Tochigi Prefecture (栃木県 Tochigi-ken) is a prefecture located in the Kantō region on the island of Honshu, Japan.[1]
The capital is the city of Utsunomiya.[2]
Nikkō, whose ancient Shintō shrines and Buddhist temples UNESCO has recognized by naming them a World Heritage Site, is in this prefecture.[3]
Other famous parts of Tochigi include a region called Nasu known for onsen and local sake and ski resorts.
The Imperial family has a villa in Nasu.
Another onsen resort is at Kinugawa Onsen.
Located in the center of the prefecture is the largest open plain in the Kantō region.
Prior to the Meiji Restoration, Tochigi was known as Shimotsuke Province.[4]
In the early 15th century, Ashikaga Gakko, Japan's oldest school of higher education, was re-established, holding over 3000 students by the 16th century.
Located close to Tōkyō, Tochigi is home to many corporations and industrial zones, including the Kiyohara Industrial Complex, one of the largest inland industrial complexes in the country.
Tochigi is home to many universities and colleges including those for
science and technology, literature, medicine, education, and art.
27.12.12
Kadomatsu and Toshigami
A kadomatsu (門松, literally "gate pine") is a traditional Japanese decoration of the New Year placed in pairs in front of homes to welcome ancestral spirits or kami of the harvest.
They are placed after Christmas until January 7 (or January 15 during the Edo period) and are considered temporary housing (shintai) for kami.
Designs for kadomatsu vary depending on region but are typically made of pine, bamboo, and sometimes ume tree sprigs which represent longevity, prosperity and steadfastness, respectively.
"The fundamental function of the New Year ceremonies is to honor and receive the toshigami (deity), who will then bring a bountiful harvest for farmers and bestow the ancestors' blessing on everyone."
After January 15 (or in many instances the 19th) the kadomatsu is burned to appease the kami or toshigami and release them.
Toshigami (年神) is a Kami of the Shinto religion in Japan.
They are placed after Christmas until January 7 (or January 15 during the Edo period) and are considered temporary housing (shintai) for kami.
Designs for kadomatsu vary depending on region but are typically made of pine, bamboo, and sometimes ume tree sprigs which represent longevity, prosperity and steadfastness, respectively.
"The fundamental function of the New Year ceremonies is to honor and receive the toshigami (deity), who will then bring a bountiful harvest for farmers and bestow the ancestors' blessing on everyone."
After January 15 (or in many instances the 19th) the kadomatsu is burned to appease the kami or toshigami and release them.
Toshigami (年神) is a Kami of the Shinto religion in Japan.
26.12.12
Zōni
Zōni (雑煮), often with the honorific "o-" as o-zōni, is a Japanese soup containing mochi rice cakes.[1]
The dish is strongly associated with the Japanese New Year and its tradition of osechi ceremonial foods.
Zōni is considered the most auspicious of the dishes eaten on New Year's Day.[2]
The preparation of zōni varies both by household and region.[1]
It is said that zōni finds its roots in samurai society cuisine. It is thought to be a meal that was cooked during field battles, boiled together with mochi, vegetables and dried foods, among other ingredients. It is also generally believed that this original meal, at first exclusive to samurai, eventually became a staple food of the common people. Zōni was first served as part of a full-course dinner (honzen ryōri), and thus is thought to have been a considerably important meal to samurai.
The tradition of eating zōni on New Year's Day dates to the end of the Muromachi period (1336–1573). The dish was offered to the gods in a ceremony on New Year's Eve.[3]
The Muromachi period marks the governance of the Muromachi or Ashikaga shogunate (Muromachi bakufu or Ashikaga bakufu), which was officially established in 1338 by the first Muromachi shogun, Ashikaga Takauji, two years after the brief Kemmu restoration (1333–1336) of imperial rule was brought to a close.
The dish is strongly associated with the Japanese New Year and its tradition of osechi ceremonial foods.
Zōni is considered the most auspicious of the dishes eaten on New Year's Day.[2]
The preparation of zōni varies both by household and region.[1]
It is said that zōni finds its roots in samurai society cuisine. It is thought to be a meal that was cooked during field battles, boiled together with mochi, vegetables and dried foods, among other ingredients. It is also generally believed that this original meal, at first exclusive to samurai, eventually became a staple food of the common people. Zōni was first served as part of a full-course dinner (honzen ryōri), and thus is thought to have been a considerably important meal to samurai.
The tradition of eating zōni on New Year's Day dates to the end of the Muromachi period (1336–1573). The dish was offered to the gods in a ceremony on New Year's Eve.[3]
The Muromachi period marks the governance of the Muromachi or Ashikaga shogunate (Muromachi bakufu or Ashikaga bakufu), which was officially established in 1338 by the first Muromachi shogun, Ashikaga Takauji, two years after the brief Kemmu restoration (1333–1336) of imperial rule was brought to a close.
Ibaraki Prefecture
Ibaraki Prefecture (茨城県 Ibaraki-ken) is a prefecture of Japan, located in the Kantō region on the main island of Honshu.[1]
The capital is Mito.[2]
Ibaraki Prefecture was previously known as Hitachi Province. In 1871, the name of the province became Ibaraki.
Ibaraki is known for nattō, or fermented soybeans, in Mito, watermelons in Kyōwa (recently merged into Chikusei), and chestnuts in the Nishiibaraki region.
Ibaraki is famous for the martial art of Aikidō founded by Ueshiba Morihei, also known as Osensei. Ueshiba spent the latter part of his life in the town of Iwama, now part of Kasama, and the Aiki Shrine and dojo he created still remain.
There are castle ruins in many cities, including Mito, Kasama, and Yūki.
Kasama is famous for Shinto, art culture and pottery.
The capital Mito is home to Kairakuen, one of Japan's three most celebrated gardens, and famous for its over 3,000 Japanese plum trees of over 100 varieties.
