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Author: RoYuMi
Chingodo in Asakusa: a Shrine dedicated to Tanuki
Chingodō (鎮護堂) is a small Shinto shrine in Asakusa that is dedicated to Tanuki (狸), a small, furry animal that is a pillar of Japanese folklore, considered a sacred animal. Such is the reverence accorded to these animals that the shrine is sometimes called Otanuki-sama, (お狸様, Honorable Mr. Tanuki). Tanuki are a small, short-legged animal… Read more
Superstitions and Curiosities of Japan
Every culture has its own very unique set of superstitions, and with its rich mythology, Japan is no exception. Here are some Japanese superstitions that will certainly surprise you, and maybe even scare you a little! Don’t whistle at night! They say that if you whistle at night, snakes will come out. There are two… Read more
“ANIMATION × PARALYMPIC: Who is your hero?”
A series of animated short films produced by NHK, which they have called “ANIMATION × PARALYMPIC: Who is your hero?” , will promote the 2020 Summer Paralympics in Tokyo. Each episode features a different Paralympic sport. The project aims to introduce new Paralympic sports heroes through engaging characters and stories that will be created in… Read more
Nikujaga – The Japanese Hotpot
With chunks of potatoes, onion, and thinly sliced beef slow-cooked in a savory, sweet dashi broth, Japanese Beef and Potato Stew (Nikujaga) is one of Japan’s most iconic home-cooked dishes. As two of the main ingredients are niku (meat) and jagaimo (potatoes), Nikujaga literally means “meat and potatoes”. It is an iconic Japanese home dish,… Read more
“The Future I Saw” – Prophetic Manga by Ryo Tatsuki
Today we are going to talk about a very interesting topic that is about a prophetic mangaka, Ryo Tatsuki, who has predicted several events that have happened and others that are about to happen! Ryo Tatsuki began her professional career in the 1970s and in the 1980s she shared with the world that she had… Read more
Who were the Samurai
Samurai were a class of highly trained warriors that emerged in Japan after the Taika reforms in 646, which included land redistribution and new taxes to support a new empire in the elaborate Chinese style. The reforms forced many farmers to sell their land and work it under a single new owner. Over time, some… Read more
“Funny Faces”: A Very Emotional Paper Animation!
There is no doubt that between parents and children there can be a very strong bond that helps them get through the most difficult times. This is particularly true in children’s formative years, when parents work very hard to provide the best life possible for their children. Talented Japanese paper artist Shinrashinge ( @shin___geki ),… Read more
Shinjuku’s Puk Pupa Theater from 1929, Now Online
Puk Pupa Theater is the first modern theater in Japan dedicated to puppets. He gives performances at his charming theater in Shinjuku, and until before the pandemic, he counted 80 puppeteers among his members. Puk Pupa Teatro presents about 10 different plays during the year, with more than 120 days of performances. A recent play… Read more
Obon – Festival of welcoming the spirits of the ancestors
Obon (お盆) is an annual Buddhist event to honor the ancestors. It is believed that every year during Obon , the spirits of the ancestors return to this world to visit their relatives. Traditionally, lanterns are hung in front of houses to guide the spirits of ancestors, obon (bon odori) dances are performed, graves are… Read more
Ma – Absence Gives Meaning To Existence
The Japanese concept of Ma is related to all aspects of life. It can be described as a pause in time, an interval or void in space. Ma is the fundamental time and space that life needs to grow. If we don’t have time and our space is limited, we cannot grow. How we use… Read more