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Older Than America: Why Does Japan Have the World’s Longest-Running Businesses?

japanup_akane 05/13/2026

A Land of Living History The United States is a young, vibrant nation with a history of about 250 years. In the fast-paced business world of Los Angeles or Silicon Valley, a company that lasts 50 years is considered a legend. But when you look at Japan, the scale of time is completely different. Shockingly, about 40 to 50% of all companies in the world that are over 200 years old are located in Japan! There are thousands of Japanese businesses that were already thriving long before the United States was even founded. From the world’s oldest hotel (Nishiyama Onsen…

Fun Facts LEARNJAPAN POPULAR

The Lazy Man’s Onsen: Why “Ashiyu” is Japan’s Best Travel Hack

japanup_akane 05/13/2026

The Concept of the Mini-Onsen For many travelers visiting Japan, the famous “Onsen” (hot spring) culture can be a bit intimidating. The idea of getting completely naked in front of strangers can be a major psychological hurdle. This is where “Ashiyu” (foot baths) come to the rescue. An Ashiyu is a small, public pool of hot volcanic spring water designed specifically for soaking only your feet and ankles. You can find them in city parks, outside train stations in mountain towns, and even at some luxury hotels. It is the ultimate “lite” version of the Japanese onsen experience, requiring zero…

Fun Facts LEARNJAPAN

The Small Mounds of Salt: What is “Mori-shio” Doing at the Door?

japanup_akane 05/13/2026

A Mysterious Welcome If you are walking through a traditional Japanese neighborhood or visiting a local restaurant, you might notice something peculiar on the ground near the entrance. Sitting on a small ceramic plate are two perfectly shaped, miniature cones of white salt. This practice is called “Mori-shio” (mounded salt). To a visitor from Los Angeles, it might look like a strange cleaning accident or a tiny art project. However, these little salt towers are part of an ancient and deeply respected spiritual tradition that has been practiced in Japan for over a thousand years. Purification and Protection The primary…

Fun Facts LEARNJAPAN POPULAR

The Silent Language: Mastering the Art of the Japanese Bow

japanup_akane 05/12/2026

More Than a Simple Nod In the United States, a greeting is usually physical and vocal—a firm handshake, a friendly “Hello,” or a casual nod of the head. But in Japan, the most vital form of communication is “O-jigi” (bowing). To a visitor, it might seem like people are just constantly nodding at each other, but bowing is actually a highly sophisticated non-verbal language. The depth, speed, and timing of a bow communicate everything from a simple “thanks” to a profound apology or deep professional respect. In a society that values “Wa” (harmony), mastering the geometry of the bow is…

Fun Facts LEARNJAPAN

The Garbage Gauntlet: Why Is Taking Out the Trash So Stressful in Japan?

japanup_akane 05/12/2026

The Luxury of the American Trash Chute If you live in a modern apartment in Los Angeles, taking out the trash is a brainless task. You walk down the hall, open a small metal door, and throw your bag down a “trash chute” where it disappears forever into a giant basement bin. Or, if you have a house, you simply roll a massive plastic bin to the curb once a week. It’s convenient, invisible, and effortless. But in Japan, the simple act of throwing away a banana peel is a complex logistics operation that requires military-level discipline and a profound…

Fun Facts LEARNJAPAN POPULAR

More Than a Stamp Rally: The Spiritual Art of “Goshuin” Collecting

japanup_akane 05/12/2026

The Sacred Proof of Visit If you enjoy collecting souvenirs while traveling, you might be familiar with the “stamp rallies” found at Japanese train stations or tourist spots. However, there is a much deeper, more beautiful tradition called “Goshuin.” A Goshuin is a hand-written calligraphic seal given to visitors at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples across Japan. To a visitor from Los Angeles, it might look like a stylish piece of art, but it is actually considered a sacred proof of your connection to the deity or Buddha of that specific site. Unlike a casual souvenir, each Goshuin is unique,…

FOOD Fun Facts LEARNJAPAN

The Ultimate Crunch: Why Does Japan Have “Rock-Hard” Rice Crackers?

japanup_akane 05/12/2026

A Nation’s Obsession with Rice Japan’s love for rice knows no bounds. It is the heart of every meal, but that obsession extends far beyond the dinner bowl and into the world of snacks. “Senbei” (rice crackers) are the quintessential Japanese treat, traditionally made from toasted or fried rice and glazed with savory soy sauce. While most people are familiar with the light, crispy varieties found in Los Angeles supermarkets, there is a subculture of senbei in Japan that pushes the limits of human dental strength. For some Japanese snack lovers, the harder the cracker, the better the experience. The…

