THE 20 MOST CURIOUS TRADITIONS OF JAPAN - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The traditions of Japan are among the most recognizable in the world for their peculiarities and idiosyncrasies. Some of them are really weird, most of them associated with etiquette, politeness, religion, and old superstitions.

The Japanese country is one of the most socially and technologically advanced, but this has not meant that they have lost their most fervent traditions, since they are a people deeply rooted in their popular customs.

Traditional Japanese umbrellas. Image by Kohji Asakawa from Pixabay

Main Japanese traditions

Sumo wrestling

Sumo is the national sport of Japan and is characterized by having two fighters of enormous dimensions within a circular area. Due to tradition, it is the only sport that can be practiced professionally by men. However, women can do it in an amateur way.

The ceremony has multiple pre and post rituals; however, the rules of engagement are extremely simple. Warriors will always look for their enemy to leave the circle or to end up without their mawashi, the only garment they use during the confrontation.

Bonenkai Parties

Bonenkai are very popular festivals that are celebrated in Japan during the month of December. These events are intended for people to forget all their problems and bad experiences in the last 12 months. Plus, it builds hope that better things will happen next year.

Generally, the ceremony is held between coworkers, university or friends. And although the party may have games of chance, the guests mainly spend their time drinking and chatting with the people around them.

Yamayaki Festival

Qume of dead grass. From 名古屋 太郎 - 投稿 者 が 撮 影 ​​。PENTAX K10D + smc PENTAX-A ZOOM 1: 4 70-210mm, CC BY-SA 3.0, Since the 14th century, on the fourth Saturday of every January, an unusual Festival called Yamayaki has taken place in the Kansai region. This event consists of burning the vegetation of a mountain before spring, specifically the slopes of the ancient Wakakusa volcano.

As you can imagine, it is visually impressive. In addition, it is usually accompanied by a fireworks display. But, there is nothing to be alarmed about, everything is controlled. It is believed that this tradition was born thanks to the ancient disputes over the land and the problems they had with wild boars.

Toka Ebisu Festival

The tradition of this festival dates back to the Edo period, between 1603 and 1868. At that time, the city of Osaka was at the peak of commercial prosperity. The event usually attracts more than a million people and lasts three days, from January 9 to 11.

There are generally stalls selling rice cakes and lucky charms such as Daruma statuettes or imitations of old gold coins. In addition, the large fish market often attracts the attention of fans of dorado fish, as it is usually served during the festivities.

Love padlocks

In Japan there is an old tradition among lovers, which consists of writing a very romantic message and keeping it inside a padlock. Then the couple closes it in a very romantic place. Among the most popular is the Enoshima Island Bell of Love.

Usually the couple throws the key in places where it can never be retrieved. For example, they usually throw it into the sea, rivers or cliffs. Interestingly, couples will never leave a love lock without asking permission. However, most romantic places encourage this tradition.

Nagashi bull

Toro Nagashi, also known as the floating lanterns on the rivers, is a Japanese ceremony that represents the journey of souls to the afterlife. These lights are believed to guide the deceased to the spirit world. It is celebrated on the last night of the Obon festival.

The ceremony can be held on other days of the year for other commemorations. For example, it was held in honor of those lost in the Hiroshima bombing and for those who died on Japan Airlines Flight 123.

Make mochi

Mochi ice cream. Image by skeeze from Pixabay

Mochi is a misshapen paste that is stacked in blocks and is part of the ingredients of multiple cakes and sweets. This dough is made by crushing a variety of rice with a large wooden mallet. They are extremely popular, in fact it is rare to meet someone who does not like mochi.

There are even appliances that prepare rice in the form of mochi and are available in most markets. However, many families enjoy preparing them in the traditional way, especially for special occasions like the New Year.

Ehomaki

Ehomaki is a Japanese tradition that consists of eating a whole sushi roll without cutting it into small pieces. Although the event started only in Osaka, it has spread across the country in recent years, thanks to the marketing campaigns of Japanese food stores.

It always takes place one day before starting a new season. They consider it to be an excellent way to guide life in the direction of good fortune. After all, the transition to another weather season represents the changes the world is making.

Rishun

Risshun is another Japanese festival that is celebrated in the transition of the seasons. However, this occurs especially on the eve before spring according to the Japanese lunar calendar. Traditionally, it is believed that the spiritual plane is approaching our world at this time, and for that reason, there is a high probability that demons will appear.

To solve this problem, parents all over Japan put on an oni mask and try to scare their children, because the screams drive away evil spirits. They even make children throw roasted soybeans to drive away demons.

