The Sea of Japan is a marginal sea of the western Pacific Ocean, between the Asian mainland, the Japanese archipelago and Sakhalin.
It is bordered by Japan, North Korea, Russia and South Korea.
Like the Mediterranean Sea, it has almost no tides due to its nearly complete enclosure from the Pacific Ocean.[1]
The sea climate is characterized by warm waters and monsoons.
The sea waters have blue to green-blue color and a transparency of about 10 meters.
The seawater is characterized by the elevated concentration of dissolved oxygen that results in high biological productivity. Therefore, fishing is the dominant economic activity in the region.
Flora and fauna unique to the region near the Sea of Japan are known as "Japan Sea elements".[4]
7.9.12
Nemawashi
Nemawashi (根回し) in Japanese
means an informal process of quietly laying the foundation for some
proposed change or project, by talking to the people concerned,
gathering support and feedback, and so forth.
It is considered an important element in any major change, before any formal steps are taken, and successful nemawashi enables changes to be carried out with the consent of all sides.
Nemawashi literally translates as "going around the roots", from 根 (ne, root) and 回す (mawasu, to go around [something]). Its original meaning was literal: digging around the roots of a tree, to prepare it for a transplant.
Nemawashi is often cited as an example of a Japanese word which is difficult to translate effectively, because it is tied so closely to Japanese culture itself, although it is often translated as 'laying the groundwork.'
It is considered an important element in any major change, before any formal steps are taken, and successful nemawashi enables changes to be carried out with the consent of all sides.
Nemawashi literally translates as "going around the roots", from 根 (ne, root) and 回す (mawasu, to go around [something]). Its original meaning was literal: digging around the roots of a tree, to prepare it for a transplant.
Nemawashi is often cited as an example of a Japanese word which is difficult to translate effectively, because it is tied so closely to Japanese culture itself, although it is often translated as 'laying the groundwork.'
Itadakimasu and Gochisōsama-deshita
Meals in Japan traditionally begin with the phrase itadakimasu (いただきます) (literally, "I humbly receive"). The phrase is similar to "bon appétit", or saying grace to give thanks before a meal. It is said to express gratitude for all who played a role in preparing, cultivating, ranching or hunting the food.
Upon finishing a meal, the Japanese also use the polite phrase Gochisōsama-deshita (ごちそうさまでした) (That was a delicious meal). Sama is the honorific word which gives respect to the person, therefore, this phrase gives respect for making the meal.
Upon finishing a meal, the Japanese also use the polite phrase Gochisōsama-deshita (ごちそうさまでした) (That was a delicious meal). Sama is the honorific word which gives respect to the person, therefore, this phrase gives respect for making the meal.
Mottainai
Mottainai (もったいない, 勿体無い) is a Japanese term meaning "a sense of regret concerning waste when the intrinsic value of an object or resource is not properly utilized".[1]
The expression "Mottainai!" can be uttered alone as an exclamation when something useful, such as food or time, is wasted, meaning roughly "Oh, what a waste!"
In addition to its primary sense of "wasteful", the word is also used to mean "impious; irreverent" or "more than one deserves".[2]
In ancient Japanese, mottainai had various meanings, including a sense of gratitude mixed with shame for receiving greater favor from a superior than is properly merited by one's station in life.[1]
One of the earliest appearances of the word mottainai is in the book Genpei Jōsuiki (A Record of the Genpei War, ca. 1247).[3]
The expression "Mottainai!" can be uttered alone as an exclamation when something useful, such as food or time, is wasted, meaning roughly "Oh, what a waste!"
In addition to its primary sense of "wasteful", the word is also used to mean "impious; irreverent" or "more than one deserves".[2]
In ancient Japanese, mottainai had various meanings, including a sense of gratitude mixed with shame for receiving greater favor from a superior than is properly merited by one's station in life.[1]
One of the earliest appearances of the word mottainai is in the book Genpei Jōsuiki (A Record of the Genpei War, ca. 1247).[3]
Taiyaki and Imagawayaki
Taiyaki (たい焼き , literally "baked sea bream") is a Japanese fish-shaped cake.
The most common filling is red bean paste that is made from sweetened azuki beans. Other common fillings may be custard, chocolate, or cheese. Some shops even sell taiyaki with okonomiyaki, gyoza filling, or a sausage inside.
Taiyaki is made using regular pancake or waffle batter. The batter is poured into a fish-shaped mold for each side. The filling is then put on one side and the mold is closed. It is then cooked on both sides until golden brown.
Taiyaki was first baked by a sweet shop Naniwaya in Azabu, Tokyo in 1909, and now can be found all over Japan, especially at food courts of supermarkets and Japanese festivals (祭 matsuri).
They are similar to imagawayaki (今川焼き), which are thick round cakes also filled with sweet azuki bean paste or custard.
