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 »
Kabuki is a form of traditional Japanese theater that originated in the early 17th century. Kabuki is famous for its elaborate costumes, dramatic make-up, spectacular scenes and haunting music. In this article, we will explore the history and characters of kabuki. History of Kabuki Kabuki was created by a woman named Okuni in the early …
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 …
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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: …
Akira Yoshizawa was a pioneer in the world of origami. His passion for this art, his technical innovations and his vision of origami as an art in itself have left a lasting mark in this community. His contribution to origami is still celebrated and appreciated today, more than 15 years after his death.
Tarō Okamoto (岡本 太郎, Okamoto Tarō) was a Japanese painter, sculptor and multidisciplinary artist, famous for his colourful and bold works. Born in 1911 in Kawasaki, Japan, Okamoto began painting at an early age and quickly developed a unique style that reflected his interests in modern Western art and Japanese artistic traditions. Okamoto studied art …
Tarō Okamoto: biography of an influential Japanese art artist Read More »
The origins of Japanese beer date back to the Edo period when the Dutch opened bars for sailors working on the trade route between Japan and the Dutch Empire and it was not until the late 19th century, during trade with Germany and the USA, that industrial breweries were established. Japanese beers have a rich …
Japanese beers: history, styles and food pairing Read More »
Ukiyo-e is a very popular form of Japanese printmaking, which has influenced many artists around the world. It is characterized by its genre scenes and beautiful landscapes. Let’s find out in detail what Japanese Ukiyo-e printmaking is and what it owes its popularity to. What is Japanese Ukiyo-e printmaking Ukiyo-e is a traditional Japanese printmaking …
