Shirakawa-go, Gifu Prefecture, where the original scenery of Japan remains. It is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Satoyama is Japanese Mindscape of nature. Everyone has its own Mindscape of their hometown...
Japanese Patterns: Traditional Motifs and Designs
Japanese Patterns and Designs Full of Dynamic Interpretation of Nature Japanese Patterns – The simplified beauty of nature is seen on fabrics, crafts, and many other places in Japan. Some patterns and designs have...
Omikuji: Fortune Slip at Shinto Shrines and Temples in Japan
Tokyo, Japan – 15 March 2017: Omikuji (Paper Fortune) in a drawer at Senso ji. “Omikuji” is a strip of paper that predicts your fortune when you make a prayer to the gods and buddhas. Omikuji is a fortune slip you...
Oshogatsu: Joyful Japanese New Year Celebration
Sunrise and Mt. Fuji from Lake Motosu Oshogatsu: How Do Japanese Celebrate The New Year? Oshogatsu – the Japanese New Year: which is considered to be the most important holiday, has been celebrated with...
Bon Odori Festival: Japanese Buddhist Custom in Summer
TOKYO, JAPAN – AUGUST 10 2012: Paper lanterns and the stage of the Tsukiji Honganji Bon Odori Matsuri – the popular festival in Tokyo. Text on the lanterns are names of the festival sponsors. Bon Odori...
Chado: History of Japanese Tea Rituals with Zen Spirit
Japanese tea ceremony, a woman in kimono holding a tea cup Chado – “The Way of Tea” or “Chano-yu” aka the Japanese tea ceremony is a Japanese cultural activity involving the ceremonial...
Kyudo: History and Differences Compared to Western Archery
Kyudo Japanese Archery Kyudo is Japanese Archery which is called “The Way of the Bow”. Among other martial arts, it possesses its unique characteristics in its sense of beauty. It is not a sport, but an art...
Changing Role of Miko in Japanese Culture Over Time
Young Miko at a Shinto shrine in Tokyo on a clear morning in Spring. A Miko is a shrine maiden or a supplementary priestess trained to perform sacred tasks in Japan. Miko are Japanese female shamans who have long been...
Kendo: Samurai Spirits and the Life-Giving Sword
Close-up portrait of kendo fighter Kendo is a modern Japanese martial art, which uses bamboo swords (shinai) and protective armor (bogu). Yes, that simple, but practicing it has a tremendous benefit on your life if...
Mikoshi: Origin and History of Divine Portable Shrine
The Mikoshi (portable shrine) of the festival in Kyoto Mikoshi – A divine portable shrine of Shinto, which is considered to be a vehicle for the deity which usually sits inside the shrine. A portable shrine comes...
The Book of 5 Rings: Winning Strategy of Life by Musashi
Tsuji Miyamoto Musashi gold version The Book of 5 Rings: The author, Miyamoto Musashi was an unparalleled man in swordsmanship in his time. Musashi is well-known for his unique double-bladed style and the undefeated...
Bushido: Origin and History of Samurai Code of Conduct
Bushido – What Bushido, “the way of Samurai”, meant when samurai class was born, was a simple enough ethic to survive and achieve military results. However, nowadays we can say it is the soul of Japan...
Tengu: The Legendary Japanese Creature of the Mountain
A Tengu in a forest. Tengu – is the legendary creature attached to the mountain or forest in Japan. They are known for its long nose and wings or beak and a sword. Its image has been changed, yet the core factor...
Shichi-Go-San: Japanese Celebration of Children Age of 7, 5, 3
Celebration of Shichigosan. A 3-year-old girl. A traditional Japanese event. Shichi-Go-San – November 15th is a special day for children in Japan. 3 years old girls and boys, 5 years old boys and 7 years old girls...
Japanese Family Crest: List of the Lineage Symbols
Japanese Family Crest – it is only for the Royal Family and the nobles in the western world, the family crest. However, in Japan, every family has its own crest which is called Kamon in Japanese. Its design is...
Japanese Shrine Gate, Torii: Boundary between the Secular and the Sacred
Viewed from a hiking trail, a black and white photo of an old, weathered, sacred Shinto torii gate in a dense jungle rainforest on an island in Japan. Japanese Shrine Gate, Torii- Most shrines in Japan have one or more...
Yoroi Style: Japanese Armor in the Age of Civil Wars
Fully equipped Japanese samurai (Soma Nomaoi Festival) Yoroi Style – Japanese armor in the age of civil wars varies in materials, colors, and style. Japanese armor has been changed its shape and materials to adapt...
Kiriko Cut Glass: Japanese “Kaleidoscopic” Tableware of Art
Edokiriko (traditional cut glass in Tokyo, Japan) Kiriko Cut Glass – Impressive geometric patterns with clear and vivid colors’ glassware make your mealtime something special. Once you see Kiriko cut glass...