31.5.12
Irori
Irori (いろり, 囲炉裏, 居炉裏) are a type of traditional sunken hearth common in Japan. Used for heating the home and cooking food, irori are essentially square pits in the floor with a pot hook, or jizaikagi (自在鉤). These hooks generally were hollow bamboo
tubes containing an iron rod, with an attached lever, often shaped like
a fish, that would allow the pot or kettle to be raised or lowered.
Tatami
A tatami (畳) is a type of mat used as a flooring material in traditional Japanese-style rooms.
The term tatami is derived from the verb tatamu, meaning to fold or pile. This indicates that the early tatami were thin and could be folded up when not used or piled in layers.[2]
Tatami were originally a luxury item for the nobility.
Tatami were gradually popularized and finally reached the homes of commoners toward the end of the 17th century.[7] Houses built in Japan today often have very few tatami-floored rooms, if any. Having just one is not uncommon. The rooms having tatami flooring and other such traditional architectural features are referred to as nihonma or washitsu, "Japanese-style rooms".
In Japan, the size of a room is typically measured by the number of tatami mats (-畳 -jō).
Tatami are made in standard sizes, with the length exactly twice the width.
The size of tatami differs between different regions in Japan.
The term tatami is derived from the verb tatamu, meaning to fold or pile. This indicates that the early tatami were thin and could be folded up when not used or piled in layers.[2]
Tatami were originally a luxury item for the nobility.
Tatami were gradually popularized and finally reached the homes of commoners toward the end of the 17th century.[7] Houses built in Japan today often have very few tatami-floored rooms, if any. Having just one is not uncommon. The rooms having tatami flooring and other such traditional architectural features are referred to as nihonma or washitsu, "Japanese-style rooms".
In Japan, the size of a room is typically measured by the number of tatami mats (-畳 -jō).
Tatami are made in standard sizes, with the length exactly twice the width.
The size of tatami differs between different regions in Japan.
Kotatsu
A kotatsu (炬燵) is a low, wooden table frame covered by a futon, or heavy blanket, upon which a table top sits. Underneath is a heat source, often built into the table itself.[1] Kotatsu are used almost exclusively in Japan, although similar devices are used elsewhere.
A person sits on the floor or on zabuton cushions with their legs under the table with the blanket draped over the lower body. The kotatsu was designed for people wearing traditional Japanese style clothes, where the heat would enter through the bottom of the robes and exit around the neck, thus heating the entire body.
A person sits on the floor or on zabuton cushions with their legs under the table with the blanket draped over the lower body. The kotatsu was designed for people wearing traditional Japanese style clothes, where the heat would enter through the bottom of the robes and exit around the neck, thus heating the entire body.
Nihon Shoki
The Nihon Shoki (日本書紀), sometimes translated as The Chronicles of Japan, is the second oldest book of classical Japanese history. The book is also called the Nihongi (日本紀 lit. Japanese Chronicles).
It is more elaborate and detailed than the Kojiki, the oldest, and has proven to be an important tool for historians and archaeologists as it includes the most complete extant historical record of ancient Japan (its beginning must be considered as largely mythological however; its very first chapters, moreover, root in Chinese metaphysics). The Nihon Shoki was finished in 720 under the editorial supervision of Prince Toneri and with the assistance of Ō no Yasumaro.[1]
It is more elaborate and detailed than the Kojiki, the oldest, and has proven to be an important tool for historians and archaeologists as it includes the most complete extant historical record of ancient Japan (its beginning must be considered as largely mythological however; its very first chapters, moreover, root in Chinese metaphysics). The Nihon Shoki was finished in 720 under the editorial supervision of Prince Toneri and with the assistance of Ō no Yasumaro.[1]
Sakura-zensen
The cherry blossom front (桜前線 sakura zensen) refers to the advance of the cherry blossoms across Japan. The Japan Meteorological Agency records the opening and full bloom of the blossoms from Kyūshū in late March to Hokkaidō in the middle of May. The advancing front is also the subject of regular reports by the major news agencies. The cherry blossom is of great public interest in Japan thanks to its symbolism and the custom of flower viewing known as hanami.
30.5.12
Jikatabi
Jika-tabi (地下足袋, "tabi that contact the ground") is a type of outdoor footwear worn in Japan. It was invented in the 20th century.
Also known (outside Japan) as "tabi boots", they are modelled on tabi, traditional split-toe Japanese socks. Like other tabi, jika-tabi have a divided toe area so that they can in theory be worn with slip-on thonged footwear, but they are heavy-duty,
Being made of heavy, tough material and often having rubber soles, jika-tabi are often used by construction workers, farmers and gardeners, rickshaw-pullers, and other workmen.
Also known (outside Japan) as "tabi boots", they are modelled on tabi, traditional split-toe Japanese socks. Like other tabi, jika-tabi have a divided toe area so that they can in theory be worn with slip-on thonged footwear, but they are heavy-duty,
Being made of heavy, tough material and often having rubber soles, jika-tabi are often used by construction workers, farmers and gardeners, rickshaw-pullers, and other workmen.
Kumano Kodō
The Kumano Kodō (熊野古道) is a series of ancient pilgrimage routes that crisscross the Kii Hantō, the largest Peninsula of Japan. These sacred trails were and are still used for the pilgrimage to the sacred site "Kumano Sanzan" (熊野三山）, or the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano: Kumano Hongū Taisha (熊野本宮大社), Kumano Nachi Taisha (熊野那智大社) and Kumano Hayatama Taisha
(熊野速玉大社).
