Survival Japanese: Must-Know Easy Phrases for Travelling in Japan
A comprehensive guide of survival Japanese words and expressions you might hear or use in your next trip. How exciting the upcoming trip to Japan! In cities like Tokyo, Osaka…
Tachibana (Mikan) – Japanese patterns meaning
History and meaning Mikan is a kind of mandarin from Japan. The official name is “Unshiu Mikan” but you might have also heard Japanese mandarin or Satsuma orange. So what…
Edo Kiriko cut glass – A Traditional Japanese Craft from Tokyo
Edo Kiriko is a traditional Japanese craft originating from Tokyo. Artisans skillfully carve geometric, floral, and animal patterns into glass, creating stunning pieces that reflect this delicate art form. The…
Japanese pattern – Matsu (pine tree)
IG post: @elenami_tokyo The word for pine tree “matsu” is pronounced as the Japanese verb “to wait”. Because of this it’s also linked to principles of the Shinto religion. It…
Chou (butterfly) – Japanese pattern and symbol explained
In Japan, the butterfly is a symbol of eternity and reincarnation. This is due to the transformations it undergoes during its lifetime. This characteristic has attracted the imagination of people…
Seigaiha (Blue wasves of the Ocean) – Japanese pattern meaning
The word “seigaiha” (or seikaiha) 青海波 is composed by three kanji which respectively means blue (青), ocean (海) and waves (波). It evokes the waves of the sea, calm and…
Higanbana (Red spider lily) – Japanese pattern meaning
Today`s Japanese pattern instroduces a beautiful flower. Despite the English name, the Red spider lily is generally red but can also be found in white or yellow. In Japanese it…
Ichou (Ginkgo biloba) – Japanese pattern and symbol meaning
Ginkgo tree originated in China but its English name comes from the ancient Japanese pronunciation (ginkyo) of the Chinese word. However nowadays in Japan is called ichou. Often referred to…
Usagi (Rabbit) – Japanese kimono symbol explained
According to the lunar calendar, 2023 was the year symbol of the rabbit. Other years related to this cute animal are 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, and 2011. Lucky animals,…
Kiri (Paulownia) – Japanese pattern and symbol explained
Paulownia is a very elegant Japanese pattern. Its pale purple flowers bloom in early summer. Paulownia (Kiri in Japanese) is the symbol of the Japanese government and is often used…