Hiro K

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1. #1Cabinet & Ministries

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   Cabinet & Ministries The executive branch includes the Cabinet Secretariat and key ministries such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), listed via the Prime Minister's Office of Japan.

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2. #2National Diet & Judiciary

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   National Diet & Judiciary The bicameral legislature consists of the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors, alongside the Supreme Court.

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3. #3Independent & Quasi-Gover

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   Independent & Quasi-Gover Bodies like the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) manage trade promotion and foreign aid, viewable via the Bank of Japan Guide.

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4. #4Keidanren (Japan Business

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   Keidanren (Japan Business The primary umbrella organization representing major corporations and industrial sectors.

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5. #5Japan Chamber of Commerce

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   Japan Chamber of Commerce The principal network representing small and medium-sized enterprises across regional hubs.

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6. #6Keizai Doyukai

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   Keizai Doyukai A group focused on broader, long-term economic and social policy debates from a corporate leadership perspective.

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7. #7Japan NPO Center (JNPOC)

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   Japan NPO Center (JNPOC) core resource and coordinating body supporting non-profit infrastructure and international NGO networking, accessible via the Japan NPO Center.

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8. #8Human Rights & Advocacy G

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   Human Rights & Advocacy G Organizations such as Human Rights Careers catalog entities like Human Rights Now and the Japan Civil Liberties Union that handle social equity and legal advocacy.

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9. #9Major Humanitarian & Phil

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   Major Humanitarian & Phil Prominent organizations ranked by scale and donations include Peace Winds Japan, Good Neighbors Japan, and WWF Japan, detailed via Cividata Japan.

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10. #10Yakuza

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    Yakuza The Yakuza (also called gokudō or bōryokudan) are transnational organized crime syndicates originating in Japan.

    Origins and Structure

    • History: Roots trace back to 17th-century kabukimono (eccentric samurai), street peddlers (tekiya), and gamblers (bakuto). The name comes from a losing card game hand (8-9-3, or ya-ku-sa) meaning "good for nothing". • Hierarchy: Organized in a strict patriarchal, family-style hierarchy based on the oyabun (boss) and kobun (protégé) relationship. • Traditions: Famous for distinct cultural practices including irezumi (full-body tattoos) and yubitsume (ritual finger amputation as penance).

    Current Status and Activities

    • Decline: Membership has dropped sharply due to strict anti-yakuza laws, police crackdowns, and social exclusion ordinances. By 2025, active membership declined to around 9,400 members and 8,200 quasi-members. Major syndicates include the Yamaguchi-gumi, Sumiyoshi-kai, and Inagawa-kai. • Operations: Historically engaged in gambling, extortion, and drug trafficking, alongside white-collar fraud (tokushu sagi) and human trafficking. Unlike many global syndicates, they have historically maintained a semi-public presence with listed offices, though severe legal pressure has heavily isolated them from basic banking and public life.

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11. #11Japan Self-Defense Forces

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    Japan Self-Defense Forces The Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) are the de facto military forces of Japan, established on July 1, 1954, under the Ministry of Defense.

    Structure and Branches

    The JSDF consists of three primary service branches: • Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF): Serves as the national land army. • Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF): Operates naval fleets, submarines, and anti-submarine assets. • Japan Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF): Manages air defense, fighter aircraft, and space operations.

    Key Facts

    • Commander-in-Chief: Prime Minister of Japan • Personnel Strength: Approximately 251,500 active personnel and 56,000 reservists. • Defense Budget: Around ¥9.03 trillion (US$57.1 billion), representing roughly 1.9% of GDP. • Constitutional Basis: Rooted in Article 9 of the 1947 Japanese Constitution, which restricts the nation from waging war or maintaining traditional offensive military forces, though policy has increasingly shifted toward active regional deterrence and multi-domain defense capabilities in coordination with the United States.

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12. #12National Police Agency

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    National Police Agency The National Police Agency (Japanese: 警察庁, Hepburn: Keisatsu-chō) is the central coordinating law enforcement agency of the Japanese police system. Unlike national police in other countries, the NPA does not have any operational units of its own aside from the Imperial Guard; rather, it is responsible for supervising Japan's 47 prefectural police departments and determining their general standards and policies, though it can command police agencies under it in national emergencies or large-scale disasters. It is under the National Public Safety Commission of the Cabinet Office.

    As of 2017, the NPA has a strength of approximately 7,800 personnel: 2,100 sworn officers, 900 guards, and 4,800 civilian staff.

