The Shisa of Okinawa are more than decorations; they are protectors, storytellers, and symbols of the island's cultural identity. A mix of lion and dog, these statues stand guard over…

In Japan, there are two types of traditional fans: the uchiwa (which we will cover here) and the sensu. The first is round and flat, while the second is foldable…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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,…

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…