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Category: Culture
Ohashi – Chopsticks for eating in Japan
Known as ” Ohash i” or ” hash i” (in Japanese 箸), chopsticks are the most used food utensil in Japan since they are used to eat any type of ingredient or food: udon, ramen, meat, salad, rice, etc. etc. Like many other things, ohashi came to Japan via China. They are usually made of… Read more
Who is the legendary Momotaro?
The story of Momotaro (the peach boy) is a classic Japanese fairy tale that dates back to the Edo period of Japanese history. It has managed to last for centuries thanks to its simplistic way of conveying: adventure, camaraderie, courage and respect. At this point, you’re probably wondering why the alias, Momotaro? (peach boy) Well,… Read more
Kiku – Chrysanthemum – Symbol of Japan
The Chrysanthemum, or Kiku in Japanese, is a symbol that represents longevity and rejuvenation. This flower came to Japan from China around the s. VI as a medicinal plant and it was during the Nara Period (710 – 793 AD) that this flower began to be cultivated. Later, in the 12th century, during the Kamakura… Read more
Japan Martial Arts
The Japanese Martial Arts are, without a doubt, a topic of great interest when we refer to Japanese culture. Basically, we can divide Japanese martial arts into 2 broad categories based on how they came into being. Before the Meiji Restoration: Koryū (古流: こりゅう) and after the Meiji Restoration: Gendai budō (現代武道: げんだいぶどう) Some of… Read more
How to Attend an Onsen in Japan
Going to an Onsen in Japan can seem like a very complicated experience: the language, the manners, the cultural differences… But fear not! Everyone goes to the onsen to relax and have a good time, so the atmosphere is very calm and surely other people will seek to help them. Anyway, it is a good… Read more
Discover the Magic of Shamisen: The Enigmatic Japanese Musical Instrument That Will Surprise You with its Percussive Sound
Around 1562, the percussive Shamisen evolved from the Chinese musical instrument called Sanxian. The Shamisen is a traditional Japanese musical instrument that has been used for centuries to accompany various forms of art, including Kabuki and Bunraku. It is a stringed instrument played with an ivory or plastic plectrum called a bachi and is composed… Read more
Hanami – An experience you must have in Japan
If you’ve ever been to Japan during the early spring season, chances are you’ve made your trips especially to see the mesmerizing cherry blossoms, better known in Japanese as “Sakura.” Sakura season is one of the things Japan’s most captivating, however, as this event only lasts for about two weeks (usually from late March to… Read more
Onsen 温泉 – A Relaxing Experience
Onsen or hot spring baths are a type of bathing and relaxation facility in Japan. The water comes from natural sources heated geothermally, which is often attributed healing characteristics due to its mineral content. (You can watch the video of this post or continue reading below) Originally, they were outside, although it is common to… Read more
A flower for each month of the year in Japan
Japan is not only famous for its futuristic cities, but also for its natural beauty. Every year, hundreds of Flower Festivals are held throughout the country. Although the most famous is the cherry blossom ” Sakura ” which blooms towards the end of March and beginning of April and when people gather for the well-known… Read more
Hinamatsuri celebrates the girls of Japan
Hinamatsuri is one of the many important festivals celebrated for girls in Japan. Every year on March 3 , people celebrate the health and good fortune of young girls. Although the direct translation is ‘ Doll Festival ‘, it is also commonly known as Girl’s Day . This festival began to be celebrated during the… Read more