Understanding Japanese traditions and customs is essential for appreciating the rich cultural heritage of Japan. Here is a selection of vocabulary that will help you gain insight into various aspects of Japanese culture:
1. お正月 (Oshougatsu) – Japanese New Year
The most important holiday in Japan, celebrated from January 1st to 3rd.
2. お盆 (Obon) – Obon Festival
A traditional Buddhist event to honor deceased ancestors’ spirits, held in mid-August.
3. 七夕 (Tanabata) – Star Festival
Celebrated on July 7th, based on a legend about two separated lovers represented by stars.
4. ひな祭り (Hina Matsuri) – Doll Festival/Girls’ Day
Celebrated on March 3rd, dedicated to girls’ health and happiness.
5. こどもの日 (Kodomo no Hi) – Children’s Day
Celebrated on May 5th to honor boys and wish for their happiness and health.
6. 花見 (Hanami) – Cherry blossom viewing
The tradition of enjoying cherry blossoms during the spring season.
7. お茶会 (Ochakai) – Japanese Tea Ceremony
A ceremonial preparation and drinking of matcha (green tea) with specific etiquette.
8. 着物 (Kimono) – Traditional Japanese clothing
A formal and elegant garment worn on special occasions.
9. 浴衣 (Yukata) – Casual summer kimono
Lighter and more relaxed than formal kimono, often worn to festivals.
10. 節分 (Setsubun) – Bean-Throwing Festival
Celebrated on February 3rd, where beans are thrown to ward off evil spirits.
11. お祭り (Omatsuri) – Traditional Japanese festival
Numerous local festivals held throughout the year, featuring performances and food stalls.
12. 縁結び (Enmusubi) – Matchmaking and love connections
A belief in fate or spiritual connections leading to the formation of meaningful relationships.
13. お土産 (Omiyage) – Souvenir or gift
A common custom of bringing back gifts from travels to share with others.
14. お風呂 (Ofuro) – Japanese bath
A significant part of Japanese culture, emphasizing relaxation and cleanliness.
15. お辞儀 (Ojigi) – Bowing
A traditional way of greeting and showing respect in Japanese culture.
16. 和食 (Washoku) – Japanese cuisine
Traditional Japanese dishes characterized by rice, fish, and seasonal ingredients.
17. 折り紙 (Origami) – Paper folding
The art of folding paper into various shapes, often associated with Japanese culture.
18. 神社 (Jinja) – Shinto shrine
Places of worship dedicated to kami (spirits or deities) in Shintoism.
19. 寺 (Tera) – Buddhist temple
Places of worship and meditation in Buddhism.
20. 座禅 (Zazen) – Zen meditation
A form of seated meditation practiced in Zen Buddhism.
21. 着物レンタル (Kimono Rentaru) – Kimono rental
A service allowing tourists to experience wearing a kimono for special occasions.
22. 風呂敷 (Furoshiki) – Traditional wrapping cloth
Used for carrying items, gifts, or as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic bags.
23. 五節句 (Gosekku) – Five Seasonal Festivals
Series of traditional festivals held throughout the year, such as Hinamatsuri and Tango no Sekku.
24. 仏壇 (Butsudan) – Buddhist household altar
A small altar found in homes to honor deceased ancestors and pray for their souls.
25. 献立 (Kondate) – Menu
A carefully planned arrangement of dishes for meals, often following seasonal ingredients.
26. お墓参り (Ohaka mairi) – Visiting gravesite
A custom of visiting family graves during specific times, like Obon or New Year.
27. お稲荷さん (Oinari-san) – Fox deity
A Shinto deity often associated with good fortune and rice fields.
28. 書道 (Shodou) – Calligraphy
The art of beautiful writing using brush and ink.
29. 武道 (Budou) – Japanese martial arts
Traditional martial arts like kendo, judo, aikido, etc.
30. 釣り (Tsuri) – Fishing
A popular traditional leisure activity in Japan.
31. 節句 (Sekku) – Seasonal festivals
Celebrations based on the lunar calendar, often associated with children.
32. 祝詞 (Norito) – Shinto ritual prayers
Prayers recited during Shinto ceremonies and rituals.
33. 習字 (Shuuji) – Japanese calligraphy practice
The act of practicing writing kanji characters with a brush.
34. お箸 (Ohashi) – Chopsticks
Traditional eating utensils in Japan.
35. 高野豆腐 (Kouya dofu) – Freeze-dried tofu
A specialty food from Mount Koya, used in traditional cuisine.
36. 茶道 (Sadou) – Japanese tea ceremony
The formal and ritualistic preparation and consumption of matcha (green tea).
37. 賽銭 (Saisen) – Offering money at shrines
Monetary offerings made at Shinto shrines.
38. 月見 (Tsukimi) – Moon-viewing festival
A celebration of the full moon, often in September or October.
39. 端午の節句 (Tango no Sekku) – Boys’ Day
Celebrated on May 5th, wishing for boys’ growth and success.
40. こいのぼり (Koinobori) – Carp streamers
Decorations flown during Children’s Day to symbolize strength and success.
41. 地蔵盆 (Jizou Bon) – Jizo Bon Festival
A festival held in mid-August to honor deceased children and guide their spirits.
42. お菓子 (O-kashi) – Japanese sweets
Traditional confectionery often served during tea ceremonies and festivals.
43. 梅雨 (Tsuyu) – Rainy season
The
wet season in Japan, typically from June to July.
44. おじゃまします (O-jama shimasu) – I will intrude/I will be in your way
A polite phrase used when entering someone’s home or space.
45. いただきます (Itadakimasu) – I will receive (before a meal)
A phrase said before starting a meal to express gratitude for the food.
46. ごちそうさまでした (Gochisousama deshita) – Thank you for the meal
A phrase said after a meal to show appreciation to the person who prepared it.
47. おもてなし (Omotenashi) – Japanese hospitality
The concept of wholehearted and attentive hospitality in Japan.
48. お祝い (Oiwai) – Celebration/Congratulation
A term used for various celebratory occasions, such as weddings and promotions.
49. お見合い (Omiai) – Arranged marriage meeting
A traditional practice of meeting a potential spouse arranged by family members.
50. 縁起物 (Engimono) – Good luck charm
An item believed to bring good fortune and ward off bad luck.
51. お守り (Omamori) – Protective charm/amulet
Small charms sold at shrines and temples for various purposes.
52. 盆栽 (Bonsai) – Miniature potted trees
The art of cultivating and shaping miniature trees in pots.
53. お化け屋敷 (Obakeyashiki) – Haunted house attraction
A popular attraction during certain festivals or theme parks.
54. 行事 (Gyouji) – Traditional event
A cultural or seasonal event or festival.
55. 風流 (Fuurou) – Aesthetic beauty and refinement
A term often associated with traditional arts and culture.
56. 庭園 (Teien) – Japanese garden
A traditional garden designed with specific principles and aesthetics.
57. 茶室 (Chashitsu) – Tea room
A traditional space for conducting Japanese tea ceremonies.
58. 扇子 (Sensu) – Folding fan
A traditional handheld fan used for cooling and as a fashion accessory.
59. 集り (Atsumari) – Community gathering
An event where local residents come together for various activities.
60. 命日 (Meinichi) – Death anniversary
The anniversary of a person’s death, marked with a visit to their grave.
Understanding these words and concepts will enrich your experience of Japanese culture and traditions. It’s important to approach these customs with respect and an open mind, as they are an integral part of Japan’s rich cultural heritage.
