Cosplay restaurants (コスプレ系飲食店 Kosupure-kei inshokuten), are theme restaurants and pubs that originated in Akihabara, Tokyo, Japan around the year 1999.[citation needed] The staff treat the customers as masters and mistresses in a private home rather than merely as café customers.
Maid cafés (メイドカフェ Meido kafe) are a subcategory of cosplay restaurants
found predominantly in Japan. In these cafés, waitresses dressed in
maid costumes act as servants, and treat customers as masters (and
mistresses) in a private home, rather than as café patrons. The first
permanent[1] maid café, Cure Maid Café, was established in Akihabara, Tokyo, Japan in March 2001,[2]
but maid cafés are becoming increasingly popular.
In a standard maid cafe the female employees dress up as french maids (occasionally, the maids may wear rabbit or cat ears for extra cute appeal) and refer to the customers as either Master (ご主人様 goshujinsama) or Mistress (お嬢様 ojōsama). Upon entering one of such stores, the customer is greeted with the customary "Welcome home, Master" (お帰りなさいませ、ご主人様！ Okaerinasaimase, goshujinsama), offered a wipe towel and shown a food/drink menu.
While most cosplay restaurants and maid cafes cater mostly to men, there is also a type for women called the butler café (執事喫茶 shitsuji kissa).
30.6.12
Omamori
O-mamori (御守 or お守り o-mamori) are Japanese amulets (charms, talismans) commonly sold at religious sites and dedicated to particular Shinto deities as well as Buddhist figures, and may serve to provide various forms of luck or protection.
O-mamori may provide general blessings and protection, or may have a specific focus such as:
If a shrine or temple visitors cannot find an o-mamori that meets their need they can request from a priest to have one made special for their area of particular concern. If enough people request for this same type of o-mamori, the temple or shrine may start producing them for everyday availability.
O-mamori may provide general blessings and protection, or may have a specific focus such as:
- kōtsū-anzen: traffic safety. Protection for drivers and travelers of all sorts,
- yaku-yoke: avoidance of evil,
- kaiun: open luck, better fortune,
- gakugyō-jōju: education and passing the examination. For students and scholars,
- shōbai-hanjō: prosperity in business. Success in business and matters of money,
- en-musubi: acquisition of a mate and marriage. Available for singles and couples to ensure love and marriage,
- anzan: protection for pregnant women for a healthy pregnancy and easy delivery,
- kanai-anzen: safety (well-being) of one's family; peace and prosperity in the household.
If a shrine or temple visitors cannot find an o-mamori that meets their need they can request from a priest to have one made special for their area of particular concern. If enough people request for this same type of o-mamori, the temple or shrine may start producing them for everyday availability.
Furikake
Furikake (振り掛け / ふりかけ) is a dry Japanese condiment[1] meant to be sprinkled on top of rice.
It typically consists of a mixture of dried and ground fish, sesame seeds, chopped seaweed, sugar, salt, and monosodium glutamate. Other flavorful ingredients such as katsuobushi (sometimes indicated on the package as bonito), or okaka (bonito flakes moistened with soy sauce and dried again), freeze-dried salmon particles, shiso, egg, powdered miso, vegetables including kimchi, etc. are often added to the mix.
Furikake is often brightly colored and flaky. It can have a slight fish or seafood flavoring, and is sometimes spicy. It can be used in Japanese cooking for pickling foods for rice balls (onigiri.)
Over the last decade furikake has increasingly gained acceptance in the US (particularly in Hawaii and the West Coast) as a seasoning for baked or fried fish [2] , raw fish salads [3] and snack foods such as furikake party mix. [4]
Outside Japan, furikake can be found in most Asian groceries (near the katsuobushi) or in the ethnic food aisle of some major supermarkets.
It typically consists of a mixture of dried and ground fish, sesame seeds, chopped seaweed, sugar, salt, and monosodium glutamate. Other flavorful ingredients such as katsuobushi (sometimes indicated on the package as bonito), or okaka (bonito flakes moistened with soy sauce and dried again), freeze-dried salmon particles, shiso, egg, powdered miso, vegetables including kimchi, etc. are often added to the mix.
Furikake is often brightly colored and flaky. It can have a slight fish or seafood flavoring, and is sometimes spicy. It can be used in Japanese cooking for pickling foods for rice balls (onigiri.)
Over the last decade furikake has increasingly gained acceptance in the US (particularly in Hawaii and the West Coast) as a seasoning for baked or fried fish [2] , raw fish salads [3] and snack foods such as furikake party mix. [4]
Outside Japan, furikake can be found in most Asian groceries (near the katsuobushi) or in the ethnic food aisle of some major supermarkets.
Sapporo Yuki-matsuri
The Sapporo Snow Festival (さっぽろ雪まつり Sapporo Yuki-matsuri) is a festival held annually in Sapporo, Japan over seven days in February. Currently, Odori Park, Susukino, and Tsudome are the main sites of the festival.
The Snow Festival began in 1950, when six local high school students built six snow statues in Odori Park. In 1955, the Japan Self-Defense Forces from the nearby Makomanai base joined in and built the first massive snow sculptures, for which the Snow Festival has now become famous. Several snow festivals existed in Sapporo prior to the Sapporo Snow Festival, however, all of these were suspended during World War II.[5]
The festival is one of Japan's largest and most distinctive winter events.[2]
The festival is thought to be an opportunity for promoting international relations. International Snow Sculpture Contest has been held at the Odori Park site since 1974, and 14 teams from various regions of the world participated in 2008.[4]
The best place to view the creations is from the TV Tower at the Odori Park site.[3] Most of the statues are illuminated in the evening.
A number of stages made out of snow are also constructed and some events including musical performances are held.
At the Satoland site, visitors can enjoy long snow and ice slides as well as a huge maze made of snow. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of regional foods from all over Hokkaidō at the Odori Park and Satoland sites.
The Sapporo Snow Festival Museum is located in the Hitsujigaoka observation hill in Toyohira-ku, and displays historical materials and media of the festival.
The Snow Festival began in 1950, when six local high school students built six snow statues in Odori Park. In 1955, the Japan Self-Defense Forces from the nearby Makomanai base joined in and built the first massive snow sculptures, for which the Snow Festival has now become famous. Several snow festivals existed in Sapporo prior to the Sapporo Snow Festival, however, all of these were suspended during World War II.[5]
The festival is one of Japan's largest and most distinctive winter events.[2]
The festival is thought to be an opportunity for promoting international relations. International Snow Sculpture Contest has been held at the Odori Park site since 1974, and 14 teams from various regions of the world participated in 2008.[4]
The best place to view the creations is from the TV Tower at the Odori Park site.[3] Most of the statues are illuminated in the evening.