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13. #13Tokyo & Greater Tokyo

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    Tokyo & Greater Tokyo Tokyo, officially the Tokyo Metropolis, is the capital and most populous city of Japan. The population of the city proper was over 14 million as of 2023. The Greater Tokyo Area, which includes Tokyo and parts of six neighboring prefectures, is the third-most populous metropolitan area in the world, with 33 million residents as of 2025.

    • Location: Set on the Pacific coast of central Honshu island at the head of Tokyo Bay. • Population: Houses roughly 14.2 million people in the Tokyo Metropolis, while the wider Greater Tokyo Area holds over 33 million residents. • Layout: Consists of 23 special wards, multiple suburban cities, and outer island chains.

    History

    • Edo Period: Started as a small fishing village named Edo. It became the military government's headquarters in 1603 under Tokugawa Ieyasu. • Becoming Capital: Renamed Tokyo ("Eastern Capital") in 1868 when the imperial family and government moved there from Kyoto during the Meiji Restoration.

    Economy and Culture

    • Economy: Generates over one-fifth of Japan's total economic output and hosts major global corporate headquarters. • Life and Style: Blends historic temples and traditional gardens with neon-lit shopping districts, massive transit networks, and world-class culinary options.

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14. #14Hokkaido

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    Hokkaido Hokkaido is Japan's northernmost and second-largest main island, famous for its dramatic wilderness, world-class powder snow, and dairy and seafood production.

    • Capital and Largest City: Sapporo • Population: Approximately 4.98 million people (with the lowest population density in Japan) • Geography: Bordered by the Sea of Japan, the Sea of Okhotsk, and the Pacific Ocean, featuring active volcanoes, national parks, and wide-open farmlands. • Climate: Humid continental climate featuring warm, low-humidity summers and heavy ocean-effect snowfall in winter.

    Highlights & Attractions

    • Winter Sports: Home to premier ski and snowboard resorts like Niseko, Rusutsu, and Furano, as well as the annual Sapporo Snow Festival. • Nature & Parks: Features eight national parks including Shiretoko National Park (known for drift ice and brown bears), Daisetsuzan National Park, and Lake Toya. • Hot Springs (Onsen): Famous geothermal soaking towns like Noboribetsu (Hell Valley) and Jozankei. • Culture & History: Originally the ancestral homeland of the indigenous Ainu people, showcased at sites like the Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park. • Food & Drink: Celebrated for Sapporo miso ramen, soup curry, fresh crab, sea urchin, Jingisukan (grilled lamb), and dairy goods like butter, ice cream, and chocolate.

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15. #15Miyagi

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    Miyagi Miyagi Prefecture is located in the Tōhoku region of northern Honshu, Japan, about 300 kilometers northeast of Tokyo. Its capital and largest city is Sendai. The prefecture covers 7,282 square kilometers and has a population of roughly 2.3 million people. It is famous for Matsushima Bay, local seafood, and roast cow tongue (gyutan).

    • Location: Bordered by Iwate, Akita, Yamagata, and Fukushima prefectures, facing the Pacific Ocean. • Travel Time: About 90 minutes from Tokyo via the Tohoku Shinkansen bullet train to Sendai Station. • Air Travel: Served by Sendai International Airport with domestic and international connections.

    Top Attractions

    • Matsushima Bay: Celebrated as one of Japan's three most scenic views, filled with hundreds of pine-clad islets. • Zao Fox Village: A sanctuary housing dozens of freely roaming foxes. • Cat Island (Tashirojima): An island known for its large population of stray cats. • Mount Zao: Famous for its teal-colored Okama crater lake and winter "snow monsters". • Sendai City: Home to the Zuihoden mausoleum, castle ruins, and the annual Sendai Tanabata Festival in August.

    Famous Local Food

    • Gyutan: Charcoal-grilled beef tongue, a signature Sendai specialty. • Seafood: Fresh oysters, saury, and coastal catches from Sendai Bay. • Zundamochi: Sweet pounded rice cakes coated in a mashed green soybean paste.

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16. #16Kanagawa

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    Kanagawa Kanagawa Prefecture is a densely populated and culturally rich region located directly south of Tokyo in the Kantō region of Honshu, Japan. Its capital is Yokohama, Japan's second-largest city.

    • Location & Size: Bordered by Tokyo, Yamanashi, and Shizuoka with a Pacific coastline along Tokyo and Sagami Bays. • Population: The second-most populous prefecture in Japan with over 9.2 million residents. • Capital: Yokohama, a major cosmopolitan port city and Japan's second-largest city by population.