Imagawayaki (今川焼き) is a Japanese dessert often found at festivals, also eaten in Taiwan (where it is called chēlún bǐng 車輪餅 or hóngdòu bǐng 紅豆餅).
It is made of batter in a special pan (similar to a waffle iron but without the honeycomb pattern), and filled with sweet azuki bean paste, although it is becoming increasingly popular to use a wider variety of fillings such as vanilla custard, different fruit custards and preserves, curry, different meat and vegetable fillings, potato and mayonnaise.[1][2]
Imagawayaki are similar to Dorayaki, but the latter are two separate pancakes sandwiched around the filling after cooking, and are often served cold.
Imagawayaki began to be sold near the Kanda Imagawabashi bridge during An'ei years (1772 - 1781) in the Edo period. The name of Imagawayaki originates from this time.
Imagawayaki has various names by areas and eras.
The most common filling is red bean paste that is made from sweetened azuki beans. Other common fillings may be custard, chocolate, or cheese. Some shops even sell taiyaki with okonomiyaki, gyoza filling, or a sausage inside.
Taiyaki is made using regular pancake or waffle batter. The batter is poured into a fish-shaped mold for each side. The filling is then put on one side and the mold is closed. It is then cooked on both sides until golden brown.
Taiyaki was first baked by a sweet shop Naniwaya in Azabu, Tokyo in 1909, and now can be found all over Japan, especially at food courts of supermarkets and Japanese festivals (祭 matsuri).
They are similar to imagawayaki (今川焼き), which are thick round cakes also filled with sweet azuki bean paste or custard.
Imagawayaki (今川焼き) is a Japanese dessert often found at festivals, also eaten in Taiwan (where it is called chēlún bǐng 車輪餅 or hóngdòu bǐng 紅豆餅).
It is made of batter in a special pan (similar to a waffle iron but without the honeycomb pattern), and filled with sweet azuki bean paste, although it is becoming increasingly popular to use a wider variety of fillings such as vanilla custard, different fruit custards and preserves, curry, different meat and vegetable fillings, potato and mayonnaise.[1][2]
Imagawayaki are similar to Dorayaki, but the latter are two separate pancakes sandwiched around the filling after cooking, and are often served cold.
Imagawayaki began to be sold near the Kanda Imagawabashi bridge during An'ei years (1772 - 1781) in the Edo period. The name of Imagawayaki originates from this time.
Imagawayaki has various names by areas and eras.
Chōjū-giga
Chōjū-jinbutsu-giga (鳥獣人物戯画, lit. "Animal-person Caricatures"), commonly shortened to Chōjū-giga (鳥獣戯画, lit. "Animal Caricatures") is a famous set of four picture scrolls, or emakimono, belonging to Kōzan-ji temple in Kyoto, Japan.
The Chōjū-giga scrolls are also referred to as Scrolls of Frolicking Animals and Scrolls of Frolicking Animals and Humans in English.
Some think that Toba Sōjō created the scrolls, however it is hard to verify this. The right-to-left reading direction of Chōjū-jinbutsu-giga is still a standard method seen in modern manga and novels in Japan.
Chōjū-jinbutsu-giga is also credited as the oldest work of manga.
The scrolls are now entrusted to the Kyoto National Museum and Tokyo National Museum.
As opened, the first scroll illustrates anthropomorphic rabbits and monkeys bathing and getting ready for a ceremony, a monkey thief runs from animals with sticks and knocks over a frog from the lively ceremony. Further on, the rabbits and monkeys are playing and wrestling while another group of animals participate in a funeral and frog prays to Buddha as the scroll closes.
Four publications based on Chōjū-jinbutsu-giga have been released by the publisher Geijutsuhiroba.
Although Chōjū-jinbutsu-giga is sometimes credited as the first manga,[1] there has been some disputes with the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper. Seiki Hosokibara pointed to the Shigisan-engi scrolls as the first manga, and Kanta Ishida explained that the scrolls should be treated as masterpieces in their own right.
The Chōjū-giga scrolls are also referred to as Scrolls of Frolicking Animals and Scrolls of Frolicking Animals and Humans in English.
Some think that Toba Sōjō created the scrolls, however it is hard to verify this. The right-to-left reading direction of Chōjū-jinbutsu-giga is still a standard method seen in modern manga and novels in Japan.
Chōjū-jinbutsu-giga is also credited as the oldest work of manga.
The scrolls are now entrusted to the Kyoto National Museum and Tokyo National Museum.
As opened, the first scroll illustrates anthropomorphic rabbits and monkeys bathing and getting ready for a ceremony, a monkey thief runs from animals with sticks and knocks over a frog from the lively ceremony. Further on, the rabbits and monkeys are playing and wrestling while another group of animals participate in a funeral and frog prays to Buddha as the scroll closes.
