Japanese Symbol for Love: 愛 (Ai) and 恋 (Koi) Explained
The Japanese symbol for love is 愛 (ai) for love in general or 恋 (koi) for romantic love. Here are both kanji, plus the sakura and crane motifs.
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What Was Worn Under Yukatas, and What Goes Under One Today
What was worn under yukatas? Traditionally nothing, then a cotton hadajuban once yukata became outerwear. Here is the full layering order, for women and men.
Samue: What It Is, Its History, and How to Wear It
Samue are the two-piece jacket and trousers Zen monks wear for temple work. Here is what samue means, how it differs from a kimono, and how to wear one.
Kanzashi: Japanese Hair Ornaments and How to Wear Them
Kanzashi are Japanese hair ornaments worn with kimono, yukata and formal dress. Their history, main types, seasonal hana kanzashi calendar and how to wear them.
Japanese Dragon Tattoo Meaning: Ryu Symbolism Explained
Japanese dragon tattoo meaning centres on wisdom, strength, and protection. See what ryu designs, colors, claw counts, and placements symbolize.
Japanese Symbols: Hiragana, Katakana, Kanji, and Beyond
Japanese symbols cover three scripts, hiragana, katakana, and kanji, plus romaji, typographic marks, and cultural motifs. Here is what each one does.
Koi Fish Meaning: Symbolism, Colors, and the Dragon Legend
Koi fish meaning centers on perseverance, from the dragon legend to what each koi color and koi tattoo symbolizes in Japan.
Kuchisake Onna: Japan’s Slit-Mouthed Woman Explained
Kuchisake Onna is Japan's slit-mouthed woman, the masked figure who asks if she is pretty. Here is her legend, the 1979 panic, and how you escape her.
Nekomata: Japan’s Two-Tailed Cat Yokai and Its Legends
A nekomata is a Japanese yokai cat with a forked tail, aged out of a house cat or born as a mountain predator. Here is the folklore, the records and the powers.
Kappa Yokai: Japan’s River Imp and the Dish on Its Head
Kappa yokai are Japan's river dwellers with a water filled dish on the skull: their appearance, real dangers, defenses, shrine worship and mascot life.