Fukubukuro

Fukubukuro, also known as the "lucky bag", is a Japanese shopping tradition that some shops offer at New Years. It is a mysterious packaging that contains all kinds of items. However, its popularity is due to the deep discounts that Fukubukuro have.

The most enthusiastic customers often wait outside the most popular establishments. After all, some stores put very expensive prizes inside some random bags. The queues are usually so long that they can measure several city blocks. Even when the store opens for several hours.

The Hakama and graduations

The hakama is a traditional Japanese garment that is tied to the legs of a kimono. Historically these pants were used only by teachers, samurai and workers. However, eventually the teachers began to wear the hakama and at one point the garment gained an academic image.

As a result, the girls began to wear the hakama for their college graduation ceremonies. It can be said that these clothes are equivalent to the caps that are used in America and Europe during these celebrations. Interestingly, men can choose to wear a Hakama or a Western suit.

The furisode and the unmarried girls

Continuing with the garments and their traditions, the kimono is a Japanese costume that possesses a variety of styles and symbolism. One of the most important is the furisode, which is characterized by having bright colors and extremely wide sleeves, which hang below the knees.

These kimonos are very difficult to wear and traditionally could only be worn by young single women. Many women wore a furisode during ceremonies celebrating their coming of age. Currently, the only young women who wear this kimono are geisha apprentices.

Winter solstice

Yuzu is a citrus fruit that looks a lot like an orange. It is used for infusions and its peel is a very common ingredient in sauce dressings. However, it plays an important role during the winter solstice, which occurs around December 21 of each year.

It all started about 200 years ago, when some hot spring baths and inns began placing this fruit in their pools. Currently, they often use the fruit to mark the winter solstice in multiple promotional events that seek to attract many customers.

Hina matsuri

Hina Matsuri, also known as the Doll Festival, is a ceremony held every March 3 in Japan. It is dedicated especially to girls, which is why it is also known as the Girls' Festival.

Generally, they are displayed on a ladder-shaped altar which is covered with red cloth. Several dolls dressed in traditional kimonos are placed on it. They are ordered hierarchically and represent characters of the imperial court of the Heian Era. These dolls are often passed from generation to generation within the family.

Koinobori

Koinobori flag. Image by chibonga from Pixabay

Koinobori are traditional Japanese flags shaped like a carp fish, which are raised to celebrate Children's Day. The reason is because the vigorous movement of a koinobori is believed to represent a healthy childhood. Therefore, millions of Koinobori are placed throughout Japan during Golden Week.

This object is related to an ancient story about a carp fish that swam against the current of a stream to become a dragon. They are generally located next to rivers and in front of houses where at least one child lives.

Hanami

Hanami is the Japanese tradition of observing the beauty of flowers. It is generally associated with the period when the Japanese flock to parks and gardens to watch the cherry blossoms bloom.

The festivities usually start in late February and end in early May. It all depends on the different climates that exist in the various regions of the country. Tours and picnics are organized around these dates. In fact, many families and companies use these traditions to enjoy the most popular events of the spring.

Shichi-go-san

Shichi-Go-San, also known as “seven, five, three”, is a tradition celebrated on November 15 of each year. During this festival, boys who are 5 years old and girls who are 3 or 7 years old are taken to local altars to pray for a safe and healthy future.

This festival originates from the belief that certain ages were very prone to attract bad luck and for that reason they needed greater divine protection. After visiting the altar, many people buy a special candy that is sold on those dates.

Ōmisoka

Ōmisoka is the celebration of New Years Eve in the nation of the sun. In fact, it is the second most important holiday on the Japanese calendar.

On this day the ōsōji is practiced, a ritual that lies in the general cleaning at the end of the year. This includes both houses, schools, businesses and other establishments. The purpose of all this is to welcome the Japanese New Year in an orderly way.

Very special long noodles are consumed at night, which represent the best way to "welcome the new year." In Buddhist temples a drink called amazake is also prepared.

Hanabi

Hanabi is an annual fireworks festival held during the summer. These shows are widely advertised and performed throughout the Japanese archipelago. One of the most popular takes place on the last Saturday in July, in Sumidagawa.

It all started during the Edo period, between the 16th and 19th centuries, since then it evolved into a competition between rival pyrotechnic groups. They symbolize the rebirth of celebrations and annually attract a million people.

Seijin no Hi

Seijin no Hi is the day when the Japanese celebrate their coming of age. Young people who turn 20 are summoned to a ceremony in which the mayor informs them about the responsibilities they now have to face.

Then they pray in the temples near their city. In addition, they wear their best kimonos and traditional costumes. Currently, it is celebrated on the second Monday of January, depending on the year it will fall between the 8th and 14th.