Ibaraki Prefecture is the northeastern part of the Kantō region, stretching between Tochigi Prefecture and the Pacific Ocean and bounded on the north and south by Fukushima Prefecture and Chiba Prefecture. It also has a border on the southwest with Saitama Prefecture. The northernmost part of the prefecture is mountainous, but most of the prefecture is a flat plain with many lakes.
The capital is Mito.[2]
Ibaraki Prefecture was previously known as Hitachi Province. In 1871, the name of the province became Ibaraki.
Ibaraki is known for nattō, or fermented soybeans, in Mito, watermelons in Kyōwa (recently merged into Chikusei), and chestnuts in the Nishiibaraki region.
Ibaraki is famous for the martial art of Aikidō founded by Ueshiba Morihei, also known as Osensei. Ueshiba spent the latter part of his life in the town of Iwama, now part of Kasama, and the Aiki Shrine and dojo he created still remain.
There are castle ruins in many cities, including Mito, Kasama, and Yūki.
Kasama is famous for Shinto, art culture and pottery.
The capital Mito is home to Kairakuen, one of Japan's three most celebrated gardens, and famous for its over 3,000 Japanese plum trees of over 100 varieties.
Ibaraki Prefecture is the northeastern part of the Kantō region, stretching between Tochigi Prefecture and the Pacific Ocean and bounded on the north and south by Fukushima Prefecture and Chiba Prefecture. It also has a border on the southwest with Saitama Prefecture. The northernmost part of the prefecture is mountainous, but most of the prefecture is a flat plain with many lakes.
24.12.12
Fukurokuju and Jurōjin
In Japan, Fukurokuju (福禄寿) (from Japanese fuku, "happiness"; roku, "wealth"; and ju, "longevity") is one of the Seven Lucky Gods in Japanese mythology.
It has been theorized that he is a Japanese assimilation of the Chinese Three Star Gods (Fulushou) embodied in one deity.
Most related in appearance to the Chinese star god Shou, he is the God of wisdom and longevity.
According to some, before attaining divinity, he was a Chinese hermit of the Song Dynasty and a reincarnation of the Taoist god Xuanwu. It is said that during his human incarnation, he was a sennin; a philosopher who could exist without eating food.
He is sometimes confused with Jurōjin, who by some accounts is Fukurokuju's grandson and by other accounts inhabits the same body as Fukurokuju.
In many depictions, Fukurokuju has an abnormally high forehead. The sacred book tied to his staff either contains the lifespan of every person on earth or a magical scripture. He is accompanied by a crane and a turtle, which are considered to be symbols of longevity.
He is also sometimes accompanied by a black deer (ancient legends say a deer turns black if it is over 2000 years old).
He is the only member of the Seven Lucky Gods credited with the ability to revive the dead.
In Japan, Jurōjin (寿老人), also known as Gama, is one of the Seven Gods of Fortune or Shichi-fuku-jin, according to Taoist beliefs.
He is the God of longevity.[1]
He walks with a staff and a fan. He is depicted as an old man with a long white beard and often a very tall bald head, with a scroll tied to his staff, on which is written the lifespan of all living things. The deer, a symbol of longevity, usually (but not always) accompanies him as a messenger, as do other long-lived animals such as the crane and the tortoise. Jurōjin is often identified with Fukurokuju. The two are said to inhabit the same body.[2]
It has been theorized that he is a Japanese assimilation of the Chinese Three Star Gods (Fulushou) embodied in one deity.
Most related in appearance to the Chinese star god Shou, he is the God of wisdom and longevity.
According to some, before attaining divinity, he was a Chinese hermit of the Song Dynasty and a reincarnation of the Taoist god Xuanwu. It is said that during his human incarnation, he was a sennin; a philosopher who could exist without eating food.
He is sometimes confused with Jurōjin, who by some accounts is Fukurokuju's grandson and by other accounts inhabits the same body as Fukurokuju.
In many depictions, Fukurokuju has an abnormally high forehead. The sacred book tied to his staff either contains the lifespan of every person on earth or a magical scripture. He is accompanied by a crane and a turtle, which are considered to be symbols of longevity.
He is also sometimes accompanied by a black deer (ancient legends say a deer turns black if it is over 2000 years old).
He is the only member of the Seven Lucky Gods credited with the ability to revive the dead.
In Japan, Jurōjin (寿老人), also known as Gama, is one of the Seven Gods of Fortune or Shichi-fuku-jin, according to Taoist beliefs.
He is the God of longevity.[1]
He walks with a staff and a fan. He is depicted as an old man with a long white beard and often a very tall bald head, with a scroll tied to his staff, on which is written the lifespan of all living things. The deer, a symbol of longevity, usually (but not always) accompanies him as a messenger, as do other long-lived animals such as the crane and the tortoise. Jurōjin is often identified with Fukurokuju. The two are said to inhabit the same body.[2]
Fukushima Prefecture
Fukushima Prefecture (福島県 Fukushima-ken) is a prefecture of Japan located in the Tōhoku region on the island of Honshu.[2]
The capital is the city of Fukushima.[3]
The capital region has a strong industry in software and electronics.
Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Fukushima prefecture was known as Mutsu Province.[4]
Fukushima is both the southernmost prefecture of Tōhoku region and the prefecture of Tōhoku region that is closest to Tokyo. It is divided by mountain ranges into three regions called (from west to east) Aizu, Nakadōri, and Hamadōri.
The coastal Hamadōri region lies on the Pacific Ocean and is the flattest and most temperate region, while the Nakadōri region is the agricultural heart of the prefecture and contains the capital, Fukushima City. The mountainous Aizu region has scenic lakes, lush forests, and snowy winters.
Kitakata city is well known for its distinctive Kitakata ramen noodles and well-preserved traditional storehouse buildings, while Ouchijuku in the town of Shimogo retains numerous thatched buildings from the Edo Period.
Culture:
Legend has it that an ogress, Adachigahara, once roamed the plain after whom it was named. The Adachigahara plain lies close to the city of Fukushima.
