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Indigo - the origins of the most beautiful blue ever

It is said that indigo originally came from China to Japan as a medicine. A decoction of indigo root was effective for colds and sore throats. Juice squeezed from indigo leaves was used for skin burns or insect bites. The Japanese used to put a wet cloth soaked in indigo onto wounds, or onto the forehead...

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Japan's long history of cute animals as cartoon characters

When you travel to Japan, you will see cute cartoon characters in ads, billboards and company logos everywhere you go. Dogs or cats are popular - from a courier company's black cat logo, to warning signs featuring a dog wearing a police uniform, to dentist ads that depict a cat wearing a nurse's...

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Learn the true meaning of gift giving, Japanese-style

If you have a Japanese friend or work with Japanese business people, you may know that they like to give gifts. Your Japanese customer may bring a box of biscuits when they visit your office or your Japanese colleagues may buy a souvenir for you when they have a long weekend away. While the...

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