A number of stages made out of snow are also constructed and some events including musical performances are held.
At the Satoland site, visitors can enjoy long snow and ice slides as well as a huge maze made of snow. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of regional foods from all over Hokkaidō at the Odori Park and Satoland sites.
The Sapporo Snow Festival Museum is located in the Hitsujigaoka observation hill in Toyohira-ku, and displays historical materials and media of the festival.
Kami
"Kami" (神) is the Japanese word for the spirits, natural forces, or essence in the Shinto faith. Although the word is sometimes translated as "god" or "deity", some Shinto scholars argue that such a translation can cause a misunderstanding of the term.[1]
Kami are the central objects of worship for the Shinto faith. The nature of what can be called kami is very general and encompasses many different concepts and phenomena.
Some of the objects or phenomena designated as kami are qualities of growth, fertility, and production; natural phenomena like wind and thunder; natural objects like the sun, mountains, rivers, trees, and rocks; some animals; and ancestral spirits. Included within the designation of ancestral spirits are spirits of the ancestors of the Imperial House of Japan, but also ancestors of noble families as well as the spirits of the ancestors of all people.
Kami are the central objects of worship for the Shinto faith. The nature of what can be called kami is very general and encompasses many different concepts and phenomena.
Some of the objects or phenomena designated as kami are qualities of growth, fertility, and production; natural phenomena like wind and thunder; natural objects like the sun, mountains, rivers, trees, and rocks; some animals; and ancestral spirits. Included within the designation of ancestral spirits are spirits of the ancestors of the Imperial House of Japan, but also ancestors of noble families as well as the spirits of the ancestors of all people.
Notable kami:
- Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess
- Hachiman, the god of war
- Inari Okami, god of rice and agriculture
- Izanagi-no-Mikoto, the first man
- Izanami-no-Mikoto, the first woman
- Kotoamatsukami, the primary kami trinity
- Omoikane, the deity of wisdom
- Sarutahiko Okami, kami of earth
- Susanoo-no-mikoto, the sea and storms god
- Tsukuyomi, the moon god
29.6.12
Utagawa-ha
The Utagawa school (歌川派) was a group of Japanese woodblock print artists, founded by Toyoharu.
His pupil, Toyokuni I, took over after Toyoharu's death and raised the group to become the most famous and powerful woodblock print school for the remainder of the 19th century.
Hiroshige, Kunisada, Kuniyoshi and Yoshitoshi were Utagawa students.
The school became so successful and well-known that today more than half of all surviving ukiyo-e prints are from it.
His pupil, Toyokuni I, took over after Toyoharu's death and raised the group to become the most famous and powerful woodblock print school for the remainder of the 19th century.
Hiroshige, Kunisada, Kuniyoshi and Yoshitoshi were Utagawa students.
The school became so successful and well-known that today more than half of all surviving ukiyo-e prints are from it.
Mawashi and Fundoshi
In sumo, a mawashi (Japanese: 廻し) is the belt that the rikishi (or sumo wrestler) wears during training or in competition. Upper ranked professional wrestlers wear a keshō-mawashi as part of the ring entry ceremony or dohyo-iri.
Fundoshi (褌) is the traditional Japanese undergarment for adult males, made from a length of cotton.
Before World War II, the fundoshi was the main form of underwear for Japanese adult males.
However it fell out of use quickly after the war with the introduction of new underwear to the Japanese market, such as briefs and trunks.
Nowadays, the fundoshi is mainly used not as underwear but as festival (matsuri) clothing at Hadaka Matsuri or, sometimes, as swimwear.
There are several types of fundoshi, including rokushaku, kuroneko, mokko and etchū.
Fundoshi (褌) is the traditional Japanese undergarment for adult males, made from a length of cotton.
Before World War II, the fundoshi was the main form of underwear for Japanese adult males.
However it fell out of use quickly after the war with the introduction of new underwear to the Japanese market, such as briefs and trunks.
Nowadays, the fundoshi is mainly used not as underwear but as festival (matsuri) clothing at Hadaka Matsuri or, sometimes, as swimwear.
There are several types of fundoshi, including rokushaku, kuroneko, mokko and etchū.
Teru teru bōzu
Teru teru bōzu (Japanese: 照る照る坊主、てるてる坊主; literally "shine shine monk") is a little traditional hand-made doll made of white paper or cloth that Japanese farmers began hanging outside of their window by a string.
In shape and construction they are essentially identical to ghost dolls, such as those made at Halloween.
This amulet is supposed to have magical powers to bring good weather and to stop or prevent a rainy day. "Teru" is a Japanese verb which describes sunshine, and a "bōzu" is a Buddhist monk (compare the word bonze), or in modern slang, "bald-headed"; it is also a term of endearment for addressing little boys.[1]
Teru teru bōzu became popular during the Edo period among urban dwellers,[2] whose children would make them the day before the good weather was desired and chant "Fine-weather priest, please let the weather be good tomorrow."[2]
Traditionally, if the weather does turn out well, eyes are drawn in (compare daruma), a libation of holy sake (神酒) is poured over them, and they are washed away in the river.[3][4]
Today, children make teru-teru-bōzu out of tissue paper or cotton and string and hang them from a window when they wish for sunny weather, often before a school picnic day. Hanging it upside down - acts like a prayer for rain. They are a very common sight in Japan.
In shape and construction they are essentially identical to ghost dolls, such as those made at Halloween.
This amulet is supposed to have magical powers to bring good weather and to stop or prevent a rainy day. "Teru" is a Japanese verb which describes sunshine, and a "bōzu" is a Buddhist monk (compare the word bonze), or in modern slang, "bald-headed"; it is also a term of endearment for addressing little boys.[1]
Teru teru bōzu became popular during the Edo period among urban dwellers,[2] whose children would make them the day before the good weather was desired and chant "Fine-weather priest, please let the weather be good tomorrow."[2]
Traditionally, if the weather does turn out well, eyes are drawn in (compare daruma), a libation of holy sake (神酒) is poured over them, and they are washed away in the river.[3][4]
Today, children make teru-teru-bōzu out of tissue paper or cotton and string and hang them from a window when they wish for sunny weather, often before a school picnic day. Hanging it upside down - acts like a prayer for rain. They are a very common sight in Japan.
