Customs of Japan: A Photographic Overview (日本のしきたり) – Bilingual Japanese-English Edition

Customs of Japan: A Photographic Overview (日本のしきたり) is a beautifully illustrated bilingual guide that introduces traditional Japanese customs through full-color photography and clear Japanese–English explanations.

Rather than a language textbook, this book serves as a cultural key to understanding everyday Japan. It carefully explains the meaning and origins behind long-standing traditions passed down for generations. Readers learn not only what Japanese people do, but why they do it — an important difference for anyone living in or interacting with Japan.

The book covers a wide range of cultural practices, including seasonal events, life ceremonies, and daily etiquette. From New Year traditions and festivals to weddings, funerals, clothing, food, and housing customs, each topic is accompanied by photographs so the reader can immediately visualize real situations. Because many aspects of Japanese culture are difficult to explain through words alone, the visual approach makes this book especially valuable.

With concise English translations beside the Japanese text, the book is ideal both for learners of Japanese and for foreigners who want to understand Japanese society and manners more deeply. It is also frequently chosen as a cultural gift or preparation guide before visiting Japan.

What You Will Learn

• Annual traditions and seasonal celebrations

• Weddings, funerals, and life-cycle ceremonies

• Cultural etiquette and daily manners

• Traditional clothing, food culture, and living spaces

• The cultural values and mindset behind Japanese customs

A perfect introduction for travelers, residents, students, or anyone curious about Japanese culture beyond anime and tourism.

Product Details

Publisher: IBC Publishing

Language: Japanese & English (bilingual)

Format: Full-color photographic guide

Pages: 211 pages