Welcome to the latest installment of Bokksu’s Guide to Japanese Monsters, your source for all beings spooky, scary, syncretic folk religious, sneaky, and sometimes even “on your side.” We’ve been...
A Brief History of Cup Noodles Japan might be called the Land of the Rising Sun, but it’s also the land of endless culinary variety and novelty when it comes...
In Japan, it's about quality over quantity. This notion is exhibited repeatedly in daily life, including in Japanese melon growing like Japan's square watermelon. Japanese culture loves high-quality fruits so...
If you want to cut to the heart of Japanese cuisine, drop your ultra-sharp knife and pick up a ladle. The Japanese chef’s most essential, loyal assistant is called dashi....
Sure, you could brew a cup of tea by adding a tea bag into hot water. Though, if you're in Japan, you may get a few odd looks! Japan has...
When you appreciate the cuisine of Japan, you can’t help but gradually learn about the varied geography and history of the archipelago. However, without knowing all the names of Japanese...
What is Dagashi? You might be old enough to remember those retro candies you could buy for a quarter at the corner store when you were young: Bazooka Bubble Gum,...
Cats: you either love them or you hate them. But not in Japan; in Japan, cats are a universally beloved part of culture and are believed to bring good fortune...
If you're familiar with white sesame seeds, you'll want to immediately start eating black sesame seeds and black sesame-flavored foods. These tiny seeds pack a punch of flavor while adding...
Valentine’s Day in Japan (and White Day too) In true Japanese fashion, Valentine’s Day appeared in Japan and then gradually refashioned itself over time. A Tokyo company called Mary Chocolate...
Sakura no hanami (桜の花見), or “cherry-blossom viewing,” is not to be trivialized in Japan. Like die-hard skiers keeping close tabs on snowfall predictions, some Japanese people keep a close eye...
You've likely had this delicious bright green powder in some form or other. Perhaps you've had matcha lattes from your favorite café or a bowl of green tea ice cream...