From moon-viewing and rice porridge to Christmas fried chicken, Japan’s cultural traditions are full of quiet wonder and delightful quirks. These posts dive into the customs, holidays, and habits that shape daily life—and offer a glimpse into how I’ve learned to celebrate them through my own bicultural lens.
Nabe, Kotatsu, and Snow: Winter in Japan
It’s been consistently cold and snowy here in Buffalo, NY, the kind of cold that seeps into your bones and lingers. Even under layers of blankets, warmth feels out of reach. This frigid weather has me reminiscing about Japanese winters, which, in my experience, were far milder but carried a different kind of charm. I…
Nanakusa Gayu: A Japanese New Year’s Tradition
Happy New Year to those who stumbled upon this blog. I cannot believe I’ve had this blog up and running for a full year now. Although I haven’t been able to share as much as I wanted to when I initially started up the blog, I’m thankful for all of those who have subscribed and…
Why Christmas Eve is Japan’s Romantic Night
In Japan, Christmas has evolved into a romantic holiday rather than a family celebration. Originating in the 20th century, its significance shifted post-World War II towards couple-centric festivities influenced by popular media. Christmas Eve is now marked by romantic dinners, thoughtful gifts, and stunning illuminations, contrasting with Western family traditions.
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Miles from Home 