JapanUp! magazine

The Red StepsAround March 3rd, visit a Japanese home with a daughter, and you will see a spectacular display. A 7-tiered red platform filled with elaborate dolls dressed in ancient court kimonos. This is “Hina Matsuri” (Girls’ Day). It is a day to pray for the health and happiness of young girls. Not Toys, But HeirloomsDon’t touch them! These are not Barbie dolls. A full set of Hina dolls can cost anywhere from $2,000 to over $10,000. They are often bought by grandparents or passed down from mother to daughter as family heirlooms. They represent the Emperor, Empress, and their…

The Red-Faced MonsterIf you visit Japan during New Year’s or a local festival, you might encounter a terrifying creature. It has a bright red wooden face, golden eyes, clacking teeth, and a body made of green cloth. It dances wildly to the sound of flutes and drums. This is the “Shishimai” (Lion Dance). A Holy MessengerWhile it looks like an angry dragon or monster, it is actually a holy lion. The dancers inside the costume travel from house to house and visit local facilities to perform a dynamic dance. Their job is to bring good fortune, celebrate health, and chase…

Weird Local LawsMany cities around the world have bizarre, outdated laws. But in Japan, there is a local ordinance (a city law) that is so wholesome it will melt your heart. It is called the “Ko-home Jourei” (Child Praising Ordinance). The Shibushi City RuleThis unique law was enacted in Shibushi City, located in the southern prefecture of Kagoshima. In this town, the local government officially mandated that adults must actively find good things about children and praise them! What Does the Law Say?The ordinance states that “Children are the treasure of the community.” It encourages parents, teachers, and neighbors to…

Not Canada or RussiaWhen you think of the “snowiest city in the world,” you probably imagine a city in Canada, Russia, or Iceland. But actually, the world champion of snow is a place in Japan: Aomori City, located at the northern tip of Japan’s main island. 26 Feet of Snow!Aomori City is a bustling metropolis with nearly 300,000 residents, yet it receives an unbelievable average of 8 meters (26 feet) of snow every year! The snow walls on the sides of the roads get so high that they look like white canyons. Why Does It Snow So Much?It is not…

The March Driving RushIn March, Japanese high schools hold their graduation ceremonies. Immediately after, thousands of 18-year-olds rush to driving schools to get their driver’s licenses before starting college or full-time jobs in April. Suddenly, the streets are filled with cars displaying a mysterious green and yellow sticker. The “Wakaba” ShieldThis is the “Wakaba Mark” (Young Leaf Mark). By law, anyone who gets a new driver’s license in Japan MUST display this magnetic sticker on the front and back of their car for their first full year of driving. It is a visual warning to everyone else on the road:…

Freezing TokyoIn March, most of Japan is still shivering. People in Tokyo are wearing heavy winter coats, waiting for the cherry blossoms to finally bloom at the end of the month. But did you know that in another part of Japan, people are already swimming in the ocean? The Long ArchipelagoJapan is a surprisingly long country, stretching over 3,000 kilometers from north to south. While the northern island of Hokkaido is still buried in thick snow, the southern islands are already experiencing summer weather. The “Umi-biraki” RitualIn these southern tropical regions, March marks the official “Umi-biraki” (Beach Opening) season! It…