April 2025

As cherry blossoms bloom, new students and their families dress formally and attend the entrance ceremony. In particular, at elementary schools, it is common for children to wear brand-new uniforms and carry shiny “randoseru” backpacks, taking commemorative photos with their families. A randoseru is a sturdy, box-shaped backpack used by Japanese elementary school students. It …

In Japan, “Hinamatsuri” is an annual event that carries the wish for the healthy growth and future happiness of young girls. On this day, families decorate their homes with Hina dolls, adorned with decorations like cherry blossoms and peach flowers, and offer traditional treats such as hina-arare (colored rice cakes) and hishi-mochi (diamond-shaped rice cakes), …

◆What is ramen?◆ Ramen is a beloved noodle dish in Japan that has its roots in the Chinese “Chuka soba.” Over time, it has evolved through Japanese culture to become what is the modern ramen enjoyed today. While sushi is often cited as the most popular Japanese food among foreigners, ramen comes a close second, …