Harionago (Japanese: 針女子),[citation needed] also known as Harionna (Japanese: 針女),[citation needed] is a "frightening female ghoul"[citation needed] in Japanese mythology.
Her name literally meaning "Barbed woman"[citation needed] the Harionago is said to be a "beautiful woman with extremely long hair tipped with thorn-like barbs,"[citation needed] Her hair is under her "direct control, and she uses it to ensnare men."[citation needed]
She is said to wander the roads of the Japanese prefecture of Ehime[citation needed] on the island of Shikoku.[citation needed]
When she finds a "young
man, she will laugh at him, and if the young man dares to laugh back,
Harionago will drop her terrible, barbed hair and attack."[citation needed]
Basan (波山), alternatively referred to as Basabasa (婆娑婆娑) or Inuhōō (犬鳳凰),[1] is a fowl-like bird illustrated in the Ehon Hyaku Monogatari that lives in the mountains of Iyo Province (today Ehime Prefecture).
According to the description on the illustration, it resembles a large
chicken and breathes ghost-fire from its mouth. It is described as
having a bright red cockscomb and spits an equally brilliant-hued fire. The fire is a cold fire, a glow, and it does not burn.[1]
It usually lives in the bamboo
groves of mountain recesses but sometimes materializes in human
villages late at night. When the Basan flaps its wings, an eerie
rustling ("basabasa") sound can be heard. Supposedly, if a human hears
the sound and looks outside, the bird's form will suddenly vanish.[1]
29.1.13
Iyo Dialect
The Iyo dialect (伊予弁 Iyo-ben) of Japanese is spoken by people from Ehime Prefecture in Japan.
The name is a remnant of the Ehime area's historical name, Iyo Province.
Accents vary somewhat by geography within the prefecture. The southern area is particularly influenced by the Kyūshū dialect, while the central and eastern districts have accents similar to Kansai dialect.
The name is a remnant of the Ehime area's historical name, Iyo Province.
Accents vary somewhat by geography within the prefecture. The southern area is particularly influenced by the Kyūshū dialect, while the central and eastern districts have accents similar to Kansai dialect.
- ya (や) replaces da (だ) as the casual copula
- ken (けん) replaces kara (から) as in "because"
- yaken (やけん) is used instead of dakara (だから)
Ehime Prefecture
Ehime Prefecture (愛媛県 Ehime-ken) is a prefecture in northwestern Shikoku, Japan.[2]
The capital is Matsuyama.[3]
Until the Meiji Restoration, Ehime prefecture was known as Iyo Province.[4]
The name Ehime comes from the Kojiki and means "beautiful maiden."
Since before the Heian period, the area was dominated by fishermen and sailors who played an important role in defending Japan against pirates and Mongolian invasions.
After the Battle of Sekigahara, the Tokugawa shogun gave the area to his allies, including Kato Yoshiaki who built Matsuyama Castle, forming the basis for the modern city of Matsuyama.
Located in the northwestern part of Shikoku, Ehime faces the Seto Inland Sea to the north and is bordered by Kagawa and Tokushima in the east and Kōchi in the south.
The area around Matsuyama has a number of industries, including shipbuilding, chemicals, oil refining, and paper and textile products. The rural areas of the prefecture mostly engage in agricultural and fishing industries, and are particularly known for citrus fruit such as mikan (tangerine) and iyokan and cultured pearls.
The oldest extant hot spring in Japan, Dogo Onsen, is located in Matsuyama. It has been used for over two thousand years.
The Heian period (平安時代 Heian jidai) is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185.[1]
The iyokan (伊予柑), also known as anadomikan (穴門みかん), is a Japanese citrus fruit.
The capital is Matsuyama.[3]
Until the Meiji Restoration, Ehime prefecture was known as Iyo Province.[4]
The name Ehime comes from the Kojiki and means "beautiful maiden."
Since before the Heian period, the area was dominated by fishermen and sailors who played an important role in defending Japan against pirates and Mongolian invasions.
After the Battle of Sekigahara, the Tokugawa shogun gave the area to his allies, including Kato Yoshiaki who built Matsuyama Castle, forming the basis for the modern city of Matsuyama.
Located in the northwestern part of Shikoku, Ehime faces the Seto Inland Sea to the north and is bordered by Kagawa and Tokushima in the east and Kōchi in the south.
The area around Matsuyama has a number of industries, including shipbuilding, chemicals, oil refining, and paper and textile products. The rural areas of the prefecture mostly engage in agricultural and fishing industries, and are particularly known for citrus fruit such as mikan (tangerine) and iyokan and cultured pearls.
The oldest extant hot spring in Japan, Dogo Onsen, is located in Matsuyama. It has been used for over two thousand years.
The Heian period (平安時代 Heian jidai) is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185.[1]
The iyokan (伊予柑), also known as anadomikan (穴門みかん), is a Japanese citrus fruit.
