The Fukuwarai Game traditionally is play on New Year’s Eve. The Japanese word fukuwarai translates to mean “lucky laugh”. It is believed that if you begin the New Year laughing, joy will follow you throughout the year. The earliest referenceRead More →
One of the most recognizable works of Japanese art is Hokusai’s The Great Wave Off Kanagawau often referred to as The Great Wave or simply The Wave. It was first published around 1830 and is the first woodblock print in aRead More →
When you think about Japanese cuisine, chances are your first thoughts will turn to sushi. Sushi is created by wrapping vinegar rice around fish or veggies. Usually seaweed or rice paper wrappers are used to hold the roll together. TheRead More →
Although Castella cake was originally brought to Japan in the 1600s by Portuguese missionaries, it has since become one of Japan’s most popular desserts. There are many variations to the recipe, but the commonality seems to be that they allRead More →
Origami is the art of folding a piece of paper, usually a square, to create a 3 dimensional object. Traditional Japanese origami dates back to the sixth century. The Japanese word “origami” translates to mean “folding paper”. Probably the mostRead More →
On the fifth day of the fifth month, May 5, the Japanese celebrate Kodomo no Hi, Children’s Day. It is a day set aside to honor children, their strength and their happiness. Traditionally, it was known as Boys’ Day andRead More →
