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Category: History
The Source of Ancient Knowledge that Reveals the Essence of Japan and the Japanese
The Kojiki古事記, an ancient literary work compiled in AD 712 by Ō no Yasumaro , is a priceless treasure that takes us back to the dawn of Japan’s history. Known as the “Compendium of Ancient Things” , this text has played a pivotal role in understanding and preserving Japanese culture and identity throughout the centuries.… Read more
Understanding the Rongo and the Soroban: A Fascinating Look at the Japanese Abacus
Today we are going to dive into the fascinating world of Rongo (論語 ろんご) and Soroban (算盤, そろばん) , two key concepts in the Japanese calculation system . We will explore how these elements are intertwined in the Japanese abacus and how they can help us develop math skills efficiently and effectively. Rongo (論語) is… Read more
Wabi-sabi in architecture: The beauty of buildings with thatched roofs
Imagine strolling through a picturesque rural town in Japan, surrounded by lush green fields and gently swaying cherry trees. In the midst of this idyllic setting, you will find a treasure trove of architectural wonders like the thatched-roof buildings. These charming structures, called “kayabuki” , have stood the test of time and continue to steal… Read more
The Fascinating Style of Kabuki Speech: Conveying Emotions Through Words
Kabuki (歌舞伎) is an ancient style of Japanese theater known for its striking and distinctive style of speech. Kabuki actors use exaggerated, theatrical language that adds an element of drama and emotion to their performances. This style of speech, called yobikake , has its roots in the Noh theater tradition and has developed over the… Read more
The Mystery of the Ninja: How and Why did they disappear from Japan?
The ninja arose during the Sengoku period (1467-1603) , a time of civil wars in Japan . Initially, they were peasant warriors and mercenaries hired to carry out espionage, sabotage, and assassination missions. Their combat prowess and covert abilities made them a fearsome force. However, as Japan unified and the civil wars came to an… Read more
Japan’s Heian Period: The Golden Age of Japanese Culture Compared to Europe, Asia, America and Africa
Japan’s Heian Period is a fascinating historical period that spanned from 794 to 1185, and is considered by many to be the golden age of Japanese culture. During this period, Japan underwent major political, social, and cultural changes that left a lasting mark on the country’s history. In this article, we will explore the history… Read more
Japanese mythology: discovering similarities with other world cultures
Japanese mythology has several elements similar to other world cultures. One of the most obvious similarities is found in the story of the Great Flood , which also appears in Greek mythology and in the Judeo-Christian tradition. In Japan, this story is told in the myth of Toyoke , who built a ship to survive… Read more
Discover the fascinating history and tradition of calendars in Japan
Calendars in Japan are an important part of culture and daily life. These calendars are not only used to mark important dates and schedule events, but also reflect the rich history and traditions of the country. The most widely used calendar in Japan is the Gregorian calendar, the same one used in most countries around… Read more
The dark story of the concentration camps in the United States during World War II
The historic episode of World War II in which Japanese-Americans were interned in concentration camps in the United States is a dark and sad story of discrimination and prejudice. During World War II, the United States government interned more than 120,000 Japanese and their descendants, including men, women, and children, in concentration camps across the… Read more
The Inspiring Life of Toru Kumon and His Revolutionary Educational Method
Behind every innovative educational method is a visionary mind that created it. In the case of the Kumon Method , that visionary genius is Toru Kumon who revolutionized education throughout the world with his method. Toru Kumon was born on March 26, 1914 in the city of Kochi, Japan. From an early age, he demonstrated… Read more