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What to do at a Japanese Funeral | Funeral Etiquette images

What to do at a Japanese Funeral | Funeral Etiquette

Attending a Japanese funeral can be stressful, even shocking, if you don't know what to do. The more you know beforehand the better, as you'll be able to comfort and support mutual friends and their families as is wont to do.Varying in size and ceremony, it's safe to say that most Japanese, fun…(418 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

Yurei, Yokai and Obake: Japan's Very Busy Ghost Scene images

Yurei, Yokai and Obake: Japan's Very Busy Ghost Scene

Ghosts and spirits hold a place in the folklore of many cultures around the world. In the western world, Halloween, observed on October 31st, is a time for scary, spooky tales, while Latin America will celebrate the deceased on the following day, November 1st, in a holiday called “Dia de Muertos”,…(1369 words)

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jdlawrence

Know your Receipts in Japan! images

Know your Receipts in Japan!

Are you in Japan on business and working with a Japanese firm? Will you be taking your clients out for a meal?Recently I have been doing some consulting work for one of Japan’s eminent Chinese cuisine restaurants, Ginza Aster, and I learned that many of the international clients are confused by t…(1173 words)

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Don't Wear Black in Japan images

Don't Wear Black in Japan

In Japan, the color white is attributed to happiness and good times. Death is a time of mourning and so people must dress in the color of depression, black. Men usually wear a black suit with a black tie (dress shirt is usually white). Women are also usually in a black dress. Wearing a formal black…(129 words)

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GenS

Buying Protein and Sports Supplements in Japan images

Buying Protein and Sports Supplements in Japan

To maintain muscle mass and optimal athletic performance, it’s important to adhere to a strict training and diet regimen. That’s why it’s essential that gym-goers and athletes always be able to access the supplements that they need. Unfortunately, buying protein and sports supplements in Japan hasn…(481 words)

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Alexandrine

The Top 8 Places to Beat Summer Heat in Japan images

The Top 8 Places to Beat Summer Heat in Japan

Where do Japanese love to visit to avoid summer heat in Japan? I searched the top 8 summer resorts loved by Japanese including Furano in Hokkaido, Okinawa, Karuizawa and Hakone, which are famous among foreigners, but also some hidden places like Okutama, Kamikochi and Nasushiobara that you may not …(757 words)

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Alexlovetravel

Need Aspirin in Japan images

Need Aspirin in Japan

Bufarin is a type of aspirin that works very well as a pain killer. It wil help you with a headache, fever, or any pain in general. It is one of the most popular medicines and is available at any pharmacy. Just ask for Ba fa rin. The pharmacist should be able to understand. In comparison to in th…(124 words)

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GenS

LOOK application makes you to understand Japanese product by your native language images

LOOK application makes you to understand Japanese product by your native language

▼ Download “LOOK”https://look-goods.com/en“LOOK” is an application that allows foreign tourists in Japan to understand information about Japanese products in their own native language, and share the information with friends and family back in their home country. It aims to clear up the awkwar…(293 words)

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R2C8

A Pepper By Any Other Name Would Taste As Sweet images

A Pepper By Any Other Name Would Taste As Sweet

Someone asked me a question recently; one, that if you’ve lived in Japan long enough, have surely asked yourself: “Why do the Japanese call green bell peppers ‘piman’ and the red and yellow and orange ones ‘papurika’?”For me, answer the question was confusing on a few levels, seeing as how I, h…(381 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

Funniest Japanese Show in Japan: Itte-Q images

Funniest Japanese Show in Japan: Itte-Q

If you're interested in japanese TV, Itte-Q is the show to watch. Even if you don't understand Japanese, the show should be entertaining. Its on Channel 4 from 8pm every sunday. On the show, they do different things every time but the basic concept is that the comedians and celebrities on the show …(135 words)

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GenS

"Little Forest" Shows you the Japan Heartland images

"Little Forest" Shows you the Japan Heartland

Thats right! I am not 12 years old. I actually have lived half a century as of this year.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_CUp9suEeoMaybe that is exactly why I love Pixar films that show the funny side of nature and also carry a deeper meaning.I am a huge movie fan and I try to see a fi…(659 words)