Go rin no sho
The Book of Five Rings (五輪書 Go Rin No Sho) is a text on kenjutsu and the martial arts in general, written by the swordsman Miyamoto Musashi
circa 1645. There have been various translations made over the years,
and it enjoys an audience considerably broader than only that of martial
artists: for instance, some business leaders find its discussion of
conflict and taking the advantage to be relevant to their work. The
modern-day Hyōhō Niten Ichi-ryū employs it as a manual of technique and philosophy.
Although it is difficult to grasp it from the book, Go Rin No Sho, these books are actually the teachings which Musashi preached to his students in his own dōjō. Despite taking some ideas from others, the books are not based on any other school of teaching.
Although it is difficult to grasp it from the book, Go Rin No Sho, these books are actually the teachings which Musashi preached to his students in his own dōjō. Despite taking some ideas from others, the books are not based on any other school of teaching.
- The Book of Earth chapter serves as an introduction, and metaphorically discusses martial arts, leadership, and training as building a house.
- The Book of Water chapter describes Musashi's style, Ni-ten ichi-ryu, or "Two Heavens, One Style". It describes some basic technique and fundamental principles.
- The Book of Fire chapter refers to the heat of battle, and discusses matters such as different types of timing.
- The Book of Wind chapter is something of a pun, since the Japanese character can mean both "wind" and "style" (e.g., of martial arts). It discusses what Musashi considers to be the failings of various contemporary schools of swordfighting.
- The Book of the Void chapter is a short epilogue, describing, in more esoteric terms, Musashi's probably Zen-influenced thoughts on consciousness and the correct mindset.
Shōwa period
The Shōwa period (昭和時代 Shōwa jidai, literally "period of enlightened peace/harmony"), or Shōwa era, is the period of Japanese history corresponding to the reign of the Shōwa Emperor, Hirohito, from December 25, 1926 through January 7, 1989.[1]
The Shōwa period was longer than the reign of any previous Japanese emperor.
The Shōwa period was longer than the reign of any previous Japanese emperor.
28.6.12
Zaibatsu
Zaibatsu (財閥, literally financial clique) is a Japanese term referring to industrial and financial business conglomerates in the Empire of Japan, whose influence and size allowed for control over significant parts of the Japanese economy from the Meiji period until the end of World War II.
By definition, the "zaibatsu" were large family-controlled vertical monopolies consisting of a holding company on top, with a wholly owned banking subsidiary providing finance, and several industrial subsidiaries dominating specific sectors of a market, either solely, or through a number of sub-subsidiary companies.
The zaibatsu were the heart of economic and industrial activity within the Empire of Japan, and held great influence over Japanese national and foreign policies.
The Big Four zaibatsu (四大財閥, shidai zaibatsu) of, in chronological order of founding, Sumitomo, Mitsui, Mitsubishi, and Yasuda are the most significant zaibatsu groups.
By definition, the "zaibatsu" were large family-controlled vertical monopolies consisting of a holding company on top, with a wholly owned banking subsidiary providing finance, and several industrial subsidiaries dominating specific sectors of a market, either solely, or through a number of sub-subsidiary companies.
The zaibatsu were the heart of economic and industrial activity within the Empire of Japan, and held great influence over Japanese national and foreign policies.
The Big Four zaibatsu (四大財閥, shidai zaibatsu) of, in chronological order of founding, Sumitomo, Mitsui, Mitsubishi, and Yasuda are the most significant zaibatsu groups.
Fuji-goko
Fuji Five Lakes (富士五湖 Fuji-goko) is the name of the area located at the base of Mount Fuji in the Yamanashi prefecture of Japan. It has a population of about 100,000.[1] and sits approximately 1,000 meters above sea level.[2]
The name Fuji Five Lakes comes from the fact that there are five lakes formed by previous eruptions of Mount Fuji.[3] The five lakes are located in an arc around the northern half of Mount Fuji. In ancient times, lava flow from a volcanic eruption of Mount Fuji spread across the area, damming up rivers and resulting in the formation of these lakes.[3] They are all considered excellent tourist attractions and fishing spots.
Lake Kawaguchi (河口湖 Kawaguchi-ko) is the most famous of the five lakes, and images of this lake are usually used in posters and commercials for the Fuji Five Lakes area.
Lake Motosu (本栖湖 Motosu-ko) is the ninth deepest lake of Japan, at 140 meters.[3]
The western side of Saiko (西湖 Sai-ko) shares its banks with the infamous Aokigahara Jukai Forest.[3]
Lake Shoji (精進湖 Shōji-ko) is the smallest of the five lakes.[3]
The easternmost and largest of the five lakes, Lake Yamanaka (山中湖 Yamanaka-ko) is also the third highest lake in Japan, standing at 980 meters above sea level.[3]
The principal city in the region, Fujiyoshida, has a population of roughly 54,000[4] and is particularly famous for its udon noodles.
The name Fuji Five Lakes comes from the fact that there are five lakes formed by previous eruptions of Mount Fuji.[3] The five lakes are located in an arc around the northern half of Mount Fuji. In ancient times, lava flow from a volcanic eruption of Mount Fuji spread across the area, damming up rivers and resulting in the formation of these lakes.[3] They are all considered excellent tourist attractions and fishing spots.
Lake Kawaguchi (河口湖 Kawaguchi-ko) is the most famous of the five lakes, and images of this lake are usually used in posters and commercials for the Fuji Five Lakes area.
Lake Motosu (本栖湖 Motosu-ko) is the ninth deepest lake of Japan, at 140 meters.[3]
The western side of Saiko (西湖 Sai-ko) shares its banks with the infamous Aokigahara Jukai Forest.[3]
Lake Shoji (精進湖 Shōji-ko) is the smallest of the five lakes.[3]
The easternmost and largest of the five lakes, Lake Yamanaka (山中湖 Yamanaka-ko) is also the third highest lake in Japan, standing at 980 meters above sea level.[3]
The principal city in the region, Fujiyoshida, has a population of roughly 54,000[4] and is particularly famous for its udon noodles.
Satori, Kensho and Daigo
Satori (悟り) (Chinese: 悟; pinyin: wù; Korean 오; Vietnamese ngộ) is a Japanese Buddhist term for enlightenment, meaning "understanding". In the Zen Buddhist tradition, satori refers to the experience of kensho.[1] Kensho (Japanese) is a term used in Zen traditions meaning "seeing into one's true nature." Ken means "seeing," sho means "nature" or "essence."[1] Satori and kensho are commonly translated as enlightenment, a word that is also used to translate bodhi, prajna and buddhahood.
