Roots To Japan

29/03/2026

Cherry blossoms in full bloom

blossoms

10/03/2026

Every year around March 10, people in Japan remember the Tokyo air raid of 1945.

Recently we visited a small historical exhibition in Tokyo that shared artifacts and personal memories from that time. Seeing wartime documents, neighborhood records, and even a small piece of fabric that survived the fires made the history feel very real.

The exhibition also included interviews with people who were children during the war. They spoke about evacuation, being separated from family, and the terrifying night when fires spread across the city.

More than 80 years have passed, but these stories remind us how deeply war affects ordinary families and communities.

Remembering history helps us better understand the past—and reminds us how important peace is for everyone.

If your family has stories from this time in Japan, they are part of history too.

Every year around March 10, we take time to remember an important and tragic event in Japanese history—the Tok…

23/02/2026

"Iyasaka" (弥栄) — A beautiful word for the Emperor's Birthday.

February 23rd, is a national holiday in Japan celebrating the Emperor's Birthday. On this day, you might hear a special, ancient word: "Iyasaka."

What does it mean?
In Japanese, "Iya" (弥) means "more and more," and "Saka" (栄) means "to flourish" or "to prosper."

Combined, it is a powerful blessing meaning "May you flourish for eternity." It’s a prayer for long-lasting peace, growth, and harmony that transcends a simple "Happy Birthday." 🌸✨

Let’s celebrate the spirit of continuous prosperity. Iyasaka to all! 🕊️

29/01/2026

During election seasons, phrases like
“He’s not really Japanese”
often appear online.

But legally speaking,
what does it actually mean to be Japanese?

Citizenship, family records, and ancestry
tell a very different story than appearances or language.

I’ve written a blog post exploring
Japanese nationality, family registers,
and how ancestral research works in Japan —
very differently from DNA-based searches in the U.S.

If you’re interested in identity, roots,
or Japanese family history,
you may find this worth reading.

📖 Read the full article here: https://rootstojapan.com/blog/89

— Citizenship, Family Records, and Ancestral Research During election seasons in Japan,phrases like “He’s not …

28/11/2025

What does it truly mean to be “Japanese”? 🇯🇵
Is it appearance, culture, or something deeper?

In Japan, nationality is officially documented through the koseki, the family registry system—a record that tracks births, marriages, parent–child relationships, and deaths. This legal document has shaped how Japan defines its people for over 150 years.

Our latest blog explores:

The historical origins of the koseki

How it influenced Japanese identity

The challenges of tracing family lines, especially in places like Okinawa

Why creating a family tree from koseki records is more important than ever

If you’ve ever wondered about your Japanese roots or the history behind your family, this is a must-read.

📖 Read the full article here: https://rootstojapan.com/blog/89

Understanding Japan’s Family Registry System Through The History of the Japanese Koseki**When you pick up The …

05/11/2025

Every year, Hawaii celebrates the Okinawan Festival. Behind its joyful rhythms lies a moving story of Okinawans who crossed the ocean—and the unseen bond that connected them through war and hope.

Read the full story here:
https://rootstojapan.com/blog/86

migration to Hawaii
Americans in Hawaii
Festival Hawaii
internment camp
roots
ancestry research
Okinawa connection

Every August, Hawaii celebrates the Okinawan Festival, a vibrant two-day event that honors the pride and herit…

10/08/2025

When we think of summer in Japan, fireworks festivals immediately come to mind.
These festivals aren’t limited to large cities—they also take place in small towns all across the country.
This video captures one such intimate fireworks display, supported mainly by donations from local businesses and residents, with modest backing from the municipality.
While small and handmade, this event beautifully reflects the warmth and close-knit spirit of the community.
Filmed by　Nao-san

07/08/2025

Did you know the surname “Iwamoto” is especially common in one of Japan’s most famous cherry blossom regions? 🌸

In Part 2 of our series on the name Iwamoto, we explore the connection between this beautiful family name and Yoshino, Nara—a mountain town known for its breathtaking sakura and deep historical roots.

Yoshino isn't just a tourist destination—it's also a place where the name Iwamoto appears more frequently than almost anywhere else in Japan by population ratio.

Discover how place, nature, and names are deeply connected in Japanese tradition—and how the quiet hills of Yoshino may hold part of your family’s story.

📍 Watch Part 2 now and see how a surname blooms with meaning.

06/08/2025

Have you ever heard of Obon, Japan’s sacred midsummer tradition to honor ancestors?

Every August, families across Japan believe their ancestors return home for a brief visit. Homes are cleaned, lanterns are lit, and quiet prayers fill the air.

In a fast-moving world, Obon offers something rare: a pause to remember, to reflect, and to reconnect — across generations.

Curious about how this beautiful ritual is celebrated today, from city temples to island villages?
Take a look at our latest blog and discover the quiet magic of Obon.

Every summer in Japan, during the humid and sun-drenched days of mid-August, families across the country take …

17/06/2025

https://rootstojapan.com/blog/81

In recent years, interest in exploring one’s roots has grown rapidly in the United States. For Japanese Americ…