Category Archives: Modern Traditions

Starbucks Sakura Lattes!

Posted on February 22, 2011 by superhappyawesome

You probably already have some idea of this, but Cherry Blossoms are, in short, a REALLY BIG DEAL here in Japan. If you’re from the Washington D.C. area like us, maybe you’ve had the chance to experience the incredible sight … Continue reading →

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Valentine’s Day!

Posted on February 15, 2011 by superhappyawesome

It started on Thursday. Girls started appearing in the Teachers’ room with enormous shopping bags filled with smaller cellophane bags of homemade sweets. At first I thought they were trying to get a jump on the situation— perhaps bringing their … Continue reading →

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Small Kindnesses

Posted on February 9, 2011 by superhappyawesome

The other day, English Club ran a bit long. When we finished the game, I asked the kids if they wanted to play again, fully expecting a chorus of “FINISH!” To my surprise they actually wanted to play one more … Continue reading →

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Setsubun!

Posted on February 3, 2011 by superhappyawesome

Today is Setsubun! Our textbook at school translates this as “The Annual Bean Throwing Festival” and states that it is to celebrate the coming of Spring. Japanese people celebrate by  throwing roasted soybeans, usually at the father of the household … Continue reading →

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Cozy under the Kotatsu

Posted on January 19, 2011 by superhappyawesome

When we returned from winter vacation, many of my coworkers asked me where I went. They seemed to be expecting exotic adventures, or a trip back home over Christmas. I seemed to have surprised everyone with my response. “Alice-sensei, where … Continue reading →

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Lucky Bags!

Posted on January 6, 2011 by superhappyawesome

One of the Japanese New Year’s traditions you may have heard of is Lucky Bags, or Fukubukuro (福袋). Basically around the start of the year, stores will take stock they want to get rid of, put it in bags, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Modern Traditions | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments