Religion in Japan involves a dizzying array of spirits and beings. These gods are inspired by ancient tales and used to symbolize nature’s bounty. However, they also profoundly impact daily life and are often sought out for help in challenging times

When people think of the Japanese New Year, they typically associate it with January 1st. It’s a time for celebrations, family, special foods, and visits to shrines for hatsumode (first prayer of the year).

Hello, Sakuraco community! We hope you’re doing well. Here are the winners of the November 2025 Reviewer Contest!

Hatsumode is the first visit to a shrine or temple in the New Year in Japan, and it is one of the country’s most important traditions. Every year, millions of people participate, demonstrating the profound connection between this custom and daily life.

Kebari are traditional hand-tied flies used for freshwater fishing in Japan, especially in mountain streams where small insects form the main diet of native fish. Instead of bright plastic lures, kebari use feathers, thread, and natural materials to create subtle movements in the water.

Japanese gin has gained popularity due to the use of local ingredients and meticulous production methods by many distilleries. A new gin from Fukushima is adding momentum to this trend by focusing on the region’s water and native plants.