Unlike the Western Zodiac, which is divided into 12 months, the Japanese Zodiac is divided into 12 years, and each year is named after an animal. The year 2008 marks the year of the Rat.

Unlike the Western Zodiac, which is divided into 12 months, the Japanese Zodiac is divided into 12 years, and each year is named after an animal. The year 2009 marks the year of the Ox.

An abbreviation for costume play, cosplay refers to the practice of dressing up in costume to resemble anime, manga, sci-fi/fantasy, and video game characters.

From the writer of BellaOnline.com´s Japanese Culture Site comes the blossoming website, JapanTravelSource.com. It´s still new and growing, but JapanTravelSource.com aspires to be one of the top travel and living guides available online about Japan.

This Valentine’s Day, you can show your loved one just how much you care with the following recipe, straight from Japan - Green Tea Chocolate Hearts.

In Japan, Valentine’s Day is a holiday for men, rather than women. Women give gifts of chocolate to men and receive their own special holiday, called White Day, a month later.

In Japan, manga, or comics, are read by people of all ages and backgrounds, for there are many different types available, and each caters to various tastes and preferences.

If you’re getting tired of summers filled with just burgers and hot dogs, you may want to try putting something else on the grill this year. Whether you are new to eating Japanese food or one of its biggest fans, you may find delight in sampling Yakiniku, or Japanese Barbeque.

Do you have a love for all things Japanese or simply wish to learn a little bit more about Japanese culture? Subscribe to the Japanese Culture Newsletter to get news and information updates before anyone else.

Interested in enjoying the comforts of a Japanese bath but don’t have the time, or money, to take a trip to Japan? The nearest Japanese relaxation experience may be closer to home than you think.