Olympics. It’s a day to reflect on Japan’s numerous majestic mountains, peaks and ranges. You can read more about Mountain Day and catch up on your Japanese on our study site, GaijinPot Study. Love hiking and mountains? Check out some of our favorite articles and get to climbing: https://blog.gaijinpot.com/hiking-to-nageiredo-japans-most-dangerous-temple/https://blog.gaijinpot.com/japan-wanderlust-6-amazing-mo...
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There is a special day for everyone in Japan—elders, young adults, workers, emperors, boys, and yes, girls. Held annually on March 3rd, Hinamatsuri (doll festival) is a traditional holiday that blends pink colors and royal attire. You might even be overwhelmed by the limitless shades of pink around this season, displayed in homes, shopping malls and konbini (convenience store). The sudden appearance of handcrafted dolls everywhere might also raise some questions. Here is everything you need to know about Hinamatsuri. What is Hinamatsuri?Historically, Hinamatsuri was a holiday during the Heian ...
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