Discover how Japan names years using 元号 and 干支. Learn the era system, zodiac animals, and how Japanese people talk about the year.

Learn how Japanese people spend Omisoka (New Year’s Eve), including family time, TV shows, Joya no Kane, and Toshikoshi soba traditions.

Discover Japan’s winter illuminations in Harajuku, Shinjuku, and Shibuya, including the famous Blue Cave. A cozy look at seasonal lights in Tokyo.

See how AI in daily life in Japan is changing how we work, shop, study, and live—often without us even noticing.

It’s December! The weather was warm, a peaceful start to the month. Did you accomplish what you wanted this year? Only one month left in 2025!

Learn how Black Friday in Japan is calmer and different from the U.S., with small sales at malls, supermarkets, and online shops. Did you buy anything this year?