There’s a thousand-year tradition that the Japanese pass their family crests from generation to generation. The family crest is called “Kamon” in Japanese, which could be seen...
We returned to Japan after two years of absence which is long enough for us to long for our families and friends. But we have to admit what we’ve been missing the most, the food. We will share only the...
Soma Yoshitane is the lord of Soma Nakamura domain in Eastern part of present Fukushima Prefecture. His intelligence, proud, and patience kept the Soma domain alive. Who Is Soma Yoshitane Soma Yoshitane was...
Taisho Roman is a term represents a unique culture of the Taisho period in Japan. Let’s dig in and feel the air of the Taisho period with the help of a famous painter, Takehisa Yumeji. The Historical...
Shugendo, can be translated into “The way of Mastering the Force”, is a form of religion which requires a harsh and beyond imagination training and discipline. Nowadays, not just Buddhist monks and...
For your comprehensive understanding of possible Kamon(s) and family roots in Japan, we designed the Japanese Family Crest Consulting Service to give you the sense of the succession of the lineage of your family based on the historical facts backed...
There’s a thousand-year tradition that the Japanese pass their family crests from generation to generation. The family crest is called “Kamon” in Japanese, which could be seen everywhere in Japan. Kamons are symbols for each...
Soma Yoshitane is the lord of Soma Nakamura domain in Eastern part of present Fukushima Prefecture. His intelligence, proud, and patience kept the Soma domain alive. Who Is Soma Yoshitane Soma Yoshitane was born in the Odaka castle in 1548 and...
Shugendo, can be translated into “The way of Mastering the Force”, is a form of religion which requires a harsh and beyond imagination training and discipline. Nowadays, not just Buddhist monks and Shrine priests but many laymen or even...
Tokonoma is the Japanese alcove we can see in the reception rooms of the traditional Japanese houeses. It’s taken as a focal point for the interior as it provides the sense of hospitality for the guests. Let’s take a look at its history...
Japanese Garden Basics for Creating Your Own One Do you want to create a Japanese style garden? Japanese garden has a unique set of compositions, which makes us feel still and calm. What is it about them? Understanding the basics, its design...
Overview of Yukata Yukata is a traditional dress designed to spend comfortably in the hot humid summer in Japan. For example, navy and white color combination are popular colors you see on traditional ones since indigo works as insect deterrent and...
Japanese Architecture – Japan boasts the wide varieties of architecture from Horyuji Temple, the oldest surviving wooden building in the world, to the cutting edge modern architecture. What makes Japanese architecture different from others...
Onryo – Japanese vengeful spirits or ghost, now popular thanks to the films such as The Ring, The Grudge or Dark Water. Is Onryo only female who have pitch-black long hair covering up her face putting white floaty clothes on? That’s far...
Yakuza is Japanese mafia whose activities are permeated throughout the Japanese society. The police call them Violent Groups while the Yakuza call themselves Chivalrous Groups, which is their true face? Let’s take a look at their history from...
Kukai – commonly known by the honorific Kobo Daishi, is the founder of Shingon Buddhism in Japan, who was a great calligrapher and engineer as well. He’s a superstar of Japanese Buddhism, who had the charisma to attract people and a...
Japanese Buddhism #1 – In modern times, Japan’s most popular schools of Buddhism are Pure Land, Shingon, and Nichiren Buddhism which we will explore in Japanese Buddhism #2. Here, we will take a look at the early Buddhism in Japan from...
Japanese Onomatopoeia – What’s onomatopoeia? It’s the words which express the sound of things in general. The term came from France which has 600 Onomatopoeia, English has 1000 Onomatopoeia, and Japanese has roughly 5000...
Best Way to Learn Japanese – This article is for whom wants to learn Japanese but doesn’t know where and how to start. We start with defining your goal, that’s the only way we can learn any language with a plan and less frustration...
Real Ninja – usually they farmed the land in peacetime, yes, farming. The most important factor being as the Ninja is to blend in. The iconic image of the black costume with throwing stars derive from entertainment creation, but not their main...
Chiyogami Crafts – It was back in the Edo period Chiyogami became accessible to townspeople which were only for the court nobles before. Originally used for wrapping things, Chiyogami has found its use in many ways to decorate and enliven our...
Mizuki Shigeru – a Japanese manga artist who is well-known for his Yokai manga series GeGeGe no Kitaro. Without him, Yokai (Japanese supernatural monsters) may not have been this popular in Japan. Let’s take a look at his backgrou
Shinto beliefs – there is no sacred scripture to read on and follow, but Shinto has its own beliefs and ethics. We will take a look at five core Shinto beliefs and some unique beliefs may surprise you or resonate with you. Welcome to the...
Kiriko Cut Glass – Impressive geometric patterns with clear and vivid colors’ glassware make your mealtime something special. Once you see Kiriko cut glass, you might recall about a kaleidoscope. Looking at lights go through the glass...
Fuchico, the Tiny Toy Can Make Your Desk the Wonderland Fuchico on the Edge – You may have seen a picture of teeny tiny girl figure in blue uniform on a cup or any edge she can hang onto. Koppu no Fuchiko-san (Fuchico on the Edge of a Cup) is...
Japan Religion: Japanese native might have been asked this one question frequently when they go to other countries, “What do you believe?” Most of them would show you the confused face expression and don’t know how to answer it...
Geisha – Japanese traditional female entertainers boast its bright and gorgeous kimono which pleases our eyes. Their elegance comes from their behaviors, intelligence, and the poise as a result of the long year’s training. Let’s...
Through digging Japanese history, we believe we can find more beauty through exploring patterns, designs, and spirits backed by our curiosity. We share the thoughts and images for the better understanding of what the country with the world's largest history can offer. Enjoy exploring and discovering insights with us.
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