    Major Destinations & Attractions

    • Yokohama: Features a futuristic waterfront skyline in Minato Mirai, Yokohama Chinatown (the largest in Japan), and the historic Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse. • Kamakura: Renowned for its medieval history as a former political center (1185–1333), featuring Zen temples and the famous bronze Great Buddha. • Hakone: A mountainous region celebrated for its natural hot springs (onsen), ryokan inns, volcanic valleys like Owakudani, and stunning views of Mt. Fuji.

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17. #17Aichi

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    Aichi Aichi Prefecture is a major industrial and cultural hub in central Japan's Chūbu/Tōkai region, with its capital and largest city being Nagoya.

    • Location: Bordered by Mie, Gifu, Nagano, and Shizuoka prefectures along the Pacific coast. • Population: Approximately 7.4 million people. • Geography: Features the Nōbi Plain, the Chita and Atsumi peninsulas, and extensive protected parklands.

    Economy and Industry

    • Industrial Powerhouse: Aichi holds Japan's second-largest GDP and leads the nation in manufacturing shipments. • Automotive & Manufacturing: It is the birthplace and headquarters of Toyota Motor Corporation, alongside major companies like Denso, Aisin, and Brother Industries.

    Culture and Tourism

    • Samurai History: The region was a crucial stronghold for historic shoguns and samurai leaders, including Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu. • Top Attractions: Key sites include Nagoya Castle, the historic Inuyama Castle, Atsuta Shrine, and Ghibli Park. • Local Specialties: Renowned regional foods include Hitsumabushi (grilled eel rice bowl), Miso Katsu, and Miso Nikomi Udon.

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18. #18Kyoto

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    Kyoto Kyoto is a major city on the island of Honshu in west-central Japan, renowned as the country's cultural heart and its imperial capital from 794 to 1869.

    History and Significance

    • Imperial Capital: Founded in 794 as Heian-kyō, it served as the seat of the Emperor and the national capital for over a millennium. • Wartime Preservation: The city was spared from major aerial bombardment during World War II, preserving an immense concentration of historical structures. • UNESCO Heritage: It contains roughly 2,000 temples and shrines, including multiple designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

    Key Highlights & Attractions

    • Iconic Temples & Shrines: Famous landmarks include the gold-leaf Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), the hillside Kiyomizu-dera, and the thousands of vermilion torii gates at Fushimi Inari-taisha. • Traditional Districts: The historic Gion district is celebrated for its preserved wooden machiya townhouses and geisha (geiko and maiko) culture. • Arts and Cuisine: Kyoto remains the center for traditional Japanese arts like tea ceremonies, kaiseki dining, and craft production such as ceramics and textiles.

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19. #19Osaka

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    Osaka Osaka is Japan’s vibrant second-largest urban hub, located in the south-central Honshu region along Osaka Bay, and is widely celebrated as the nation's culinary and merchant capital.

    Major Highlights & Attractions

    • Osaka Castle: A historic 16th-century landmark built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, featuring expansive parklands, impressive stone walls, a museum, and scenic cherry blossoms in spring. • Dōtonbori: A neon-lit entertainment and nightlife district famous for massive glowing signs (like the Glico Running Man) and lively street energy. • Kaiyukan Aquarium(Osaka Aquarium): One of the largest and most impressive public aquariums in the world, showcasing Pacific Rim marine life. • Universal Studios Japan: A massive international theme park featuring popular zones like Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. • Shinsekai: A retro neighborhood developed in 1912, featuring the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower and traditional local eateries.

    Food Culture ("The Nation's Kitchen")

    Osaka is famous for a democratic, outgoing food culture centered around affordable, high-flavor street eats. Signature local dishes include: • Takoyaki: Ball-shaped octopus-filled batter savory treats. • Okonomiyaki: Savory cabbage and meat/seafood pancakes cooked on a flat grill. • Kushikatsu: Deep-fried meat and vegetable skewers.

    Geography & Districts

    The city is broadly split into two primary areas: • Kita (North/Umeda): A bustling commercial, high-rise hotel, and major railway transportation hub. • Minami (South/Namba/Shinsaibashi): The premier retail, dining, and nightlife entertainment core.

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20. #20Hyōgo

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    Hyōgo Hyōgo Prefecture is a diverse region in the Kansai region of Honshu, Japan, stretching from the Sea of Japan to the Seto Inland Sea, with Kobe serving as its capital.

