Saichō was a Buddhist teacher whose influence was decisive for Japanese Buddhism. His exceptional contribution to the formation of what is now known as the Tendai Buddhist sect is incomparable. His life and work are of vital interest for understanding Japan, and more specifically Japanese Buddhism. The Founding Father: Saichō Saichō (767 – 822), born […]

Shōjo manga are one of the most popular categories of Japanese comics. Enjoyed by millions of readers around the world, they offer a unique insight into Japanese culture and values. Discover the must-haves of shōjo manga and learn more about this fascinating genre. The Shōjo Manga Essentials The term “shōjo manga” refers to Japanese comics

The Fūrin originated in China, where it was called “風鐸” (fuutaku) is a cast iron, ceramic or glass wind bell, originating from Japan. Featuring a traditional design and a magical sound, it has become a typical symbol of the Japanese garden. A Fresh Wind: the Japanese Fūrin Originally, Fūrin, or Japanese wind chimes, were used

The Bank of Japan (BoJ) is one of the major central banks in Japan. It is in charge of all commercial and banking activities in the country and plays an important role in the management and control of the economy. To understand its role and importance to the financial system in Japan, it is important

If you are looking for a comfortable solution for your Japanese meditation sessions at home, the Zabuton may be the answer. This soft, flat cushion offers a simple and elegant solution for sitting in Seiza on Japanese tatami mats and enjoying a comfortable meditation session, without sacrificing style and sophistication. Welcome to the Zabuton: the

The tea ceremony, also called chanoyu or ocha in Japanese, is a ritual of drinking tea in a ceremonial and formal manner. This ceremony is considered an art in Japan and has been practiced for centuries. Utensils Chakin (茶巾) is a small cloth used to wipe the teacup when serving Japanese tea. Fukusa (袱紗) is

Japanese knives are considered one of the best knives in the world for their quality, durability and design. The history of Japanese knives dates back centuries and they have evolved over time into the high-performance tools we know today. There are several types of Japanese knives, each designed for a specific use. The most common

Japan participated in the Summer Olympics for the first time in 1912 in Stockholm, and in the Winter Olympics in 1972 in Sapporo. Japan hosted the Summer Olympics in Tokyo in 1964 and the Winter Olympics in Nagano in 1998. The 1964 Games in Tokyo were a moment of national pride for Japan and marked

Itō Jakuchū (1716-1800) was an 18th century Japanese painter and calligrapher. He was known for his silk paintings of birds, fish, and flowers, which were done with great fine detail and color. His works were highly regarded for their realism, subtlety and artistic sensibility. Itō Jakuchū was trained in the tradition of flower and bird

The origins Japanese chopsticks, called “hashi” in Japanese, are a popular kitchen tool used to eat Japanese food. Although it is not known exactly when chopsticks became common in Japan, it is generally accepted that they were introduced to Japan by the Chinese in the 7th century. At first, chopsticks were considered a symbol of