Little Things in Japanese Life

Japanese Culture & Etiquette

What’s Inside a Japanese Kindergartener’s Bag (Handmade or Store-Bought)

What’s inside a Japanese kindergartener’s bag? Lunch bags, cup bags, indoor shoes, name labels on everything, and the handmade bag question.
2026.10.29
Japanese Culture & Etiquette
Japanese Culture & Etiquette

Otoriyose: How Japanese People Order Regional Food From Across the Country

Otoriyose is how people in Japan order regional food from across the country. See what they order, why chilled delivery makes it work, and what to try abroad.
2026.10.29
Japanese Culture & Etiquette
Japanese Culture & Etiquette

Japan’s Autumn Leaves Forecast: How Locals Check When Koyo Is at Its Peak

Japan has autumn leaves forecasts, just like the weather. Here’s how locals check when koyo is at its peak, what the five stages mean, and how to plan.
2026.10.29
Japanese Culture & Etiquette
Japanese Culture & Etiquette

Nengajo: Why Japanese New Year Cards All Arrive on January 1

What is nengajo? Why Japanese New Year cards mailed in December all arrive on January 1, what people write, why fewer send them, and how to send one.
2026.10.29
Japanese Culture & Etiquette
Japanese Culture & Etiquette

Shichi-Go-San: Why You’ll See Little Kids in Kimono at Shrines in November

What is Shichi-Go-San? Why little kids in kimono visit shrines in November, what the long chitose-ame candy means, and how travelers can enjoy it respectfully.
2026.10.29
Japanese Culture & Etiquette
Japanese Culture & Etiquette

Why Japanese Students Clean Their Own Schools: A Look at Soji Time

Japanese students clean their own classrooms and hallways every day. A Japanese mom shares what soji time looks like, why schools do it, and what kids think.
2026.10.29
Japanese Culture & Etiquette
Japanese Culture & Etiquette

Umbrellas in Japan: Clear Umbrellas, Bag Sleeves, and Rainy-Day Manners

Why are umbrellas in Japan so often clear? A local mom explains shop-entrance umbrella sleeves, konbini clear umbrellas, and rainy-day manners for your trip.
2026.10.29
Japanese Culture & Etiquette
Japanese Culture & Etiquette

Nabe Season: How a Single Pot Becomes Japan’s Favorite Winter Dinner

What is nabe? See how Japanese hot pot is shared from one pot at the table, the most popular kinds, and why the zosui at the end is the best part.
2026.10.29
Japanese Culture & Etiquette
Japanese Culture & Etiquette

Japanese Supermarket Fish: Why It Comes Cut, Cleaned, and Ready to Cook

In Japanese supermarkets, fish often comes filleted, sliced, or grilled. A mom in Japan explains why, how to ask staff to clean fish, and what visitors can buy.
2026.10.29
Japanese Culture & Etiquette
Japanese Culture & Etiquette

Kotatsu: The Heated Table Japanese Families Never Want to Leave

What is a kotatsu? See how Japan’s heated table works, why families gather around it with mikan all winter, and where travelers can try one in Japan.
2026.10.28
Japanese Culture & Etiquette
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