In Japan, prefectures are administrative divisions similar to states or provinces in other countries. There are currently 47 prefectures in Japan, each with its own government and administrative system. The government of each prefecture is headed by an elected governor, who acts as the local chief executive. The governor is assisted by a prefectural council, …
Kūkai, also known as Kōbō-Daishi, was a 9th century Japanese Buddhist monk. He is best known for founding the Shingon school, a branch of Vajrayāna Buddhism that combines elements of Buddhist philosophy with tantric practices imported from China and India. Born in 774 in the village of Byōbuga-ura on the island of Shikoku became a …
Hishaku is a traditional Japanese utensil used to serve hot or cold water in a tea ceremony or to water plants. It is made of wood, often bamboo, and can be decorated with traditional carvings or designs. In this article, we will explore the history and use of hishaku, as well as its cultural significance. …
Hijiki seaweed, also known as hiziki, is an edible brown seaweed native to the coasts of Japan, China and Korea. It is considered a superfood because of its many health benefits. Hijiki has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a tender, crunchy texture. It is often used in Japanese cuisine, where it is added to …
The Meiji Era is a period of Japanese history that took place from 1868 to 1912. It marks a period of modernization and radical transformation of the country, which allowed Japan to become a major economic and military power. Historical context of the Meiji era: In the mid-19th century, Japan was ruled by the Tokugawa …
Kyoto (京都市, Kyōto-shi, literally “capital city”) is a city that embodies Japanese culture, heritage and tradition. Located in the Kansai region of Japan, Kyoto was the country’s capital for over 1,000 years before Tokyo took over in 1868. Despite this, Kyoto has retained its unique cultural identity and charm that attracts millions of visitors each …
The tea box, also known as Chaki (茶 器: “tea tool”) in Japanese, is an essential accessory in the Japanese tea ceremony, known as Chanoyu. In this ceremony, utensils are carefully chosen to create harmony between the different elements used. Chaki are classified both according to their material and shape, as well as according to …
Tokyo Story (1953) is a Japanese film directed by Yasujiro Ozu, considered one of the greatest films in the history of cinema. It tells the story of an elderly couple who travel to Tokyo to visit their adult children, but end up feeling lonely and misunderstood in the bustling city. The film begins with the …
The melancholic beauty of Tokyo Story: an unforgettable masterpiece of Japanese cinema Read More »
Japanese kokeshi are traditional dolls made by hand from wood. These dolls are elongated and cylindrical in shape, with a rounded head without arms or legs, and are often decorated with simple but elegant designs. They are native to the Tohoku region in northern Japan, but have become popular throughout the country and are valued …
Exploring Japanese kokeshi: Aesthetics and cultural symbol Read More »
Kōdō (香道)is an ancient Japanese art of incense. It is one of the three traditional arts along with the tea ceremony and ikebana. It is a spiritual and cultural practice that is still practiced today by many followers in Japan and other parts of the world. The word Kōdō is made up of two kanji: …