    Geography & Administration

    • Location: Bordered by Kyoto, Osaka, Okayama, and Tottori prefectures, it includes Awaji Island and coastlines on both the Seto Inland Sea and the Sea of Japan. • Key Statistics: Covers an area of over 8,390 square kilometers with a population of approximately 5.5 million people. • Regions: Historically and geographically divided into five distinct regions: Settsu, Harima, Tajima, Tamba, and Awaji.

    Major Attractions & Tourism

    • Himeji Castle: A UNESCO World Heritage site and Japan's largest, most pristine original samurai-era castle, famously nicknamed the "White Heron Castle". • Hot Springs (Onsen): Home to historic hot spring towns including Arima Onsen (one of Japan's oldest) and the tattoo-friendly Kinosaki Onsen. • Scenic & Historic Sites: Features the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge connecting to Awaji Island and the mountain-side Takeda Castle Ruins, often called "Japan's Machu Picchu".

    Local Economy & Culture

    • Cuisine: Renowned globally for world-famous Kobe Beef (Tajima cattle), alongside local specialties like akashiyaki (egg-based octopus dumplings) and Matsuba crab. • Industry & Innovation: A major pillar of the Hanshin Industrial Region, supporting heavy manufacturing, shipping via the Port of Kobe, and advanced research facilities like the SPring-8 synchrotron radiation facility.

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21. #21Hiroshima

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    Hiroshima Hiroshima is the capital of Hiroshima Prefecture, located in the Chugoku region of southwestern Honshu, Japan, with a population of approximately 1.2 million people.

    History & Significance

    • Founding: Founded in 1589 by feudal lord Mōri Terumoto as a castle town on the Ōta River delta (the name means "broad island"). • World War II: On August 6, 1945, at 8:15 a.m., Hiroshima became the first city in history to be targeted by a nuclear weapon when the U.S. dropped the atomic bomb "Little Boy". The devastating blast and subsequent radiation claimed an estimated 140,000 lives by the end of 1945.

    Key Landmarks & Attractions

    • Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum: Dedicated to the victims of the atomic bombing and global peace, housing the Flame for Peace and the Children's Peace Monument. • Atomic Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome): The skeletal ruins of the former Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, left preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage site near the hypocenter. • Hiroshima Castle: A historic reconstructed five-story castle keep surrounded by a wide moat and spacious park grounds. • Shukkei-en Garden: A traditional Japanese landscape garden featuring serene ponds, arched bridges, and teahouses. • Miyajima Island: A nearby island famous for its iconic "floating" Itsukushima Shrine torii gate.

    Local Cuisine

    • Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki: A savory layered pancake made with cabbage, pork, fried noodles, and eggs, often enjoyed at the multi-story Okonomimura food hall. • Local Oysters: Harvested from the Seto Inland Sea since the 16th century.

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22. #22Fukuoka

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    Fukuoka Fukuoka is a vibrant coastal hub on the northern shore of Kyushu and serves as the capital of Fukuoka Prefecture. As one of Japan's most populous and fastest-growing major cities, it blends a rich trading history with modern urban life.

    Key Characteristics & Geography

    • The Merger: Formed in 1889 when the merchant town of Hakata (east) and the samurai castle town of Fukuoka (west) combined. • Gateway to Asia: Geographically closer to Seoul and Busan than to Tokyo, it has functioned as an international port and trade conduit for over two millennia. • City Layout: Centered around key districts like Hakata (transport and business hub), Tenjin (shopping and culture center), and Nakasu (nightlife island).

    Famous Food Culture

    • Tonkotsu Ramen: Celebrated globally as the birthplace of rich, creamy pork-bone Hakata-style ramen. • Yatai Stalls: Iconic open-air street food stalls (especially around Nakasu and Tenjin) serving local specialties like yakitori, ramen, and goma saba (raw mackerel). • Mentaiko: Spicy marinated pollock roe, a beloved regional delicacy.

    Top Attractions

    • Ohori Park: A scenic lakeside park built around the former moat of Fukuoka Castle. • Kushida Shrine & Tocho-ji Temple: Historic spiritual sites in the Hakata district. • Fukuoka Tower & Canal City: Iconic modern architecture and sprawling entertainment complexes. • Dazaifu Tenmangu: A famous historic shrine located just a short trip outside the main city center.