Fun Facts HOLIDAYS LEARNJAPAN

The Red Symbol of Love: Why Are Carnations the Only Choice for Mother’s Day in Japan?

japanup_akane 05/11/2026

An American Tradition Reborn in Japan While Mother’s Day originated in the United States in the early 20th century, Japan has transformed it into one of the most significant and strictly observed gift-giving holidays on the calendar. In the U.S., a bouquet for Mom might include roses, lilies, or tulips, but in Japan, the red carnation reigns supreme as the undisputed symbol of the day. This tradition was popularized in the 1930s through a clever marketing campaign by a major Japanese confectionery company, which promoted the idea of giving a red carnation alongside sweets. Today, during the second week of…

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EVENT IN LOS ANGELES POPULAR WHAT’S HOT

👓 JINS 2026 Summer Collection: “Wearable Eyewear”

Hiratsuka 05/09/2026

. 　Theme: 90’s RETRO — Nostalgia, Reimagined for Today. This season, JINS reinterprets the retro vibes of the ’90s with a modern twist. By pairing classic staples like pastels, plaids, and crisp shirts with sophisticated eyewear, we’re introducing a “now” look that feels refreshingly nostalgic. ✨ Elevate Your 90’s Style with the Right Frames The key to completing this season’s look lies in our meticulously crafted frames. For instance, pair a pastel pink knit with semi-rimless frames to achieve that perfect “nerdy-chic” girl aesthetic. For a vibrant, color-blocked preppy style in green and blues, we recommend our matte black single-bridge frames. The sharp…

EVENT IN LOS ANGELES PLACES TO GO POPULAR WHAT’S HOT

YUKI SAORI in LOS ANGELES ~From 1969 to the Future~ ★On Sale Starting Today!★

Hiratsuka 05/08/2026

. Tickets for the highly anticipated concert by world-renowned singer Saori Yuki are now officially on sale! After achieving nationwide success in the U.S. through her collaboration with Pink Martini, her timeless voice has continued to captivate audiences around the world. Now, she returns for her first U.S. concert in approximately 9 years. Her one-of-a-kind, beautiful voice will resonate in Redondo Beach on August 22, 2026—Don’t miss this unforgettable evening. ▼Details Date: Saturday, August 22ndTime: Doors Open 3:00 PM / Show Starts 4:00 PMLocation: Redondo Beach Performing Arts CenterAddress: 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Redondo Beach, CA 90278 For any inquiries,…

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[GIVEAWAY] Share your “Higedan love” stories! Win a pair of live viewing tickets for OFFICIAL HIGE DANDISM LIVE at Stadium on May 17 (Sun)!

japanup_akane 05/04/2026

OFFICIAL HIGE DANDISM LIVE Special Screening in Hollywood on May 17th (Sun) OFFICIAL HIGE DANDISM Special Screening A filmed version of OFFICIAL HIGE DANDISM’s very first stadium tour,“OFFICIAL HIGE DANDISM LIVE at STADIUM 2025,”will be screened on Sunday, May 17 at TCL Chinese 6 Theatres in Hollywood! To celebrate and support OFFICIAL HIGE DANDISM—who have gained massive popularity in LA through their hit anime theme songs—we’re hosting a special giveaway exclusively for LALALA readers! 『OFFICIAL HIGE DANDISM LIVEat STADIUM 2025』Special Screening in Hollywood At TCL Chinese 6 Theatres in Hollywood,“Why not come cheer on Higedan together?” Date & Time: Sunday,…

EVENT EVENT IN LOS ANGELES POPULAR

[GIVEAWAY] Share Your LA Mishaps! Win Pair Tickets to Yuriyan Retriever’s Solo Live Show in Hollywood on May 9th (Sat)!

japanup_akane 04/30/2026

Yuriyan Retriever’s Solo Live Show in LA on May 9th (Sat) Yuriyan Retriever’s Solo Live As part of Netflix’s massive comedy festival, “Netflix Is A Joke Fest 2026,” Yuriyan Retriever will be holding a solo live show at the Laugh Factory in Hollywood on Saturday, May 9th! To support Yuriyan as she takes on new challenges in LA, we are hosting a special giveaway exclusively for JapanUp! readers. Netflix Is A Joke Presents: Yuriyan Retriever at Laugh Factory At the Laugh Factory in Hollywood“Would you like to spend a fun evening together?” Date & Time: Saturday, May 9, 6:00 PMTickets:…