28.1.13
Kagawa Prefecture
Kagawa Prefecture (香川県 Kagawa-ken) is a prefecture of Japan located on Shikoku island.[1]
The capital is Takamatsu.[2]
Kagawa was formerly known as Sanuki Province.[3]
For a brief period between August 1876 and December 1888, Kagawa was made a part of Ehime Prefecture.[4]
Located in Kagawa's capital city, Takamatsu, the mountain of Yashima was the battlefield for one of the best-known struggles between the Heike and the Genji clans.
Kagawa comprises the northeast corner of Shikoku, bordering Ehime Prefecture on the west and Tokushima Prefecture on the south, with a coastline on the Seto Inland Sea facing Okayama Prefecture and the Kansai. The Sanuki Mountains run along the southern border.
Kagawa is currently the smallest prefecture, by area, in Japan. Osaka Prefecture held that title until Kansai International Airport was reclaimed from the ocean in the early 1990s, pushing its land area slightly above Kagawa's[citation needed]. Kagawa is a relatively narrow prefecture located between the mountains of Shikoku and the sea.
Sanuki udon is a famous local food in Kagawa Prefecture.
The capital is Takamatsu.[2]
Kagawa was formerly known as Sanuki Province.[3]
For a brief period between August 1876 and December 1888, Kagawa was made a part of Ehime Prefecture.[4]
Located in Kagawa's capital city, Takamatsu, the mountain of Yashima was the battlefield for one of the best-known struggles between the Heike and the Genji clans.
Kagawa comprises the northeast corner of Shikoku, bordering Ehime Prefecture on the west and Tokushima Prefecture on the south, with a coastline on the Seto Inland Sea facing Okayama Prefecture and the Kansai. The Sanuki Mountains run along the southern border.
Kagawa is currently the smallest prefecture, by area, in Japan. Osaka Prefecture held that title until Kansai International Airport was reclaimed from the ocean in the early 1990s, pushing its land area slightly above Kagawa's[citation needed]. Kagawa is a relatively narrow prefecture located between the mountains of Shikoku and the sea.
Sanuki udon is a famous local food in Kagawa Prefecture.
Tourism
- Setonaikai National Park
- Kotohira Shrine
- Shodo Island (AKA "Shodoshima")
- Naoshima Island
- Benesse Art Site Naoshima
- Takamatsu Castle
- Marugame Castle
- Yashima, the island on which the Battle of Yashima was fought
- Ritsurin Garden
- Shikoku Pilgrimage – Zentsū-ji, Motoyama-ji, Yashima-ji, etc.
- Megijima (Onigashima) and Ogijima
- Goshikidai
Ashimagari
Ashi-magari (足まがり, leg turner) is a ghostly phenomenon from the folklore of Kagawa Prefecture on Shikoku, Japan.
It is a soft thing, like a kitten or a wad of cotton, which is felt wrapping itself around a person's leg at night, impeding the ability to walk.
While it is not generally visible, it is often believed to be the trick of a tanuki.[citation needed]
The Japanese raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides viverrinus), also known as tanuki (狸 or たぬき) in Japanese, is a subspecies of the raccoon dog native to Japan.
It is a soft thing, like a kitten or a wad of cotton, which is felt wrapping itself around a person's leg at night, impeding the ability to walk.
While it is not generally visible, it is often believed to be the trick of a tanuki.[citation needed]
The Japanese raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides viverrinus), also known as tanuki (狸 or たぬき) in Japanese, is a subspecies of the raccoon dog native to Japan.
27.1.13
Tokushima Prefecture
Tokushima Prefecture (徳島県 Tokushima-ken) is a prefecture of Japan located on Shikoku island.[1]
The capital is the city of Tokushima.[2]
Until the Meiji Restoration, Tokushima prefecture was known as Awa Province.[3]
In ancient times, Tokushima City belonged to a region known as Myōdō-gun
Tokushima depends on agriculture, forestry and fisheries. The percentage of agricultural workers and productivity is the second largest in Shikoku next to Kochi. Rice fields occupy the lower region of the Yoshino River and the small, narrow plains along the shore. Much of the remaining land is used for vegetables and flowers. The prefecture is the nation's largest supplier of cauliflower and lotus roots, and the fourth largest producer of carrots. Japanese indigo is only produced here.
Northern Tokushima's growth was accelerated by the completion of the Akashi Channel Bridge, which completes the road connection from Tokushima to Kobe.
The Sanuki Mountains run along the northern border of the prefecture.
The capital is the city of Tokushima.[2]
Until the Meiji Restoration, Tokushima prefecture was known as Awa Province.[3]
In ancient times, Tokushima City belonged to a region known as Myōdō-gun
Tokushima depends on agriculture, forestry and fisheries. The percentage of agricultural workers and productivity is the second largest in Shikoku next to Kochi. Rice fields occupy the lower region of the Yoshino River and the small, narrow plains along the shore. Much of the remaining land is used for vegetables and flowers. The prefecture is the nation's largest supplier of cauliflower and lotus roots, and the fourth largest producer of carrots. Japanese indigo is only produced here.
