Illustration of a man in winter clothes Koromogae is a tradition rich in meaning in Japanese culture, involving changing clothes according to the changing seasons. The tradition is not just about changing clothes, but also reflects the Japanese people’s sensitivity to changes in nature and their relationship with the cycle of life. In this article, we will explore various aspects of koromogae, including its history, meaning, and role in the daily lives of Japanese people. History of Koromogae The tradition of koromogae can be traced back to the Heian period (794-1185 AD). During this time, wearing different clothes for each season became very important in the lives of aristocrats. On the first day of the fourth and tenth months of the lunar calendar, clothing and interior furnishings were changed according to the season. This celebration was a seasonal custom to mark the arrival of a new season. During the Edo period (1603-1868 AD), koromogae became increasingly popular among the general public. Around the 17th century, the Tokugawa shogunate made it a rule for the samurai class to change their clothes four times a year, and during this period commoners also began to follow this practice, although with variations in the type of clothing and frequency of changes. In 1873, with the introduction of Western dress and the Gregorian calendar in Japan, the Meiji government changed the rules for koromogae – which was performed twice a year for civil servants, to […]
Chopsticks (Pixabay.com/8618939) Eating with chopsticks is part of Japanese culture. There are many different types of chopsticks, from disposable wooden ones to beautifully carved ones. However, the way you hold and use them remains the same. Using chopsticks may seem easy, but mastering them gracefully and politely, especially with Japanese etiquette, takes a little practice. This article will guide you step by step, from holding chopsticks to Japanese table etiquette, so you can feel confident enjoying Japanese food. Holding Chopsticks Correctly The way you hold your chopsticks is very important, not only for efficiency but also for politeness. The Japanese technique is different from some other Asian techniques. Here are the steps: Grip: Don't grip the chopsticks too tightly. Hold the chopsticks like you would a pencil, with your index finger and thumb. The middle finger acts as a support, providing balance and control. The ring finger and little finger can be folded naturally into the palm of your hand. Position: The tip of the chopsticks used to pick up food should be about 2-3 cm from the tip of the chopsticks. Do not point or direct the chopsticks at others. Picking Up Food with Chopsticks Illustration of a man eating ramen Once you have mastered how to hold chopsticks, the next step is to pick up food. Here are some important tips: Movement: Use smooth, controlled movements when picking up food. Avoid movements that […]
AKB48 Theater Costume Exhibition (X.com/@osarecompany) Seifuku and ishou are two words that we may often hear in the context of Japanese fashion and pop culture. Seifuku, which means “uniform,” is often associated with school uniforms worn by students in Japan, while ishou means “clothes or costumes” in general. In this article, we will discuss in more depth how these two terms reflect culture, social norms, and dynamics in society. Let’s get to know what seifuku is Let’s start with seifuku. School uniforms in Japan usually consist of a jacket, skirt, and tie for girls, while for boys, it usually consists of trousers and a blazer. Seifuku is not just clothing; it is a symbol of discipline, responsibility, and identity. By wearing seifuku, students are expected to feel a sense of togetherness in their school community. In Japan, where collectivism is highly valued, seifuku serves to equalize students, eliminating any differences in social status that may exist. However, behind the impression of this uniform, there are many things that can be criticized. For example, there is pressure to adhere to very strict rules regarding how seifuku should be worn. From the length of the skirt, to the type of shoes, to the use of accessories. In some schools, minor infractions can result in sanctions, which can be stressful for students. Of course […]
Japanese-style house (Pixabay.com/shell_ghostcage) Moving-in and housewarming gifts (新築・引越し祝いのプレゼント) are one of the unique and meaningful traditions in Japan. This tradition is not only about giving, but also reflects mutual respect and maintaining good relationships. By giving gifts, Japanese people want to show support and good wishes for the recipient's new life in a new place. What are moving-in and housewarming gifts? Moving-in gifts are gifts given when someone buys and moves into a used house or condominium other than a newly built one. If someone is moving from one rental apartment to another, you don't have to give a gift. However, you can give a regular gift to someone close to you as a farewell gift. A housewarming gift is a gift given to someone when they move into a newly built house. Japanese people give housewarming gifts not only to family homes but also to those who move into newly built condominiums. How to Choose the Right Gift Illustration of a man in a Japanese-style house When choosing a gift, there are several things to consider. It is important to consider the recipient's preferences and habits. Don't give them something they might not like or even need. Give an interesting gift […]
Cherry blossoms (Pixabay.com/Pexels) Have you ever heard of hanami? Hanami is a culture of enjoying cherry blossoms in bloom in Japan. When doing hanami, there are several things to consider, one of which is related to the ethics of cherry blossoms. Cherry Blossom Period in Japan Cherry blossoms bloom in spring in Japan and are an important symbol in Japanese culture, including in anime, manga, Japanese dramas, and so on. Cherry blossoms bloom in a very short time so that this moment is used by the Japanese to enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms. Cherry blossoms bloom at different times. In southern Japan, cherry blossoms bloom in mid to late March. In central Japan, cherry blossoms bloom from late March to early April and even mid-April. In northern Japan, cherry blossoms bloom later in the year, from the last week of April to the first few weeks of May. Hanami Etiquette and Rules Illustration of a man with a cherry blossom tree in the background There are several other ethics and rules that must be followed when doing hanami in Japan. Etiquette and rules that need to be followed when hanami such as not blocking space, bringing home trash, not making noise, and not smoking. When hanami, it is not recommended to block or take up available space. Take only the space needed for […]
Two men discussing (Image by Freepik) Have you ever watched anime and dramas that depict the work culture and phenomena in Japan? What is your impression of the anime or drama? The work culture and phenomena in Japan are certainly different from the work culture and phenomena in Indonesia. In addition, working in Japan has its own characteristics and problems. Japanese work culture, which is often praised and admired, is also often the subject of debate. Famous for its dedication, discipline, and strong work ethic, but behind it there is another side that needs to be understood. This article will discuss in detail the key aspects of Japanese work culture and phenomena, including their advantages and disadvantages. Japanese Work Culture One of the Japanese work cultures is the guidance to value your work. In Japan, there are many companies whose workers are praised for prioritizing work over personal life. In addition, many workers prioritize their work even during family events and so on if there is work that must be done. Japan still has a culture of overtime work. Although the upper limit of overtime has been set at 45 hours per month and 360 hours per year, the overtime culture still exists. The background of the overtime work culture is low wages and poor work efficiency. Poor work efficiency can be in the form of too many meetings […]
Bookstores in Japan (pixabay.com/lucasruffiner) Japanese popular culture is rich with comic works, commonly known as manga. However, within this vast world of manga, there is a unique and interesting branch that often causes confusion for new fans: doujinshi. While both are Japanese comics, doujinshi and manga differ significantly in terms of production, distribution, content, and their place within the Japanese creative industry. Let’s dive into those differences in detail. Origins and Definition Manga, simply put, are Japanese comics that are professionally produced and commercially distributed through major publishers such as Shueisha, Kodansha, and Shogakukan. They go through a rigorous editorial process, from scriptwriting to drawing, to printing and marketing. Manga comes in a variety of genres, from shonen (for boys) and shojo (for girls) to seinen (for young adult males) and josei (for young adult females), as well as other genres such as horror, sci-fi, and comedy. Manga are comics created in Japan or in the Japanese language. Many Japanese manga are exported worldwide and the word manga has become a popular word in Japanese culture. Doujinshi, on the other hand, are comics created independently by fans (called doujin) and distributed non-commercially or semi-commercially at special events such as […]
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