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23. #23Hinamatsuri (Dolls' Festi

    Keys: Hinamatsuri, Dolls' Festival, Doll's Day, Girls' Day

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    Hinamatsuri (Dolls' Festi Hinamatsuri (Japanese: 雛祭り), also called Doll's Day or Girls' Day, is an annual festival in Japan (but not a national holiday), celebrated on March 3rd of each year. Platforms covered with a red carpet material are used to display a set of ornamental dolls (雛人形, hina-ningyō) representing the emperor, empress, attendants, and musicians in traditional court dress of the Heian period.

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24. #24Hanami (Cherry Blossom Vi

    Keys: Hanami, Cherry Blossom Festival

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    Hanami (Cherry Blossom Vi Hanami (花見; "flower viewing"; pronounced [hanamiꜜ]) is the Japanese traditional custom of enjoying the transient beauty of flowers; flowers (花, hana) in this case almost always mean those of the cherry (桜, sakura) or, less frequently, plum (梅, ume) trees. From the end of March to early May, cherry trees bloom all over Japan, and around the second week of January on the island of Okinawa. The blossom forecast (桜前線, sakura-zensen) "cherry blossom front" is announced each year by the Japan Meteorological Agency and watched carefully by those planning hanami, as the blossoms only last a week or two.

    In modern-day Japan, hanami mostly consists of having an outdoor party beneath the sakura during daytime or at night. In some contexts the Sino-Japanese term kan'ō (観桜; view-cherry) is used instead, particularly for festivals. Hanami at night is called yozakura (夜桜) "night cherry blossom". In many places such as Ueno Park temporary paper lanterns are hung for the purpose of yozakura. On the island of Okinawa, decorative electric lanterns are hung in the trees for evening enjoyment, such as on the trees ascending Mt. Yae, near Motobu Town, or at the Nakijin Castle.

    A more ancient form of hanami also exists in Japan, which is enjoying the plum blossoms instead, which is narrowly referred to as umemi (梅見; plum-viewing). This kind of hanami is popular among older people, because they are calmer than the sakura parties, which usually involve younger people and can sometimes be very crowded and noisy.

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25. #25Golden Week

    Keys: Golden Week

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    Golden Week Golden Week (Japanese: ゴールデンウィーク, Hepburn: Gōruden Wīku)[a] or Ōgon Shūkan (黄金週間) is a holiday period in Japan from 29 April to 5 May containing multiple public holidays. It is also known as Haru no Ōgata Renkyū (春の大型連休; Long spring holiday series).

    One of Japan's largest holiday periods of the year, Golden Week often sees a surge in vacation travel throughout the country. Four days of the week are officially designated as public holidays, with workers often opting to take the full week off.

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26. #26Sanja Matsuri

    Keys: Sanja Matsuri, Three Shrine Festival, Sanja Festival

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    Sanja Matsuri Sanja Matsuri (三社祭; literally "Three Shrine Festival"), or Sanja Festival, is one of the three largest Shinto festivals in Tokyo. It is considered one of the wildest and largest in Japan. The festival is held in honor of Hinokuma Hamanari, Hinokuma Takenari, and Hajino Nakatomo, the three men who established and founded the Sensō-ji Buddhist temple. Sanja Matsuri is held on the third weekend of every May at Asakusa Shrine. Its prominent parades revolve around three mikoshi (the portable shrines referenced in the festival's name), as well as traditional music and dancing. Over the course of three days, the festival attracts 1.5–2 million locals and tourists every year.

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27. #27Gion Matsuri

    Keys: Gion Festival, Gion Matsuri

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    Gion Matsuri The Gion Festival (祇園祭, Gion Matsuri) is one of the largest and most famous festivals in Japan, taking place annually during the month of July in Kyoto. Many events take place in central Kyoto and at the Yasaka Shrine, the festival's patron shrine, located in Kyoto's famous Gion district, which gives the festival its name. It is formally a Shinto festival, and its original purposes were purification and pacification of disease-causing entities. There are many ceremonies held during the festival, but it is best known for its two Yamaboko Junkō (山鉾巡行) processions of floats, which take place on July 17 and 24.

    The three nights leading up to each day of a procession are sequentially called yoiyoiyoiyama (宵々々山), yoiyoiyama (宵々山), and yoiyama (宵山). During these yoiyama evenings, Kyoto's downtown area is reserved for pedestrian traffic, and some traditional private houses near the floats open their entryways to the public, exhibiting family heirlooms in a custom known as the Folding Screen Festival (屏風祭り, Byōbu Matsuri). Additionally, the streets are lined with night stalls selling food such as yakitori (barbecued chicken on skewers), taiyaki, takoyaki (fried octopus balls), okonomiyaki, traditional Japanese sweets, and many other culinary delights.

