Cultural Objects

New Year Decorations in Japan: Traditional Items and Their Meanings

Explore traditional New Year decorations in Japan, including shimenawa, kadomatsu, kagami mochi, Shōgatsu flowers, and hagoita. Learn their meanings, display tips, and cultural significance to celebrate the New Year with Japanese style.

2025.11.28

Cultural Objects

The Meaning of the Fox Mask in Japan: Luck, Spirit, and Culture

Discover the meaning behind Japan’s iconic fox mask (kitsune-men).From sacred rituals to modern anime, explore how this mask symbolizes luck, beauty, and the divine.

2025.10.31

Cultural Objects

Mino: Japan’s Traditional Straw Raincoat

In this article, we’ll explore what a mino is, its features, history, and cultural significance.

2025.09.22

Cultural Objects

What Is a Kome-dawara? The Story of Japan’s Iconic Rice Straw Bag

In this article, let’s take a closer look at the history of the kome-dawara and how it’s still part of Japanese culture today.

2025.09.16

Cultural Objects

Hagoita: The Beautiful New Year’s Decoration from Japan

In this article, let’s explore what Hagoita are, their history, the meanings behind them, and why they’re now more popular as decorations than as toys.

2025.08.25

Cultural Objects

Hibachi in Japan: Not Food, But a Traditional Heater

In this article, we’ll explore what a hibachi really is, its history, how it was used, and why it eventually disappeared from daily life.

2025.08.23

Cultural Objects

Why Do Japanese Ghosts Wear a Triangle Headband “Tenkan”?

In this article, we’ll dive into the fascinating origins of the Tenkan, its cultural and religious significance, and why it’s no longer commonly used in modern-day funerals—yet still remains a defining symbol of Japanese ghosts.

2025.08.02

Cultural Objects