Japan facts

Sumo, a national sport in Japan

At first glance, sumo may seem like a rather strange sport. Obese men wearing thongs push each other into a small ring, where the opening ceremony is usually longer than the bout itself. However, ...

Rice, its history and its place in Japanese culture

Rice is an essential part of Japan . Not only in the Japanese diet, but also in the country itself. In addition to being a staple food for centuries, the importance of this simple grain has been de...

Bento, what for?

A simple lunchbox revisited or truly useful? What's behind this box? What is a bento box? Like you might find at your favorite Japanese restaurant, bento is a staple of Japanese lunch. It's a fa...

Under the Great Wave off Kanagawa

"The Great Wave off Kanawaga" , also known as "The Great Wave" , is one of the most famous examples of Japanese art in the world. This painting is the best-known work of Japanese artist Hokusai Ka...

What are chopsticks for?

Many people claim the usefulness and importance of eating with chopsticks. Eating with chopsticks forces you to eat more slowly and mindfully, which often makes you feel more satisfied with le...

The Japanese Tea Ceremony

One of the most famous ceremonies in the world, the Japanese tea ceremony, called chanoyu orchado ("The Way of Tea"), is a complex ritual rich in meaning and tradition.

Why is Japan called the Land of the Rising Sun?

Japan is often called "the land of the rising sun." In Japanese, the country is called Nihon (Nippon). Nihon and Japan both come from the same words; they literally mean "where the sun rises."

Where does sushi come from and why is it so popular today?

Whether you like them raw, as sashimi, fried or chopped into a sushi bowl (Poke), eating raw fish has become a common thing today and everyone has tried eating sushi at some point.

What should we remember about Japanese meditation and the Zen school?

Japanese meditation is known worldwide for its benefits to spiritual, physical and mental health. Its roots date back to the origins of Zen Buddhism, a religion that offers a path to enlightenmen...