Four publications based on Chōjū-jinbutsu-giga have been released by the publisher Geijutsuhiroba.
Although Chōjū-jinbutsu-giga is sometimes credited as the first manga,[1] there has been some disputes with the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper. Seiki Hosokibara pointed to the Shigisan-engi scrolls as the first manga, and Kanta Ishida explained that the scrolls should be treated as masterpieces in their own right.
Geinōkai
The Geinōkai (芸能界) is the world of Japanese entertainment, encompassing everything from movies and television (including talk shows, music shows, variety shows, etc.) to radio and now the internet.
Members of the Geinōkai are referred to as Geinōjin (芸能人) or tarento.
Tarento (talent) refers to a rather large group of people who appear on television from night to night, but cannot be quite classified as actors, singers, or models, or comedians (and are thus given the more vague appellation of "talent" instead). Tarento usually appear on variety shows or talk shows and may later move into acting or singing if they are successful.
Members of the Geinōkai are referred to as Geinōjin (芸能人) or tarento.
Tarento (talent) refers to a rather large group of people who appear on television from night to night, but cannot be quite classified as actors, singers, or models, or comedians (and are thus given the more vague appellation of "talent" instead). Tarento usually appear on variety shows or talk shows and may later move into acting or singing if they are successful.
Harajuku
Harajuku (原宿 "meadow lodging") About this sound listen (help·info) is the common name for the area around Harajuku Station on the Yamanote Line in the Shibuya ward of Tokyo, Japan.
Local landmarks include the headquarters of NHK, Meiji Shrine, and Yoyogi Park.
Every Sunday, young people dressed in a variety of styles including gothic lolita, visual kei, and decora, as well as cosplayers spend the day in Harajuku socializing. The fashion styles of these youths rarely conform to one particular style and are usually a mesh of many.
Most young people gather on Jingu Bridge, which is a pedestrian bridge that connects Harajuku to the neighboring Meiji Shrine area.[1]
Harajuku is also a fashion capital of the world, renowned for its unique street fashion.[2]
Many prominent designers and fashion ideas have sprung from Harajuku and incorporated themselves into other fashions throughout the world.
Harajuku is also a large shopping district that includes international brands, its own brands, and shops selling clothes young people can afford.
Harajuku is also a large shopping district that includes international brands, its own brands, and shops selling clothes young people can afford.
Local landmarks include the headquarters of NHK, Meiji Shrine, and Yoyogi Park.
Every Sunday, young people dressed in a variety of styles including gothic lolita, visual kei, and decora, as well as cosplayers spend the day in Harajuku socializing. The fashion styles of these youths rarely conform to one particular style and are usually a mesh of many.
Most young people gather on Jingu Bridge, which is a pedestrian bridge that connects Harajuku to the neighboring Meiji Shrine area.[1]
Harajuku is also a fashion capital of the world, renowned for its unique street fashion.[2]
Many prominent designers and fashion ideas have sprung from Harajuku and incorporated themselves into other fashions throughout the world.
Harajuku is also a large shopping district that includes international brands, its own brands, and shops selling clothes young people can afford.
Harajuku is also a large shopping district that includes international brands, its own brands, and shops selling clothes young people can afford.
6.9.12
Heisei Period
Heisei (平成) is the current era in Japan.
The Heisei era started on 8 January 1989, the first day after the death of the reigning Emperor, Hirohito. His son, Akihito, succeeded to the throne. In accordance with Japanese customs, Hirohito was posthumously renamed "Emperor Shōwa" on 31 January.
Thus 1989 corresponds to Shōwa 64 up to the seventh day of the first month (7 January) and to Heisei 1 (平成元年 Heisei gannen, gannen means "first year") since the eighth day of the first month (8 January).
To convert a Western era year after 2000 to Heisei, take the year, subtract 2000 and add 12. Or just subtract 1988. Example for 2012: 2012−2000+12 = Heisei 24. Or 2012−1988 = Heisei 24.
On 7 January 1989, at 07:55 JST, the grand steward of Japan's Imperial Household Agency, Shōichi Fujimori, announced Emperor Shōwa's death, and revealed details about his cancer for the first time. Shortly after the death of the Emperor, Keizō Obuchi, then Chief Cabinet Secretary and later Prime Minister of Japan, announced the end of the Shōwa era, and heralded the new era name "Heisei" for the new incoming Emperor, and explained the meaning of the name.
According to Obuchi, the name "Heisei" was taken from two Chinese history and philosophy books, namely Records of the Grand Historian (史記 Shiji) and the Classic of History (書経 Shujing).
In the Shiji, the sentence "内平外成" (Kanbun: 内平かに外成る Uchi tairaka ni soto naru) appears in a section honoring the wise rule of the legendary Chinese Emperor Shun. In the Shujing, the sentence "地平天成" (dì píng tiān chéng; Kanbun: かに天成る Chi tairaka ni ten naru) appears. By combining both meanings, Heisei is intended to mean "peace everywhere".