Satori is often used interchangeably with kensho.[1]
Kensho refers to the perception of the Buddha-Nature or emptiness. According to some authors,
kensho is a brief glimpse, while satori is considered to be a deeper spiritual experience.[citation needed]
Distinct from this first insight, daigo tettei , or daigo, is used to refer to a "deep" or lasting realization of the nature of existence.[1]
Satori is often used interchangeably with kensho.[1]
Kensho refers to the perception of the Buddha-Nature or emptiness. According to some authors,
kensho is a brief glimpse, while satori is considered to be a deeper spiritual experience.[citation needed]
Distinct from this first insight, daigo tettei , or daigo, is used to refer to a "deep" or lasting realization of the nature of existence.[1]
Dokkōdō
The Dokkodo (独行道 Dokkōdō; "The Path of Aloneness" or "The Way to be Followed Alone" or "The Way of Walking Alone") was a work written by Miyamoto Musashi (宮本 武蔵) a week before he died in 1645. It is a short work, consisting of either nineteen or twenty-one precepts;
precepts 4 and 20 are omitted from the former version. It was largely
composed on the occasion of Musashi giving away his possessions in
preparation for death, and was dedicated to his favorite disciple, Terao
Magonojo (to whom the earlier Go rin no sho had also been dedicated), who took them to heart. It expresses a stringent, honest, and ascetic view of life.
The precepts:
- Accept everything just the way it is.
- Do not seek pleasure for its own sake.
- Do not, under any circumstances, depend on a partial feeling.
- Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world.
- Be detached from desire your whole life long.
- Do not regret what you have done.
- Never be jealous.
- Never let yourself be saddened by a separation.
- Resentment and complaint are appropriate neither for oneself nor others.
- Do not let yourself be guided by the feeling of lust or love.
- In all things have no preferences.
- Be indifferent to where you live.
- Do not pursue the taste of good food.
- Do not hold on to possessions you no longer need.
- Do not act following customary beliefs.
- Do not collect weapons or practice with weapons beyond what is useful.
- Do not fear death.
- Do not seek to possess either goods or fiefs for your old age.
- Respect Buddha and the gods without counting on their help.[1]
- You may abandon your own body but you must preserve your honour.
- Never stray from the Way.
Mochi and Mochitsuki
Mochi (Japanese: 餅) is a Japanese rice cake made of glutinous rice (not to be confused with gluten) pounded into paste and molded into shape. In Japan it is traditionally made in a ceremony called mochitsuki.[1] While also eaten year-round, mochi is a traditional food for the Japanese New Year and is commonly sold and eaten during that time.
Traditionally, mochi was made from whole rice, in a labor-intensive process. The traditional mochi-pounding ceremony in Japan is Mochitsuki:
Traditionally, mochi was made from whole rice, in a labor-intensive process. The traditional mochi-pounding ceremony in Japan is Mochitsuki:
- Polished glutinous rice is soaked overnight and cooked.
- The cooked rice is pounded with wooden mallets (kine) in a traditional mortar (usu). Two people will alternate the work, one pounding and the other turning and wetting the mochi. They must keep a steady rhythm or they may accidentally injure one another with the heavy kine.
- The sticky mass is then formed into various shapes (usually a sphere or cube).
27.6.12
Kamaboko
Kamaboko (蒲鉾) is a type of cured surimi, a Japanese processed seafood product, in which various white fish are pureed, combined with additives such as MSG,
formed into distinctive loaves, and then steamed until fully cooked and
firm. The steamed loaves are then sliced and served unheated (or
chilled) with various dipping sauces or sliced and included in various hot soups, one-dish meals, or noodle
dishes.
Kamaboko is typically sold in semicylindrical loaves. Some kamaboko include artistic patterns, such as the pink spiral on each slice of narutomaki, named after the well-known tidal whirlpool near the Japanese city of Naruto.
The Kamaboko organization of Japan specified November 15 for Kamaboko Day in 1983.
In Hawaii, red-skinned kamaboko is readily available in grocery stores. It is a staple of saimin, a noodle soup popular in the state. Kamaboko is sometimes referred to as fish cake in Hawaii.
In South Korea, kamaboko is called either eomuk (Hangul: 어묵, mixed script: 魚묵) or odeng (오뎅, loan word from the Japanese oden, a Japanese dish that sometimes contains kamaboko).
Kamaboko is typically sold in semicylindrical loaves. Some kamaboko include artistic patterns, such as the pink spiral on each slice of narutomaki, named after the well-known tidal whirlpool near the Japanese city of Naruto.
The Kamaboko organization of Japan specified November 15 for Kamaboko Day in 1983.
In Hawaii, red-skinned kamaboko is readily available in grocery stores. It is a staple of saimin, a noodle soup popular in the state. Kamaboko is sometimes referred to as fish cake in Hawaii.
In South Korea, kamaboko is called either eomuk (Hangul: 어묵, mixed script: 魚묵) or odeng (오뎅, loan word from the Japanese oden, a Japanese dish that sometimes contains kamaboko).
Bonsai
Bonsai (盆栽, lit. plantings in tray, from bon, a tray or low-sided pot and sai, a planting or plantings, 
pronunciation (help·info))[1]
is a Japanese art form using miniature trees grown in containers.
Similar practices exist in other cultures, including the Chinese
tradition of penjing from which the art originated, and the miniature living landscapes of Vietnamese hòn non bộ. The Japanese tradition dates back over a thousand years, and has its own aesthetics and terminology.
The practice of bonsai is sometimes confused with dwarfing, but dwarfing generally refers to research, discovery, or creation of plant cultivars that are permanent, genetic miniatures of existing species. Bonsai does not require genetically dwarfed trees, but rather depends on growing small trees from regular stock and seeds.
pronunciation (help·info))[1]
is a Japanese art form using miniature trees grown in containers.
Similar practices exist in other cultures, including the Chinese
tradition of penjing from which the art originated, and the miniature living landscapes of Vietnamese hòn non bộ. The Japanese tradition dates back over a thousand years, and has its own aesthetics and terminology.The practice of bonsai is sometimes confused with dwarfing, but dwarfing generally refers to research, discovery, or creation of plant cultivars that are permanent, genetic miniatures of existing species. Bonsai does not require genetically dwarfed trees, but rather depends on growing small trees from regular stock and seeds.
Kitsune
Kitsune (狐, IPA: [kitsɯne] (
listen)) is the Japanese word for fox.
Foxes are a common subject of Japanese folklore; in English, kitsune refers to them in this context.
Foxes and human beings lived close together in ancient Japan; this companionship gave rise to legends about the creatures.
Stories depict them as intelligent beings and as possessing magical abilities that increase with their age and wisdom. Foremost among these is the ability to assume human form.
