Mochi-tsuki Eating mochi (pounded rice) on New Year’s Day is a tradition in Japan but in order to have mochi to eat for the new year, someone has to make it. Today, it’s easy enough to buy mochi from any supermarket or convenience store or make it in a machine. But traditionally, mochi would…
Tag: event
Pikachu Outbreak
Started in 2014 as a one time Nintendo promotion, the Pikachu Outbreak in Yokohama has become an annual event that continues to grow in size and popularity. Held over a week-long period in early August, Pikachu Outbreak boasts a reported 1,000 costumed critters performing in various events around Minato Mirai, Yokohama Station and other tourist…
Shibuya Ohara Festival
The annual Ohara Festival in Shibuya in June demonstrates how important festivals are in Japan; a section of a major street right in front of Shibuya Station is closed to vehicles to allow hours of dance performances for a large audience gathered on the sidewalks. The festival celebrates Shibuya’s ties to the southern region of Kagoshima….
UN University Farmers Market
In a country where domestic agriculture is such a critical industry, there have been surprisingly few Farmers Markets in Japan. Recently, momentum is gaining for supporting sustainable agriculture and locally grown products, and Farmers Markets are a wonderful by-product of the overall movement. In the heart of Tokyo, United Nations University in Aoyama hosts a…
紅葉 Autumn Leaves
Like the blossoming of the cherry trees in the Spring, the turning of the leaves from green to brilliant shades of yellow, orange and red in the Autumn are an event that enthralls the entire country of Japan. There are entire websites and magazines dedicated to predicting the best times to view the fall foliage…
Roppongi Illumination
Winter is the season for illumination exhibitions, Japan’s answer to Christmas lights. Throughout the country, cities, towns, and neighborhoods compete for the attention of millions of people looking to enjoy a brisk evening stroll with a loved one while being entertained by thousands of dazzling lights. Roppongi has two major illuminations, one covering a huge…
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