Abstract

From the beauty of the four seasons and the events that color them, to the wisdom and ingenuity that enriches our lives and old-fashioned games that don't rely on possessions… Japanese culture is filled with many unique events and customs.

This guidebook offers a summary of all the traditional Japanese events and customs that even the Japanese themselves are starting to forget.

On New Year’s day, we take part in hatsumode, our first shrine visit of the year. Then at home, we eat osechi, a spread of traditional Japanese New Year foods.
On Setsubun, the day before spring starts, we throw beans.
On Tanabata, or the Star Festival, we write wishes on paper strips and hang them from bamboo.
On New Year’s Eve, we eat Toshikoshi soba.

…Japan has all these and many more wonderful traditions that should be cherished forever. Take note of these occasions scattered throughout the year and enjoy them. By incorporating the seasonal calendar into your life, the monotonous days of modern life will instead shine bright with color and your heart will be filled with joy.

Aimed at those interested in Japanese customs but unsure about where to start or think it seems difficult and troublesome, “Cherishing the Japanese Lifestyle” is filled with cute illustrations that demonstrate how easily these customs can be incorporated into your everyday life.

Even if you’re not Japanese or you live abroad, adopting just some of these customs into your life will help bring about positive change and spark conversations with family. As for those who are interested in Japan and the lives of the Japanese people, reading this book will help deepen your cultural understanding.

Hopefully, you can enjoy this colorfully illustrated book as an easy-to-read introduction to Japan’s seasonal calendar, with plenty of tips on how to enrich your own daily life.

Author’s Information

The author of this book is Hiromi Sato. Born in 1978. Illustrator. After graduating from a design school and working as a graphic designer, she is currently working as a freelance illustrator. As a writer, this book is her debut work.