Do you know Daruma dolls?
"Daruma doll" is a hollow, round, Japanese traditional doll made of paper-mache.
These dolls, though typically red and depicting a bearded man (Dharma), vary greatly in color and design depending on region and artist.
One of leading producers of Daruma dolls in Japan is Gunma Prefecture.
Takasaki Daruma dolls are painted with symbols of longevity, cranes (eyebrows) and turtles (mustache), and are considered to bring good luck.
This is because the left eye is painted while making a wish, and the right eye is painted when the wish is granted.
The doll is returned to a shrine at the end of a year, and a new doll is purchased at the beginning of a New Year, and a new wish is made.
It will be a great item as a Japanese souvenir.
Why don’t you get one for your family or your friends?
Have you ever taken a bath with unknown people?
In Japan, many public bathing places called "Ofuroya" are around the country.
Therefore, Japanese people can reach there easily to enjoy the atmosphere.
People who do not have a bath at his/her apartment or cannot use a bath because of some trouble might use Ofuroya.
Also, many people who would like to enjoy many types of bath go there.
Usually, Ofuroya has several types big bathes; a bath with jacuzzi, cold water, hot water, or water from a famous Onsen.
Those bathes have some good effects like relieving stiff neck, shoulder and back pain.
Moreover, ofuroya is the good place to communicate in a family because they recently tend to have less time to talk together.
Parents can teach the social rules to childeren in ofuroya as people among all ages need to use a same place at the same time.
Why don't you experience this unique culture in Japan?
Even though people live in a same country, there are some differences depending on where you live.
Japan is a tiny island country, but you will see the differences like how we speak and how we act.
We make lines to smooth movement as a rule.
Lining up to get on an escalator is the one example of it.
Which side do Japanese people stand on a escalator?
Most people living in Japan get on a left side of an escalator to prevent from troubles.
However, people living in Osaka get on a right side of an escalator.
Why?
A reliable reason is they changed the rule when the World Expo was held in Osaka to fit the global standard.
Osaka people are proud of the rule they have.
Now, investigator warns that people should make 2 lines on escalator without walking.
Walking on an escalator is quite dangerous.
Well, what differences among people in your country have?
How do you let you warm up during winter?
Do you use a heater?
In addition to a heater, we use "Kotatsu" to feel warm and comfortable during the cold season.
A Kotatsu is a low, wooden table frame covered by a heavy blanket futon, upon which a table top sits.
Underneath is a heat source, formerly a charcoal brazier but now electric, often built into the table itself.
Kotatsu is used almost exclusively in Japan.
Kotatsu is usually placed in front of TV in a living room.
Some tangerines are on a Kotatsu and some cats are staying underneath; which is a traditional image of Japanese winter.
It definitely makes you feel warm and sleepy.
However, we need to be careful because it is easy to get low-temperature burn.
Therefore, don't fall asleep in a Kotatsu for long hours!!
Anyway, it is the best place to relax at home.
Well, why don't you ask your Japanese friend and try Kotatsu in the winter?