The capital is the city of Fukushima.[3]
The capital region has a strong industry in software and electronics.
Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Fukushima prefecture was known as Mutsu Province.[4]
Fukushima is both the southernmost prefecture of Tōhoku region and the prefecture of Tōhoku region that is closest to Tokyo. It is divided by mountain ranges into three regions called (from west to east) Aizu, Nakadōri, and Hamadōri.
The coastal Hamadōri region lies on the Pacific Ocean and is the flattest and most temperate region, while the Nakadōri region is the agricultural heart of the prefecture and contains the capital, Fukushima City. The mountainous Aizu region has scenic lakes, lush forests, and snowy winters.
Kitakata city is well known for its distinctive Kitakata ramen noodles and well-preserved traditional storehouse buildings, while Ouchijuku in the town of Shimogo retains numerous thatched buildings from the Edo Period.
Culture:
Legend has it that an ogress, Adachigahara, once roamed the plain after whom it was named. The Adachigahara plain lies close to the city of Fukushima.
23.12.12
Tōrō-nagashi
Tōrō nagashi (灯籠流し) is a Japanese ceremony in which participants float paper lanterns (chōchin) down a river; tōrō is traditionally another word for lantern, while nagashi means "cruise, flow".
This is primarily done on the last evening of the Bon Festival based on the belief that this guides the spirits of the departed back to the other world.
The ceremony may be done on some other days of the year for other reasons such as to commemorate those lost in the bombing of Hiroshima and those who died on Japan Airlines Flight 123; or in other areas of the world, such as Hawaii, to commemorate the end of World War II.
The Bon Festival takes place on the thirteenth to sixteenth of August or July, depending on the calendar you go by.
The white lanterns are for those who have died in the past year. Traditional Japanese beliefs state that humans come from water, so the lanterns represent their bodies returning to water (traditionally the sea in this case)[citation needed].
This is primarily done on the last evening of the Bon Festival based on the belief that this guides the spirits of the departed back to the other world.
The ceremony may be done on some other days of the year for other reasons such as to commemorate those lost in the bombing of Hiroshima and those who died on Japan Airlines Flight 123; or in other areas of the world, such as Hawaii, to commemorate the end of World War II.
The Bon Festival takes place on the thirteenth to sixteenth of August or July, depending on the calendar you go by.
The white lanterns are for those who have died in the past year. Traditional Japanese beliefs state that humans come from water, so the lanterns represent their bodies returning to water (traditionally the sea in this case)[citation needed].
Yamagata Prefecture
Yamagata Prefecture (山形県 Yamagata-ken) is a prefecture of Japan located in the Tōhoku region on Honshu island.[1]
Its capital is Yamagata.[2]
Yamagata Prefecture is the largest producer of cherries and pears in Japan.
Yamagata Prefecture has a number of annual festivals and events.
The largest is the hanagasa matsuri (花笠祭り) which takes place in Yamagata City on the first weekend in August, when thousands of people perform the hanagasa dance in the city centre and attracts up to 300,000 spectators.
The aboriginal Ezo (蝦夷) people once inhabited the area now known as Yamagata.
Yamagata and Akita Prefecture were known as Dewa Province until the Meiji Restoration.[3]
During the Heian Period (794–1185), the Fujiwara (藤原) family ruled the area.
In 1689, the famous haiku poet, Matsuo Bashō visited Yamagata during his five-month trip to the northern regions of Japan.
Yamagata Prefecture is located in the southwest corner of Tōhoku, facing the Sea of Japan. It borders Niigata Prefecture and Fukushima Prefecture on the south, Miyagi Prefecture on the east, and Akita Prefecture on the north. boundaries are marked by mountains, with most of the population residing in a limited central plain.
The climate of Yamagata Prefecture is characterized by long hot humid summers and long snowy winters. Both spring and autumn are short, the former often cold, the latter often warm, but both quite dry and sunny.
The Meiji Restoration (明治維新 Meiji Ishin), also known as the Meiji Ishin, Revolution, Reform or Renewal, was a chain of events that restored imperial rule to Japan in 1868 under Emperor Meiji.
Its capital is Yamagata.[2]
Yamagata Prefecture is the largest producer of cherries and pears in Japan.
Yamagata Prefecture has a number of annual festivals and events.
The largest is the hanagasa matsuri (花笠祭り) which takes place in Yamagata City on the first weekend in August, when thousands of people perform the hanagasa dance in the city centre and attracts up to 300,000 spectators.
The aboriginal Ezo (蝦夷) people once inhabited the area now known as Yamagata.
Yamagata and Akita Prefecture were known as Dewa Province until the Meiji Restoration.[3]
During the Heian Period (794–1185), the Fujiwara (藤原) family ruled the area.
In 1689, the famous haiku poet, Matsuo Bashō visited Yamagata during his five-month trip to the northern regions of Japan.
Yamagata Prefecture is located in the southwest corner of Tōhoku, facing the Sea of Japan. It borders Niigata Prefecture and Fukushima Prefecture on the south, Miyagi Prefecture on the east, and Akita Prefecture on the north. boundaries are marked by mountains, with most of the population residing in a limited central plain.
The climate of Yamagata Prefecture is characterized by long hot humid summers and long snowy winters. Both spring and autumn are short, the former often cold, the latter often warm, but both quite dry and sunny.
The Meiji Restoration (明治維新 Meiji Ishin), also known as the Meiji Ishin, Revolution, Reform or Renewal, was a chain of events that restored imperial rule to Japan in 1868 under Emperor Meiji.
22.12.12
Nikuman
Nikuman (肉まん; derived from 肉饅頭 niku (meat) manjū) is a Japanese food made from flour dough, and filled with cooked ground pork or other ingredients.
It is a kind of chūka man (中華まん lit. Chinese-style steamed bun) similar to the Chinese baozi (包子), also known in English as pork buns.
