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Japanese culture

Learn about Japanese culture from this Japanese language blog by the JOI's professional Japanese teachers.


Foreign festivals in Japan There are reportedly over 200,000 festivals held in Japan each year. The peak seasons for these are usually in the summer months, and during the autumn harvest season. Many of the festivals have religious or spiritual roots and are often associated with local shrines. Which is why it is not surprising that Japanese people love their festivals and often go out to celeb...
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Ancient Japanese constellations The Japanese were a sea-faring and farming race from times of old. They used the stars to navigate the seas and understand the seasons better. There are old Japanese names for the constellations although they are less known and less used now as the more universal Western names are used more. In this blog by JOI professional teacher Mizuno sensei, she explains som...
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Japanese Origami The name “Origami” comes from the verb “Oru”: to fold and noun “Kami” which means paper. It is an ancient art and has been practiced since the 17th Century in Japan. There are various types of Origami some which involve colorful paper, and also wet paper. This is a Japanese language blog by Japanese teacher Takase sensei, who lives in one of the most traditonal cities in Japan, ...
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Japanese summer fashion Japan is a fashion and trend leader in the world. And many fads are started from the streets of Tokyo and from the historical wear of traditional Japan. There are many kinds of fashion for every season, but Summer fashion is often touted as the most unique and quintessentially Japanese of the four seasons of styles. Someya sensei, is a Japanese teacher at JOI online scho...
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Prefectural customs in Japan There are 47 prefectures in Japan. Actually to be precise, 43 prefectures, two urban prefectures, one metropolis and one territory. The Japanese are very proud of their prefectures and especially the differences between the customs, habits, cuisine and personalities of each area. There are many TV programs that focus on these differences and many Japanese people enjo...
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