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Dockyard Garden A stone-built dock constructed at the same time as the Port of Yokohama images

Dockyard Garden A stone-built dock constructed at the same time as the Port of Yokohama

Yokohama Landmark Tower came into existence as the new symbol of Yokohama. At the foot of the tower is the Dockyard Garden. This is a reconstruction of the “No. 2 Dock of the Former Yokohama Dock Company”, the oldest stone-built commercial dock in Japan, and has been recognized as a nationally desi…(768 words)

Kanagawa P.G.T.D. image

Kanagawa P.G.T.D.

Popular Anime Locations in Japan images

Popular Anime Locations in Japan

One of the most popular anime ever. In an apocolyptic future, after the destruction of Tokyo by giant monster, the capitol of Japan is moved to Hakone`s Sengokuhara area.The main characters go to school in the Hakone area as they train to become Mech drivers in an effort to thwart another alien…(324 words)

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Kintaro-man

Japanese companies, has a theme song. images

Japanese companies, has a theme song.

Respectable company of Japan has a theme song.Professional make, easy to sing, the feeling is good.By singing, you will love the company.Japanese likes to act together.Its roots, has started from the age of six.In Japanese schools, weekly, monthly,Students will sing the school of …(105 words)

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asteka

The Traditional Colors of Japan - All the colors of the rainbow and much, much more! - images

The Traditional Colors of Japan - All the colors of the rainbow and much, much more! -

Some of Japan’s colors have a lengthy background dating back to the Asuka period (538 ~ 710) and the hierarchical Japanese color system itself can be most easily traced back to 603 AD, when Prince Shōtoko established the first Twelve Level Cap and Rank System in Japan.Based on Confucian values …(368 words)

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Japanista

How to be Polite in a Restaurant in Japan? images

How to be Polite in a Restaurant in Japan?

These are not just little finger towels placed neatly next to your plate for conveniently wiping stray food off of hands and fingers...these Oshibori are almost like an appetizer to the meal itself. You go into a restaurant, settle in with some water or tea and an Oshibori wet towel. Some places wi…(139 words)

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Why Are All the Dogs I See in Japan So Small? images

Why Are All the Dogs I See in Japan So Small?

“That looks like a Rat!” exclaimed my English friend when he saw my tiny Kaninchen Dachshund named Cloudy skirting, bouncing and happily flitting around his legs one day in the park.At over six feet tall, I don't think he could really see clearly what critter was attached to the end of the leas…(982 words)

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One of the Most Ancient and Interesting Bridges in Japan images

One of the Most Ancient and Interesting Bridges in Japan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeL_cyyKVeMThis is a place steeped in history, pulsing with riveting stories of banished Samurai, castles and the Iwakuni Han. Home to Japan’s naval air force and the US Marines, Iwakuni is where the US and Japan work together to try and keep this part of the wor…(599 words)

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Enjoying Indian Masala Tea aka `Chai` in Japan images

Enjoying Indian Masala Tea aka `Chai` in Japan

Since my teen years I am a big fan of Indian tea aka 'Masala Tea' aka 'Chai'. Chai comes in several variants such as 1) Masala Tea (milk tea with flavored spices, these are different spices than the ones used in Indian curry), or 2) Ginger Tea (raw or minced ginger paste added in small quantity whi…(466 words)

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Samir Bodhe

Home of the Emperor of Japan, Ornate Edo Castle images

Home of the Emperor of Japan, Ornate Edo Castle

I think the best way to access this area is from Yurakucho station. It is an open area that used to be the Edo Castle. It is now home to the Emperor but you can see the remains of the buildings, the moat is huge and if you are really lucky you might actually witness a dignitary visiting the Emperor…(90 words)

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Must Have Japanese Souvenirs: Tenugui images