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28. #28Sumidagawa Fireworks Fest

    Keys: Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival, Fireworks Festival

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    Sumidagawa Fireworks Fest The Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival (Japanese: 隅田川花火大会, Hepburn: Sumidagawa Hanabi Taikai) is an annual fireworks festival held on the last Saturday in July, over the Sumidagawa River near Asakusa. The Sumidagawa Hanabi Taikai follows the Japanese tradition of being a competition between rival pyrotechnic groups. It is a revival of celebrations held in the Edo period, and annually attracts close to a million celebrants. Similar events are held at the same time of year at many other sites throughout Japan.

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29. #29Obon

    Keys: Obon, Bon

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    Obon Obon (お盆; [o.boꜜɴ]) or just Bon (盆; [boꜜɴ]) is a fusion of the ancient Japanese belief in ancestral spirits and a Japanese Buddhist custom to honor the spirits of one's ancestors. This syncretic folk Buddhist custom has evolved into a family reunion holiday during which people return to ancestral family places and visit and clean their ancestors' graves when the spirits of ancestors are supposed to revisit the household altars. It has been celebrated in Japan for more than 500 years and traditionally includes a dance, known as Bon Odori.

    The festival of Obon lasts for three days; however, its starting date varies within different regions of Japan. When the lunar calendar was changed to the Gregorian calendar at the beginning of the Meiji era, the localities in Japan responded differently, which resulted in three different times of Obon. Traditionally, Obon was celebrated on the 15th day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar.

    Obon is now observed during one of the following periods:

    July 15 of the Gregorian calendar (Shichigatsu Bon or "Bon in July"): Observed in Tokyo and some urban areas of the Tōhoku and Hokuriku regions where agricultural busy seasons do not overlap with the festival dates. This practice is sometimes referred to as "Tokyo Obon." August 15 of the Gregorian calendar (Hachigatsu Bon or "Bon in August"; Tsukiokure Bon or "Month Later Obon"): This is the most commonly celebrated time across Japan. These days are not listed as public holidays, but it is customary for people to be given leave.

    Within the Japanese diaspora, the obon is usually tied to a fundraising event for a temple, church, and even non-sectarian Japanese community organizations. As a result, Japanese organizations within a particular region will often coordinate their dates on different weekends throughout the summer as the participants were not expected to be given leave during the workweek if the date fell on a weekday, and to allow for the greater community to support each other's events. It isn't uncommon for families in regions with a larger Japanese emigrant population to visit multiple festivals in support of the greater community.

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30. #30Aomori Nebuta Matsuri

    Keys: Aomori Nebuta Matsuri, Aomori Nebuta Festival, Aomori Nebuta

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    Aomori Nebuta Matsuri The Aomori Nebuta Matsuri (青森ねぶた祭; "Aomori Nebuta Festival" or simply "Aomori Nebuta") is a Japanese summer festival that takes place in Aomori, Aomori Prefecture, Japan in early August. The festival attracts the most tourists of any of the country's nebuta festivals, and is counted among the three largest festivals in the Tōhoku region. It was designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 1980, and as one of the 100 Soundscapes of Japan by the Ministry of the Environment in 1996.

    "Nebuta" refers to the float of a brave warrior-figure which is carried through the center of the city, while dancers wearing a unique type of costume called haneto (ハネト) dance around in time with the chant Rasserā (ラッセラー) (shortened dialectal version of "irasshai", calling visitors and customers to watch or join). In the local dialect, participation in the festival is inquired using the verb haneru (ハネル; ex. "今日もハネル?" or "Will you haneru today?"), which was derived from the Japanese spelling of the haneto costume and the verb haneru (跳ねる; "bounce").

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31. #31Tokyo Game Show

    Keys: Tokyo Game Show, TGS

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    Tokyo Game Show Tokyo Game Show (東京ゲームショウ, Tōkyō Gēmu Shō), commonly known as TGS, is a video game trade fair and convention held annually in September in the Makuhari Messe, in Chiba, Japan. It is presented by the Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association (CESA) and Nikkei Business Publications, Inc. The main focus of the show is on Japanese games, but some international video game developers use it to showcase upcoming releases/related hardware. The duration of the event is four days. The first two days of Tokyo Game Show are open only to industry attendees (business) and the general public can attend during the final two days.

