Pandas, Welcome to Japan !

A pair of pandas from China is coming to Ueno Park in Tokyo！

Many Japanese and tourists were waiting for them since the last panda Ling Ling died in 2008.

To welcome the female Xian Lu and the male Bi Li, children and parents are covering the walls near the park with drawings and messages everyday !

For the moment, procedures about the protection and the environment of the pandas are conducted.

From March, it will be possible to see them !! \(^o^)/

Hina-Matsuri (Doll Festival)

On March 3 the Hina-Matsuri (Doll Festival) is held throughout Japan !

Traditionally, each home is decorated with ornamental dolls called ''Hina-Ningyo''.

These dolls represent the imperial court with the Emperor, Empress, but also musicians in dress of the Heian Period (9th-12th centuries).

In general, these dolls are passed down from generation to generation.

Families display ''Hina-Ningyo'' from February to wish girls happiness and take them down on the evening of March 3. If families forget to take the dolls down before March 4 it is thought to bring bad luck for the future marriage of the daughter(s).

Valentine‘s Day !

On February 14 was Valentine's Day !!

Everyone celebrates it throughout the world, but do you know the differences between countries ?

Let's learn more about the most romantic day of the year ♪

Originally, Valentine's Day was a religious festival. It is just from the 14th century that Europeans introduced the aspect of love within this celebration.

In most countries, couples give each other a present to show their love. Red rose is the most common present as it is the symbol of passion.

What about Japanese Valentine's Day ?

Valentine's Day was introduced in Japan in 1958. On this day, only women offer chocolates to men.

At the office, female clerks also give chocolates to their colleagues. These chocolates are usually called ''giri-choko'' (chocolate of obligation !).

One month after, on 14th March, it is men's turn to give a present to thank these women ! It can be chocolates but also flowers... This is the ''White Day'' !

It also happens that girls offer each other chocolates to show their friendship. In this case, chocolates are called ''tomo-choko'' （chocolate of frienship).