The Kumano Kodō pilgrimage routes that lead to Kumano can be geographically categorized into three sub-routes: "Kiji", "Kohechi" and "Iseji". The Kumano Kodō and Kumano Sanzan, along with Koyasan and Yoshino and Omine, were registered as UNESCO World Heritage on July 7, 2004 as the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range".[1]
The Kumano Kodō pilgrimage routes that lead to Kumano can be geographically categorized into three sub-routes: "Kiji", "Kohechi" and "Iseji". The Kumano Kodō and Kumano Sanzan, along with Koyasan and Yoshino and Omine, were registered as UNESCO World Heritage on July 7, 2004 as the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range".[1]
Keihanshin
Keihanshin (京阪神, "Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe") is a Japanese metropolitan region encompassing the metropolitan areas of the cities of Osaka in Osaka prefecture, Kobe in Hyōgo Prefecture, and Kyoto in Kyoto prefecture.
It is Japan's second most populated urban region after the Greater Tokyo Area, containing approximately 15% of Japan's population.
It is Japan's second most populated urban region after the Greater Tokyo Area, containing approximately 15% of Japan's population.
Kabuki
Kabuki (歌舞伎 kabuki) is a classical Japanese dance-drama(-.-). Kabuki theatre is known for the stylization of its drama and for the elaborate make-up worn by some of its performers.
The three main categories of kabuki play are jidai-mono (時代物, historical, or pre-Sengoku period stories), sewa-mono (世話物, domestic, or post-Sengoku stories) and shosagoto (所作事, dance pieces).
Unlike jidaimono which generally focused upon the samurai class, sewamono focused primarily upon commoners, namely townspeople and peasants.
Important elements of kabuki include the mie (見得), in which the actor holds a picturesque pose to establish his character.[18]
The three main categories of kabuki play are jidai-mono (時代物, historical, or pre-Sengoku period stories), sewa-mono (世話物, domestic, or post-Sengoku stories) and shosagoto (所作事, dance pieces).
Unlike jidaimono which generally focused upon the samurai class, sewamono focused primarily upon commoners, namely townspeople and peasants.
Important elements of kabuki include the mie (見得), in which the actor holds a picturesque pose to establish his character.[18]
Ojigi
Bows are the traditional greeting in East Asia, particularly in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, China, and Vietnam. In Taiwan, China, and Vietnam, shaking hands or a slight bow have become more popular than a full bow.[1][2][3]
However, bowing is not reserved only for greetings. Bowing is a gesture of respect. Different bows are used for apologies and gratitude, to express different emotions, humility, sincerity, remorse, or deference, and in various traditional arts and religious ceremonies. Bowing has been a way to show respect to people for a long time in East Asia.
Basic bows originate at the waist and are performed with the back straight and the hands at the sides (for men) or clasped in front (for women), and with the eyes down. Generally, the longer and deeper the bow, the stronger the emotion or the greater the difference in social standing.
However, bowing is not reserved only for greetings. Bowing is a gesture of respect. Different bows are used for apologies and gratitude, to express different emotions, humility, sincerity, remorse, or deference, and in various traditional arts and religious ceremonies. Bowing has been a way to show respect to people for a long time in East Asia.
Basic bows originate at the waist and are performed with the back straight and the hands at the sides (for men) or clasped in front (for women), and with the eyes down. Generally, the longer and deeper the bow, the stronger the emotion or the greater the difference in social standing.
29.5.12
Konpa
Konpa (コンパ) are a type of Japanese drinking gathering held by university students in a casual drinking establishment called an izakaya, and are more relaxed than the traditional nomikai. It is often suggested that this word originally came from German: Kompanie, English: company, or French: compagnie, although the exact root is unknown.[1]
These gatherings are intended for developing friendships or deepening relationships with members of the same affiliated group or with the opposite sex that benefit Japanese socially in their careers and in their lives.
These gatherings are intended for developing friendships or deepening relationships with members of the same affiliated group or with the opposite sex that benefit Japanese socially in their careers and in their lives.
Honne and Tatemae
Honne and tatemae are Japanese words that describe the contrast between a person's true feelings and desires (Honne (本音)) and the behavior and opinions one displays in public (Tatemae (建前), literally "façade").
Honne may be contrary to what is expected by society or what is required according to one's position and circumstances, and they are often kept hidden, except with one's closest friends. Tatemae is what is expected by society and required according to one's position and circumstances, and these may or may not match one's honne.
Honne may be contrary to what is expected by society or what is required according to one's position and circumstances, and they are often kept hidden, except with one's closest friends. Tatemae is what is expected by society and required according to one's position and circumstances, and these may or may not match one's honne.
Komike
Comiket (コミケ Komike), otherwise known as the Comic Market (コミックマーケット Komikku Māketto), is the world's largest self-published comic book fair, held twice a year in Tokyo, Japan.[1]
The first Comiket was held on December 21, 1975, with only about 32 participating circles and an estimated 600 attendees.[2] Attendance has since swelled to over a half million people.[1]
It is a grassroots, DIY effort for selling dōjinshi, self-published Japanese works. As items sold in Comiket are considered very rare (because dōjinshi are seldom reprinted), some items sold at Comiket can be found in shops or on the Internet at prices up to 10 times the item's original price, and in certain cases, more than 100 times.
The first Comiket was held on December 21, 1975, with only about 32 participating circles and an estimated 600 attendees.[2] Attendance has since swelled to over a half million people.[1]
It is a grassroots, DIY effort for selling dōjinshi, self-published Japanese works. As items sold in Comiket are considered very rare (because dōjinshi are seldom reprinted), some items sold at Comiket can be found in shops or on the Internet at prices up to 10 times the item's original price, and in certain cases, more than 100 times.
Cosplay
Cosplay (コスプレ kosupure), short for "costume play",[1] is a type of performance art in which participants don costumes and accessories to represent a specific character or idea.
Favorite sources include manga and anime, comic books, video games and films.
The exponential growth in the number of people picking up cosplay as a hobby since 1990 has made the phenomenon influential in popular culture. This is particularly the case in Asia where cosplay influences Japanese street fashion and popular culture.
