Japan

Kit Kat Craze at Morikami

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KitKats were introduced to Japan in 1973. However, it wasn’t until 1996 that the first flavored KitKat, almond, appeared, followed by strawberry and orange in 1998. In 2005, regional KitKats that featured the unique flavors of various cities and prefectures in Japan became popular, and the number of flavors increased dramatically. Since then, over 100 different flavors have been produced, and the list continues to grow. Japan is famous for its regional specialties, and KitKats are no exception. Our KitKat exhibit features flavors from Hokkaido (the northernmost of Japan’s four …

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Kanshasai Omedetou – Happy Thanksgiving!

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While Thanksgiving is a distinctly American holiday,there’s no reason you can’t add a little Japanese flair to your feast! We’ve gathered a few recipes that combine Thanksgiving staples with Japanese fall flavors on our Pinterest board Kanshasai Omedetou  – this phrase is about as close to Happy Thanksgiving as you’ll get in Japanese since there’s no such thing as Turkey Day in Japan :). If you’re looking to shake things up at the table this year, we highly recommend checking them out! We also wanted to wish you all a very Happy …

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What is Obon? Exploring One of Japan’s Most Important Holidays

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During the summer observance of Obon, families in Japan reunite to give homage and thanks to their ancestors, who have returned for a brief visit to the living. Many families set up special altars in their homes decorated with food offerings for these visiting spirits, which may include vegetables, dango (rice dumplings), noodles, and fruits. Candles, special paper lanterns called bon chochin, and incense may also be placed on the Bon Altar. Vegetable animals – a horse made from a cucumber or an ox made out of eggplant – serve …

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Vlogs With Veljko: Growing the Morikami Collections

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From art to armor and everything in between, our collections are full of amazing pieces of both historical and cultural significance. But – have you ever wondered how these pieces come to be part of our 9000-piece collection? In this episode of Vlogs with Veljko, you’ll find out how we keep our collections growing – giving you the opportunity to experience Japan’s amazing culture right here in South Florida. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tkoIRZunaI]

Lantern Festival In the Spirit of Obon 2014

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What is Lantern Festival? Last year, Morikami’s much-loved summer event, Bon Festival,  evolved into Lantern Festival: In the Spirit of Obon. In an effort to protect the safety of Morikami visitors and staff, we moved the event out of the often inclement and even dangerous Florida summer months. While Obon is a traditional and religious Japanese holiday celebrated exclusively during the months of July and August, we have preserved the essence of Morikami’s much-loved event and the sanctity of Obon as it is celebrated in Japan, with Lantern Festival – a unique Fall celebration. The 2013 Lantern …

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