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Shisa, the symbol of Okinawa

What is the Shisa, the symbol of Okinawa? Spots where you can enjoy coloring and shisa making

Following the previous article on Okinawan dialects and popular Okinawan foods, we will explain about “Shisa,” which is unique to Okinawa. Walking around residential areas in Okinawa, you will notice “shisa” everywhere. Most of them are placed on rooftops, but there are also many cases where they are placed on gateposts. The cool looking Shisa …

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Okinawan dialect. mensore

Dialects such as “Thank you” and “Hello” spoken by Okinawans that differ from standard Japanese

There are probably many people from overseas who work in Okinawa Prefecture. There are also many foreigners who visit Okinawa for sightseeing. Okinawa is a land where a culture different from that of mainland Japan has taken root, and is known for its frequent use of “dialects” that differ from the standard language used by …

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Symbolism of Pine, Bamboo, and Plum (Matsu・Take・Ume)

Exploring the Symbolism of Pine, Bamboo, and Plum (Matsu・Take・Ume): Beyond Rank and Order

Have you ever seen the ranking system in Japan, such as Matsu, Take, and Ume? Sushi, eel, and other restaurants are sometimes ranked as Matsu, Take, or Ume. It is difficult to know which is better than which, and it is a little confusing. Plum is cheap but a little difficult to order, I want …

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the beckoning cat two

Origin of Manekineko(the beckoning cat) and Meaning of Raised Hands

The beckoning cat, along with its cute character, is very popular as a symbol of good luck and good fortune. It seems to be widely accepted not only by the Japanese but also by foreigners. At Senso-ji temple in Asakusa, Tokyo, which attracts many foreign tourists, you will often see foreigners holding beckoning cats in …

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seven gods of good fortune

Can you name all seven gods of good fortune? Do you know their meanings and origins?

The seven gods of good fortune riding on a treasure ship seem like a good omen. However, when you try to name them, you may not be able to find one or two more. Also, when it comes to matching faces and names, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between two elderly people. And when …

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Leisure activities karaoke

Leisure activities that Japanese people do on their days off

The Japanese are known worldwide as the “overworked” nation, right? Although it may not seem so high, ranking 28th in the world for working hours, this does not include “service overtime” and “working on holidays,” so Japan must actually be quite high in the ranking. Working too much can be paraphrased as having that little …

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Strange Customs and Culture in Japan making a sound eating noodle

Japanese customs and culture that foreigners found strange when they came to Japan

Customs and culture differ greatly from country to country. In Japan, too, there are customs and culture that are completely different from those of Western countries and other countries, and visitors to Japan are often surprised by them. Some people may say, “I am planning to stay in Japan for a long period of time, …

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