In Japan teenagers gather with like-minded friends in places like Tokyo's Harajuku district to engage in cosplay.
Since 1998 Tokyo's Akihabara district has contained a large number of cosplay cafés, catering to devoted anime and cosplay fans. The waitresses at such cafés dress as game or anime characters; maid costumes are particularly popular.
Favorite sources include manga and anime, comic books, video games and films.
The exponential growth in the number of people picking up cosplay as a hobby since 1990 has made the phenomenon influential in popular culture. This is particularly the case in Asia where cosplay influences Japanese street fashion and popular culture.
In Japan teenagers gather with like-minded friends in places like Tokyo's Harajuku district to engage in cosplay.
Since 1998 Tokyo's Akihabara district has contained a large number of cosplay cafés, catering to devoted anime and cosplay fans. The waitresses at such cafés dress as game or anime characters; maid costumes are particularly popular.
28.5.12
Izakaya
An izakaya (居酒屋) is a type of Japanese drinking establishment which also serves food to accompany the drinks. They are casual places for after-work drinking.
Izakaya are sometimes called akachōchin (red lantern) in daily conversation, because these paper lanterns are traditionally found in front of an izakaya.
Usually, you will be given an oshibori (wet towel) to clean your hands with; next an otōshi or tsukidashi (a tiny snack/an appetizer) will be served. This is local custom and usually charged onto the bill in lieu of an entry fee. Japanese people in Kantō region call it otōshi and Kansai people call it tsukidashi.
Izakaya are sometimes called akachōchin (red lantern) in daily conversation, because these paper lanterns are traditionally found in front of an izakaya.
Usually, you will be given an oshibori (wet towel) to clean your hands with; next an otōshi or tsukidashi (a tiny snack/an appetizer) will be served. This is local custom and usually charged onto the bill in lieu of an entry fee. Japanese people in Kantō region call it otōshi and Kansai people call it tsukidashi.
Oni
Oni (鬼) are creatures from Japanese folklore, variously translated as demons, devils, ogres or trolls. They are popular characters in Japanese art, literature and theatre.[1]
Depictions of oni vary widely but usually portray them as hideous, gigantic creatures with sharp claws, wild hair, and two long horns growing from their heads.[2] They are humanoid for the most part, but occasionally, they are shown with unnatural features such as odd numbers of eyes or extra fingers and toes.[3] Their skin may be any number of colors, but red and blue are particularly common.[4][5]
They are often depicted wearing tiger-skin loincloths and carrying iron clubs, called kanabō (金棒). This image leads to the expression "oni with an iron club" (鬼に金棒 oni-ni-kanabō), that is, to be invincible or undefeatable. It can also be used in the sense of "strong beyond strong", or having one's natural quality enhanced or supplemented by the use of some tool.[6][7]
Depictions of oni vary widely but usually portray them as hideous, gigantic creatures with sharp claws, wild hair, and two long horns growing from their heads.[2] They are humanoid for the most part, but occasionally, they are shown with unnatural features such as odd numbers of eyes or extra fingers and toes.[3] Their skin may be any number of colors, but red and blue are particularly common.[4][5]
They are often depicted wearing tiger-skin loincloths and carrying iron clubs, called kanabō (金棒). This image leads to the expression "oni with an iron club" (鬼に金棒 oni-ni-kanabō), that is, to be invincible or undefeatable. It can also be used in the sense of "strong beyond strong", or having one's natural quality enhanced or supplemented by the use of some tool.[6][7]
Suica
Suica (スイカ Suika) is a rechargeable contactless smart card used as a fare card on train lines in Japan.
Launched November 2001.
The card is also increasingly being accepted as a form of electronic money for purchases at stores and kiosks, especially within train stations.
Suica stands for "Super Urban Intelligent Card", and the pronunciation is also a pun on the Japanese word for watermelon, "suika". In the logo, the "ic" is highlighted, as the initials stand for integrated circuit, the technology inside the smart card, in common Japanese usage. An additional meaning comes from the expression "sui sui", meaning "smooth" and an abbreviation for "card", "ka", intended to highlight the smooth simplicity of using the card compared with traditional train tickets.
Launched November 2001.
The card is also increasingly being accepted as a form of electronic money for purchases at stores and kiosks, especially within train stations.
Suica stands for "Super Urban Intelligent Card", and the pronunciation is also a pun on the Japanese word for watermelon, "suika". In the logo, the "ic" is highlighted, as the initials stand for integrated circuit, the technology inside the smart card, in common Japanese usage. An additional meaning comes from the expression "sui sui", meaning "smooth" and an abbreviation for "card", "ka", intended to highlight the smooth simplicity of using the card compared with traditional train tickets.
Book Off
Book Off (ブックオフコーポレーション Bukku Ofu Kōporēshon) (TYO: 3313) is Japan's largest chain of used bookstores.
Founded in August 1991, the company has had explosive success,
expanding to 866 stores throughout Japan and eight overseas locations
(as of August 2006). In addition to books, its chains also sell manga, CDs, DVDs and video games. The stores are distinguished by their large surface area, cleanliness and bright illumination.
Browsing is encouraged, shown with a typical scene of high-school students who read through entire series of manga standing quietly in the aisles. Another innovation cited for its success is the practice of shaving the edges off the pages of books using a special machine in order to make them appear newer.[1]
Book Off also operates several stores in United States, two in Seoul, three in Paris, and one in Vancouver.
Browsing is encouraged, shown with a typical scene of high-school students who read through entire series of manga standing quietly in the aisles. Another innovation cited for its success is the practice of shaving the edges off the pages of books using a special machine in order to make them appear newer.[1]
Book Off also operates several stores in United States, two in Seoul, three in Paris, and one in Vancouver.
