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

the Heian era (794-1185) In 794, exasperated by the pressures made on him by the six Buddhist sects (Kusha-shû, 07Jôjitsu-shû, Hossô-shû , Sanron-shû, Ritsu-shû) to obtain more and more advantages and prerogatives, the ‘Emperor Kammu transfers the capital to Heiankyô (later renamed Kyôto). Faced with the rise of these sects, Emperor Kammu commissioned certain monks

Chawanmushi is a savory, soft and creamy Japanese egg cream, often served as a starter. It’s made by mixing beaten eggs with dashi stock, chicken and shrimp, and other ingredients to add extra flavor and texture. This Japanese egg dish should have a smooth jelly consistency with no bubbles. Eggs gently beaten with dashi are

Tokusatsu series which means “special effects” is a popular genre of fiction in Japan that includes elements of superheroes, science fiction and giant robot fights. They are often known for their use of special effects such as models, costumes and live visual effects to create dramatic action scenes. Tokusatsu series have also had a huge

THE KAMAKURA PERIOD (1185-1333). The Kamakura period is a period in the history of Japan which lasted from 1185 to 1333. It is marked by the fall of the imperial empire and the emergence of a new class of samurai, who rose to power as than shoguns. This period also saw the introduction of Zen

Japanese bentos are traditional lunch boxes, usually made of metal or plastic, that hold portions of rice, meat, fish, vegetables, and other foods. Bentos are often taken to work or school and are a convenient meal for people on the go. Bentos are often artistically decorated to make them more palatable, which is known as

Hakone Yosegi marquetry is a valuable traditional Japanese art that continues to be practiced in the Hakone area today. Craftsmen who work in this tradition are often highly respected and their objects are highly prized by collectors and art lovers. If you