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32. #32Jidai Matsuri

    Keys: Jidai Matsuri, Festival of the Ages

    Enabled · Before character · Order 31

    Jidai Matsuri The Jidai Matsuri (時代祭; "Festival of the Ages") is a traditional Japanese festival (also called matsuri) held annually on October 22 in Kyoto, Japan. It is one of Kyoto's three major festivals, with the other two being the Aoi Matsuri, held annually on May 15, and the Gion Matsuri, which is held annually from 17 to July 24. It is a festival enjoyed by people of all ages, participating in its historical reenactment parade dressed in authentic costumes representing various periods, and characters in Japanese feudal history.

    The Jidai Matsuri traces its roots to the relocation of the Japanese capital from Kyoto to Tokyo during the Meiji Restoration in 1868. This involved the relocation of the Emperor of Japan and the Imperial family, the Imperial Palace, and thousands of government officials and subjects to the new city. Fearing for Kyoto's loss of glory and interest from her people, and to commemorate its history, the city government and the Kyoto prefectural government commemorated the 1100th anniversary of the founding of Heian-kyō (平安京), which was the former name of Kyoto, in 794 by Emperor Kanmu (桓武天皇, Kanmu-tennō) (737–806). To inaugurate the first Jidai celebration in 1895, the city government built the Heian Shrine (平安神宮, Heian jingū) to enshrine the spirit of Emperor Kanmu. To add meaning to the festival, it staged a costume procession representing people of each era in Kyoto history. In 1940, the local government decided that on top of honouring Emperor Kanmu, the Jidai festival was also to be held in honour of Emperor Kōmei (孝明天皇, Kōmei-tennō) (July 22, 1831 – January 30, 1867) for his work in unifying the country, the power of the imperial court and the affirmation of Kyoto as the center of Japan at the decline of the Tokugawa shogunate and the end of the Edo period.

    The Jidai Matsuri begins in early morning with the mikoshi (portable shrines) brought out of the Kyoto Imperial Palace so that people may pay their respects. The mikoshi represents both Emperor Kanmu and Emperor Kōmei. The five-hour, two-kilometer costume procession begins in the afternoon, with approximately 2,000 performers dressed as samurai, military figures, and common people, from the earliest eras to the Meiji era. These are followed by Japanese women who are dressed in elaborate jūnihitoe (十二単衣, juunihitoe). Finally, the mikoshi are carried from the palace and are accompanied by a costumed military band that plays the gagaku. The procession ends at the Heian Shrine.

    The Jidai Matsuri in 2019 was rescheduled to 26 October due to the Enthronement ceremony of Emperor Naruhito.

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33. #33Culture Day (Bunka no Hi)

    Keys: Culture Day, Bunka no Hi

    Enabled · Before character · Order 32

    Culture Day (Bunka no Hi) Culture Day (文化の日, Bunka no Hi) is a public holiday in Japan held annually on November 3 to promote culture, the arts, and academic endeavour. Festivities typically include art exhibitions, parades, and award ceremonies for distinguished artists and scholars.

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34. #34Shichi-Go-San

    Keys: Shichi-Go-San, seven-five-three

    Enabled · Before character · Order 33

    Shichi-Go-San Shichi-Go-San (七五三, lit. 'seven-five-three') is a traditional Japanese rite of passage and festival day for three- and seven-year-old girls, and five-year-old and sometimes three-year-old boys. It is held annually on November 15 and celebrates the growth and well-being of young children. As it is not a national holiday, it is generally observed on the nearest weekend.

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35. #35Chichibu Night Festival

    Keys: Chichibu Night Festival, Chichibu Yo Matsuri

    Enabled · Before character · Order 34

    Chichibu Night Festival The Chichibu Night Festival (秩父夜祭, Chichibu Yo Matsuri) is an annual festival held between 2 and 3 December in Chichibu, centred at the Chichibu Shrine The festival has been held for over 300 years, and has been described as a Japanese UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage item. In March 2020, the Time Out magazine described the Chichibu Night Festival as one of Japan's big three float festivals, along with the Gion Festival in Kyoto and the Takayama Festivals in Gifu.

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36. #36Joya no Kane

    Keys: Joya no Kane, new year's eve bell

    Enabled · Before character · Order 35

    Joya no Kane Joya no Kane (除夜の鐘) lit. 'new year's eve bell' is a Japanese Buddhist event held annually on New Year's Eve. The bell, or bonshō, is struck at midnight of December 31, as a part of the Ōmisoka celebrations. Most temples ring the bell 108 times. It is celebrated mainly in Japan, but also in South Korea and at Japanese Buddhist temples around the world.

