Setsubun 節分 is a Japanese celebration best known for the traditional scattering of beans, a custom particularly popular among Japanese children – the older boys or other members of the family wear oni 鬼 (ogre, devil) masks, and the younger…

As in many other parts of the World, most traditional Japanese festivals and contemporary holidays have deep roots in ancient folklore and religion. What is of particular interest to me is how Japanese traditional cuisine, washoku, seems to be linked…

An often overlooked part of Japanese cuisine, stews and hot pots are a Japanese favorite when the weather gets colder. There are many different varieties of this kind of hot pots, collectively known as nabe 鍋, however, one of these…

The third week of September is always a welcomed time in Japan, as it is marked by two days of holidays: the “respect for the aged day” (Keiro no Hi 敬老の日) and the Autumn Equinox day (Shūbun no Hi 秋分の日).…