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Customs & Tradition

Woman meditating in a floral yukata beneath blooming cherry blossom trees in Japan, enjoying a peaceful spring hanami experience in a tranquil park.

Customs & Tradition

23 May 2026

What Is Ikigai? Meaning & How to Find Yours

Ikigai is a concept that focuses on the everyday happiness and explores the question: What makes you get up in the morning?...

  • Customs & Tradition

    Japanese Traditions Still Practised Today

    Beneath Japan’s polished global image runs a quiet...

    kabuki theatre actor wearing traditional makeup and costume performing dramatic expression representing classic japanese cultural performing arts.
    Beneath Japan’s polished global image runs a quiet...

    Written by: Richard Young

    25 March 2026
  • Customs & Tradition

    How Japan Celebrates Christmas: A Holiday Travel Guide

    Experience Christmas in Japan. Quirky traditions, ...

    cozy japanese christmas room with decorations tree and festive meal reflecting kurisu masu celebration with romantic and modern japanese holiday atmosphere.
    Experience Christmas in Japan. Quirky traditions, ...

    Written by: Paul Converce

    22 December 2025
  • Customs & Tradition

    Inside My Taiken: A conversation with Sébastien Moncus

    Small rooms. Quiet tools. A lineage opens its door...

    A portrait of Sebastien Moncus the founder of My Taiken wearing a traditional black kimono in front of a Noh theater stage background.
    Small rooms. Quiet tools. A lineage opens its door...

    Written by: Simon Martin

    10 December 2025

Japan’s customs are central to its cultural identity. From tea ceremonies to unique Xmas & New Year’s traditions, we explore the customs that define Japanese life. Learn how these rituals and ceremonies continue to be practiced and passed down through generations, providing a deep connection to Japan’s rich cultural heritage.

  • A close up of clear water being poured from a traditional bamboo ladle into a dark ceramic tea bowl during a Japanese sado tea ceremony practice on tatami mats.

    The Unseen Stage: Japan’s Living Arts Up Close

    Small rooms, quiet tools. Encounters unfold by introduction, not ticket. Expect calm attention, real...

    By: Simon Martin

    9 December 2025
  • A close up of a masked Noh actor with long black hair holding a red fan during a private observe first introduction session arranged through My Taiken.

    Inside the Lineage: Noh (能)

    What happens when time slows, a mask becomes a face and a rehearsal feels more real than a show? Noh...

    By: Simon Martin

    8 December 2025
My Neighbour Totoro Studio Ghibli’s beloved film, brought to life
on stage by the Royal Shakespeare Company
The family’s move to the countryside,
recreated live on stage
Soot sprites swarming live on stage,
just as you remember them from the film
Joe Hisaishi's iconic score,
performed by a live band and singer
Musicians play from treehouses
above the stage at every performance
Winner of six Olivier Awards
and five WhatsOnStage Awards
The beloved Totoro made real, with puppets
built by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop
Totoro and the Catbus, live Satsuki and Mei, live in London The soot sprites are real Hisaishi's score, live nightly Musicians in the treehouses Award-winning, final months Six Olivier Awards Book your seats From screen to stage Choose your date Book tickets Book tickets Book tickets See Totoro live

More From Our Customs & Tradition Archive

  • close up of ceramic bowl repaired with gold using kintsugi technique highlighting cracks and celebrating imperfection in japanese philosophy.

    Wabi-Sabi & Kintsugi: The Art of Imperfection

    By Sarah Castro

    30 November 2025

  • jidai matsuri kyoto festival parade with samurai on horseback in traditional costume walking from kyoto imperial palace during october festival of the ages.

    The Jidai Matsuri: The Festival of the Ages

    By Samantha Arnaldo

    10 November 2025

  • flowers in japanese culture representing hanakotoba symbolism seasonal meaning and emotional expression across traditions.

    What Do Japanese Flowers Symbolize in Japanese Culture?

    By Simon Martin

    12 June 2025

  • A traditional Japanese folding screen painting featuring robust red ume plum blossom branches on a gold leaf background.

    Plum Blossom vs Cherry Blossom: Ume or Sakura?

    By Giulia Wilzewski

    14 April 2025

  • people riding bicycle under cherry blossom trees in japan representing joy youth and seasonal beauty of sakura.

    The True Meaning Behind Sakura: 10 Fun Facts

    By Richard Young

    15 March 2025

  • traditional japanese bonsai tree shaped through pruning and wiring displayed in a ceramic pot representing the art of bonsai cultivation zen gardening and japanese horticulture tradition.

    Bonsai: Into the Great Big World of Small Trees

    By Jamie Ryder

    30 October 2024

  • traditional japanese samurai katana sword displayed on a stand showing the curved blade craftsmanship and cultural heritage of japanese sword making.

    Exploring the Legacy of Katanas

    By Jamie Ryder

    15 October 2024

  • Daruma Doll: Japan’s Symbol of Luck and Resilience

    By Nathan Monk

    9 October 2024

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Next
My Neighbour Totoro Studio Ghibli’s beloved film, brought to life
on stage by the Royal Shakespeare Company
The family’s move to the countryside,
recreated live on stage
Soot sprites swarming live on stage,
just as you remember them from the film
Joe Hisaishi's iconic score,
performed by a live band and singer
Musicians play from treehouses
above the stage at every performance
Winner of six Olivier Awards
and five WhatsOnStage Awards
The beloved Totoro made real, with puppets
built by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop
Totoro and the Catbus, live Satsuki and Mei, live in London The soot sprites are real Hisaishi's score, live nightly Musicians in the treehouses Award-winning, final months Six Olivier Awards Book your seats From screen to stage Choose your date Book tickets Book tickets Book tickets See Totoro live
Rebellious Bodies Butoh Festival 2026
16 Oct to 22 Nov 2026
Three generations of butoh on one UK stage, for the first time
Mitsuyo Uesugi returns to The Place after 46 years
London · Bangor · Newcastle · Norway
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Final show 3 Jan 2027 My Neighbour Totoro Book tickets

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