Tsutaya
Tsutaya, Japanese rental shop chain operated by Culture Convenience Club
Culture Convenience Club Co., Ltd. (カルチュア・コンビニエンス・クラブ株式会社 Karuchua Konbiniensu Kurabu Kabushikigaisha) is a Japanese company that operates Tsutaya, a nationwide chain of rental shops and bookstores. The company is headquartered in Ebisu, Tokyo.[3] The stock of the company is listed in the first section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TYO: 4756).
As of May 2010, the company and its franchisees operate 1,394 Tsutaya rental shops in Japan.[4]
The T Card, membership card of Tsutaya, works as a platform for cross-industry loyalty program. As of May 2010, more than 35 million holders of the card earn "T Points" at FamilyMart, Book Off, Lotteria, and so forth as well as Tsutaya shops.[5][6]
Culture Convenience Club Co., Ltd. (カルチュア・コンビニエンス・クラブ株式会社 Karuchua Konbiniensu Kurabu Kabushikigaisha) is a Japanese company that operates Tsutaya, a nationwide chain of rental shops and bookstores. The company is headquartered in Ebisu, Tokyo.[3] The stock of the company is listed in the first section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TYO: 4756).
As of May 2010, the company and its franchisees operate 1,394 Tsutaya rental shops in Japan.[4]
The T Card, membership card of Tsutaya, works as a platform for cross-industry loyalty program. As of May 2010, more than 35 million holders of the card earn "T Points" at FamilyMart, Book Off, Lotteria, and so forth as well as Tsutaya shops.[5][6]
27.5.12
Kabushiki-gaisha
Kabushiki gaisha (株式会社, lit. "stock companies") is a type of business corporation (会社 kaisha) defined under Japanese law.
In Japanese, "kabushiki gaisha" can be used as a prefix (e.g. 株式会社電通 Kabushiki gaisha Dentsū, which is called "mae-kabu") or as a suffix (e.g. トヨタ自動車株式会社 Toyota Jidōsha Kabushiki gaisha, which is called "ato-kabu")
Many Japanese companies translate the phrase "Kabushiki Kaisha" (KK) as "Co., Ltd." while others use the more Americanized translations Corporation or Incorporated
The first kabushiki gaisha was the First National Bank of Japan, incorporated in 1873.
In Japanese, "kabushiki gaisha" can be used as a prefix (e.g. 株式会社電通 Kabushiki gaisha Dentsū, which is called "mae-kabu") or as a suffix (e.g. トヨタ自動車株式会社 Toyota Jidōsha Kabushiki gaisha, which is called "ato-kabu")
Many Japanese companies translate the phrase "Kabushiki Kaisha" (KK) as "Co., Ltd." while others use the more Americanized translations Corporation or Incorporated
The first kabushiki gaisha was the First National Bank of Japan, incorporated in 1873.
Torii
A torii (鳥居・鳥栖・鶏栖, lit. bird perch, English: /ˈtɔəri.iː/) is a traditional Japanese gate most commonly found at the entrance of or within a Shinto shrine, where it symbolically marks the transition from the profane to the sacred (see Sacred-profane dichotomy).[1] The presence of a torii at the entrance is usually the simplest way to identify Shinto shrines, and a small torii icon represents them on Japanese road maps.[note 1] They are however a common sight at Japanese Buddhist temples too, where they stand at the entrance of the temple's own shrine, called chinjusha (鎮守社, tutelary god shrine) and usually very small.
Umeboshi
Umeboshi (Japanese: 梅干, pronounced [u͍meboɕi]; literally "dried ume") are pickled ume fruits common in Japan. The word "umeboshi" is often translated into English as "Japanese salt plums," "salt plums" or "pickled plums." Ume (Prunus mume) is a species of fruit-bearing tree in the genus Prunus, which is often called a plum but is actually more closely related to the apricot. Umeboshi are a popular kind of tsukemono (pickles) and are extremely sour and salty. They are usually served as side dishes for rice or eaten on rice balls (often without removing the pit) for breakfast and lunch. They are occasionally served boiled or seasoned for dinner.
Pickled ume which are not dried are called umezuke (梅漬け).
Pickled ume which are not dried are called umezuke (梅漬け).
Hakama
Hakama (袴) are a type of traditional Japanese clothing. They were originally worn only by men, but today they are worn by both sexes.
While hakama used to be a required part of men's wear, nowadays typical Japanese men usually wear hakama only on extremely formal occasions and at tea ceremonies, weddings, and funerals. Hakama are also regularly worn by practitioners of a variety of martial arts, such as kendo, iaido, taido, aikido, ryu-te, and kyūdō.
Women's hakama differ from men's in a variety of ways, most notably fabric design and method of tying.
... women rarely wear hakama except at graduation ceremonies and for traditional Japanese sports such as kyudo, some branches of aikido and kendo.[1] Only very rarely are hakama worn by women at tea ceremony.
While hakama used to be a required part of men's wear, nowadays typical Japanese men usually wear hakama only on extremely formal occasions and at tea ceremonies, weddings, and funerals. Hakama are also regularly worn by practitioners of a variety of martial arts, such as kendo, iaido, taido, aikido, ryu-te, and kyūdō.
Women's hakama differ from men's in a variety of ways, most notably fabric design and method of tying.
... women rarely wear hakama except at graduation ceremonies and for traditional Japanese sports such as kyudo, some branches of aikido and kendo.[1] Only very rarely are hakama worn by women at tea ceremony.
26.5.12
Shinrin-yoku
In Japan, a forest bathing trip, called Shinrin-yoku in Japanese, Samrimyok in Korean, is a short, leisurely visit to a forest and is regarded as being similar to natural aromatherapy.[1]
A forest bathing trip involves visiting a forest for relaxation and recreation while breathing in volatile substances, called phytoncides (wood essential oils), which are antimicrobial volatile organic compounds derived from trees, such as a-pinene and limonene. Incorporating forest bathing trips into a good lifestyle was first proposed in 1982 by the Forest Agency of Japan. It has now become a recognized relaxation and/or stress management activity in Japan.