There are two common classifications of kitsune. The zenko (善狐, literally good foxes) are benevolent, celestial foxes associated with the god Inari; they are sometimes simply called Inari foxes. On the other hand, the yako (野狐, literally field foxes, also called nogitsune) tend to be mischievous or even malicious.[8] Local traditions add further types.[9] For example, a ninko is an invisible fox spirit that human beings can only perceive when it possesses them. Another tradition classifies kitsune into one of thirteen types defined by which supernatural abilities the kitsune possesses.[10][11]
listen)) is the Japanese word for fox.Foxes are a common subject of Japanese folklore; in English, kitsune refers to them in this context.
Foxes and human beings lived close together in ancient Japan; this companionship gave rise to legends about the creatures.
Stories depict them as intelligent beings and as possessing magical abilities that increase with their age and wisdom. Foremost among these is the ability to assume human form.
There are two common classifications of kitsune. The zenko (善狐, literally good foxes) are benevolent, celestial foxes associated with the god Inari; they are sometimes simply called Inari foxes. On the other hand, the yako (野狐, literally field foxes, also called nogitsune) tend to be mischievous or even malicious.[8] Local traditions add further types.[9] For example, a ninko is an invisible fox spirit that human beings can only perceive when it possesses them. Another tradition classifies kitsune into one of thirteen types defined by which supernatural abilities the kitsune possesses.[10][11]
The Ainu
The Ainu (アイヌ), also called Aynu, Aino (アイノ), and in historical texts Ezo (蝦夷), are indigenous people or groups in Japan and Russia.
Historically, they spoke the Ainu language and related varieties and lived in Hokkaidō, the Kuril Islands, and much of Sakhalin.
Today, it is estimated that fewer than 100 speakers of the language remain,[62] while other research places the number at fewer than 15 speakers – the language has been regarded as “endangered”.[63] As a result of this the study of the Ainu language is limited and is based largely on historical research.
Most of those who identify themselves as Ainu still live in this same region, though the exact number of living Ainu is unknown. This is due to confusion over mixed heritages and to ethnic issues in Japan resulting in those with Ainu backgrounds hiding their identities. In Japan, because of intermarriage over many years with Japanese, the concept of a pure Ainu ethnic group is no longer feasible.[3] Official estimates of the population are of around 25,000, while the unofficial number is upward of 200,000 people.[1]
Historically, they spoke the Ainu language and related varieties and lived in Hokkaidō, the Kuril Islands, and much of Sakhalin.
Today, it is estimated that fewer than 100 speakers of the language remain,[62] while other research places the number at fewer than 15 speakers – the language has been regarded as “endangered”.[63] As a result of this the study of the Ainu language is limited and is based largely on historical research.
Most of those who identify themselves as Ainu still live in this same region, though the exact number of living Ainu is unknown. This is due to confusion over mixed heritages and to ethnic issues in Japan resulting in those with Ainu backgrounds hiding their identities. In Japan, because of intermarriage over many years with Japanese, the concept of a pure Ainu ethnic group is no longer feasible.[3] Official estimates of the population are of around 25,000, while the unofficial number is upward of 200,000 people.[1]
Sanbutsu-ji and the Nageiri-dō
Sanbutsu-ji (三仏寺 Sanbutsu-ji) is a Buddhist temple in the town of Misasa, Tottori Prefecture, Japan.
The Nageiri Hall (投入堂 Nageiri-dō) of Sanbutsu-ji, built in the Heian period is designated a National Treasure of Japan.
By tradition Sanbutsu-ji was founded by the Buddhist ascetic and mystic of the late Asuka period monk En no Gyōja (ca. 634–701). En no Gyōja is considered the founder of Shugendō, a syncretic religion which incorporated aspects Old Shinto, Japanese folk animism and shamanism, Taoism and esoteric Buddhism of the Shingon Mikkyō and the Tendai sects.[1]
The Nageiri Hall (投入堂 Nageiri-dō) of Sanbutsu-ji, built in the Heian period is designated a National Treasure of Japan.
By tradition Sanbutsu-ji was founded by the Buddhist ascetic and mystic of the late Asuka period monk En no Gyōja (ca. 634–701). En no Gyōja is considered the founder of Shugendō, a syncretic religion which incorporated aspects Old Shinto, Japanese folk animism and shamanism, Taoism and esoteric Buddhism of the Shingon Mikkyō and the Tendai sects.[1]
26.6.12
Niten Ichi-ryū
Niten Ichi-ryū (二天一流), which can be loosely translated as "the school of the strategy of two heavens as one", is a koryū (ancient school), transmitting a style of classical Japanese swordsmanship conceived by the warrior Miyamoto Musashi. Hyōhō Niten Ichi-ryū is mainly known for the two-sword—katana and wakizashi—kenjutsu techniques Musashi called Niten Ichi (二天一, "two heavens as one") or Nitō Ichi (二刀一, "two swords as one").
Around 1640, Musashi intended to pass on his art to three successors from among his thousand students; specifically, to Terao Magonojo, his younger brother Kyumanosuke and to Furuhashi Sozaemon. He considered Magonojo to excel in technique but to lack in reflection, while Furuhashi excelled at reflection but lacked technique. Magonojo received the treatise, the Go Rin no Sho, on the condition that he read it and then burn it. But Furuhashi borrowed it for a few days and on the orders of Hosokawa Mitsuhisa made two copies- one for Hosokawa and one for himself, which he transmitted under the name of Ihon go rin no sho. The best known edition today is the Hosokawa copy.
Around 1640, Musashi intended to pass on his art to three successors from among his thousand students; specifically, to Terao Magonojo, his younger brother Kyumanosuke and to Furuhashi Sozaemon. He considered Magonojo to excel in technique but to lack in reflection, while Furuhashi excelled at reflection but lacked technique. Magonojo received the treatise, the Go Rin no Sho, on the condition that he read it and then burn it. But Furuhashi borrowed it for a few days and on the orders of Hosokawa Mitsuhisa made two copies- one for Hosokawa and one for himself, which he transmitted under the name of Ihon go rin no sho. The best known edition today is the Hosokawa copy.
Yokozuna and Ōzeki
Yokozuna (横綱) is the highest rank in sumo. The name literally means "horizontal rope" and comes from the most visible symbol of their rank, the rope (綱 tsuna) worn around the waist. The rope is similar to the shimenawa used to mark off sacred areas in Shinto, and like shimenawa
serves to purify and mark off its content. The rope, which may weigh up
to 20 kilograms, is not used during the matches themselves, but is worn
during the yokozuna's dohyo-iri ring entrance ceremony.
