My uncle and aunt shared a hobby when they were in their 80s. They loved creating short poems called haiku (俳句) and tanka (短歌). When they traveled overseas, they wrote haiku or tanka and exchanged their poems with each other. Haiku and tanka are both short forms of Japanese poetry with a set sound structure. A haiku has this pattern: 5 syllables – 7 syllables – 5 syllables A tanka has this pattern: 5 syllables – 7 syllables – 5 syllables plus 7 syllables – 7 syllables In addition,...

Today I want to introduce a Japanese superfood that has been loved for generations— adzuki beans (also spelled azuki). Adzuki beans are small red beans with a mild, slightly nutty taste. In Japan, we often eat them in two main ways: Sekihan : rice cooked with adzuki beans (served for celebrations) Anko : sweet red bean paste used in traditional Japanese sweets Why are adzuki beans so special? They naturally contain dietary fiber and polyphenols , which are antioxidant compounds. Many of...

Japan is known for longevity. Yes—healthy food and good healthcare help. But there’s another “ingredient” that makes daily life feel lighter: the Japanese way of thinking. Japanese has short, memorable sayings that do something powerful. They don’t erase problems—but they help you laugh more, worry less, and enjoy the day you’re living. Here are 7 Japanese sayings that bring more fun and joy into everyday life—plus simple ways to use them. ✨ Do these remind you of sayings in your own culture?...