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37. #37Sapporo Snow Festival

    Keys: Sapporo Snow Festival, Sapporo Yuki-matsuri

    Enabled · Before character · Order 36

    Sapporo Snow Festival The Sapporo Snow Festival (札幌雪祭り, Sapporo Yuki-matsuri) is a festival held annually in Sapporo, Japan, over seven days in February. Odori Park, Susukino, and Tsudome are the main sites of the festival.

    In 2007 (57th festival), about two million people visited Sapporo to see the hundreds of snow statues and ice sculptures at the Odori Park and Susukino sites, in central Sapporo, and at the Satoland site. An International Snow Sculpture Contest has been held at the Odori Park site since 1974, and 14 teams from various regions of the world participated in 2008.

    The subject of the statues varies and often features an event, famous building or person from the previous year. For example, in 2004, there were statues of Hideki Matsui, the famous baseball player who at that time played for the New York Yankees. A number of stages made out of snow are also constructed and some events including musical performances are held. At the Satoland site, visitors can enjoy the long snow and ice slides as well as a huge maze made of snow. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of regional foods from all over Hokkaidō at the Odori Park and Satoland sites, such as fresh seafood, potatoes, corn, and fresh dairy products.[citation needed]

    Every year the number of statues displayed is around 400 in total.[citation needed] In 2007, there were 307 statues created at the Odori Park site, 32 at the Satoland site and 100 at the Susukino site. A good view of the creations can be seen from the TV Tower at the Odori Park site.

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38. #38Grand Sumo Tournaments

    Keys: Grand Sumo Tournaments, honbasho

    Enabled · Before character · Order 37

    Grand Sumo Tournaments A honbasho (Japanese: 本場所), or Grand Sumo Tournament in English, is an official professional sumo tournament. Only honbasho results matter in determining promotion and relegation for rikishi (sumo wrestlers) on the banzuke ranking. Before the 19th century, a wrestler's record at a tournament was of little consequence and the number of honbasho held every year varied, as did their length. Honbasho have been organized by the Japan Sumo Association since 1926, following the merger of the Tokyo and Osaka sumo associations. Since 1958, there are six tournaments held over 15 consecutive days in four locations every year. They are held every other month, with the first in January.

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39. #39Keep quiet

    Always on · Before character · Order 38

    Keep quiet Speak softly or avoid talking on the phone while riding trains, buses, or in indoor public areas.

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40. #40No walking/eating

    Always on · Before character · Order 39

    No walking/eating Avoid eating or drinking on local city trains and walking down the street.

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41. #41Escalator standing

    Always on · Before character · Order 40

    Escalator standing Stand on the left side in Tokyo and the right side in Osaka, leaving the other side open for people walking.

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42. #42Trash bins

    Always on · Before character · Order 41

    Trash bins Public trash cans are rare; carry your rubbish with you or dispose of it near convenience store or station bins.

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43. #43No tipping

    Always on · Before character · Order 42

    No tipping Tipping is not customary and can cause confusion or offense.

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44. #44Chopstick rules

    Always on · Before character · Order 43

    Chopstick rules Do not stick chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice (it resembles funeral rites) or pass food directly from chopstick to chopstick. Place them on a hashioki (rest) when not in use.

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45. #45Pay at the counter

    Always on · Before character · Order 44

    Pay at the counter At many casual restaurants, bring your bill or pay at the front register rather than waiting for table service.

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46. #46Slurping is polite

    Always on · Before character · Order 45

    Slurping is polite Slurping noodles (like ramen or udon) shows you are enjoying the meal.

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47. #47Wash first

    Always on · Before character · Order 46

    Wash first Thoroughly wash and rinse yourself at the seated shower stations before stepping into the communal hot spring bath.

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48. #48Go nude

    Always on · Before character · Order 47

    Go nude Swimsuits are not worn in traditional onsens.

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49. #49Keep towels out of the wa

    Always on · Before character · Order 48

    Keep towels out of the wa Rest your small modesty towel on the edge of the tub or on top of your head, never dipping it into the hot water.

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50. #50Remove shoes

    Always on · Before character · Order 49

    Remove shoes Take off your shoes whenever you see a raised floor (genkan), traditional tatami mat room, temple, or ryokan.

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