The Heisei era started on 8 January 1989, the first day after the death of the reigning Emperor, Hirohito. His son, Akihito, succeeded to the throne. In accordance with Japanese customs, Hirohito was posthumously renamed "Emperor Shōwa" on 31 January.
Thus 1989 corresponds to Shōwa 64 up to the seventh day of the first month (7 January) and to Heisei 1 (平成元年 Heisei gannen, gannen means "first year") since the eighth day of the first month (8 January).
To convert a Western era year after 2000 to Heisei, take the year, subtract 2000 and add 12. Or just subtract 1988. Example for 2012: 2012−2000+12 = Heisei 24. Or 2012−1988 = Heisei 24.
On 7 January 1989, at 07:55 JST, the grand steward of Japan's Imperial Household Agency, Shōichi Fujimori, announced Emperor Shōwa's death, and revealed details about his cancer for the first time. Shortly after the death of the Emperor, Keizō Obuchi, then Chief Cabinet Secretary and later Prime Minister of Japan, announced the end of the Shōwa era, and heralded the new era name "Heisei" for the new incoming Emperor, and explained the meaning of the name.
According to Obuchi, the name "Heisei" was taken from two Chinese history and philosophy books, namely Records of the Grand Historian (史記 Shiji) and the Classic of History (書経 Shujing).
In the Shiji, the sentence "内平外成" (Kanbun: 内平かに外成る Uchi tairaka ni soto naru) appears in a section honoring the wise rule of the legendary Chinese Emperor Shun. In the Shujing, the sentence "地平天成" (dì píng tiān chéng; Kanbun: かに天成る Chi tairaka ni ten naru) appears. By combining both meanings, Heisei is intended to mean "peace everywhere".
Wa
Japanese Wa (倭, "Japan, Japanese", from Chinese Wō 倭, Hangul Wae 왜) is the oldest recorded name of Japan.
Chinese, Korean, and Japanese scribes regularly wrote Wa or Yamato "Japan" with the Chinese character 倭 until the 8th century, when the Japanese found fault with it, replacing it with 和 "harmony, peace, balance".
The earliest textual references to Japan are in Chinese classic texts.
Chinese, Korean, and Japanese scribes regularly wrote Wa or Yamato "Japan" with the Chinese character 倭 until the 8th century, when the Japanese found fault with it, replacing it with 和 "harmony, peace, balance".
The earliest textual references to Japan are in Chinese classic texts.
Yamato Kotoba, Kango and Garaigo
Yamato kotoba (大和言葉, literally "Japanese words") are native Japanese words, meaning those words in Japanese that have been inherited from Old Japanese, rather than being borrowed at some stage.
They are also known as wago (和語). Together with kango and gairaigo, they form one of the three main sources of Japanese words (there is also elaborate Japanese sound symbolism, of mimetic origin).
The word "yamato kotoba" itself is composed of native Japanese words, and hence is an autological word. The synonym wago is instead a kango, and hence a heterological word.
Sino-Japanese, or Kango (漢語) in Japanese, refers to that portion of the Japanese vocabulary that originated in the Chinese language or has been created from elements borrowed from Chinese.
Some grammatical or sentence patterns can also be identified with Sino-Japanese. Sino-Japanese vocabulary is referred to in Japanese as kango (漢語), meaning 'Chinese words'. Kango is one of three broad categories into which the Japanese vocabulary is divided. The others are native Japanese vocabulary (ja:大和言葉 yamato kotoba or ja:和語 wago) and borrowings from mainly Western languages 外来語 (gairaigo).
Approximately 60% of the words contained in a modern Japanese dictionary is estimated to consist of kango,[1] and it forms about 18% of words used in speech, as measured by the National Institute for Japanese Language in its study of language use in NHK broadcasts from April to June, 1989.[2]
They are also known as wago (和語). Together with kango and gairaigo, they form one of the three main sources of Japanese words (there is also elaborate Japanese sound symbolism, of mimetic origin).
The word "yamato kotoba" itself is composed of native Japanese words, and hence is an autological word. The synonym wago is instead a kango, and hence a heterological word.
Sino-Japanese, or Kango (漢語) in Japanese, refers to that portion of the Japanese vocabulary that originated in the Chinese language or has been created from elements borrowed from Chinese.
Some grammatical or sentence patterns can also be identified with Sino-Japanese. Sino-Japanese vocabulary is referred to in Japanese as kango (漢語), meaning 'Chinese words'. Kango is one of three broad categories into which the Japanese vocabulary is divided. The others are native Japanese vocabulary (ja:大和言葉 yamato kotoba or ja:和語 wago) and borrowings from mainly Western languages 外来語 (gairaigo).
