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Category: Culture
School rules in Japan: No dating
It is not at all surprising that high schools in Japan have rules that guide the behavior of their students. However, some Japanese schools have come under public scrutiny in recent years for some of their rules that are considered outdated, too strict, or inappropriate. One case that followed here in Japan was that in… Read more
Haiku – Poetry that evokes the essence of Japan in three lines
Haiku poetry is the microcosm of a larger idea or feeling that evokes images, moments and much of the essence of Japan. Its simplicity is essential, as are Japanese Zen Buddhism, tea ceremonies, and Japanese cuisine. Being simple is a very important value that is always represented in Japanese culture and in the beauty of… Read more
Body Percussion as a Music Class in Japan
Through a mix of clapping, stomping and knee-slapping, a teacher in Fukuoka Prefecture, southwestern Japan, has pioneered for decades teaching non-instrumental “body percussion” to students. Now, he plans to bring the subject to Britain in the hope of turning it into a global educational phenomenon. Professor Toshiyuki Yamada from Kyushu Otani Junior College and a… Read more
Year of the Rabbit 2023 – Japanese Zodiac
Every year in Japan, around New Year’s Eve and sometimes from November in some stores, figures of many sizes and designs of the zodiac animal begin to be sold for the new year. For many it is one of the purchases to have to do before the start of the new year since it is… Read more
The Kanji Of The Year 2022 – “Battle” (Sen)
The kanji for the Year 2022, selected by popular vote, was 戦 (ikusa or tatakau, meaning “conflict” or “battle”) Every December 12, the “Japan Kanji Proficiency Testing Association” announces the results of the public opinion poll to choose the Kanji of the Year . The kanji that best describes 2022 was 戦 which is pronounced… Read more
Reimagining the Japanese Kimono with AI-Generated Art
There is a lot of discussion and debate about whether AI art should be considered art or not. Some say that it should be considered as such since we do not define art by the process but by the result. In this case the real question is who is the artist? Others mention that it… Read more
Japanese Folk Dances approved as UNESCO Intangible Heritage
A collection of traditional Japanese folk dances “Furyu-odori” has been approved for inclusion in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, an important factor in maintaining cultural diversity in the face of increasing globalization. The understanding of the intangible cultural heritage of different communities contributes to the dialogue between cultures and promotes respect for other ways of… Read more
Enso – Symbol of Unity of Life
As its name says (円相) this symbol refers at the beginning and end of all things , the circle of life and the connection of existence. It can symbolize emptiness or fullness, presence or absence. All things can be contained or, on the contrary, excluded by their limits. It is painted in a continuous brushstroke, in a single stroke And… Read more
Zen Buddhism and its practice in Japan
Zen is the meditative training of awareness and balance . Practicing it gives insight into one’s true nature or the emptiness of one’s existence that opens the way to a liberated way of life. Zen practice is not based on religious beliefs or doctrines. Strictly speaking, it is not a religion , but an intense… Read more
Wagara – Traditional Japanese Patterns
Wagara 和柄 means a Japanese pattern or design which are often seen on kimono and other textiles. Each one of these traditional, and also historic designs, have a specific meaning. Also, they are often associated with a specific season or occasion as are mainly inspired by nature. Many of these patterns have been using since… Read more