In winter, no one wants to wash rice with cold water but some how, Japanese people are told to do so since child. Is there any particular reason? Why can we not wash it with warm water?

In the western society, shaving head can be cool. In Japan, it has a slightly different meaning. They shave to show their apology. Why?

My mum just celebrated her 60th birthday. I was planning to send her a red vest for her Kanreki which she refused to receive. What is special about Kanreki in Japan?

Japanese people love binchotan. They love so much that make any products with the charcoal. What is so good about?

Nowadays we don´t see anyone using abacus so often. But when I see my mother calculating in her head quickly and accurately, I wish I had learnt even the basic. Apparently soroban is good for your brain training in many ways.

One of the typical things in Japan in summer is mosquitos. These stripy fellows are so annoying. So Japanese people use mosquito-repellent incense. But why is it in spiral shape?

People are curious about Japanese using a coin tray but it´s even more interesting how they hand the change to the customer.

You see a tea ceremony or a demonstration of martial arts and realise that people often sit on their heels, which is called seiza. Many may think this is the traditional way but is it, really?

Now we know Japanese people say Itadakimasu before eating. Then what do they say after eating? It´s Gochisosama. But do you know what does it really mean?

One of the things that confuse me outside of Japan is when people start to eat. Each one starts when they get the plate while Japanese people wait for everyone to get the plate and start together with “Itadakimasu”.