Approximately 60% of the words contained in a modern Japanese dictionary is estimated to consist of kango,[1] and it forms about 18% of words used in speech, as measured by the National Institute for Japanese Language in its study of language use in NHK broadcasts from April to June, 1989.[2]
Dorama and Asadora
Japanese television drama (テレビドラマ terebi dorama, television drama), also called dorama (ドラマ), are a staple of Japanese television and are broadcast daily.
All major TV networks in Japan produce a variety of drama series including romance, comedy, detective stories, horror, and many others. For special occasions, there may also be a one- or two-episode drama with a specific theme, such as a drama produced in 2007 for the 60-year anniversary of the end of World War II.
One characteristic of Japanese drama that differentiates it is that each episode is usually shot only a few (two to three) weeks before it is actually aired. Many fans have been able to visit their idols shooting scenes even as the show is still airing.
Japanese drama series are broadcast in three-month seasons, with new dramas airing each season.
Renzoku Terebi Shōsetsu (連続テレビ小説?, "a serial TV novel") also known as an Asadora (朝ドラ?, "Morning Drama") is a serialized television series broadcast by NHK in the mornings in Japan.
The asadora started in 1961 with the black-and-white Musume to Watashi (娘と私), starring Takeshi Kitazawa.
Today, works in the first half of the year are produced by the NHK Tokyo Broadcasting station and works in the second half of the year are produced by the NHK Osaka Broadcasting station.
The asadora have become some of the most popular shows on Japanese television, with some, like Oshin, earning over 50% in ratings.[1] The current series is Umechan Sensei (2012).
All major TV networks in Japan produce a variety of drama series including romance, comedy, detective stories, horror, and many others. For special occasions, there may also be a one- or two-episode drama with a specific theme, such as a drama produced in 2007 for the 60-year anniversary of the end of World War II.
One characteristic of Japanese drama that differentiates it is that each episode is usually shot only a few (two to three) weeks before it is actually aired. Many fans have been able to visit their idols shooting scenes even as the show is still airing.
Japanese drama series are broadcast in three-month seasons, with new dramas airing each season.
Renzoku Terebi Shōsetsu (連続テレビ小説?, "a serial TV novel") also known as an Asadora (朝ドラ?, "Morning Drama") is a serialized television series broadcast by NHK in the mornings in Japan.
The asadora started in 1961 with the black-and-white Musume to Watashi (娘と私), starring Takeshi Kitazawa.
Today, works in the first half of the year are produced by the NHK Tokyo Broadcasting station and works in the second half of the year are produced by the NHK Osaka Broadcasting station.
The asadora have become some of the most popular shows on Japanese television, with some, like Oshin, earning over 50% in ratings.[1] The current series is Umechan Sensei (2012).
Nippon Akademī-shō
The Japan Academy Prize (日本アカデミー賞 Nippon Akademī-shō), often called the Japan Academy Awards or the Japanese Academy Awards, is a series of awards given annually since 1978 by the Nippon Academy-shō Association for excellence in Japanese film.
Award categories are similar to the Academy Awards.
The award statue itself measures 27 cm × 11 cm × 11 cm (10.7 in × 4.4 in × 4.4 in).[1]
Award categories are similar to the Academy Awards.
The award statue itself measures 27 cm × 11 cm × 11 cm (10.7 in × 4.4 in × 4.4 in).[1]
5.9.12
Tachi, Amakuni and Kogarasu Maru
The tachi (太刀) is one type of traditionally made Japanese swords (nihonto)[1][2] worn by the samurai class of feudal Japan. The tachi style of swords preceded the development of the katana.
Amakuni (天國) is the legendary swordsmith who created the first single-edged longsword (tachi) with curvature along the edge in the Yamato Province around 700 AD. He was the head of a group of swordsmiths employed by the Emperor of Japan to make weapons for his warriors. His son, Amakura, was the successor to his work. Although there are almost no modern examples of signed works by Amakuni, legend has it that the double-edged katana, Kogarasu Maru, was forged by this man. The true author of this work is not known, though the work bears similarities to works of the various Yamato schools so it is thought to be an early example of work from this province.
The Kogarasu Maru (小烏丸), or "Little Crow," is a unique Japanese tachi sword rumored to have been created by legendary Japanese smith Amakuni during 8th century CE.
The Kogarasu Maru was designed with a curved double-edged blade approximately 62.8 cm long. One edge of the blade is shaped in normal tachi fashion, but unlike the tachi, the tip is symmetrical and both edges of the blade are sharp, similar to a European sword or a Japanese yari spear, except for about 20 cm of the trailing or concave edge nearest the hilt, which is rounded.
The Kogarasu Maru "Little Crow" is the most famous of the known Kogarasu Zukuri blades and is currently in the Japanese Imperial Collection.
