Hiroko Matsuyama
Japanese warlords are known to have many family crests. They carry them for different occasions. It often times represents their bloodlines. However, many cases show they are given by superiors or taken away from...
Shintoism Essential Value: Impurity and Purification Rituals
Shinto shrine gate in Nikko, Japan Shinto does not accept that human beings are born bad or impure; in fact, Shinto states that humans are born pure, and share in the divine soul. Badness, impurity, or sin are things...
Shinto Rituals: Practices and Celebrations
Shinto rituals have survived in close connection with the lives of the Japanese people. It is strongly reflected in modern Japanese people’s lives and daily activities. Japanese people have passed down these...
Shinto Shrine History with Inseparable Partner, Buddhism
Japan has more than 8,000 Shinto shrines throughout Japan, the original shrine buildings did not exist as we know them today. So, then, when and why were they built? And how did they develop? This article explains the...
The Difference between Shinto Shrine and Buddhist Temple
Toro in the forest Both Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples have long been familiar to Japanese people as spiritual centers. They are places of faith and prayer, and are frequently visited for festivals and annual...
13 Types of Shinto Shrines: Different Deities, Beliefs and Blessings
Torii Gate of Suwa Shrine in Nishi-Waseda, Tokyo, Japan We have 13 types of Shinto shrines in Japan. Each has different belief and deities. With a deeper understanding of many types of Shinto Shrine gives you different...
Significance of Selecting Japanese Family Crests aka Kamon
‘Mu’ Kamon Kamon, Japanese family crests, were first painted on palanquins, clothing, and camp curtains to mark the family name. The kamon on camp curtains and other items were clearly structured and easily...
Origins of the Japanese Family Crest: Court Nobles and Samurai
Wisteria Tomoe Crest Japanese family crest has various theories about its origin. But since the origins of crests differ between court nobles and samurai families, let us begin with the origin of the crests of court...
Japanese Honorific Suffix: “San”, “Sama”, “Kun”, and “Chan”
The Japanese honorific suffix is something you learn first and use every day when you learn Japanese. They can be confusing, but it’s easy to learn the basics. They reflect the Japanese culture and knowing and...
Japanese Surnames: Top 10 Ranking, Origin, and its Meanings
Japanese surnames are known for their wide varieties and origins. Many of them are derived from the name of places, geographic features, and occupations. Knowing their origin and history of them makes you feel more...
Bancha – Extra Japanese Green Tea: Benefits and Where to Buy
Bancha is something Japanese grabs it for a break to relax or drink it over the meal. This “extra” Japanese green tea would be ideal for any casual setting. Japanese Green Tea: 13 Types, Benefits, and When...
Japanese Green Tea: 13 Types, Benefits, and When to Drink
Image by rawpixel from Pixabay Japanese green tea has a wide variety and each has a unique, different flavor and taste. We’ve covered common types and what time would be best to drink them. We hope this would give...