The ōzeki (大関), or champion rank, is immediately below yokozuna in the ranking system. Until the yokozuna rank was introduced, ōzeki was the highest rank attainable.
In modern sumo, the qualifications that an ōzeki must satisfy to be promoted are that he has enough power, skill and dignity/grace (品格 hinkaku) to qualify. There are no absolute criteria, nor is there a set quota: there have been periods with no wrestlers at yokozuna rank, and there have been periods with as many as four simultaneously.
After a tournament, the Yokozuna Deliberation Council, a body of lay people (that is, not former sumo wrestlers) who are appointed by the Japan Sumo Association to provide an independent quality control on Yokozuna promotion, meet and discuss the performance of the top-ranked wrestlers.
The ōzeki (大関), or champion rank, is immediately below yokozuna in the ranking system. Until the yokozuna rank was introduced, ōzeki was the highest rank attainable.
In modern sumo, the qualifications that an ōzeki must satisfy to be promoted are that he has enough power, skill and dignity/grace (品格 hinkaku) to qualify. There are no absolute criteria, nor is there a set quota: there have been periods with no wrestlers at yokozuna rank, and there have been periods with as many as four simultaneously.
After a tournament, the Yokozuna Deliberation Council, a body of lay people (that is, not former sumo wrestlers) who are appointed by the Japan Sumo Association to provide an independent quality control on Yokozuna promotion, meet and discuss the performance of the top-ranked wrestlers.
Shiitake
The Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) (from Japanese 椎茸, シイタケ (Shiitake)) is an edible mushroom native to East Asia,
which is cultivated and consumed in many Asian countries, as well as
being dried and exported to many countries around the world. It is a
feature of many Asian cuisines including Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Thai. In the East, the shiitake mushroom has long been considered a delicacy as well as a medicinal mushroom.[1]
Shiitake are native to Japan, China and Korea and have been grown in all three countries since prehistoric times.[3] They have been cultivated for over 1,000 years. The oldest record regarding the shiitake mushroom dates back to AD 199 at the time of Emperor Chūai in Japan.[4] However, the first written record of shiitake cultivation can be traced to Wu Sang Kwuang in China, born during the Sung Dynasty (AD 960–1127).[5]
During the Ming Dynasty (AD 1368–1644), physician Wu Juei wrote that the mushroom could be used not only as a food but as a medicinal mushroom, taken as a remedy for upper respiratory diseases, poor blood circulation, liver trouble, exhaustion and weakness, and to boost qi, or life energy.[6] It was also believed to prevent premature aging.
Shiitake are native to Japan, China and Korea and have been grown in all three countries since prehistoric times.[3] They have been cultivated for over 1,000 years. The oldest record regarding the shiitake mushroom dates back to AD 199 at the time of Emperor Chūai in Japan.[4] However, the first written record of shiitake cultivation can be traced to Wu Sang Kwuang in China, born during the Sung Dynasty (AD 960–1127).[5]
During the Ming Dynasty (AD 1368–1644), physician Wu Juei wrote that the mushroom could be used not only as a food but as a medicinal mushroom, taken as a remedy for upper respiratory diseases, poor blood circulation, liver trouble, exhaustion and weakness, and to boost qi, or life energy.[6] It was also believed to prevent premature aging.
Enokitake
Enokitake (Japanese language：榎茸, エノキタケ) or Enoki (Japanese language：榎, エノキ)[1] is a long, thin white mushroom used in East Asian cuisine (such as that of China, Japan and Korea).
These mushrooms are cultivars of Flammulina velutipes, also known by the name, "golden needle mushroom". Wild forms differing in color, texture, and sliminess are called winter mushrooms, velvet foot or velvet stem, amongst other names.
This mushroom is available fresh or canned, with experts recommending fresh enoki specimens with firm, white, shiny caps, rather than those with slimy or brownish stalks that are best avoided.[citation needed]
Enokitake mushrooms contain antioxidants,[4][5] like ergothioneine.[5] and animal testing has indicated possible applications in the development of vaccines and cancer immunotherapy.[6]
Research at the National University of Singapore, first published in 2005, stated that the stalk of the golden needle mushroom contains a large quantity of a protein, named "Five" by the researchers, that helps in the regulation of the immune system. The mushroom also contains flammutoxin, a cytolytic and cardiotoxic protein[7][8] that has proven to be non-toxic when absorbed orally.[9]
These mushrooms are cultivars of Flammulina velutipes, also known by the name, "golden needle mushroom". Wild forms differing in color, texture, and sliminess are called winter mushrooms, velvet foot or velvet stem, amongst other names.
This mushroom is available fresh or canned, with experts recommending fresh enoki specimens with firm, white, shiny caps, rather than those with slimy or brownish stalks that are best avoided.[citation needed]
Enokitake mushrooms contain antioxidants,[4][5] like ergothioneine.[5] and animal testing has indicated possible applications in the development of vaccines and cancer immunotherapy.[6]
Research at the National University of Singapore, first published in 2005, stated that the stalk of the golden needle mushroom contains a large quantity of a protein, named "Five" by the researchers, that helps in the regulation of the immune system. The mushroom also contains flammutoxin, a cytolytic and cardiotoxic protein[7][8] that has proven to be non-toxic when absorbed orally.[9]
Shimeji
Shimeji (Japanese language：シメジ, 占地) is a group of edible mushrooms native to East Asia, but also found in northern Europe.[1] Hon-shimeji (Lyophyllum shimeji) is a mycorrhizal fungus and difficult to cultivate. Other species are saprotrophs, and buna-shimeji is now widely cultivated. Shimeji is rich in umami tasting compounds such as guanylic acid, glutamic acid, and aspartic acid.[2]
There are several species sold as shimeji mushrooms. All are saprotroph except Lyophyllum shimeji.
Shimeji should always be cooked: it is not a good mushroom to serve raw due to a somewhat bitter taste, but the bitterness disappears completely upon cooking. Shimeji is used in soups, nabe and takikomi gohan.
There are several species sold as shimeji mushrooms. All are saprotroph except Lyophyllum shimeji.
Shimeji should always be cooked: it is not a good mushroom to serve raw due to a somewhat bitter taste, but the bitterness disappears completely upon cooking. Shimeji is used in soups, nabe and takikomi gohan.
Maitake
Grifola frondosa is a polypore mushroom that grows in clusters at the base of trees, particularly oaks.
The mushroom is commonly known among English speakers as hen-of-the-woods, ram's head and sheep's head. In the United States' supplement market, as well as in Asian grocery stores, the mushroom is known by its Japanese name maitake (舞茸), which means "dancing mushroom".
