Prince Shōtoku (聖徳太子, Shōtoku Taishi): a key figure of Japan’s Asuka Period Prince Shōtoku, born February 7, 574 in Nara and died April 8, 622, is a major historical figure of Japan’s Asuka Period. Regent and politician of the Imperial Court, he is credited with initiating numerous social, political, religious and cultural reforms that greatly …
The Nue is a yokai (supernatural creature from Japanese folklore) with the particularity of being a hybrid being, composed of animal parts from several different species. He is often represented as a mixture of snake, monkey, tanuki (an animal resembling a raccoon dog) and bird. Its silhouette is generally black and its skin is covered …
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Death Note appeared in the pages of Weekly Shonen Jump in 2003 and revolutionized the codes of manga. Twenty years on, this work is still as famous as ever and is considered a masterful series. Unbearable suspense, psychologically complex characters, the confrontation between Light and his rival L, top-quality drawings and a plot mastered to …
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The Tokyo Skytree is one of the world’s tallest free-standing towers, and an iconic symbol of the city of Tokyo. At a height of 634 metres, it towers over the city’s urban landscape, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Construction of the Tokyo Skytree began in 2008, and it was inaugurated in 2012. It …
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Japan is a country rich in history and culture, and the same goes for sport. Japan has produced many great athletes over the years in a variety of different sports, from traditional martial arts to baseball, soccer and tennis. Here’s a look at some of the greatest Japanese sportsmen and women in history. Ichiro Suzuki …
The island of Hokkaido is Japan’s second largest and the northernmost of the four main islands that make up the Japanese archipelago. With its vast stretches of wilderness and modern cities, Hokkaido is a popular destination for travelers looking for a unique experience. History of Hokkaido: Hokkaido has a rich and varied history dating back …
Fans of Japanese art history are bound to have heard of Tosa Mitsuoki, a famous 17th-century painter. He is best known for his portraits of the nobility of the time. His creations stood out in the artistic landscape thanks to their blend of traditional Japanese and Western aesthetics. Let’s explore the work and career of …
The Ballad of Narayama is a 1983 Japanese film directed by Imamura Shohei, based on the novel of the same name by Fukazawa Shichirō. Set in a small, isolated mountain village in 19th-century Japan, the film explores themes of tradition, family and survival. The story of The Ballad of Narayama is set in traditional rural …
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Katsu curry, also known as Katsu-kare in Japanese, is a dish in Japanese cuisine that has gained popularity around the world because of its unique taste and crunchy texture. This tasty dish consists of breaded chicken or pork fillet, served with a thick and spicy curry sauce, accompanied by white rice and vegetables. The history …
Shigaraki ceramics are a traditional Japanese art form dating back centuries. It originated in the town of Shigaraki in Shiga prefecture, in the western part of Japan. Shigaraki potters use the region’s abundant natural clay to create ceramic objects with a unique character and rustic beauty. The history of Shigaraki ceramics dates back to the …
Shigaraki ceramics: the rustic beauty of Japanese art. Read More »