Loose socks
Loose socks (ルーズソックス rūzu sokkusu) are a style of baggy sock worn by Japanese high school girls.[1]
They were adopted as a fashion which flattered plump calves and also expressed rebellious deviation from Japan's strict dress code for school uniforms.[2][page needed]
Bentō
Bento (弁当 bentō)[1] is a single-portion takeout or home-packed meal common in Japanese cuisine. A traditional bento consists of rice, fish or meat, and one or more pickled or cooked vegetables, usually in a box-shaped container. Containers range from disposable mass produced to hand crafted lacquerware. Although bento are readily available in many places throughout Japan, including convenience stores, bento shops (弁当屋 bentō-ya), train stations, and department stores, it is still common for Japanese homemakers to spend time and energy for their spouse, child, or themselves producing a carefully prepared lunch box.
Bunkasai
The Japanese Cultural Festival (文化祭 bunkasai) is an annual event held by most schools in Japan, from Nursery schools to universities at which their students display their everyday achievements.[1]
People who want to enter the school themselves or who are interested in
the school may come to see what the schoolwork and atmosphere are like.
Parents may also want to see what kind of work their children have been
doing.
Festivals are held to display the students' learning, but many visit the festivals just for fun. Food is served, and often classrooms or gymnasiums are transformed into temporary restaurants or cafés. Dances, concerts and plays may be performed by individual volunteers or by various school "clubs" such as the dance club, the orchestra club, the band club and the drama club.
The Cultural Festivals are intended to be a fun event, but it is also the only opportunity each year for students to see what life is like in other schools. It is also intended to enrich people's lives by increasing social interaction.
Festivals are held to display the students' learning, but many visit the festivals just for fun. Food is served, and often classrooms or gymnasiums are transformed into temporary restaurants or cafés. Dances, concerts and plays may be performed by individual volunteers or by various school "clubs" such as the dance club, the orchestra club, the band club and the drama club.
The Cultural Festivals are intended to be a fun event, but it is also the only opportunity each year for students to see what life is like in other schools. It is also intended to enrich people's lives by increasing social interaction.
Yakisoba
Sōsu Yakisoba (ソース焼きそば) or Yakisoba (焼きそば),
literally "fried noodles in sauce", is considered a Japanese dish but
originated in China and is technically a derivative of Chinese chow mein. Although soba usually refers to buckwheat noodles in mainland Japan, Yakisoba noodles are made from wheat flour similar to ramen. It is typically flavoured with a sweetened, thickened variant of Worcestershire sauce.
Konbini
Convenience stores (コンビニエンスストア konbiniensu sutoa), often shortened to konbini (コンビニ), developed tremendously in Japan. 7-Eleven leads the market with 12,467 stores, followed
by Lawson (9,562) and FamilyMart (7,604). Other operators include Circle K Sunkus, Daily Yamazaki, Ministop, Am/Pm Japan
(acquired by Family Mart in 2009), Coco Store and Seico Mart. Many
items available in larger supermarkets can be found in Japanese
convenience stores, though the selection is usually smaller. As well,
the following additional services are also commonly available:
- Courier and postal service.
- Photocopying and fax service.
- Automated teller machines.
- Payment service for utilities and other bills and taxes.
- Ticket service for concerts, theme parks, airlines etc.
- Pre-paid cards for cellular phones[citation needed]
25.5.12
Tsugaru-ben
The Tsugaru dialect (津軽弁 Tsugaru-ben) is a Japanese dialect spoken in western Aomori Prefecture.
Tsugaru-ben is reputed to be too divergent from standard Japanese for those who are not native speakers, to the point that even people living in the same prefecture may have trouble understanding it.
In Tsuruta, there is an annual summer Tsugaru-ben competition (津軽弁大会 Tsugaru-ben taikai) in which teams of foreigners create short skits or performances, usually humorous, using Tsugaru-ben. In June 2009, a short segment featuring the competition was broadcast nationally on NHK.
Examples
The words are sometimes very different from those of standard Japanese.
Tsugaru-ben is reputed to be too divergent from standard Japanese for those who are not native speakers, to the point that even people living in the same prefecture may have trouble understanding it.
In Tsuruta, there is an annual summer Tsugaru-ben competition (津軽弁大会 Tsugaru-ben taikai) in which teams of foreigners create short skits or performances, usually humorous, using Tsugaru-ben. In June 2009, a short segment featuring the competition was broadcast nationally on NHK.
Examples
The words are sometimes very different from those of standard Japanese.
| English | standard Japanese | Tsugaru dialect |
|---|---|---|
| I | watashi | wa |
| you | anata | na |
| cute | kawaii | megoi |
| friend | tomodachi | keyagu |
| countryside | inaka | jago |
| but | keredo | batte |
| same | onaji | futozu |
| very | totemo | tage/gappa |
| cold | tsumetai | shakkoi |
| noisy | urusai | sashine |
| irritating | ira-irasuru | kacha-kuchane |
| money | (o-)kane | jenko |
| forehead | hitai, (o-)deko | nazugi |
Nomikai
A nomikai (Japanese: 飲み会, plural: nomikai) is a drinking party phenomenon particular to Japanese culture. Nomikai are a part of the culture of most places of employment, from schools to nightclubs. They are most often held in restaurants or izakaya, usually with everyone seated at one large table or occupying a separated section of the venue.
Employees are usually expected to participate to some extent in various nomikai, as it is considered a social aspect of work, although it is not expressly required. Such parties focus on the bond between coworkers as a group, and are not considered private or somehow non-work related (see Japanese values).
