Trends in Japan

Many countries all over the world use chopsticks, but in Japan, an entirely unique culture around them has developed. Chopsticks are a mainstay of Japanese food culture, and many different varieties have been created over the years due to changes in the times and what they're used for. We're going to take a look at the profound relationship between Japanese people and chopsticks — or hashi, as they're known in Japan.

In Japan, vending machines are everywhere — not just ordinary places like town centers and train stations, but even remote spots like the side of the road in tiny rural villages. Events in recent years have highlighted the benefits being able to buy products without making contact with another person, and various new types of vending machines have appeared as a result. Vending machines are a beloved part of life in Japan, so it's no surprise that they've evolved to cater to people's specific needs alongside selling regular products like drinks and snacks.

All around the world, retro fashion and items are experiencing a surge of popularity among Generation Z — people born between the mid-1990s and the 2010s. One example of this is the revival of "Y2K fashion" from the 2000s. The bright and glossy clothing, short shirts and skirts, and pop bead accessories that were popular at the time are now back on trend for a second round. The unusual thing about this revival is that it's happening globally all at once. But, for this article, let's focus on Japan—what is it about the retro aesthetic that's striking a chord with young Japanese people?

Japanese people have always been very aware of seasonal changes in nature, and attach great importance to the changing of the seasons. Cherry trees grown specifically for their blossoms, called sakura in Japanese, herald the arrival of spring and have been a favorite for many years. Japan is an island country that stretches a long way from north to south, and so every year sakura blossoms begin to bloom in the warm south of the country first before working their way north. The progress of their blooming is reported on the news, and many visitors take trips to famous sakura viewing sites throughout the country during this time. People enjoy seeing the differences between the various types of sakura blossoms, but it's not just the flowers that are appreciated — people use the bark, leaves and petals in various ways throughout their daily lives as well.