Amakuni (天國) is the legendary swordsmith who created the first single-edged longsword (tachi) with curvature along the edge in the Yamato Province around 700 AD. He was the head of a group of swordsmiths employed by the Emperor of Japan to make weapons for his warriors. His son, Amakura, was the successor to his work. Although there are almost no modern examples of signed works by Amakuni, legend has it that the double-edged katana, Kogarasu Maru, was forged by this man. The true author of this work is not known, though the work bears similarities to works of the various Yamato schools so it is thought to be an early example of work from this province.
The Kogarasu Maru (小烏丸), or "Little Crow," is a unique Japanese tachi sword rumored to have been created by legendary Japanese smith Amakuni during 8th century CE.
The Kogarasu Maru was designed with a curved double-edged blade approximately 62.8 cm long. One edge of the blade is shaped in normal tachi fashion, but unlike the tachi, the tip is symmetrical and both edges of the blade are sharp, similar to a European sword or a Japanese yari spear, except for about 20 cm of the trailing or concave edge nearest the hilt, which is rounded.
The Kogarasu Maru "Little Crow" is the most famous of the known Kogarasu Zukuri blades and is currently in the Japanese Imperial Collection.
Unsui
Unsui (Japanese: 雲水), or kōun ryūsui (行雲流水) in full, is a term specific to Zen Buddhism which denotes a postulant awaiting acceptance into a monastery or a novice monk who has undertaken Zen training. Sometimes they will travel from monastery to monastery (angya) on a pilgrimage to find the appropriate Zen master to study with.[1]
The term unsui, which literally translates as "clouds and water" comes from a Chinese poem which reads, "To drift like clouds and flow like water."[2]
Helen J. Baroni writes, "The term can be applied more broadly for any practitioner of Zen, since followers of Zen attempt to move freely through life, without the constraints and limitations of attachment, like free-floating clouds or flowing water."[1]
According to author James Ishmael Ford, "In Japan, one receives unsui ordination at the beginning of formal ordained practice, and this is often perceived as 'novice ordination.'"[3]
The term unsui, which literally translates as "clouds and water" comes from a Chinese poem which reads, "To drift like clouds and flow like water."[2]
Helen J. Baroni writes, "The term can be applied more broadly for any practitioner of Zen, since followers of Zen attempt to move freely through life, without the constraints and limitations of attachment, like free-floating clouds or flowing water."[1]
According to author James Ishmael Ford, "In Japan, one receives unsui ordination at the beginning of formal ordained practice, and this is often perceived as 'novice ordination.'"[3]
Hōjicha
Hōjicha (Houjicha) (ほうじ茶) is a Japanese green tea that is distinguished from others because it is roasted in a porcelain pot over charcoal; Japanese tea is usually steamed.
The tea is fired at high temperature, altering the leaf colour tints from green to reddish-brown. The process was first performed in Kyoto, Japan in the 1920s and its popularity persists today.
Hōjicha is often made from bancha (番茶, "common tea"),[1] tea from the last harvest of the season, however other varieties of Hōjicha also exist, including a variety made from sencha, and Kukicha, tea made from the twigs of the tea plant rather than the leaves.
Hōjicha infusions have a light- to reddish-brown appearance, and are less astringent due to losing catechins[2] during the high temperature roasting process. The roasted flavours are extracted and predominate this blend: the roasting replaces the vegetative tones of standard green tea with a toasty, slightly caramel-like flavour.
The roasting process used to make Hōjicha lowers the amount of caffeine in the tea.
Because of its mildness, Hōjicha is a popular tea to serve during the meal or after the evening meal before going to sleep and even preferred for children and elderly.
The tea is fired at high temperature, altering the leaf colour tints from green to reddish-brown. The process was first performed in Kyoto, Japan in the 1920s and its popularity persists today.
Hōjicha is often made from bancha (番茶, "common tea"),[1] tea from the last harvest of the season, however other varieties of Hōjicha also exist, including a variety made from sencha, and Kukicha, tea made from the twigs of the tea plant rather than the leaves.
Hōjicha infusions have a light- to reddish-brown appearance, and are less astringent due to losing catechins[2] during the high temperature roasting process. The roasted flavours are extracted and predominate this blend: the roasting replaces the vegetative tones of standard green tea with a toasty, slightly caramel-like flavour.
The roasting process used to make Hōjicha lowers the amount of caffeine in the tea.
Because of its mildness, Hōjicha is a popular tea to serve during the meal or after the evening meal before going to sleep and even preferred for children and elderly.