Must Have Japanese Souvenirs: Tenugui

If you're looking for a souvenir that is truly Japanese, look no further than "tenugui" - a thin hand towel made of cotton. Although the idea of a hand towel as a gift sounds simple, and it well may be, tenugui also happen to be one of the most popular souvenirs you can buy in Japan - popular even …(280 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

5 Food Streets in Japan - The Paradise for Foodies ! images

5 Food Streets in Japan - The Paradise for Foodies !

1. Dontobori Food StreetAs the landmark of Osaka, Dontobori is not only the shooting location of many Japanese films and plays, but also the famous paradise for foodies in Japan, which is praised as “the No.1 food of Japan.”The most delicious gourmet here is Tokayoki, Okonomiyaki, sushi, frie…(482 words)

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Alexlovetravel

Wear a kimono and transform into a person from Japan’s Edo period images

Wear a kimono and transform into a person from Japan’s Edo period

The Edo period is a familiar historical time period for those who are interested in Japanese history. The Edo period began in the year 1603 and came to an end in the year 1868. The samurai and ninja were prevalent and flourished in Japan during this time period. Tokugawa Ieyasu formed the shogu…(318 words)

DeepJapan Editor image

DeepJapan Editor

Let’s get it Straight. Kelp “Kombucha” is a Must-Try During Your Time in Japan. images

Let’s get it Straight. Kelp “Kombucha” is a Must-Try During Your Time in Japan.

Walking around Denver and Colorado Springs on my recent trip, I was flabbergasted to see little cafes and shops listing “Kombucha” as one of their special offerings. Well, after a bit of research, I have come to understand that the “Kombucha” enjoying great popularity in the US is actually a bl…(690 words)

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Shopping Seasonal Japan - Limited Edition Products images

Shopping Seasonal Japan - Limited Edition Products

“Spring passes and one remembers one's innocence.Summer passes and one remembers one's exuberance.Autumn passes and one remembers one's reverence.Winter passes and one remembers one's perseverance.” ― Yoko OnoOne of the many things I love about Japan is its distinctive four seasons. You…(259 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

Menu Translation in Japan, What a Great Job! images

Menu Translation in Japan, What a Great Job!

I feel very lucky that part of my job is Japanese to English menu translation. Do you know how many little jewels lie silent on that Japanese menu in front of you every time you enter a soba, tempura or tonkatsu restaurant in Japan? Ahhh! Yes, that is right, most people visiting Japan have heard of…(969 words)

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Cute Japanese Cheerleaders part of Japan's semi-professional league, X League images

Cute Japanese Cheerleaders part of Japan's semi-professional league, X League

I actually used to cheer for the semi-pro X league back in the day. This was when it was kind of a group of companies that sponsored teams. Now, the sponsors are still there but the whole thing is much better organized (called the X League) and the games and competition are really exciting. From wh…(145 words)

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For Business: a Full Suit in Japan images

For Business: a Full Suit in Japan

Pretty much every businessman in Japan wears a full suit to work everyday. This is what allows the domestic suit company Aoyama to boast that it sells the most number of suits among all suit companies around the world. In Japanese business, not only are results considered important, but also attitu…(163 words)

GenS image

GenS

Visit the "Castles" of Past Daimyo, Feudal Lords in Japan images

Visit the "Castles" of Past Daimyo, Feudal Lords in Japan

If you are interested in learning about the Edo Period, I recommend visiting one of the many daimyo yashiki (feudal lord mansions) that can still be found in many parts of Tokyo. During the Edo Period, every feudal lord was forced by the Tokugawa Shogunate (the central government) to build and main…(221 words)

GenS image

GenS

Japan's Strange Love for Strange and Unusual Snacks images

Japan's Strange Love for Strange and Unusual Snacks

The Japanese are well-known for their love of outrageous, sometimes excessive, and even downright silly, creativity. This creativity can produce both extraordinary and peculiar results.Japanese snacks are no exception. Article upon article has been written about them. Instagram and Facebook are…(415 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer image

Former Deep Japan Writer

What is the samurai spirit? :Samurai Spirit Tourism in Fukushima Prefecture images

What is the samurai spirit? :Samurai Spirit Tourism in Fukushima Prefecture

My quest was simple, escape the incessant noise and constant attention grabbing craziness that is life in the modern world and especially Tokyo. Don’t get me wrong I love living in Tokyo. It has been my home for 17 years but every once in awhile I need to retreat and gain a fresh perspective. When …(1118 words)

DeepJapan Editor image

DeepJapan Editor

How to Negotiate Cheaper Prices for Japanese Products? images

How to Negotiate Cheaper Prices for Japanese Products?

