Blog about japan, internships, career and more

Valentine’s Day in Japan follows a structure unlike its Western counterparts. This article explores how a marketing driven holiday became centered on chocolate, social obligation, and workplace culture, and how those practices have changed over time. From giri-choco and White Day to newer trends like friend and self-gifting, it looks at how changing gender roles and social expectations are influencing how Valentine’s Day is experienced in Japan today.

Japan’s winter festivals turn the cold season into a reason to travel: with dramatic snow and ice displays, evening illuminations, candle and lantern events tied to ancient traditions, and street food stalls serving warming winter specialties. This post introduces some of the winter festivals you can explore across Japan, so if you’re traveling here during winter, they’re well worth fitting into your itinerary!

Winter is an ideal time to explore Japan beyond its major cities, and this post introduces destinations across the country that stand out during the colder months, from onsen villages and castle towns to coastal and mountain regions, where travelers can enjoy activities and cuisine typical of the winter season.

Japan’s skill development model has long relied on internal training, job rotation, and hiring for potential rather than immediate job readiness. This post examines how that system works, how it differs from Western approaches, and how labor shortages, digitalization, and reskilling policies are reshaping training practices for both domestic and foreign employees.

Each New Year in Japan brings a change not only in the calendar, but also in the zodiac animal tied to the year ahead. This post explains how the Japanese zodiac system works, reflects on the Year of the Snake, and looks at what the Year of the Horse represents for 2026.

After the preparations of late December, the New Year in Japan takes on a calmer vibe, with families spending January 1 at home with traditional meals, visiting shrines for their first prayers of the year, and traveling to see relatives during the holiday period. Building on the customs introduced before the New Year, this second part looks at how the first days of January are spent, and how traditions and modern life come together as families mark the start of a new year.