Nikuman are steamed and often sold as street food. From about August or September, through the winter months until roughly the beginning of April, Chūka man are available at convenience stores, where they are kept hot.
It is a kind of chūka man (中華まん lit. Chinese-style steamed bun) similar to the Chinese baozi (包子), also known in English as pork buns.
Nikuman are steamed and often sold as street food. From about August or September, through the winter months until roughly the beginning of April, Chūka man are available at convenience stores, where they are kept hot.
Other varieties of the Japanese chūkaman
- Butaman (豚まん butaman) — essentially an equivalent to nikuman, this name is more common in the Kansai region.
- Anman (あんまん anman) — the ingredients consist of azuki beans (koshian or tsubuan). Lard and sesame oil are typically added to increase flavor and taste. Similar to Chinese Doushabao.
- Kare-man (カレーまん karēman) — turmeric or food coloring is added to the skin to make it yellow. The ingredients are the same as meat buns or pork buns with curry-style flavoring. There is also curry man similar to curry bread or dry curry.
Akita Prefecture
Akita Prefecture (秋田県 Akita-ken) is a prefecture of Japan located in the Tōhoku Region of northern Honshu, the main island of Japan.[2]
The capital is the city of Akita.[3]
Located in the north of Honshu, Akita Prefecture faces the Sea of Japan in the west and is bordered by four other prefectures: Aomori in the north, Iwate in the east, Miyagi in the southeast, and Yamagata in the south.
The Oga Peninsula is a prominent feature of the coastline.
The Oga Peninsula (男鹿半島 Oga-hantō) is a rugged peninsula which projects west into the Sea of Japan from the coast of Akita in northern Honshū, the main island of Japan.
At the base of the peninsula is Hachirogata, formerly the second largest lake in Japan.
Oga Peninsula is famous for the traditional festival of Namahage.
The area of Akita has been created from the ancient provinces of Dewa and Mutsu.[4]
Namahage (生剥)[1] in traditional Japanese folklore is a demonlike being, portrayed by men wearing oversized ogre masks and traditional straw capes (mino(ja)) during a New Year's ritual[2] of the Oga Peninsula[3] area of Akita Prefecture in northern Honshū, Japan.[4]
The capital is the city of Akita.[3]
Located in the north of Honshu, Akita Prefecture faces the Sea of Japan in the west and is bordered by four other prefectures: Aomori in the north, Iwate in the east, Miyagi in the southeast, and Yamagata in the south.
The Oga Peninsula is a prominent feature of the coastline.
The Oga Peninsula (男鹿半島 Oga-hantō) is a rugged peninsula which projects west into the Sea of Japan from the coast of Akita in northern Honshū, the main island of Japan.
At the base of the peninsula is Hachirogata, formerly the second largest lake in Japan.
Oga Peninsula is famous for the traditional festival of Namahage.
The area of Akita has been created from the ancient provinces of Dewa and Mutsu.[4]
Namahage (生剥)[1] in traditional Japanese folklore is a demonlike being, portrayed by men wearing oversized ogre masks and traditional straw capes (mino(ja)) during a New Year's ritual[2] of the Oga Peninsula[3] area of Akita Prefecture in northern Honshū, Japan.[4]
21.12.12
Shiruko and Zenzai
Shiruko (汁粉), or oshiruko (お汁粉) with the honorific "o" (お), is a traditional Japanese dessert.[1]
It is a sweet porridge of azuki beans boiled and crushed, served in a bowl with mochi.[1][2]
There are different styles of shiruko, such as shiruko with chestnuts, or with glutinous rice flour dumplings instead of mochi.
There are two types of shiruko based on difference of cooking way of azuki beans.
Azuki beans could be turned into paste, crushed without keeping its original shape, or paste and roughly crushed beans are mixed.[2] There is a similar dish, zenzai (善哉、ぜんざい), which is made from condensed paste with heat and is less watery than shiruko, like making jam or marmalade.
In Western Japan, Zenzai refers to a type of shiruko made from mixture of paste and crushed beans.[2] In Okinawa Prefecture, the term "zenzai" commonly refers to this bean soup served over shaved ice with "mochi". Other toppings, such as sweetened condensed milk, are occasionally added for flavor.
It is loved by many Japanese, especially during the winter.[2] The half-melted sticky mochi and the sweet, warm azuki bean porridge is thought by many to be an absolute delight. Shiruko is frequently served with a side dish of something sour or salty, such as umeboshi or shiokombu to refresh the palate as shiruko is so sweet that the taste may cloy after a while.
In some regions including Kagawa Prefecture, shiruko is also used for zōni, the special soup for New Year celebration.
Umeboshi are pickled ume fruits common in Japan.
Kombu is edible kelp from the family Laminariaceae widely eaten in East Asia.[1]
It is a sweet porridge of azuki beans boiled and crushed, served in a bowl with mochi.[1][2]
There are different styles of shiruko, such as shiruko with chestnuts, or with glutinous rice flour dumplings instead of mochi.
There are two types of shiruko based on difference of cooking way of azuki beans.
Azuki beans could be turned into paste, crushed without keeping its original shape, or paste and roughly crushed beans are mixed.[2] There is a similar dish, zenzai (善哉、ぜんざい), which is made from condensed paste with heat and is less watery than shiruko, like making jam or marmalade.
In Western Japan, Zenzai refers to a type of shiruko made from mixture of paste and crushed beans.[2] In Okinawa Prefecture, the term "zenzai" commonly refers to this bean soup served over shaved ice with "mochi". Other toppings, such as sweetened condensed milk, are occasionally added for flavor.
It is loved by many Japanese, especially during the winter.[2] The half-melted sticky mochi and the sweet, warm azuki bean porridge is thought by many to be an absolute delight. Shiruko is frequently served with a side dish of something sour or salty, such as umeboshi or shiokombu to refresh the palate as shiruko is so sweet that the taste may cloy after a while.
In some regions including Kagawa Prefecture, shiruko is also used for zōni, the special soup for New Year celebration.
