OMOTENASHI: “Japanese New Year Decorations and Their Origins”

Japanese New Year Decorations and Their Origins In Japan, New Year’s Day (January 1st) is the most important holiday of the year. Similar to Thanksgiving in the United States, families gather to celebrate the start of a new year. As part of these celebrations, special seasonal decorations are prepared. These include shimenawa (sacred ropes made of braided straw), kadomatsu (decorations made of pine and bamboo), and kagami mochi (decorative rice cakes). Each of these has a significant meaning and role, but in this article, we will focus on shimenawa. In Japan, many people follow Shinto (one of Japan’s two main…

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Holiday Dining “IZAKAYA (Japanese-style pub)”

Perfect Restaurant Choices for Holiday Season Family/Friends Meet-up There are only a few days left in 2024… The holiday season is already here! After the upcoming Christmas celebrations, the New Year 2025 will be here before you know it. We assume that a lot of JapanUp! readers are planning to get together with friends and family at the end of the year. However, when you actually decide on a place, you may find that all the places are booked up and you can’t get in. It happens all the time. To avoid such a situation, let’s get the information early!For…

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HolidayGifts: Bring Japan to Your Holidays with Our Handpicked Gifts

Bring Japan to Your Holidays with Our Handpicked Gifts Looking for the perfect gift with a Japanese twist? The JapanUp! editorial team has curated a selection of must-have items, from cosmetics and games to tea and sake. These unique finds are perfect for fans of Japanese culture or those just beginning to explore it. Whether you’re treating yourself or preparing for a cozy holiday, these gifts are sure to delight. Simply scan the QR code to shop instantly and bring a touch of Japan to your celebrations. For those extra-special items available only in stores, why not take a trip…

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“Love Snacks, Love Japan” Event at Tanaka Farms, Distributes 1,500 Japanese Snacks

Irvine, CA – On October 26 and 27, Tanaka Farms in Irvine, CA, was abuzz as The Japan Food Product Overseas Promotion Center (JFOODO) held its “Love Snacks, Love Japan” event, where they gave away 1,500 samples of Japanese snacks. Taking place during Tanaka Farms’ popular pumpkin patch weekend, the event attracted large crowds of people eager to experience the flavors of Japan.

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Interview with Ryoma Takeuchi and Kento Kaku from Amazon Prime Video’s “Like a Dragon: Yakuza”

New Live-Action Series Based on SEGA’s Hit Game Set for Release!  Amazon’s original drama Like a Dragon: Yakuza, based on the hit video game franchise, launches Thursday, October 24 with an exclusive worldwide streaming release on Prime Video. Developed from an original script, the series is based on the hit SEGA game series “Like a Dragon.” The protagonist, Kazuma Kiryu, is played by actor Ryoma Takeuchi. Kazuma Kiryu’s sworn brother and childhood best friend, Akira Nishikiyama, is played by actor Kento Kaku. The two actors made a surprise appearance at a panel discussion at San Diego Comic-Con, one of North…

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