Dog

The dog is one of the twelve Chinese zodiac signs which are also used in Japa...
more...

Dragon

Japanese dragons are closely linked with the Chinese and Korean ones. The ma...
more...

Dragonfly

In Japan the dragonfly is a symbol of martial success, as various names for t...
more...

Dutch

For centuries, the Dutch were the only link between Japan and the West. From ...
more...

Ebisu

Ebisu is one of the seven gods of fortune. He is a fisherman and protects wor...
more...

Edamame

Edamame are immature soybeans which are boiled and served cold with some salt...
more...

Eel

In Japanese 'unagi' refers to freshwater eels. Eel dishes are particularly pr...
more...

Fans

Hand fans were invented in China but it seems that the foldable version was a...
more...

Fish watering can

watering cans and other toys in the shapee of a red fish are sold in summer. ...
more...

Flute

The shakuhachi is a traditional bamboo Japanese flute. It was used by Zen mon...
more...

Foxes

Foxes are important in the Japanese folklore. They are considered as intellig...
more...

Fugu

Fugu (pufferfish) is a fish appreciated by Japanese for it's very fine taste....
more...

Fukusuke

Fukusuke is a Japanese character famous for bringing good luck and fortune (f...
more...

Geta

Geta are traditional Japanese sandals. They have an elevated wooden platform ...
more...

Giant catfish

Namazu is a mythological giant catfish. He is kept in the mud beneath the ear...
more...

Ginkgo

The ginkgo biloba tree is considered a living fossil as it's still as it was ...
more...

Girls' day

On the third of May, Japan celebrates the Girls' day or Dolls festival. Dolls...
more...

Gohei mochi

Goshoguruma, ox-drawn carriage

The goshokuruma is an imperial ox-drawn carriage. It was used by the Emperor ...
more...

Grilled mochi

Yakimochi is a mochi (rice cake) grilled. The same sound 焼き餅 means jeal...
more...

Grilled sweet potatoes

Since the Edo period, sweet potatoes are an autumn and winter delicacy in Jap...
more...

Gunbai

The Gunbai is a wooden hand fan used by the Gyoji, the referee of sumo. The r...
more...

Hachimaki

The hachimaki is a Japanese head band often worn by workers or sport supporte...
more...

Half weel cart pattern

The katawaguruma traditional Japanese pattern shows wheels emerging from wate...
more...

Hanafuda card game

Hanafuda is a traditional Japanese card game. Hanafuda means 'flower cards' a...
more...

Hanetsuki game

Hanetsuki is a traditional Japanese game similar to badminton. It is played w...
more...

Happy coat

The happi is a lightweight jacket or coat which is often used as a sign to id...
more...

Horse

The horse is one of the twelve Chinese zodiac signs which are also used in Ja...
more...

Hydrangea

Most varieties of hydrangea originate from Asia, especially China, Japan and ...
more...

Hyotan

Member of the cucurbits family, the Hyotan was introduced to Japan during the...
more...