Blog
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Tama 1947: Nissan’s first electric car
Electric vehicles are not a new idea. In postwar Japan, where oil was scarce but hydropower was relatively abundant, the government promoted research and development in this area.… Continue Reading
4 min read
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Custom of running in Japan
One serious runner told me that his interest really picked up after Naoko Takahashi won the Olympic marathon gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Games. But many trace current… Continue Reading
4 min read
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What was the sword chase in Japan?
In 1588, Toyotomi Hideyoshi , the second of the three unifiers of Japan, issued a decree. Thereafter, farmers were prohibited from carrying swords or other weapons. The swords would be reserved… Continue Reading
4 min read
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Ninja Sword or Shinobi Gatana How unique are they?
Also known as Ninjato (忍者刀). The length of a normal Japanese sword is about 70 cm, but a Ninja sword is about 40 cm, which makes it very… Continue Reading
4 min read
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Why is the firefly (Hotaru) important in Japan?
In some cultures, the firefly may not have a positive reputation. But in Japan , where they are called “hotaru”, they are loved, a metaphor for passionate love in poetry… Continue Reading
4 min read
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Japanese city mixes up plan to recognize foreigners as citizens
A Japanese city is considering not including foreigners in its definition of citizens, officials said Wednesday, after receiving public comments opposing a possible revision of the ordinance to… Continue Reading
4 min read