Attendance does not necessarily imply that a person will drink any alcohol, however, and attendees generally pay a set amount for the food, drink, and venue regardless of consumption. Any leftover money may be put toward organizing the next nomikai.
The student version of the nomikai is called a konpa and contains some distinguishing characteristics.
Employees are usually expected to participate to some extent in various nomikai, as it is considered a social aspect of work, although it is not expressly required. Such parties focus on the bond between coworkers as a group, and are not considered private or somehow non-work related (see Japanese values).
Attendance does not necessarily imply that a person will drink any alcohol, however, and attendees generally pay a set amount for the food, drink, and venue regardless of consumption. Any leftover money may be put toward organizing the next nomikai.
The student version of the nomikai is called a konpa and contains some distinguishing characteristics.
Shibuya 109
109 (Ichi-maru-kyū) is a department store in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan. The store is operated by Tokyu Malls Development (TMD), a subsidiary of the Tokyu Group.
Shibuya 109, a popular and trendy place for mostly Japanese young women to shop.
The name of the building, 109, is taken from the Japanese characters to (meaning 10) and kyu (9) as in Tokyu.
A movie theater was originally planned for the top floor, but the fire department would not grant approval due to emergency-evacuation routes not meeting appropriate standards. Although originally targeted at women in their 30s, the building later became more known as a mecca for young women from the gyaru subculture.[1][2]
Shibuya 109, a popular and trendy place for mostly Japanese young women to shop.
The name of the building, 109, is taken from the Japanese characters to (meaning 10) and kyu (9) as in Tokyu.
A movie theater was originally planned for the top floor, but the fire department would not grant approval due to emergency-evacuation routes not meeting appropriate standards. Although originally targeted at women in their 30s, the building later became more known as a mecca for young women from the gyaru subculture.[1][2]
Yobikō
Yobikō (予備校) are privately run schools that are marketed to students taking examinations held each year in Japan
from January to March to determine college admissions. These students
generally have graduated from high school but have failed to enter the
school of their choice. This test, unlike the French Baccalauréat or the South Korean College Scholastic Ability Test,
has different versions with different schools looking for results from
different exams. In Japan, this test is generally considered the most
important event in a child's education. Students who fail may spend a
year or more studying to retake the examination. They are sometimes
referred to as rōnin, after masterless samurai.
Rajio Taisō
Radio calisthenics (ラジオ体操 rajio taisō, literally, "radio exercises") refers to warm-up calisthenics popular in Japan, which are broadcast to music on public NHK radio early in the morning.
Rajio taisō were introduced to Japan in 1928 as a commemoration of the coronation of Emperor Hirohito.[1] The idea for radio broadcast calisthenics came from the US, where during the 1920s the Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. sponsored 15-minute radio calisthenics in major cities in the US. Visiting employees of the Japanese postal insurance division brought samples of the exercises from the US back to Japan.[1]
The exercises were introduced to several other pacific nations, including Taiwan, Hong Kong and Indonesia during Japan's colonization period.
Radio taisō is still used at schools, mainly during sports day activities and by some companies as a way of building morale and a sense of group unity, as well as to raise energy levels and encourage good health.[2]
Rajio taisō were introduced to Japan in 1928 as a commemoration of the coronation of Emperor Hirohito.[1] The idea for radio broadcast calisthenics came from the US, where during the 1920s the Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. sponsored 15-minute radio calisthenics in major cities in the US. Visiting employees of the Japanese postal insurance division brought samples of the exercises from the US back to Japan.[1]
The exercises were introduced to several other pacific nations, including Taiwan, Hong Kong and Indonesia during Japan's colonization period.
Radio taisō is still used at schools, mainly during sports day activities and by some companies as a way of building morale and a sense of group unity, as well as to raise energy levels and encourage good health.[2]
24.5.12
Manga Kissa
A manga café (漫画喫茶, マンガ喫茶 mangakissa, "kissa" being short for "kissaten" which means café or cafeteria) is a kind of café in Japan where people can read manga. People pay for the time they stay in the café. Most manga cafés also offer internet access like internet cafés (ネットカフェ netto kafe) and vice versa, making the two terms mostly interchangeable in Japan. (One large chain, Popeye, uses the term "media cafe").
Additional services include video games, television, snack/beverage vending machine, and more. Like Japanese cafés in general, smoking is usually permitted.
For an hour's stay, the cost is generally about 400 yen, with most places requiring customers to pay this as a minimum even if leaving earlier. Some manga cafés offer a service where one can stay for the night.
Additional services include video games, television, snack/beverage vending machine, and more. Like Japanese cafés in general, smoking is usually permitted.
For an hour's stay, the cost is generally about 400 yen, with most places requiring customers to pay this as a minimum even if leaving earlier. Some manga cafés offer a service where one can stay for the night.
Morihei Ueshiba
Morihei Ueshiba (植芝 盛平 Ueshiba Morihei, December 14, 1883 – April 26, 1969) was a famous martial artist and founder of the Japanese martial art of aikido. He is often referred to as "the founder" Kaiso (開祖) or Ōsensei (大先生/翁先生), "Great Teacher".
Morihei Ueshiba regularly practiced cold water misogi, as well as other spiritual and religious rites. He viewed his studies of aikido in this light.[19]
Morihei Ueshiba played the game of Go often.
Morihei Ueshiba regularly practiced cold water misogi, as well as other spiritual and religious rites. He viewed his studies of aikido in this light.[19]
Morihei Ueshiba played the game of Go often.
Anpan
Anpan (あんパン) is a Japanese sweet roll most commonly filled with red bean paste. Anpan can also be prepared with other fillings, including white beans (shiro-an), sesame (goma-an) and chestnut (kuri-an).