EVENT IN LOS ANGELES PLACES TO GO POPULAR WHAT’S HOT

YUKI SAORI in LOS ANGELES ~From 1969 to the Future~ ★Special Announcement★

japanup_akane 04/28/2026

. After achieving major success across the United States through her collaboration with Pink Martini, internationally acclaimed singer Saori Yuki will return to the U.S. stage for the first time in nearly nine years. Her one-of-a-kind voice, which continues to captivate audiences around the world, will resonate in Redondo Beach on August 22. As part of a special early access offer, tickets will be given priority to those who contact us in advance! If you are interested, please reach out to the LALALA Events Department listed below. Weekly LALALA Event Team📩 event@lalalausa.com .

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FOOD LEARNJAPAN MONTHLY POPULAR TRADITIONAL CULTURE

Shochu 101: From Classic Sips to Modern Cocktails

yuka 10/30/2025

What is Shochu? Shochu is a spirit that features a variety of traditional ingredients drawn from Japan’s long history, offering a wide range of appealing aromas and flavors. There are two main types of Shochu: authentic Honkaku Shochu (single-distilled) and the more neutral-tasting Korui Shochu (multiple-distilled). Honkaku Shochu is crafted from a diverse array of raw, flavorful ingredients. Its alcohol by volume (ABV) typically ranges from 20% to 30%, which is lower than that of many other spirits worldwide. However, the aromas produced by different ingredients and distillation methods give Honkaku Shochu a truly memorable character. Let’s explore some of…

CUISINE FOOD LEARNJAPAN MONTHLY POPULAR

YUZU – Japan’s Citrus Star Taking Over Global Cuisine

yuka 07/07/2025

Yuzu is a small, highly aromatic citrus fruit native to East Asia, and it has been treasured in Japan for centuries. In modern times, it remains deeply rooted in Japan’s food culture and traditional customs. The fruit is roughly the size of a small grapefruit, with a rough, bumpy skin. As it ripens, its skin turns a vibrant yellow, releasing a powerful fragrance that can fill an entire room with just a single piece. The flavor of yuzu is uniquely complex, blending the sharp acidity of lemon, the gentle sweetness of mandarin orange, and a slight bitterness reminiscent of grapefruit.…

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[ Interview ] Yuriyan Retriever – Comedian | Netflix Is A Joke Presents: Yuriyan Retriever at Laugh Factory is coming up!

japanup_akane 04/30/2026

“It all started with coming here to chase my dream of forming a band with Americans, touring the world, and becoming a rock star.” Atsushi Nakagawa founded AMAZAKE CO. in Los Angeles in April 2019. He is the creator of the “Amazake Latte,” which has gained popularity at Farmers Markets in Torrance and Hollywood. How did his dream evolve? We took a closer look at his life.

INTERVIEW JAPANESE INTERVIEWS POPULAR

[Japanese Interviews: Life in LA] Arisa Nakamura : “I Stand on the Trust Built by Japanese Americans Before Me”

japanup_akane 04/23/2026

“It all started with coming here to chase my dream of forming a band with Americans, touring the world, and becoming a rock star.” Atsushi Nakagawa founded AMAZAKE CO. in Los Angeles in April 2019. He is the creator of the “Amazake Latte,” which has gained popularity at Farmers Markets in Torrance and Hollywood. How did his dream evolve? We took a closer look at his life.

INTERVIEW JAPANESE INTERVIEWS POPULAR

[Japanese Interviews: Life in LA] Dan Sawada : “I Take Pride in What I Build — Loving the Product Is What Kept Me Going”

japanup_akane 04/22/2026

“It all started with coming here to chase my dream of forming a band with Americans, touring the world, and becoming a rock star.” Atsushi Nakagawa founded AMAZAKE CO. in Los Angeles in April 2019. He is the creator of the “Amazake Latte,” which has gained popularity at Farmers Markets in Torrance and Hollywood. How did his dream evolve? We took a closer look at his life.

