When one travels to Japan or observes typical Japanese interiors in films or series, one detail immediately stands out: the small size of the housing. Tiny rooms, compact kitchens, multifunctional bathrooms… This phenomenon, far from being anecdotal, results from a complex set of historical, economic, cultural, and societal factors. In this article, we will explore in depth the reasons behind this architectural specificity, as well as how the Japanese have managed to integrate it harmoniously into their daily lives. The historical and geographical origins Before understanding the current architectural choices, it is essential to trace back to the historical and geographical roots that have shaped the size of homes in Japan. Accelerated urbanization after the war After World War II,...
Japan is one of the countries where people live the longest, with an average life expectancy exceeding 84 years. This impressive figure is observed in both women and men, and certain regions like Okinawa are particularly famous for their exceptional concentration of centenarians. However, this longevity is not the result of chance or solely genetics: it results from a coherent set of lifestyle choices, cultural habits, and a social environment conducive to balance and serenity. Let’s discover together the many pillars that contribute to this fascinating phenomenon. A healthy and balanced diet Among the most studied elements of the Japanese lifestyle, diet occupies a central place. The traditional Japanese diet is considered one of the healthiest in the world. Modest...
In the Japanese imagination, nature is much more than just a simple backdrop; it is alive, inhabited, often sacred. Among its most venerated elements are the sacred stones, called "iwa" (石) or "ishigami" (石神) when perceived as deities. From the raw rock isolated on a mountain path to the imposing formations in Shinto shrines, these stones embody an invisible presence. Both objects of worship, spiritual markers, and guardians of ancient secrets, they deserve to be explored. A spirituality rooted in rock In Japan, the stone is not just a simple mineral object: it is an entity carrying forces and memories. The belief in the energy of stones (iwa reikon) In Shinto, anything natural can house a "kami", a deity. Stones,...
Meow, knock knock, or boom... These familiar sounds seem simple to us. Yet, in the Japanese language, onomatopoeias form a much more complex and codified linguistic system. Omnipresent in daily life, conversations, or mangas, they reflect a unique sensory perception of the world. Much more than a simple stylistic effect, they translate emotions, actions, and atmospheres with astonishing precision. A language where sounds speak The Japanese use sounds to describe sensations that we do not always express with the same richness. The omnipresence of onomatopoeias in daily life In Japan, onomatopoeias are not reserved for children or comics: they are an integral part of adult language. In a conversation between colleagues, a television report, or even a professional message, it...
In the streets, at festivals, or in Japanese train stations, it is not uncommon to encounter strange creatures in giant plush with mischievous looks. These mascots, called yuru-chara (or yuru-kyara), have become a symbol in their own right of contemporary Japanese culture. Half-ambassadors, half-popular idols, they charm young and old alike with their often clumsy but always endearing appearance. What is a yuru-chara? Before understanding why these mascots have become essential in Japan, one must look at what truly defines them. The yuru-chara are not simply "cute": they embody a subtle mix of humor, tenderness, and local identity. A definition between sweetness and irony The term yuru-chara comes from the contraction of yurui (ゆるい, "relaxed" or "light") and character (キャラ),...