Anpan was first made in 1875, during the Meiji period, by a man called Yasubei Kimura, a samurai who lost his job with the rise of the Imperial Army (made up of conscripts) and the dissolution of the samurai as a social class. The Meiji era was a period in which Japan was becoming increasingly westernized, and many samurai who lost their jobs were given work that was totally new to them. The Western role of baker was one such job.
Anpan was first made in 1875, during the Meiji period, by a man called Yasubei Kimura, a samurai who lost his job with the rise of the Imperial Army (made up of conscripts) and the dissolution of the samurai as a social class. The Meiji era was a period in which Japan was becoming increasingly westernized, and many samurai who lost their jobs were given work that was totally new to them. The Western role of baker was one such job.
Sen no Rikyū
Sen no Rikyū (千利休, 1522 - April 21, 1591, also known simply as Sen Rikyū), is considered the historical figure with the most profound influence on chanoyu, the Japanese "Way of Tea", particularly the tradition of wabi-cha.
He was also the first to emphasize several key aspects of the ceremony,
including rustic simplicity, directness of approach and honesty of
self.
Hadaka Matsuri
A Hadaka Matsuri (裸祭り "Naked Festival") is a type of Japanese festival, or matsuri, in which participants wear a minimum amount of clothing; usually just a Japanese loincloth (called fundoshi), sometimes with a short happi coat,
and rarely completely naked. Whatever the clothing, it is considered to
be above vulgar, or everyday, undergarments, and on the level of holy Japanese shrine
attire.
Naked festivals are held in dozens of places throughout Japan every year, usually in the summer or winter. The most famous festival is held in Okayama, where the festival originated. Every year, over 9,000 men participate in this festival.[1]
Naked festivals are held in dozens of places throughout Japan every year, usually in the summer or winter. The most famous festival is held in Okayama, where the festival originated. Every year, over 9,000 men participate in this festival.[1]
23.5.12
Makisu
In Japanese cooking, a makisu (巻き簾) is a mat woven from bamboo and cotton string that is used in food preparation. Makisu are most commonly used to make a kind of rolled sushi called makizushi (巻き寿司), but they are also used to shape other soft foods such as omelets, and to squeeze excess liquid out of food.
After use, a makisu should be thoroughly air dried to avoid the growth of bacteria and fungi. Some cooks cover the makisu with plastic film before use to reduce the cleaning effort. This is especially necessary for producing uramaki (裏巻), a kind of maki sushi (巻き寿司) with the rice on the outside of the roll.
After use, a makisu should be thoroughly air dried to avoid the growth of bacteria and fungi. Some cooks cover the makisu with plastic film before use to reduce the cleaning effort. This is especially necessary for producing uramaki (裏巻), a kind of maki sushi (巻き寿司) with the rice on the outside of the roll.
Mixi
mixi, Inc. (ミクシィ mikushī) (TYO: 2121) is one of several social networking websites in Japan and was started in 2004. As of May 2008, mixi had over 21.6 million users[2]
and an 80% share of the social networking market in Japan.
The focus of Mixi is "community entertainment," that is, meeting new people based on common interests. As is typical of social networking sites, users can send and receive messages, write in a diary, read and comment on others' diaries, organize and join communities, and invite their friends.
The word Mixi is a combination of Mix and I, referring to the idea that the user, "I", "mixes" with other users through the service.
The focus of Mixi is "community entertainment," that is, meeting new people based on common interests. As is typical of social networking sites, users can send and receive messages, write in a diary, read and comment on others' diaries, organize and join communities, and invite their friends.
The word Mixi is a combination of Mix and I, referring to the idea that the user, "I", "mixes" with other users through the service.
Karaage
Karaage (唐揚げ or 空揚げ or から揚げ), commonly pronounced /ˌkærəˈɑːɡeɪ/ KARR-ə-AH-gay in English, is Japanese cooking technique in which various foods — most often meat and fish — are deep fried in oil.
Small pieces of the food are marinated in a mix of soy sauce, garlic, and/or ginger, then lightly coated with a seasoned wheat flour or potato starch mix, and fried in a light oil — similar to the preparation of tempura.
Small pieces of the food are marinated in a mix of soy sauce, garlic, and/or ginger, then lightly coated with a seasoned wheat flour or potato starch mix, and fried in a light oil — similar to the preparation of tempura.
Edo Period
The Edo Period (江戸時代 Edo jidai), or Tokugawa period (徳川時代 Tokugawa jidai), is a division of the history of Japan when it was ruled by the shoguns of the Tokugawa family, running from 1603 to 1868. Characterized by strict social orders, isolationist
foreign policies, and an increase in both environmental protection and
the creation and popular enjoyment of arts and culture, Japanese society
during this period was controlled by the Tokugawa shogunate and the country's 300 regional Daimyo.
Nankin Tamasudare
Nankin Tamasudare (南京玉簾 or 南京玉すだれ Nankin-tamasudare, lit. "Nanjing Lily") is a kind of traditional Japanese street performance.
The name "Nankin Tamasudare" is a play on words, as it can mean a kind
of flower, as well as mean something like "a wonderous woven screen." (Sudare is a kind of screen made by weaving straw with twine.)
The performance consists of a person skilled in manipulating special screens made of loosely woven sticks, as well as chanting an accompanying a kind of poetry. The performer chants a rhythmic poem as s/he uses the screen to portray the objects in the poetry without stopping. The screen is twisted, folded, extended, etc. in many different ways to portray an object, and then brought back quickly to its original screen shape.
It is said to have been a popular form of entertainment that began in the Edo period.
The performance consists of a person skilled in manipulating special screens made of loosely woven sticks, as well as chanting an accompanying a kind of poetry. The performer chants a rhythmic poem as s/he uses the screen to portray the objects in the poetry without stopping. The screen is twisted, folded, extended, etc. in many different ways to portray an object, and then brought back quickly to its original screen shape.