Umeboshi are pickled ume fruits common in Japan.
Kombu is edible kelp from the family Laminariaceae widely eaten in East Asia.[1]
Miyagi Prefecture
Miyagi Prefecture (宮城県 Miyagi-ken) is a prefecture of Japan in the Tōhoku Region on Honshu island.[1] The capital is Sendai.[2]
Miyagi Prefecture is in the central part of Tōhoku, facing the Pacific Ocean, and contains Tōhoku's largest city, Sendai.
Matsushima is known as one of the three most scenic views of Japan, with a bay full of 260 small islands covered in pine groves.
Miyagi Prefecture was formerly part of the province of Mutsu.[3] Mutsu Province, on northern Honshu, was one of the last provinces to be formed as land was taken from the indigenous Emishi, and became the largest as it expanded northward. The ancient capital was at Taga-jō in modern Miyagi Prefecture.
The area that is now Aomori Prefecture continued to be part of Mutsu until the abolition of the han system and the nation-wide conversion to the prefectural structure of modern Japan.
Matsushima (松島) is a group of islands in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan.
The Emishi or Ebisu (蝦夷) constituted a group of people who lived in northeastern Honshū in the Tōhoku region which was referred to as michi no oku (道の奥) in contemporary sources.
Miyagi Prefecture is in the central part of Tōhoku, facing the Pacific Ocean, and contains Tōhoku's largest city, Sendai.
Matsushima is known as one of the three most scenic views of Japan, with a bay full of 260 small islands covered in pine groves.
Miyagi Prefecture was formerly part of the province of Mutsu.[3] Mutsu Province, on northern Honshu, was one of the last provinces to be formed as land was taken from the indigenous Emishi, and became the largest as it expanded northward. The ancient capital was at Taga-jō in modern Miyagi Prefecture.
The area that is now Aomori Prefecture continued to be part of Mutsu until the abolition of the han system and the nation-wide conversion to the prefectural structure of modern Japan.
Matsushima (松島) is a group of islands in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan.
The Emishi or Ebisu (蝦夷) constituted a group of people who lived in northeastern Honshū in the Tōhoku region which was referred to as michi no oku (道の奥) in contemporary sources.
The Emishi
The Emishi or Ebisu (蝦夷) constituted a group of people who lived in northeastern Honshū in the Tōhoku region which was referred to as michi no oku (道の奥) in contemporary sources.
Some Emishi tribes resisted the rule of the Japanese Emperors during the late Nara and early Heian periods (7th–10th centuries CE).
More recently, scholars believe that they were natives of northern Honshū and were descendants of those who developed the Jōmon culture.
They are thought to have been related to the Ainu.
The separate ethnic status of the Emishi is not in doubt; this understanding is based upon a language that is separate from Japanese, which scholars have been unable to reconstruct.
Some Emishi tribes resisted the rule of the Japanese Emperors during the late Nara and early Heian periods (7th–10th centuries CE).
More recently, scholars believe that they were natives of northern Honshū and were descendants of those who developed the Jōmon culture.
They are thought to have been related to the Ainu.
The separate ethnic status of the Emishi is not in doubt; this understanding is based upon a language that is separate from Japanese, which scholars have been unable to reconstruct.
Popular culture
- The term Emishi is used for the village tribe of the main character Ashitaka in the Hayao Miyazaki animated film Princess Mononoke. The village was a last pocket of Emishi surviving into the Muromachi period (16th century).
- The Emishi's creation myth was used as the basis of the core mythology in Final Fantasy's Fabula Nova Crystallis series.
20.12.12
Fukuwarai
Fukuwarai (福笑い), or in English, "Lucky Laugh", is a Japanese game played around New Year's ("Oshogatsu").
The game is usually played by children, but adults may sometimes play also.
The game is similar to that of Pin the Tail on the Donkey, whereby the players pin different parts of the face (such as the eyes, eyebrows, nose and mouth) onto a blank face and laugh at the humorous results.
The game is usually played by children, but adults may sometimes play also.
The game is similar to that of Pin the Tail on the Donkey, whereby the players pin different parts of the face (such as the eyes, eyebrows, nose and mouth) onto a blank face and laugh at the humorous results.
Iwate Prefecture
Iwate Prefecture (岩手県 Iwate-ken) is the second largest prefecture of Japan after Hokkaido.[2]
It is located in the Tōhoku region of Honshū island and contains the island's easternmost point.[3]
The capital is Morioka.[4]
Iwate has the lowest population density of any prefecture outside Hokkaido.
Famous attractions include the Buddhist temples of Hiraizumi, including Chūson-ji and Mōtsū-ji with their treasures, Fujiwara no Sato, a movie lot and theme park in Esashi Ward, Oshu City, Tenshochi, a park in Kitakami City known for its big, old cherry trees and Morioka Castle in Morioka City.
Bashō visited and wrote about Iwate in the journey described in Oku no Hosomichi. Hiraizumi in particular inspired him.
Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Iwate prefecture was part of Mutsu Province.[6]
There are several theories about the origin of the name "Iwate", but the most well known is the tale Oni no tegata, which is associated with the Mitsuishi or "Three Rocks" Shrine in Morioka. These rocks are said to have been thrown down into Morioka by an eruption of Mt. Iwate. According to the legend, there was once a devil who often tormented and harassed the local people. When the people prayed to the spirits of Mitsuishi for protection, the devil was immediately shackled to these rocks and forced to make a promise never to trouble the people again.[5] As a seal of his oath the devil made a handprint on one of the rocks, thus giving rise to the name Iwate, literally ‘rock hand’. Even now after a rainfall it is said that the devil’s hand print can still be seen there.
It is located in the Tōhoku region of Honshū island and contains the island's easternmost point.[3]
The capital is Morioka.[4]
Iwate has the lowest population density of any prefecture outside Hokkaido.
