Culture & Traditions Hanko: Japan’s Personal Seals, Their Types, and How They’re Used
In Japan, a carved personal seal pressed in red ink often does the job of a signature — here's what hanko are, the three types, and how each is used.
Japanese traditions
Culture & Traditions 
Culture & Traditions Omamori: What Japan’s Lucky Charms Mean, the Types, and How to Use Them
Omamori are Japan's beloved amulets, sold at shrines and temples to carry a wish for safe travels, love, success, or good fortune wherever you go.
Culture & Traditions Daruma: The Meaning, History, and How to Use Japan’s Wish-Making Doll
The daruma is Japan's beloved wish-making doll: make a goal, paint one eye, and fill in the second when it comes true.
Culture & Traditions Maneki-neko: The Meaning of Japan’s Beckoning Lucky Cat, Its Colors, and How to Choose One
Meet the maneki-neko, Japan's beckoning lucky cat: what its raised paw and colors traditionally mean, where it comes from, and how to choose one.