Why Japanese Students Serve Lunch and Clean Their School
In Japan, kids serve school lunch in white smocks and clean their classrooms. A Japanese parent explains why. Read More
About 15 min readJAPAN, EXPLAINED
Japan, Explained
Why do Japanese kids go to school alone? What does itadakimasu really mean? This is where we answer the "why" behind Japan — its words, customs, traditions, and the everyday things Japanese people never think twice about. Written by someone who lives here, for anyone curious about this country.
Japanese Toilet Sink: How to Use It, and Why No Soap
The little sink on a Japanese toilet tank: rinse in the water that runs after you flush. Why soap breaks it, per TOTO. Read More
About 9 min read
Itadakimasu: What Japanese People Really Say Before Eating
What does itadakimasu really mean, and who is it said to? A Japanese parent explains the words before and after a mea... Read More
About 18 min read
Why Japanese Kids Go to School Alone (From Age Six)
Six-year-olds walking to school and riding trains alone. A Japanese parent explains why it works: close schools, watc... Read More
About 21 min read