Famous attractions include the Buddhist temples of Hiraizumi, including Chūson-ji and Mōtsū-ji with their treasures, Fujiwara no Sato, a movie lot and theme park in Esashi Ward, Oshu City, Tenshochi, a park in Kitakami City known for its big, old cherry trees and Morioka Castle in Morioka City.
Bashō visited and wrote about Iwate in the journey described in Oku no Hosomichi. Hiraizumi in particular inspired him.
Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Iwate prefecture was part of Mutsu Province.[6]
There are several theories about the origin of the name "Iwate", but the most well known is the tale Oni no tegata, which is associated with the Mitsuishi or "Three Rocks" Shrine in Morioka. These rocks are said to have been thrown down into Morioka by an eruption of Mt. Iwate. According to the legend, there was once a devil who often tormented and harassed the local people. When the people prayed to the spirits of Mitsuishi for protection, the devil was immediately shackled to these rocks and forced to make a promise never to trouble the people again.[5] As a seal of his oath the devil made a handprint on one of the rocks, thus giving rise to the name Iwate, literally ‘rock hand’. Even now after a rainfall it is said that the devil’s hand print can still be seen there.
19.12.12
Manjū
Manjū (饅頭 まんじゅう) is a popular traditional Japanese confection.
There are many varieties of manjū, but most have an outside made from flour, rice powder and buckwheat and a filling of an (red bean paste), made from boiled azuki beans and sugar. They are boiled together again and kneaded. There are several varieties of bean paste used including koshian, tsubuan, and tsubushian.
Manjū was derived from a type of mochi (蒸餅), or pounded rice cake, that has existed in China for a long time.[when?] It was originally called Mantou in Chinese, but became known as manjū when it came to Japan. In 1341, a Japanese envoy that came back from China brought back manjū with him and started to sell it as Nara-manjū. It is said that this was the origin of Japanese manjū. Since then, it has been eaten for nearly 700 years by Japanese people. Now it can be found in many Japanese sweet shops. Its low price is a reason that it is popular.
There are myriad varieties of manjū, some more common than others.
There are many varieties of manjū, but most have an outside made from flour, rice powder and buckwheat and a filling of an (red bean paste), made from boiled azuki beans and sugar. They are boiled together again and kneaded. There are several varieties of bean paste used including koshian, tsubuan, and tsubushian.
Manjū was derived from a type of mochi (蒸餅), or pounded rice cake, that has existed in China for a long time.[when?] It was originally called Mantou in Chinese, but became known as manjū when it came to Japan. In 1341, a Japanese envoy that came back from China brought back manjū with him and started to sell it as Nara-manjū. It is said that this was the origin of Japanese manjū. Since then, it has been eaten for nearly 700 years by Japanese people. Now it can be found in many Japanese sweet shops. Its low price is a reason that it is popular.
There are myriad varieties of manjū, some more common than others.
- Matcha (green tea) manjū is one of the most common. In this case, the outside of the manjū has a green tea flavor and is colored green.
- Mizu (water) manjū is traditionally eaten in the summertime and contains a flavored bean filling. The exterior of the mizu manjū is made with kuzu starch, which gives the dough a translucent, jelly-like appearance.[1]
Aomori Prefecture
Aomori Prefecture (青森県 Aomori-ken) is a prefecture of Japan located in the Tōhoku Region.[2] The capital is the city of Aomori.[3]
Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Aomori prefecture was known as Mutsu Province.[4]
Aomori prefecture’s climate is cool for the most part.
Aomori Prefecture is the northernmost prefecture on Honshū and faces Hokkaidō across the Tsugaru Strait.
Like much of Tōhoku, the Aomori region remains dominated by traditional industries such as farming, forestry, and fishing.
Aomori Prefecture is Japan's largest producer of apples and prides itself on its production quality.
Aomori is well known for its tradition of Tsugaru-jamisen, a virtuosic style of shamisen playing.
The Aomori Nebuta Matsuri (青森ねぶた祭り, "Aomori Nebuta Festival" or simply "Aomori Nebuta") is a Japanese summer festival that takes place in Aomori, Aomori Prefecture, Japan. The festival attracts the most tourists of any of the country's nebuta festivals, and is counted among the three largest festivals in the Tōhoku region. It was designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 1980.
The shamisen or samisen (三味線, literally "three strings"), also called sangen (三絃, literally "three strings"), is a three-stringed, Japanese musical instrument played with a plectrum called a bachi.
Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Aomori prefecture was known as Mutsu Province.[4]
Aomori prefecture’s climate is cool for the most part.
Aomori Prefecture is the northernmost prefecture on Honshū and faces Hokkaidō across the Tsugaru Strait.
Like much of Tōhoku, the Aomori region remains dominated by traditional industries such as farming, forestry, and fishing.
Aomori Prefecture is Japan's largest producer of apples and prides itself on its production quality.
Aomori is well known for its tradition of Tsugaru-jamisen, a virtuosic style of shamisen playing.
The Aomori Nebuta Matsuri (青森ねぶた祭り, "Aomori Nebuta Festival" or simply "Aomori Nebuta") is a Japanese summer festival that takes place in Aomori, Aomori Prefecture, Japan. The festival attracts the most tourists of any of the country's nebuta festivals, and is counted among the three largest festivals in the Tōhoku region. It was designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 1980.
The shamisen or samisen (三味線, literally "three strings"), also called sangen (三絃, literally "three strings"), is a three-stringed, Japanese musical instrument played with a plectrum called a bachi.
18.12.12
Karate, Kumite and Dōjō Kun
Karate (空手) (
/kəˈrɑːtiː/; Japanese pronunciation: [kaɽate] (
listen)) is a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Islands in what is now Okinawa, Japan.