Well, to be honest, I've been in Japan some 25 years and never negotiated a price. Well, maybe okay, at the electronics store in Akihabara or when buying real estate. I've noticed a big hint that negotiating is possible is when the clerk pulls out a calculator. So, if you sort of hesitate in front …(179 words)

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Romantic Night Drive to Yokohama, Japan images

Romantic Night Drive to Yokohama, Japan

One of the most popular drives from Tokyo among couples is to the beautiful port city of Yokohama. The drive will only take you about 30 minutes one way and the views are spectacular. Yokohama is known to have one of the best views at night. Start in Tokyo towards Yokohama on the Shuto Expressway t…(238 words)

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GenS

Elaborate Daimyo Mansions in Japan images

Elaborate Daimyo Mansions in Japan

Although technically not a museum, there are many daimyo yashiki (feudal lord mansions) in tokyo, open to the public, where you can learn a lot about the luxurious lifestyles daimyo and their families had during the Edo Period. The Shogun Tokugawa wanted to limit the powers of the daimyo to maintai…(199 words)

GenS image

GenS

The Japanese Zodiac and How it Relates to Feminism in Japan images

The Japanese Zodiac and How it Relates to Feminism in Japan

2014 is the year of the Horse and actually for all of us ladies born between Jan. 1, 1966 and Feb. 1967, it really means a lot. The Chinese Zodiac is shared with Japan and Korea and every 60 years, a certain group of women come along known as the Hinoeuma or Fire Horse. The stigma against the Fire …(218 words)

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Cheapest Places for Karaoke in Japan images

Cheapest Places for Karaoke in Japan

Karatetsu is my go-to karaoke place. The reasons are clear. 1. Cheap2. Carries one of the most number of songs, which is perfect for someone like me who enjoys singing songs in English.The prices are pretty mind-blowing in comparison to places like Shidax or Big Echo that charge 650yen/30mi…(338 words)

GenS image

GenS

Today I am in Tomakomai, Hokkaido Japan images

Today I am in Tomakomai, Hokkaido Japan

I flew into Chitose Airport in Hokkaido and was awed by the expanse of Fall color I witnessed below. Tomakomai city (population about 170,000) is a coastal town featuring beautiful golf courses, ice hockey rinks, no-nonsense buildings and lots of great food!Being here reminds me a bit of w…(297 words)

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Hell of gatekeeper, "Enma the Great" Legend of Japan. images

Hell of gatekeeper, "Enma the Great" Legend of Japan.

There is a big baseball stadium in Tokyo.It is called the "BIG EGG", it has been popular.Because very visible to a large egg.The town side of the big egg,Hell of gatekeeper, "Enma the Great" There are in the shrine."Enma the Great" is God.It is God, dead people meet for the first…(157 words)

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asteka

Japan's Hidden Onsen images

Japan's Hidden Onsen

Japan’s Hidden Hot SpringsYokoso! Welcome!Japan is a country consisting of 4 main islands; Honshu (main Island), to the North is Hokkaido (Northern Sea Island), Shikoku (Fourth Country) and Kyushu (Nine Provinces). There are hundreds of smaller islands that lie in Japan’s territories. T…(542 words)

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scramjetmach9

The World's Largest Uniqlo Store in Japan images

The World's Largest Uniqlo Store in Japan

The world's largest Uniqlo (Japan's largest and most popular clothing brand) store opened recently in Ginza on the main shopping street. I happened to pass by the other day and could not stop myself from stepping in, stupefied by the sheer size. The store has 12 floors and sells pretty much every p…(196 words)

GenS image

GenS