Heavy Obon Traffic to Osaka

Weekend traffic is always a little heavier than on weekdays, but this weekend is exceptionally heavier. Next weekend will also be heavy. So what’s the difference? It’s Obon period. For those of you who don’t know what Obon is, you can read more about...

Schools Randomly Sending Classes Home

School’s out for summer in Japan? No. Summer is over! So why are so many students around the country at home when they should be at school? Has Japan added a new holiday? The H1N1 virus is the culprit. It’s taking its toll on the Japanese students. But...

Celebrating Showa Day

Today is Showa Day in Japan. It is a national holiday to commorate the previous Emporer’s birthday just before the Golden Week holiday period. Before 2007, Showa Day was called Greenery Day. Before it was called Greenery Day, it was celebrated as The...