The fungus is native to the northeastern part of Japan and North America, and is prized in traditional Chinese and Japanese herbology as a medicinal mushroom, an aid to balance out altered body systems to a normal level. Due to the taste and texture of the mushroom, it is widely eaten in Japan, although the mushroom has been alleged to cause allergic reactions in rare cases.
The sclerotia from which hen of the woods arises have been used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine to enhance the immune system.
In Japan, the Maitake can grow to more than 50 pounds (20 kilograms), earning this giant mushroom the title "King of Mushrooms." Maitake is one of the major culinary mushrooms used in Japan, the others being shiitake, shimeji and enoki. They are used in a wide variety of dishes, often being a key ingredient in nabemono or cooked in foil with butter.
The mushroom is commonly known among English speakers as hen-of-the-woods, ram's head and sheep's head. In the United States' supplement market, as well as in Asian grocery stores, the mushroom is known by its Japanese name maitake (舞茸), which means "dancing mushroom".
The fungus is native to the northeastern part of Japan and North America, and is prized in traditional Chinese and Japanese herbology as a medicinal mushroom, an aid to balance out altered body systems to a normal level. Due to the taste and texture of the mushroom, it is widely eaten in Japan, although the mushroom has been alleged to cause allergic reactions in rare cases.
The sclerotia from which hen of the woods arises have been used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine to enhance the immune system.
In Japan, the Maitake can grow to more than 50 pounds (20 kilograms), earning this giant mushroom the title "King of Mushrooms." Maitake is one of the major culinary mushrooms used in Japan, the others being shiitake, shimeji and enoki. They are used in a wide variety of dishes, often being a key ingredient in nabemono or cooked in foil with butter.
25.6.12
Mono no aware
Mono no aware (物の哀れ?), literally "the pathos of things", and also translated as "an empathy toward things", or "a sensitivity to ephemera", is a Japanese term used to describe the awareness of impermanence (無常 mujō), or transience of things, and a gentle sadness (or wistfulness) at their passing.
The term was coined in the 18th century by the Edo period Japanese cultural scholar Motoori Norinaga, and was originally a concept used in his literary criticism of The Tale of Genji, and later applied to other seminal Japanese works including the Man'yōshū. It became central to his philosophy of literature, and eventually to Japanese cultural tradition.
Notable manga artists who use mono no aware–style storytelling include Hitoshi Ashinano, Kozue Amano, and Kaoru Mori. In anime, both Only Yesterday, by Isao Takahata and Mai Mai Miracle, by Sunao Katabuchi emphasize the passing of time in gentle notes and by presenting the main plot against a parallel one from the past.
The term was coined in the 18th century by the Edo period Japanese cultural scholar Motoori Norinaga, and was originally a concept used in his literary criticism of The Tale of Genji, and later applied to other seminal Japanese works including the Man'yōshū. It became central to his philosophy of literature, and eventually to Japanese cultural tradition.
Notable manga artists who use mono no aware–style storytelling include Hitoshi Ashinano, Kozue Amano, and Kaoru Mori. In anime, both Only Yesterday, by Isao Takahata and Mai Mai Miracle, by Sunao Katabuchi emphasize the passing of time in gentle notes and by presenting the main plot against a parallel one from the past.
Mokkori
Mokkori (モッコリ) is a Japanese sound symbol word (gitaigo)
that essentially represents the "sound" of something sticking out in a
flat surface, or the sound of something rising very quickly.
A popular term with fans of 1980s Japanese animation, it was popularized in the manga and anime City Hunter by Tsukasa Hojo. Ryo Saeba, the main character of City Hunter, took jobs to help people in need, always on the lookout for a "mokkori chance" (in the context of the series, a chance to do something perverted with an attractive woman, such as groping her buttocks). His clients are almost exclusively beautiful young women, with whom he constantly seeks "mokkori chance". When not working he can often be found hitting on random young women on the streets of Tokyo. His constant womanizing often leads to violent repercussions from his partner Kaori.
Mokkori-kun is a T-shirt character from Japan based on a character used to promote mushrooms. Its unique shape is a sales point with T-shirt customers.
Marimokkori (まりもっこり) is a character popularized in Hokkaidō, Japan. Much like the Tamagochi, the name "Marimokkori" is a pun: marimo is the word for the green algae clusters that grow in some of Hokkaidō's lakes, while mokkori is a Japanese slang term for an erection.
Marimokkori's fame comes through merchandising, with a number of various souvenirs being sold in Hokkaidō and throughout Japan.
A popular term with fans of 1980s Japanese animation, it was popularized in the manga and anime City Hunter by Tsukasa Hojo. Ryo Saeba, the main character of City Hunter, took jobs to help people in need, always on the lookout for a "mokkori chance" (in the context of the series, a chance to do something perverted with an attractive woman, such as groping her buttocks). His clients are almost exclusively beautiful young women, with whom he constantly seeks "mokkori chance". When not working he can often be found hitting on random young women on the streets of Tokyo. His constant womanizing often leads to violent repercussions from his partner Kaori.
Mokkori-kun is a T-shirt character from Japan based on a character used to promote mushrooms. Its unique shape is a sales point with T-shirt customers.
Marimokkori (まりもっこり) is a character popularized in Hokkaidō, Japan. Much like the Tamagochi, the name "Marimokkori" is a pun: marimo is the word for the green algae clusters that grow in some of Hokkaidō's lakes, while mokkori is a Japanese slang term for an erection.
Marimokkori's fame comes through merchandising, with a number of various souvenirs being sold in Hokkaidō and throughout Japan.
Okiya
An okiya (置屋) is the lodging house in which a maiko or geisha lives during the length of her nenki, or contract or career as a geisha.
A young woman's first step toward becoming a geisha is to be accepted into an okiya (boarding house), a geisha house owned by the woman who will pay for her training. The proprietress of the okiya is called okā-san (the Japanese word for "mother"). The okiya normally pays all expenses, including for kimono and training. The okiya plays a large part in the life of a geiko or maiko, as the women in the okiya become her geisha family, and the Okā-san manages her career in the karyūkai (flower and willow world).
A young woman's first step toward becoming a geisha is to be accepted into an okiya (boarding house), a geisha house owned by the woman who will pay for her training. The proprietress of the okiya is called okā-san (the Japanese word for "mother"). The okiya normally pays all expenses, including for kimono and training. The okiya plays a large part in the life of a geiko or maiko, as the women in the okiya become her geisha family, and the Okā-san manages her career in the karyūkai (flower and willow world).
