Konnichiwa from the Japan Switch Team!

Summer is in full effect again, and it's time to slow down for Obon.

This is the time of year when people get excited for summer holidays, but it's also about paying respect to our deceased relatives across the ages. Families return to their hometowns, clean their ancestral graves, and welcome the spirits back home for a short visit. You may see a small fire or lantern lit in someone's doorway which is meant to guide spirits back home safely.

But let’s be clear. It’s not Halloween. The spirits are only back for a short visit, usually just 3-4 days. Obon is about peaceful reunions, not scares. It’s a time for incense, quiet reflection, and family meals shared with those who are no longer here, but never fully gone.

And with that, let's dive into some articles to learn about Japanese culture!

Ultimate Guide to Obon

Find out more about the history of Obon, how to pay your respects, things you should never do, traditional activities families engage in and more!

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Ultimate Guide to Aoshima (AKA Cat Island)

You've likely heard that Japan has a few islands that are dominated by cats, and Aoshima is one of the most well known, located in Ehime prefecture. What you may not know, however, is that of December 2024, only 4 residents remain on the island. There are no shops, no hotels, and no young people. The cats still roam freely, but it looks like we're nearing the end of something special. So, if Aoshima has been on your bucket list, we recommend fast tracking your timeline to pay a visit and maximize your pspsps time!

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15 Staples of Japanese Cooking

What many don't know is that the real backbone of Japanese cooking is a set of everyday ingredients you’ll find in almost every kitchen, like miso, mirin, soy sauce, and dried bonito flakes. So even if you're not in Japan, there's no reason you can't enjoy Japanese food at home! With the right ingredients on hand, authentic Japanese flavors are just a quick supermarket trip away.

Read Now!

Side note: If you're serious about visiting or living in Japan, check out Japan Switch's affordable online and offline Japanese lessons and make sure you're ready to make the most of your time here!

For more information or other updates and tips on life in Japan, be sure to check out our website here.

Your Friends,

The Japan Switch Team