INTERVIEW JAPANESE INTERVIEWS POPULAR

[Japanese Interviews: Life in LA] Kent Hayashi : The Challenge of Global Sports Agent — Soccer Gave Me My Life — Passing It On to the Next Generation

japanup_akane 04/20/2026

“It all started with coming here to chase my dream of forming a band with Americans, touring the world, and becoming a rock star.” Atsushi Nakagawa founded AMAZAKE CO. in Los Angeles in April 2019. He is the creator of the “Amazake Latte,” which has gained popularity at Farmers Markets in Torrance and Hollywood. How did his dream evolve? We took a closer look at his life.

INTERVIEW JAPANESE INTERVIEWS POPULAR

[Japanese Interviews: Life in LA] Wataru Matsumoto: What Baseball Taught Me — A Life of Exploration and Verification

japanup_akane 04/14/2026

“It all started with coming here to chase my dream of forming a band with Americans, touring the world, and becoming a rock star.” Atsushi Nakagawa founded AMAZAKE CO. in Los Angeles in April 2019. He is the creator of the “Amazake Latte,” which has gained popularity at Farmers Markets in Torrance and Hollywood. How did his dream evolve? We took a closer look at his life.

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Trip 2 JAPAN | Beyond Sightseeing: Exploring Japan Through Food, Culure, and Unique Experiences

yuka 06/10/2025

With the continued trend of a weak yen, the number of visitors to Japan has been steadily increasing. In 2024, the number of inbound tourists reached 36.86 million, setting a new all-time annual record. Notably, the United States ranked 4th in the number of visitors by country. Japan’s rich cultural heritage, exquisite cuisine, and breathtaking seasonal landscapes continue to captivate travelers from around the world. At the same time, travel styles are becoming increasingly diverse. In the past, many tourists focused on experiencing Japan’s history by visiting famous temples and strolling through old townscapes. However, today’s travelers have a wider…

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FOOD Fun Facts LEARNJAPAN

The Ultimate Crunch: Why Does Japan Have “Rock-Hard” Rice Crackers?

japanup_akane 05/12/2026

A Nation’s Obsession with Rice Japan’s love for rice knows no bounds. It is the heart of every meal, but that obsession extends far beyond the dinner bowl and into the world of snacks. “Senbei” (rice crackers) are the quintessential Japanese treat, traditionally made from toasted or fried rice and glazed with savory soy sauce. While most people are familiar with the light, crispy varieties found in Los Angeles supermarkets, there is a subculture of senbei in Japan that pushes the limits of human dental strength. For some Japanese snack lovers, the harder the cracker, the better the experience. The…

FOOD Fun Facts LEARNJAPAN POPULAR

The Mystery of the Square Watermelon: Is It Actually Edible?

japanup_akane 05/11/2026

A Futuristic Fruit Design If you walk into a high-end department store or a specialized fruit parlor in Tokyo, you might see something that looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movie: a perfectly cuboid watermelon. These square watermelons have become a world-famous symbol of Japanese agricultural ingenuity. Developed in Kagawa Prefecture, they are grown inside tempered glass cases that force the fruit to take a square shape as it expands. While they look incredibly cool and are perfect for stacking in a refrigerator, there is a surprising secret behind these expensive luxury items that most tourists don’t realize until…

FOOD Fun Facts LEARNJAPAN

The Hidden Engineering Inside Your Natto Pack (Why is the Bottom Bumpy?)

japanup_akane 05/06/2026

The Polarizing Superfood Natto, the fermented soybean dish, is perhaps the most polarizing food in the Japanese pantry. While health enthusiasts in Los Angeles love it for its incredible probiotics and Vitamin K2, many first-timers are intimidated by its pungent smell and notoriously slimy, sticky texture. If you buy a pack of natto at a Japanese supermarket like Mitsuwa or Nijiya, you’ll notice it comes in a very specific, lightweight white foam container. But have you ever flipped the empty container over and wondered why the bottom is covered in a strange, bumpy pattern? It isn’t just for decoration; it…

FOOD Fun Facts LEARNJAPAN

Why Is It Polite to Eat Loudly in Japan? (The Secret Science of Slurping)

japanup_akane 05/05/2026

The Ultimate Table Manner Taboo If you are eating at a nice restaurant in Los Angeles, there is one universal rule of table manners: do not make noises with your mouth. Slurping your soup or loudly sucking up spaghetti is considered incredibly rude, childish, and unappetizing to everyone around you. But if you step into a traditional Soba (buckwheat noodle) or Ramen shop in Tokyo, you will be hit with a massive culture shock. The restaurant will be filled with a loud, aggressive symphony of people slurping their noodles as loudly as humanly possible. In Japan, slurping isn’t just acceptable;…