Hachiman (God of warriors) and Hachiman shrine
In Japanese mythology, Hachiman (八幡神 Hachiman-jin/Yahata no kami) is the Japanese syncretic god of archery and war,[1][2][3] incorporating elements from both Shinto and Buddhism.[4] Although often called the god of war, he is more correctly defined as the tutelary god of warriors.[4][5] He is also divine protector of Japan
and the Japanese people. The name means God of Eight Banners, referring
to the eight heavenly banners that signaled the birth of the divine Emperor Ōjin. His symbolic animal and messenger is the dove.
Since ancient times Hachiman was worshiped by peasants as the god of agriculture and by fishermen who hoped he would fill their nets with much fish. In the Shinto religion, he became identified by legend as the Emperor Ōjin, son of Empress Consort Jingū, from the 3rd – 4th century AD.
A Hachiman shrine (八幡神社 Hachiman Jinja, also Hachiman-gū (八幡宮?)) is a Shinto shrine dedicated to kami Hachiman.[1] It is the second most numerous type of Shinto shrine after those dedicated to Inari (see Inari Shrine).[1]
Originally the name was read Yawata or Yahata, a reading still used in some occasions.
The following four shrines are often grouped into groups of three, either as Usa-Iwashimizu-Hakozaki or Usa-Iwashimizu-Tsurugaoka, and both of these groupings are known as the Three Major Hachiman Shrines of Japan.
Since ancient times Hachiman was worshiped by peasants as the god of agriculture and by fishermen who hoped he would fill their nets with much fish. In the Shinto religion, he became identified by legend as the Emperor Ōjin, son of Empress Consort Jingū, from the 3rd – 4th century AD.
A Hachiman shrine (八幡神社 Hachiman Jinja, also Hachiman-gū (八幡宮?)) is a Shinto shrine dedicated to kami Hachiman.[1] It is the second most numerous type of Shinto shrine after those dedicated to Inari (see Inari Shrine).[1]
Originally the name was read Yawata or Yahata, a reading still used in some occasions.
The following four shrines are often grouped into groups of three, either as Usa-Iwashimizu-Hakozaki or Usa-Iwashimizu-Tsurugaoka, and both of these groupings are known as the Three Major Hachiman Shrines of Japan.
- Usa Shrine 宇佐神宮 (Usa, Ōita) -- Sōhonsha (the head shrine) of Hachiman Shrines.
- Iwashimizu Shrine 岩清水八幡宮 (Yawata, Kyoto)
- Hakozaki Shrine 筥崎宮 (Fukuoka)
- Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gū 鶴岡八幡宮 (Kamakura, Kanagawa)
Senbazuru and Sadako Sasaki
Thousand origami cranes (千羽鶴 Senbazuru) is a group of one thousand origami paper cranes (鶴 tsuru)
held together by strings.
An ancient Japanese legend promises that anyone who folds a thousand origami cranes will be granted a wish by a crane or some stories believe you are granted eternal good luck, instead of just one wish, such as long life or recovery from illness or injury. This makes them popular gifts for special friends and family.
The crane in Japan is one of the mystical or holy creatures (others include the dragon and the tortoise), and is said to live for a thousand years and that is why 1000 cranes are made, one for each year, in some stories it is also believed that the 1000 cranes must be completed within a year and they must all be made by the person who is to make the wish at the end, cranes that are made by that person but given away to another don't include either, all cranes must be kept by the person wishing at the end.
The Thousand Origami Cranes was popularized through the story of Sadako Sasaki, a Japanese girl who was two years old when she was exposed to radiation from the atomic bombing of Hiroshima during World War II. Sasaki soon developed leukemia and, at age 12, inspired by the Senbazuru legend, began making origami cranes with the goal of making one thousand. In a popular version of the story as told in the book Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes, she folded only 644 before her death; in her honor, her classmates felt sorry for her death and agree to complete the rest for her. In an alternate version of the story, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum states that she did in fact complete the 1,000 cranes, but continued past that when her wish did not come true.[citation needed]
An ancient Japanese legend promises that anyone who folds a thousand origami cranes will be granted a wish by a crane or some stories believe you are granted eternal good luck, instead of just one wish, such as long life or recovery from illness or injury. This makes them popular gifts for special friends and family.
The crane in Japan is one of the mystical or holy creatures (others include the dragon and the tortoise), and is said to live for a thousand years and that is why 1000 cranes are made, one for each year, in some stories it is also believed that the 1000 cranes must be completed within a year and they must all be made by the person who is to make the wish at the end, cranes that are made by that person but given away to another don't include either, all cranes must be kept by the person wishing at the end.
