20% Off Buckwheat Hull Pillows | Free Shipping Orders Over $499

Educate Me!

Sanja Matsuri: The Biggest Annual Festival in Tokyo

Sanja Matsuri: The Biggest Annual Festival in Tokyo

by Merchandising Dept
What is Sanja Matsuri? Annually, during the 3rd weekend of May, Tokyo becomes host to one of the largest festivals the Japanese capital city puts o...
Japanese Culture
History of the Bonsai Tree

History of the Bonsai Tree

by Merchandising Dept
The Japanese bonsai tree (盆栽) has become a recognizable image around the world. They conjure up images of finely manicured miniature Zen gardens, a...
Japanese Culture
Showa Day in Japan: An Observance of Emperor Hirohito's Birthday

Showa Day in Japan: An Observance of Emperor Hirohito's Birthday

by Merchandising Dept
Considered the oldest standing monarchy in the world, Japan has had a long line of celebrated emperors that began in approximately 660 BC with the ...
Japanese Culture
Elements of Traditional Japanese Dining and How to Set a Japanese Table

Elements of Traditional Japanese Dining and How to Set a Japanese Table

by Merchandising Dept
The Japanese have long been known for their outstanding attention towards detail in all aspects in their lives and culture. From personal appearanc...
Japanese Culture
The Modern Day Zen Garden

The Modern Day Zen Garden

by Merchandising Dept
The Zen garden (枯山水, karesansui) as we know it today came to be around the 11th century. Also referred to as Japanese dry gardens or Japanese rock ...
Japanese Culture
Hinamatsuri - Doll's Day

Hinamatsuri - Doll's Day

by Merchandising Dept
Hinamatsuri, also called Doll's Day, is a religious holiday in Japan, celebrated on the 3rd of March of each year. Parents pray for the health, gro...
Japanese Culture
The History of Sake

The History of Sake

by Merchandising Dept
Some countries have beer, some have wine, and Japan has sake. Sake is the traditional alcoholic beverage of Japan. It is believed that a distant re...
Japanese Culture
New Year's in Japan I J-Life International

How New Year's is Celebrated in Japan

by Merchandising Dept
In Japanese, New Year's is known as shōgatsu  (正月), and it is the most important holiday of the year in Japan.  Many of the traditional holiday cel...
Japanese Culture
Rohatsu I J-Life International

Rohatsu (Bodhi Day): The Day of Buddha's Enlightenment

by Merchandising Dept
What is Rohatsu? Rohatsu is the celebration of the day the Buddha reached enlightenment according to the Zen Buddhist Tradition.  This day is also ...
Japanese Culture
Labor Thanksgiving Day I J-Life International

Labor Thanksgiving Day

by Merchandising Dept
Labor Thanksgiving Day is a Japanese holiday that celebrates labor, production, and is meant as a time for citizens to give thanks.  It is called K...
Japanese Culture
Halloween in Japan I J-Life International

Halloween in Japan

by Merchandising Dept
Halloween is, somewhat surprisingly, widely celebrated in Japan.  Despite not being a traditional Japanese holiday, it has been broadly accepted an...
Japanese Culture
Six Elements of Japanese Architecture I J-Life International

Six Elements of Japanese Architecture

by Merchandising Dept
1. Wood One of the principal elements of Japanese architecture is the use of wood.  Wood is by far the most common material used.  The use of wood ...
Japanese Culture