Coming of age is an important day for everyone. It is a time when you gain more rights and obligations. There are more privileges but the responsibility is also greater. It is a reason to celebrate in every country. In Poland, everyone celebrates their own date of birth. In the Country of Cherry Blossoms, all Japanese celebrate this event on the same day. How do they do this?

What is the symbol of Japan? There are several answers to this question. Japanese culture and history are so extensive that one can actually find many well-known Japanese symbols, characteristic only for the Land of the Cherry Blossoms. But will the cherry blossoms themselves also be included? Here are 10 things that most closely associated with Japan.

Whenever you plan to go abroad, make sure to learn about the rules and customs of the country of destination. After all, conventions differ from place to place, and ignorance of the law excuses no one. For instance in Dubai you can be fined for failure to throw chewing gum to a dustbin and intoxication is punishable with imprisonment. In Idaho, USA, you can go to prison for being sad and in France no pig can be named Napoleon. And what is forbidden in Japan?

Large, friendly-looking mascots form an inseparable element of Japanese culture. Often met at festivals and next to establishments, various attractions and institutions. You can also see them strolling down the streets. They are so important in public space that the Yuru-Kyara Grand Prix is held every year. Where does the popularity of giant Japanese mascots come from?

A beautiful and elegant woman in a stylish kimono, with heavy make-up and full hairdo, holding an umbrella or a fan. Probably everyone knows who she is. This is a typical Japanese geisha. A woman whose colourful clothes hide many secrets, skills, an interesting life story, and mostly years of learning about culture, craft and various practical ceremonies. Meet a geisha.

Kabuki is a traditional Japanese theatre with almost 300 years of history. The scenes played by the actors are unlike anything known from western theatres. The same applies to stage design, costumes or make-up. It owes all this to its intriguing history and mostly to the exotic culture of the Country of Cherry Blossoms. Why was its heritage appreciated by UNESCO?

According to myths and legends, the Japanese used to live very close to foxes. Fox is still one of the most popular animals in the folklore, culture and art of Japan. Dwarves are considered their European equivalent. Kitsune is a rational being with magical powers. The special position of foxes in the Japanese culture is clear based on the number of places where we can find their image – from temples to shrines, scattered all over the country.

Drowning Marzannas, spring sweeps and playing truant – those are some of the ways to welcome spring in Poland. The approaching warmth can also be sensed in Japan. However, the people in the Country of Cherry Blossoms bid farewell to winter a little differently and much earlier. Throwing beans inside and outside the house is not the only tradition of Setsubun.

Bonsai trees have been popular for years but hardly anyone remembers their original symbolism and meaning. After all, bonsai are not just a decorative element of the interior design; it is a plant growing technique of miniaturising trees with centuries-long tradition.

Building business relations is one of the foundations of Japanese business ethics. To win the trust of Japanese entrepreneurs, try to develop strong personal relations with a potential customer and learn the basic business customs you may encounter in the Country of Cherry Blossoms.

The term ‘kimono’ was initially used to denote any clothes but today it means the traditional Japanese garments. It comes in many types worn depending on the nature of the event. Besides, there are different variants for men and for women. In this article, you will learn about the real kimono.

The art of paper folding is incredibly popular among people all over the world. Origami originated in the Far East and it involves creating models without the use of scissors and glue. So sit back and let us tell you how this over one-thousand-year-old art became an international phenomenon. Also, find for yourself why the OYAKATA Master loves the company of cranes and folds them of paper whenever he has the time!