Are you tired of AI news? Well regardless of how you feel, AI news isn’t done with you yet. If you’ve been on X/Twitter in the last week of March 2025, your feed’s likely been inundated with memes in the…
In Japanese culture sacred arrows known as hamaya serve as powerful symbols of protection and good fortune. These decorative arrows have played a significant role in religious ceremonies and New Year celebrations for centuries holding deep spiritual meaning for those…
If you’ve been to Osaka, have you ever wondered why there’s statues of smiling gnomes with their feet out everywhere? That character is named Billiken, he’s a beloved character in Japan but especially in Osaka. But why is he such…
The picture below is a member of the Seven Lucky Gods (Shichi-fuku-jin). His name is Ebisu-sama. He looks really happy with a big smile. When you search for his image on the internet, he always seems happy, to the point…
Here’s an obscure Japanese term for you to learn, did you know about “マッチポンプ” or “match pump”? No? Awesome, you’re not wasting your time by being here then. Let me tell you about Japan’s term for profitable gaslighting. What is…
Another day another term! Have you ever heard the term Seishinryoku? If you did, you might remember it from karate or judo class. It’s a Japanese word that might sound a bit mysterious or intriguing, but it holds a profound concept…
Japan and KFC have long had an unusual history. From its Christmas tradition as a replacement for turkey dinners to its reputation as a high quality restaurant chain. Quite the opposite of what we think of in North America when…
Tsukimi/Otsukimi (月見/お月見), also known as Jugoya (fifteenth night), is a traditional Japanese moon-viewing festival that takes place every autumn to celebrate and gaze upon the beauty of the full moon. This centuries-old tradition is still observed today on the 15th…
Have you ever stumbled upon this cute LINE sticker character with the black hoodie just being cute? Her name is Kurumi-chan. She’s actually one of many faces of a cute but concerning fashion subculture called Menhera (Short for mental health).…
Ever wondered if the nerd eating chicken tendies stereotype existed outside of the anglosphere? It does. And in Japan, they’re called “chigyu” (チー牛) or “chi-gyu” named after the abbreviation for cheese gyudon. But why? What ties this rather ordinary beef…
