Japan 文化: May 23, Kissing Day in Japan

This past Saturday was キッスの日 (Kissu no hi) in Japan.

img via ncaranti

Kiss day celebrates the first time a kissing scene appeared in a Japanese movie, which dates back to May 23rd, 1946. Historically, kissing and displays of affection in Japan were something private and not performed in public.

The movie that included this scene was ひたちの青春 (Hitachi no Seishun), and was considered rather controversial at the time.

This year, an event was held in Akasaka, Tokyo to celebrate the iconic scene from the movie. The event consisted of sharing a kiss with a special someone through a piece of plexiglass, just as it was done in 1946.


What do you think of Kiss Day in Japan?

Japan 可愛い: Adorable teacup balconies in Asakusa

For those times when you want to drink tea in a teacup outside in a teacup. Check out these adorable teacup balconies on the Niimi building in Asakusa, Tokyo.

img via st3f4n

Japan 旅行: Kyoto Festival: Bamboo Cutting Ritual at Kurama-dera (Takekirie)

The Takekirie is a bamboo cutting ritual performed annually at Kurama temple in Kyoto. The ritual, which has been performed for over 1000 years, is based on the legend of Buen the monk and the serpent.
Teams of 8 men wearing traditional costume race to see who can chop through bamboo the fastest using a mountain sword and the help of their team mates.

Check out this beautiful video posted by Discover Kyoto that shows the Takekirie ritual and explains the legend it is based on.

Japan すごいなあ!: Epic hanging cat tower

Apartments in Tokyo can be rather small and lacking in free space, especially if you're living with a pet. Japan is always making things more efficient and space friendly, and they've done it again.

Unihabitat, who believe cats, dogs, and humans should all live together, has created a different kind of cat tree that allows you to save space and give your feline friend some privacy and fun.

Japan Hot 音楽: Number 1 track this week goes to E-girls

The hottest track this week on iTunes in Japan is Anniversary!! (released May 20th) Performed by E-girls.

That's a lot o' ladies.

Japan おかし: 10 KitKats only found in Japan

KitKat is a well known snack in many countries. With it's iconic crispy wafer inside and milk chocolate coating, just thinking about KitKats makes me salivate (I've said it once and I'll say it again, I have a chocolate problem).

img via slgc

Japan, on the other hand, has taken the KitKat and completely reinvented it about a gazillion times over. Using unique flavours and colours, Japan has definitely created some one-of-a-kind KitKats.

Here is a list of 10 KitKat flavours only found in Japan!

That's a nice set of melons!: Yubari melon pair sells for 1.5 million yen

Fruit is a bit pricier in Japan than elsewhere in the world, but the Japanese Yubari melon really takes the cake on most expensive fruit.

The expensive and prestigious Yubari melon.