The Thousand Origami Cranes was popularized through the story of Sadako Sasaki, a Japanese girl who was two years old when she was exposed to radiation from the atomic bombing of Hiroshima during World War II. Sasaki soon developed leukemia and, at age 12, inspired by the Senbazuru legend, began making origami cranes with the goal of making one thousand. In a popular version of the story as told in the book Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes, she folded only 644 before her death; in her honor, her classmates felt sorry for her death and agree to complete the rest for her. In an alternate version of the story, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum states that she did in fact complete the 1,000 cranes, but continued past that when her wish did not come true.[citation needed]
4.9.12
Oden
Oden (おでん) is a Japanese winter dish consisting of several ingredients such as boiled eggs, daikon radish, konnyaku, and processed fish cakes stewed in a light, soy-flavoured dashi broth.
Ingredients vary according to region and between each household. Karashi (Japanese mustard) is often used as a condiment.
Oden was originally what is now commonly called misodengaku or simply dengaku; konnyaku or tofu was boiled and one ate them with miso. Later, instead of using miso, ingredients were cooked in dashi and oden became popular.
Oden is often sold from food carts, and most Japanese convenience stores have simmering oden pots in winter. Many different kinds of oden are sold, with single-ingredient varieties as cheap as 100 yen.
Udon restaurants in Kagawa Prefecture in Shikoku almost always offer oden as a side dish, to be eaten with sweet miso while waiting for udon.
In Nagoya, it may be called Kantō-ni (関東煮) and soy sauce is used as a dipping sauce. Miso oden is simmered in hatcho-miso broth, which tastes lightly sweet. Konjac and tofu are common ingredients.
In the Kansai area, this dish is sometimes called Kantō-daki (関東煮 or 関東炊き) and tends to be more strongly flavoured than the lighter Kantō version.
Ingredients vary according to region and between each household. Karashi (Japanese mustard) is often used as a condiment.
Oden was originally what is now commonly called misodengaku or simply dengaku; konnyaku or tofu was boiled and one ate them with miso. Later, instead of using miso, ingredients were cooked in dashi and oden became popular.
Oden is often sold from food carts, and most Japanese convenience stores have simmering oden pots in winter. Many different kinds of oden are sold, with single-ingredient varieties as cheap as 100 yen.
Udon restaurants in Kagawa Prefecture in Shikoku almost always offer oden as a side dish, to be eaten with sweet miso while waiting for udon.
In Nagoya, it may be called Kantō-ni (関東煮) and soy sauce is used as a dipping sauce. Miso oden is simmered in hatcho-miso broth, which tastes lightly sweet. Konjac and tofu are common ingredients.
In the Kansai area, this dish is sometimes called Kantō-daki (関東煮 or 関東炊き) and tends to be more strongly flavoured than the lighter Kantō version.
Hiroshige and Meisho Edo Hyakkei (One Hundred Famous Views of Edo)
One Hundred Famous Views of Edo (in Japanese 名所江戸百景 Meisho Edo Hyakkei ) is a series of ukiyo-e prints begun and largely completed by the Japanese artist Hiroshige (1797–1858). The prints were first published in serialized form in 1856–59, with Hiroshige II completing the series after Hiroshige's death. It was tremendously popular and much reprinted.
It is a work that inspired a number of Western artists, including Vincent Van Gogh, to experiment with imitations of Japanese methods.[1]
Utagawa Hiroshige (歌川 広重, 1797 – October 12, 1858) was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist, and one of the last great artists in that tradition. He was also referred to as Andō Hiroshige (安藤 広重) (an irregular combination of family name and art name)[1] and by the art name of Ichiyūsai Hiroshige (一幽斎廣重).
Legend has it that Hiroshige determined to become a ukiyo-e artist when he saw the prints of his near-contemporary, Hokusai. (Hokusai published some of his greatest prints, such as Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji, in 1832—the year Hiroshige devoted himself full-time to his art.)
Hiroshige was a member of the Utagawa school, along with Kunisada and Kuniyoshi. The Utagawa school comprised dozens of artists, and stood at the forefront of 19th century woodblock prints. Particularly noteworthy for their actor and historical prints, members of the Utagawa school were nonetheless well-versed in all of the popular genres.
It is a work that inspired a number of Western artists, including Vincent Van Gogh, to experiment with imitations of Japanese methods.[1]
Utagawa Hiroshige (歌川 広重, 1797 – October 12, 1858) was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist, and one of the last great artists in that tradition. He was also referred to as Andō Hiroshige (安藤 広重) (an irregular combination of family name and art name)[1] and by the art name of Ichiyūsai Hiroshige (一幽斎廣重).
Legend has it that Hiroshige determined to become a ukiyo-e artist when he saw the prints of his near-contemporary, Hokusai. (Hokusai published some of his greatest prints, such as Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji, in 1832—the year Hiroshige devoted himself full-time to his art.)
Hiroshige was a member of the Utagawa school, along with Kunisada and Kuniyoshi. The Utagawa school comprised dozens of artists, and stood at the forefront of 19th century woodblock prints. Particularly noteworthy for their actor and historical prints, members of the Utagawa school were nonetheless well-versed in all of the popular genres.
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