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Flowers with Bulbs

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Flowers with bulbs have recently gained popularity in Japan. Despite having bulbs, they bloom only once, with a lifespan of about two weeks. However, they last longer than cut flowers and are easier to care for. Unfortunately, their production period is currently limited, running only from mid-January to mid-February. In Toyama, which accounts for 70% of the production, sales have increased tenfold in the past five years.

最近日本で流行っているのが球根付きの花。球根が付いていても1回咲いたら終わりで、寿命は2週間ほどだが切り花より長く楽しめるし、手入れも簡単だそうだ。残念なことに今現在は生産の時期が限られていて1月中旬から2月中旬だけ。生産の7割を占める富山では売り上げが5年で10倍に。

Picky Eaters Meals

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If you’re reading this, you likely have a love for Japan and might already be familiar with the popular chain, Don Quixote. But have you heard of their unique “hen-ai-meshi,” or “meals for picky eaters”? These quirky dishes are designed to cater to someone’s tastes 120%, rather than aiming for a mediocre 75% for everyone. For instance, they offer just the roots of corn dogs, fried chicken skins only, or pasta overloaded with garlic. Now, that’s definitely catering to the picky eaters!

私の記事を読むほどの日本好きは多分、ドン・キホーテを知っているだろう。だったらドンキの偏愛めしは知っているだろうか。みんなの75点より、誰かの120点を目指すから偏愛なんだそうだ。例えばアメリカンドッグの根本だけとか、フライドチキンの皮だけ、ガーリックだらけのペペロンチーノなど。確かに偏愛めしだ。

Lucky Cats for Americans

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Lucky cats, known as “maneki-neko,” are cherished worldwide, from Japan to far-off lands. But did you know there’s a special version for Americans? These American lucky cats have striking blue eyes and sometimes wear scarves featuring the American flag. Instead of the traditional Japanese koban coins, they hold dollars. And their beckoning gesture? It’s uniquely American—rather than the classic Japanese “come here” motion, they beckon with an American “c’mon” gesture.

Hot Beverage Vending Machine

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Japan has a long history of innovation in vending machines, particularly in the beverage industry. Beverage vending machines were first introduced in Japan in 1957. However, they gained significant popularity in 1962 when Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Vendo manufactured them for Tokyo Coca-Cola, resulting in 880 units being installed nationwide.

By 1973, the innovation of selling hot drinks through vending machines was introduced, revolutionizing the market with machines capable of switching from dispensing cold beverages in the summer to hot ones in the winter. This was further enhanced in 1977 when vending machines that could simultaneously offer both hot and cold drinks hit the market, offering unparalleled convenience to consumers. Since 2002, vending machines with cashless functions have been installed across the country.

成人式 – Seijin Shiki

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“Seijin no Hi” or “Coming of Age Day” is a national holiday celebrated on the second Monday in January with a ceremony called “seijin-shiki.” Since April 1, 2022 the Japanese government has lowered the age of adulthood from 20 to 18. However, there are still certain rights and responsibilities you cannot assume until you turn 20. (See my 成人 post for details.) For many decades, the coming-of-age ceremony was traditionally held at age 20, and most areas continue this practice. Some regions have renamed the ceremony from “seijin-shiki” or “coming-of-age ceremony” to “hatachi no tsudoi” or “20-year-old gathering.”

ネオ瓦 – Neo Kawara

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There is a company in Gifu Prefecture that specializes in making traditional kawara, or roof tiles. Established in 1883, their kawara have been used in many temples and houses, including the famous Tōfuku-ji temple in Kyoto, which is listed as one of Japan’s national treasures. Unfortunately, the number of traditional Japanese houses has been decreasing, leading to a decline in the demand for kawara. To adapt, this company and many others like it have started creating charms, pots, plates, lanterns, and other items using the same traditional techniques of making kawara, ensuring that the tradition will carry on.

反毛 – Hanmō

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Hanmō has two distinct meanings:

  1. The traditional Japanese technique of transforming clothing back into raw yarn material.

  2. The fabric produced using this technique.

Skilled craftsmen can quickly identify and sort clothing by material through touch alone. If the fabric contains too much synthetic fiber, it cannot be repurposed through Hanmō. The fabrics are also sorted by color and then processed through a Hanmō machine to return them to their raw state.

Historically, these materials were labeled as “secondary used cheap material,” leading to a decline in the Hanmō technique’s popularity. However, today, such techniques are highly valued by environmentally conscious consumers worldwide. For instance, the American outdoor brand Columbia Sportswear utilizes Japan’s reused wool, made using the Hanmō technique.

お子様ランチ – Kid’s Lunch

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Family restaurants, and many other dining establishments, offer a dish called okosama lunch, or kid’s lunch. Despite being called a kid’s lunch, it is served at any time of the day. The tradition began in 1930, during the early Shōwa era (1926–1989), before WWII. The chef who created okosama lunch was a mountain climber, which inspired him to shape the rice like a mountain and decorate it with a flag on top. He hoped this meal would bring dreams and smiles to children during challenging times. Since then, the flag has become a hallmark of okosama lunch, symbolizing joy and adventure, at all restaurants that serve it. In recent years, some restaurants have started offering okosama lunch for adults as well. The photo below is an adult version of okosama lunch.

Japanese vs American Gesture 1

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If you love Japan, you might already know that the Japanese gesture for “come here” looks similar to the American gesture for “go away”.

天のウズメ – Ama no Uzume

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Ama no Uzume, also known as Uzume of Heaven, is the goddess of entertainment in Japanese mythology, prominently featured in the legend of Iwatogakure. The following is written about Iwatogakure.

– Amaterasu, the sun goddess, could no longer tolerate the violent behavior of her brother Susanoo. In response, she withdrew into Ama no Iwato, or the “heaven’s rock cave,” plunging the world into darkness and chaos. To coax Amaterasu out of her seclusion and restore light to the world, Uzume of Heaven performed a spirited dance, even stripping naked, which caused the gathered gods to erupt in laughter. Curious about the commotion, Amaterasu peeked out from the cave, only to be pulled out by the other deities, thus returning light and order to the world. –

「岩戸隠れ」の伝説などに登場する芸能の女神。日本神話には「岩戸隠れ」についてこう書かれている。「太陽の神、天照大神（アマテラスオオミカミ）がスサノオの粗暴に耐えかねて天岩戸に隠れてしまった。すると世界が暗闇に包まれ、さまざまな禍（まが）が発生した。天のウズメは裸で踊って数えきれないほどたくさんの神々を笑わせた。天照大神が騒ぎの様子を見ようと岩戸を開いた時、神々に引き出されて世界に光と秩序が戻った。」