Kyōto Kokusai Manga Myūjiamu
The Kyoto International Manga Museum (京都国際マンガミュージアム Kyōto Kokusai Manga Myūjiamu) is located in Nakagyō-ku, Kyoto, Japan.
The building housing the museum is the former Tatsuike Elementary School. The museum opened on November 25, 2006. Its collection of 200,000 items includes such rarities as Meiji period magazines and postwar rental books.
The museum is a public-private partnership of Kyoto Seika University and the city of Kyoto. The city provided the building and land. The university operates the facility under the oversight of a joint committee.
The museum is divided into multiple public zones. One is the gallery zone; another is the research zone; the third is the collection zone. There are permanent and special exhibits, a Tatsuike history room, a museum shop, and a kissaten. The 140 m of stacks hold 40,000 volumes in the "manga wall", which can be taken down and read freely.
The building housing the museum is the former Tatsuike Elementary School. The museum opened on November 25, 2006. Its collection of 200,000 items includes such rarities as Meiji period magazines and postwar rental books.
The museum is a public-private partnership of Kyoto Seika University and the city of Kyoto. The city provided the building and land. The university operates the facility under the oversight of a joint committee.
The museum is divided into multiple public zones. One is the gallery zone; another is the research zone; the third is the collection zone. There are permanent and special exhibits, a Tatsuike history room, a museum shop, and a kissaten. The 140 m of stacks hold 40,000 volumes in the "manga wall", which can be taken down and read freely.
Aibo
AIBO (Artificial Intelligence roBOt, homonymous with "pal" or "partner" in Japanese: aibō (相棒)) was one of several types of robotic pets designed and manufactured by Sony. There have been several different models since their introduction on May 11, 1999 although AIBO was discontinued in 2006.
AIBO is able to walk, "see" its environment via camera and recognize spoken commands in Spanish and English. AIBO robotic pets are considered to be autonomous robots since they are able to learn and mature based on external stimuli from their owner, their environment and from other AIBOs
AIBO is able to walk, "see" its environment via camera and recognize spoken commands in Spanish and English. AIBO robotic pets are considered to be autonomous robots since they are able to learn and mature based on external stimuli from their owner, their environment and from other AIBOs
24.6.12
Sake
Sake ( /ˈsɑːkiː/) is an alcoholic beverage of Japanese origin that is made from fermented rice. It is sometimes spelled saki.
The word sake in the Japanese language refers to any alcoholic beverage and is pronounced [sake] ( listen)).
In the Japanese language, the beverage that English-speakers call sake is called nihonshu (日本酒 "Japanese alcohol").
Sake is usually referred to in English-speaking countries as rice wine; however, this term is a misnomer. Unlike wine, in which alcohol is produced by fermenting sugar that is naturally present in grapes, sake is produced by means of a brewing process more like that of beer. Thus, sake is technically "rice beer" rather than "rice wine."
/ˈsɑːkiː/) is an alcoholic beverage of Japanese origin that is made from fermented rice. It is sometimes spelled saki.The word sake in the Japanese language refers to any alcoholic beverage and is pronounced [sake] (
listen)).In the Japanese language, the beverage that English-speakers call sake is called nihonshu (日本酒 "Japanese alcohol").
Sake is usually referred to in English-speaking countries as rice wine; however, this term is a misnomer. Unlike wine, in which alcohol is produced by fermenting sugar that is naturally present in grapes, sake is produced by means of a brewing process more like that of beer. Thus, sake is technically "rice beer" rather than "rice wine."
Kaidan
In its broadest sense, kaidan refers to any ghost or horror story, but it has an old-fashioned ring to it that carries the connotation of Edo period Japanese folktales.
The term is no longer as widely used in Japanese as it once was: Japanese horror books and films such as Ju-on and Ring would more likely be labeled by the katakana horā (ホラー, "horror") or the standard Japanese kowai hanashi (怖い話, "scary story").
Kaidan is only used if the author/director wishes to specifically bring an old-fashioned air into the story.[citation needed]
Kaidan entered the vernacular during the Edo period, when a game called Hyakumonogatari Kaidankai became popular. This game led to a demand for ghost stories and folktales to be gathered from all parts of Japan and China.
The popularity of the game, as well as the acquisition of a printing press, led to the creation of a literary genre called Kaidanshu.
Kaidanshu were originally based on older Buddhist stories of a didactic nature, although the moral lessons soon gave way to the demand for strange and gruesome stories.
The term is no longer as widely used in Japanese as it once was: Japanese horror books and films such as Ju-on and Ring would more likely be labeled by the katakana horā (ホラー, "horror") or the standard Japanese kowai hanashi (怖い話, "scary story").
Kaidan is only used if the author/director wishes to specifically bring an old-fashioned air into the story.[citation needed]
Kaidan entered the vernacular during the Edo period, when a game called Hyakumonogatari Kaidankai became popular. This game led to a demand for ghost stories and folktales to be gathered from all parts of Japan and China.
The popularity of the game, as well as the acquisition of a printing press, led to the creation of a literary genre called Kaidanshu.
Kaidanshu were originally based on older Buddhist stories of a didactic nature, although the moral lessons soon gave way to the demand for strange and gruesome stories.
Japanese sound symbolism - part 2 - final part.
They can be classified into three main categories:
- Phonomime or onomatopoeia (擬声語 giseigo or 擬音語 giongo)
- words that mimic actual sounds. Giseigo refers to sounds made by living things, while Giongo refers to sounds made by inanimate objects.
- Phenomime (擬態語 gitaigo)
- mimetic words to represent non-auditory senses.
- Psychomime (also called 擬態語 gitaigo or 擬情語 gijōgo)
- mimetic words that represent psychological states or bodily feelings.
Some examples Sound Symbolism Meaning じろじろ(と)[見る]
jirojiro (to) [miru][see] intently (= stare) きらきら(と)[光る]
kirakira (to) [hikaru][shine] sparklingly ぎらぎら(と)[光る]
giragira (to) [hikaru][shine] dazzlingly どきどき[する]
doki doki [suru]with a throbbing heart ぐずぐず[する]
guzu guzu [suru]procrastinating or dawdling
(suru not optional)しいんと[する]
shiin to [suru][be (lit. do)] quiet
(suru not optional)ぴんぴん[している]
pinpin [shite iru][be (lit. do)] lively
(shite iru not optional)よぼよぼに[なる]
yoboyobo ni [naru][become] wobbly-legged (from age)¹ - に (ni) instead of と (to) is used for なる (naru = become)
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