Osaka Cuisine and Hidden Gems: A Family Guide to Local Food & Secret Spots

Explore Japan’s Goldfish Town: A Summer Tradition Summer in Japan is a vibrant season brimming with festivals and events across the country. Street stalls offering delicious foods and exciting games create a lively atmosphere that captivates both locals and visitors alike. Among the many summer traditions, one of the most beloved is goldfish scooping. This classic Japanese festival game is a favorite pastime for people of all ages, providing endless fun during the summer festivities. What many might not realize is that the goldfish used for this popular game are sourced from a special region known as the “Goldfish Town”. This area, officially recognized for its goldfish cultivation, is a place where the tradition of raising goldfish has been flourishing for over 300 years. The origins of goldfish farming in this town trace back to 1724, marking a long history of dedication and expertise in this unique aquaculture. In Goldf...

Illuminate Your Summer : The Enchanting World of Man-Tōrō(万灯篭)  Lantern Festivals Hello, dear readers! Today, I want to introduce you to a captivating summer tradition in Japan known as "Man-Tōrō." (万灯篭)  This beautiful event is commonly observed during Obon and other memorial ceremonies. What is Man-Tōrō?(万灯篭) : "Man-Tōrō," (万灯篭)  or "Thousands of Lanterns," is a traditional Japanese festival where numerous lanterns are lit to honor the spirits of the deceased. During the Obon season, it is believed that the spirits of ancestors return to their families. To welcome and bid farewell to these spirits, people light countless lanterns. These glowing lights symbolize respect and gratitude towards the departed, guiding their way back home. A Sacred Tradition : Beyond Obon, Man-Tōrō can also be seen at festivals held in Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Here, lighting lanterns serves as an expression of thanks and prayer to the deities. The soft, ...

Goldfish Scooping: Enjoying a Traditional Japanese Summer Festival Game Goldfish scooping is a beloved activity at summer festivals and fairs in Japan. Watching vibrant goldfish swim in a tank and using a paper scooper called a "poi" to catch them creates a moment of fun and excitement for both children and adults. This traditional game has a rich history and remains a cherished part of Japanese culture. Goldfish scooping is believed to have originated in the late Edo period and became popular during the Meiji period. Initially, goldfish were primarily sold at festival stalls, but over time, the act of scooping them became a popular game in its own right. The charm of goldfish scooping lies in its simple rules and the thrill it offers. The challenge of catching as many goldfish as possible before the delicate paper scooper breaks adds to the excitement. While it requires a bit of skill and technique, mastering these nuances only enhances the enjoyment ...