Every year in autumn, the Nishikawa Ryu, one of the most influential traditional dance schools in Japan, puts on a colorful show called the Nagoya Odori (Nagoya Dance). At the Nagoya Odori, you can enjoy the impressive visual art and impeccable choreography of classic Japanese dances, as well as traditional Japanese tales in the form of a stage performance. Kabuki, Nihon Buyo, and Odori – How They are Related Odori,...

The season of summer festivals has come to an end, and it is finally getting cooler in Nagoya. Autumn is finally here. Autumn is considered one of the most beautiful seasons to visit Japan, and depending on whom you ask, it may even rival spring! September, the official start of autumn can still be quite hot and humid, but temperatures finally start to drop October. By November, autumn has truly...

Eel is a Japanese delicacy. Eel is served in many different ways, such as in sushi, Una-don (eel and rice bowl with sweet savory sauce), Unaju (generous portion of eel served over rice in a bento box). These are just a few of the many different ways you can eat eel in Japan. In addition, restaurants specializing in eel each have their own special recipes, grilling techniques, and secret sauces....

Bathing is a part of every culture across the world.  Nowadays, because of our busy lives, many people prefer a quick shower to start or end their day and don’t think about it twice. Despite that some people might think baths are a waste of water, many people love the ritual of bathing. Many countries around the world have their own particular bathing traditions and styles. When coming to Japan,...

The Nippon Domannaka Festival, commonly known as Domatsuri, is one of the most energetic and vibrant festivals in Japan. It’s a multi-day festival held in Nagoya at the end of August, when the summer heat reaches its peak, and it fills the city and its surroundings with hundreds of Yosakoi dancers coming from all over the country and even abroad. Curious already? Watch the performance of the winning team from...