It was developed partially from the indigenous martial arts of Ryukyu Islands called Te (手, literally "hand"; Tii in Okinawan) and from Chinese kenpo.[1][2]
Karate is a striking art using punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands. In some styles, grappling, locks, restraints, throws, and vital point strikes are taught.[3] A karate practitioner is called a karateka (空手家). There are several different styles of karate, most of them stemming from the same genealogical tree, and some others acquiring the name "karate" for practical reasons while actually deriving from a mix of other martial arts. Each style of karate stresses some techniques more than others, or has some differences in performing the same techniques from what other styles do. However, most karate schools and styles adhere to the same basic principles, and use the same basic attire, stances, and terminology.
Sparring in Karate is called kumite (組手:くみて). It literally means "meeting of hands." Kumite is practiced both as a sport and as self-defense training.
For many practitioners, karate is a deeply philosophical practice. Karate-do teaches ethical principles and can have spiritual significance to its adherents.
In the bushidō tradition dojo kun is a set of guidelines for karateka to follow. These guidelines apply both in the dojo (training hall) and in everyday life.
Read the English interpretations of the Dojo Kun
Bushidō (武士道), literally "the way of the warrior", is a Japanese word for the way of the samurai life, loosely analogous to the concept of chivalry.
/kəˈrɑːtiː/; Japanese pronunciation: [kaɽate] ( listen)) is a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Islands in what is now Okinawa, Japan.It was developed partially from the indigenous martial arts of Ryukyu Islands called Te (手, literally "hand"; Tii in Okinawan) and from Chinese kenpo.[1][2]
Karate is a striking art using punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands. In some styles, grappling, locks, restraints, throws, and vital point strikes are taught.[3] A karate practitioner is called a karateka (空手家). There are several different styles of karate, most of them stemming from the same genealogical tree, and some others acquiring the name "karate" for practical reasons while actually deriving from a mix of other martial arts. Each style of karate stresses some techniques more than others, or has some differences in performing the same techniques from what other styles do. However, most karate schools and styles adhere to the same basic principles, and use the same basic attire, stances, and terminology.
Sparring in Karate is called kumite (組手:くみて). It literally means "meeting of hands." Kumite is practiced both as a sport and as self-defense training.
For many practitioners, karate is a deeply philosophical practice. Karate-do teaches ethical principles and can have spiritual significance to its adherents.
In the bushidō tradition dojo kun is a set of guidelines for karateka to follow. These guidelines apply both in the dojo (training hall) and in everyday life.
Read the English interpretations of the Dojo Kun
Bushidō (武士道), literally "the way of the warrior", is a Japanese word for the way of the samurai life, loosely analogous to the concept of chivalry.
Ryūkyū Islands and Okinawa
The Ryukyu Islands /riˈuːkjuː/[1] (琉球諸島 Ryūkyū-shotō),[2] known in Japanese as the Nansei Islands (南西諸島 Nansei-shotō, lit. "Southwest Islands") and also known as the Ryukyu Arc (琉球弧 Ryūkyū-ko), are a chain of volcanic Japanese islands that stretch southwest from Kyushu to Taiwan: the Ōsumi, Tokara, Amami, Okinawa, and Sakishima Islands (further divided into the Miyako and Yaeyama Islands), with Yonaguni the southernmost.
The islands have a subtropical climate with mild winters and hot summers.
The largest of the islands is Okinawa.
Administratively, the islands are divided into Kagoshima Prefecture in the north and Okinawa Prefecture in the south, with the divide between the Amami and Okinawa Islands, with the Daitō Islands part of Okinawa Prefecture. The northern (Kagoshima) islands are collectively called the Satsunan Islands, while the southern part of the chain (Okinawa Prefecture) are called the Ryukyu Islands in Japanese.
Okinawa Island (沖縄本島 Okinawa-hontō, alternatively 沖縄島 Okinawa-jima; Okinawan: ウチナー Uchinaa; Nakijin: フチナー Fuchinaa) is the largest of the Okinawa Islands and the Ryukyu (Nansei) Islands of Japan, and is home to Naha, the capital of Okinawa Prefecture.
The island's population is known as the longest-lived people in the world; there are 34 centenarians per 100,000 people, which is more than three times the rate in the United States.[clarification needed][1]
Okinawa is the fifth largest island in Japan (excluding the disputed islands north of Hokkaido).
In the forests of Yanbaru there are a small number of Yanbaru Kuina, a small flightless bird that is near extinction.The Indian mongoose was introduced to the island to prevent the native Habu pit viper from attacking the birds. It did not succeed in eliminating the Habu, but instead preyed on birds.
The islands have a subtropical climate with mild winters and hot summers.
The largest of the islands is Okinawa.
Administratively, the islands are divided into Kagoshima Prefecture in the north and Okinawa Prefecture in the south, with the divide between the Amami and Okinawa Islands, with the Daitō Islands part of Okinawa Prefecture. The northern (Kagoshima) islands are collectively called the Satsunan Islands, while the southern part of the chain (Okinawa Prefecture) are called the Ryukyu Islands in Japanese.
Okinawa Island (沖縄本島 Okinawa-hontō, alternatively 沖縄島 Okinawa-jima; Okinawan: ウチナー Uchinaa; Nakijin: フチナー Fuchinaa) is the largest of the Okinawa Islands and the Ryukyu (Nansei) Islands of Japan, and is home to Naha, the capital of Okinawa Prefecture.
The island's population is known as the longest-lived people in the world; there are 34 centenarians per 100,000 people, which is more than three times the rate in the United States.[clarification needed][1]
Okinawa is the fifth largest island in Japan (excluding the disputed islands north of Hokkaido).
In the forests of Yanbaru there are a small number of Yanbaru Kuina, a small flightless bird that is near extinction.The Indian mongoose was introduced to the island to prevent the native Habu pit viper from attacking the birds. It did not succeed in eliminating the Habu, but instead preyed on birds.
17.12.12
Beppu City and Sunayu (aka Sunaburo)
Beppu (別府市 Beppu-shi) is a city located in Ōita Prefecture on the island of Kyushu, Japan, at the west end of Beppu Bay.
The city was founded on April 1, 1924, and is famous for its onsen (hot springs).