It is said to have been a popular form of entertainment that began in the Edo period.
22.5.12
Noren
Noren (暖簾) are traditional Japanese fabric
dividers, hung between rooms, on walls, in doorways, or in windows.
They usually have one or more vertical slits cut from the bottom to
nearly the top of the fabric, allowing for easier passage or viewing.
Noren are traditionally used by shops and restaurants as a means of protection from sun, wind, and dust, and for advertising space.[citation needed]
Sentō (commercial bathhouses) also place noren across their entrances, typically blue in color for men and red for women with the kanji 湯 (yu, lit. hot water) or the corresponding hiragana ゆ.
They are also hung in the front entrance to a shop to signify that the establishment is open for business, and they are always taken down at the end of the business day.
Noren are traditionally used by shops and restaurants as a means of protection from sun, wind, and dust, and for advertising space.[citation needed]
Sentō (commercial bathhouses) also place noren across their entrances, typically blue in color for men and red for women with the kanji 湯 (yu, lit. hot water) or the corresponding hiragana ゆ.
They are also hung in the front entrance to a shop to signify that the establishment is open for business, and they are always taken down at the end of the business day.
Capsule Hotel
A capsule hotel (カプセルホテル kapuseru hoteru)
is a type of hotel, developed in Japan, that features a large number of
extremely small "rooms" (capsules) intended to provide cheap and basic
overnight accommodation for guests not requiring the services offered by
more conventional hotels.
This style of hotel accommodation was developed in Japan and has not gained popularity outside of the country, although Western variants known as "pod hotels"[2] with larger accommodations and often private baths are being developed.
The first capsule hotel to open was the Capsule Inn Osaka, designed by Kisho Kurokawa and located in the Umeda district of Osaka. It opened in 1979.[7][8]
This style of hotel accommodation was developed in Japan and has not gained popularity outside of the country, although Western variants known as "pod hotels"[2] with larger accommodations and often private baths are being developed.
The first capsule hotel to open was the Capsule Inn Osaka, designed by Kisho Kurokawa and located in the Umeda district of Osaka. It opened in 1979.[7][8]
Love Hotel
A love hotel is a type of short-stay hotel found around the world operated primarily for the purpose of allowing couples privacy for sexual activities. The name originates from "Hotel Love" in Osaka which was built in 1968 and had a rotating sign.[1]
The history of love hotels (ラブホテル rabu hoteru) can be traced back to the early Edo Period, when establishments appearing to be inns or teahouses with particular procedures for a discreet entry or even with secret tunnels for a discreet exit were built in Edo and in Kyoto.[6]
The history of love hotels (ラブホテル rabu hoteru) can be traced back to the early Edo Period, when establishments appearing to be inns or teahouses with particular procedures for a discreet entry or even with secret tunnels for a discreet exit were built in Edo and in Kyoto.[6]
Misogi
Misogi (禊) is a Japanese mountain ascetic practice of ritual purification. This may be undertaken through exhaustive activities such as extended periods without sleep, breath training,[1] standing under waterfalls, or other methods. Water-misogi may be likened to dousing practices.
Misogi is performed under an outdoor waterfall mornings and evenings. In Kyoto, people douse themselves under Kiyomizu Temple's Otowa no taki, (Sound-of-Wings) waterfall, although the majority of visitors drink from the waters rather than plunging into them.[2]
The above exercises are done so participants raise their metabolism and some groups accompany this with deep breathing.
Misogi is also used in some forms of martial arts, especially Aikido to prepare the mind for training and to learn how to develop your one-point, or centre.
Misogi is performed under an outdoor waterfall mornings and evenings. In Kyoto, people douse themselves under Kiyomizu Temple's Otowa no taki, (Sound-of-Wings) waterfall, although the majority of visitors drink from the waters rather than plunging into them.[2]
The above exercises are done so participants raise their metabolism and some groups accompany this with deep breathing.
Misogi is also used in some forms of martial arts, especially Aikido to prepare the mind for training and to learn how to develop your one-point, or centre.
21.5.12
Tokyo Sky Tree
Tokyo Skytree (東京スカイツリー Tōkyō Sukai Tsurī), formerly known as New Tokyo Tower (新東京タワー Shin Tōkyō Tawā), is a broadcasting, restaurant, and observation tower in Sumida, Tokyo, Japan. It became the tallest structure in Japan in 2010[1] and reached its full height of 634.0 metres (2,080 ft) in March 2011, making it the tallest tower in the world, displacing the Canton Tower,[2][3] and the second tallest structure in the world after Burj Khalifa (829.84 m/2,723 ft).
One of its main purposes is to relay television and radio broadcast signals; Tokyo's current facility, Tokyo Tower with a height of 333 m (1,093 ft), no longer gives complete digital terrestrial television broadcasting coverage because it is surrounded by many high-rise buildings.
The project was completed on 29 February 2012, with the tower's public opening due on 22 May 2012.[4]
One of its main purposes is to relay television and radio broadcast signals; Tokyo's current facility, Tokyo Tower with a height of 333 m (1,093 ft), no longer gives complete digital terrestrial television broadcasting coverage because it is surrounded by many high-rise buildings.
The project was completed on 29 February 2012, with the tower's public opening due on 22 May 2012.[4]
Earthquake resistance
The tower has seismic proofing, including a central shaft made of reinforced concrete. The main internal pillar is attached to the outer tower structure 125 meters (410 ft) above ground. From there until 375 meters (1,230 ft) the pillar is attached to the tower frame with oil dampers, which act as cushions during an earthquake. According to the designers, the dampers can absorb 50 percent of the energy from an earthquake.[5]Broadcasting use
Tokyo Skytree will be used as a radio/television broadcast and communications tower.
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