Beppu contains eight major geothermal hot spots, which are sometimes referred to as the "eight hells of Beppu". Six of these are located in the Kannawa district, and two in the more remote Shibaseki district. Beppu is also divided into eight major hot spring areas known as Beppu Hattō (別府八湯).
Beppu has not only usual hot springs but some sand and foot baths as well. One famous spot is "Beppu Kaihin Sunayu, Ashiyu", (”Beppu marine beach sand bath and foot bath").
Beppu Kaihin Sunayu is known for its open-air sand bathing found near Beppu City's seashore.
It is 15 minutes by bus from Beppu station, on Route 10.[8]
Takasakiyama Monkey Park is located 10 minutes from the centre of Beppu by bus. The park is home to more than 1500 Japanese macaques. [6]
The city was founded on April 1, 1924, and is famous for its onsen (hot springs).
Beppu contains eight major geothermal hot spots, which are sometimes referred to as the "eight hells of Beppu". Six of these are located in the Kannawa district, and two in the more remote Shibaseki district. Beppu is also divided into eight major hot spring areas known as Beppu Hattō (別府八湯).
Beppu has not only usual hot springs but some sand and foot baths as well. One famous spot is "Beppu Kaihin Sunayu, Ashiyu", (”Beppu marine beach sand bath and foot bath").
Beppu Kaihin Sunayu is known for its open-air sand bathing found near Beppu City's seashore.
It is 15 minutes by bus from Beppu station, on Route 10.[8]
Takasakiyama Monkey Park is located 10 minutes from the centre of Beppu by bus. The park is home to more than 1500 Japanese macaques. [6]
Japan Standard Time (JST)
Japan Standard Time or JST (Japanese: 日本標準時 Nihon Hyōjunji or 中央標準時 Chūō Hyōjunji) is the standard timezone in Japan, and is 9 hours ahead of UTC, i.e. it is UTC+09:00.
There is no daylight saving time, though its introduction has been debated several times. During World War II, it was often called Tokyo Standard Time.
Japan Standard Time is the same as Korean Standard Time, Indonesian Eastern Standard Time and Irkutsk Time.
Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) is the primary time standard by which the world regulates clocks and time. It is one of several closely related successors to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). For most purposes, UTC is synonymous with GMT, but GMT is no longer precisely defined by the scientific community.
Daylight saving time (DST)—also summer time in several countries[1][2][3][4][5][6] in British English, and European official terminology (see Terminology)—is the practice of advancing clocks so that evenings have more daylight and mornings have less. Typically clocks are adjusted forward one hour near the start of spring and are adjusted backward in autumn.[7]
There is no daylight saving time, though its introduction has been debated several times. During World War II, it was often called Tokyo Standard Time.
Japan Standard Time is the same as Korean Standard Time, Indonesian Eastern Standard Time and Irkutsk Time.
Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) is the primary time standard by which the world regulates clocks and time. It is one of several closely related successors to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). For most purposes, UTC is synonymous with GMT, but GMT is no longer precisely defined by the scientific community.
Daylight saving time (DST)—also summer time in several countries[1][2][3][4][5][6] in British English, and European official terminology (see Terminology)—is the practice of advancing clocks so that evenings have more daylight and mornings have less. Typically clocks are adjusted forward one hour near the start of spring and are adjusted backward in autumn.[7]
16.12.12
Beigoma
Beigoma are traditional Japanese spinning top toys.
A small but heavy disk shaped toy of approximately 3cm in diameter, it is spun by wrapping a thin 60 cm cord around it, then throwing it while releasing the cord to spin it onto a surface such as matting spread across the top of a barrel.
The thrower aims it at another beigoma that is already spinning to knock it out of the playing area. *
The loser is the player whose top either stops spinning first or is knocked outside the area.
If spun correctly it makes a humming sound.
They are often decorated with kanji, for example with names of famous baseball players.[1][2][3]
Beigoma may have come to Japan from China, originating as Koma (wooden toys), popular with ordinary people in the Kamakura period.
The toy was well known in the 17th century Edo period and was originally made by filling spiral seashells with sand and sealing them with molten wax.
In 2001 there was only one factory still making them, in Kawaguchi, Saitama prefecture.[2][3][4]
Recently, the popular Beyblade toy, which is modelled after beigoma has caused a re-surge in interest. Beyblades are similar to beigoma but have no stem.[4][5][6][7]
The Kamakura period (鎌倉時代 Kamakura jidai, 1185–1333) is a period of Japanese history that marks the governance by the Kamakura Shogunate, officially established in 1192 AD in Kamakura, by the first shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo. The period is known for the emergence of the samurai, the warrior caste, and for the establishment of feudalism in Japan.
A small but heavy disk shaped toy of approximately 3cm in diameter, it is spun by wrapping a thin 60 cm cord around it, then throwing it while releasing the cord to spin it onto a surface such as matting spread across the top of a barrel.
The thrower aims it at another beigoma that is already spinning to knock it out of the playing area. *
The loser is the player whose top either stops spinning first or is knocked outside the area.
If spun correctly it makes a humming sound.
They are often decorated with kanji, for example with names of famous baseball players.[1][2][3]
Beigoma may have come to Japan from China, originating as Koma (wooden toys), popular with ordinary people in the Kamakura period.
The toy was well known in the 17th century Edo period and was originally made by filling spiral seashells with sand and sealing them with molten wax.
In 2001 there was only one factory still making them, in Kawaguchi, Saitama prefecture.[2][3][4]
Recently, the popular Beyblade toy, which is modelled after beigoma has caused a re-surge in interest. Beyblades are similar to beigoma but have no stem.[4][5][6][7]
The Kamakura period (鎌倉時代 Kamakura jidai, 1185–1333) is a period of Japanese history that marks the governance by the Kamakura Shogunate, officially established in 1192 AD in Kamakura, by the first shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo. The period is known for the emergence of the samurai, the warrior caste, and for the establishment of feudalism in Japan.
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