Northern Tokushima's growth was accelerated by the completion of the Akashi Channel Bridge, which completes the road connection from Tokushima to Kobe.
The Sanuki Mountains run along the northern border of the prefecture.
Culture
Akashi Kaikyō Bridge
The Akashi Kaikyō Bridge (明石海峡大橋 Akashi Kaikyō Ō-hashi), also known as the Pearl Bridge, has the longest central span of any suspension bridge in the world,[2] at 1,991 metres (6,532 ft). It is located in Japan and was completed in 1998.[1]
The bridge links the city of Kobe on the mainland of Honshu to Iwaya on Awaji Island by crossing the busy Akashi Strait. It carries part of the Honshu-Shikoku Highway.
The bridge is one of the key links of the Honshū-Shikoku Bridge Project, which created three routes across the Inland Sea.
Before the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge was built, ferries carried passengers across the Akashi Strait in Japan. This dangerous waterway often experiences severe storms and, in 1955, two ferries sank in the strait during a storm, killing 168 people. The ensuing shock and public outrage convinced the Japanese government to develop plans for a suspension bridge to cross the strait.
Two parks in proximity to the bridge have been built for tourists, one in Maiko (including a small museum) and one in Asagiri. Both are accessible by the coastal train line.
The Honshu-Shikoku Bridge Project is a system of bridges connecting the islands of Honshu and Shikoku across the Inland Sea of Japan, which were previously only connected by ferry. It consists of three major connections. The system consists of three expressways and their respective bridge systems.
The bridge links the city of Kobe on the mainland of Honshu to Iwaya on Awaji Island by crossing the busy Akashi Strait. It carries part of the Honshu-Shikoku Highway.
The bridge is one of the key links of the Honshū-Shikoku Bridge Project, which created three routes across the Inland Sea.
Before the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge was built, ferries carried passengers across the Akashi Strait in Japan. This dangerous waterway often experiences severe storms and, in 1955, two ferries sank in the strait during a storm, killing 168 people. The ensuing shock and public outrage convinced the Japanese government to develop plans for a suspension bridge to cross the strait.
Two parks in proximity to the bridge have been built for tourists, one in Maiko (including a small museum) and one in Asagiri. Both are accessible by the coastal train line.
The Honshu-Shikoku Bridge Project is a system of bridges connecting the islands of Honshu and Shikoku across the Inland Sea of Japan, which were previously only connected by ferry. It consists of three major connections. The system consists of three expressways and their respective bridge systems.
26.1.13
Toso and Tososan
Toso (屠蘇), or o-toso, is spiced medicinal sake traditionally drunk during New Year celebrations in Japan.
Toso is drunk to flush away the previous year's maladies and to aspire to lead a long life. For generations it has been said that "if one person drinks this his family will not fall ill; if the whole family does no-one in the village will fall ill", and has been a staple part of New Year's osechi cuisine in Japan.[1]
Toso is written using two Japanese characters: 蘇 representing evil spirits and 屠 meaning to defeat.
Toso is made by combining several medicinal herbs to form tososan (屠蘇散), a spicy mixture, which is then soaked in sake or mirin. If made with mirin, essentially a sweet sake, it is suitable for drinking, but using fermented mirin seasoning would not be appropriate as it is too salty.
Three sizes of cup, called sakazuki (盃) (see picture), are used starting with the smallest, and passed round with each family member or guest taking a sip. Drinking rituals differ by region, but in formal situations would proceed from youngest to eldest. This tradition originated in China whereby the young effectively test the drink for toxins. However, in Japan, around the beginning of the Meiji or Shōwa periods, custom changed and the head of the household usually takes the first drink.
The tradition of drinking toso at the New Year began in the Tang Dynasty in China, and was adopted by Japanese aristocrats during the Heian period. The first cup drunk would be made with tososan, and the second and third cups with different varieties called byakusan and toshōsan.
The drinking ceremony finally passed to the general public and doctors would give out tososan. Even today some chemists shops have retained the custom and give tososan away as a free gift at the end of the year.[1]
The custom is now mainly limited to Kansai and west Japan; in other regions celebratory o-toso at New Year is often plain sake without tososan.
Toso is drunk to flush away the previous year's maladies and to aspire to lead a long life. For generations it has been said that "if one person drinks this his family will not fall ill; if the whole family does no-one in the village will fall ill", and has been a staple part of New Year's osechi cuisine in Japan.[1]
Toso is written using two Japanese characters: 蘇 representing evil spirits and 屠 meaning to defeat.
Toso is made by combining several medicinal herbs to form tososan (屠蘇散), a spicy mixture, which is then soaked in sake or mirin. If made with mirin, essentially a sweet sake, it is suitable for drinking, but using fermented mirin seasoning would not be appropriate as it is too salty.
Three sizes of cup, called sakazuki (盃) (see picture), are used starting with the smallest, and passed round with each family member or guest taking a sip. Drinking rituals differ by region, but in formal situations would proceed from youngest to eldest. This tradition originated in China whereby the young effectively test the drink for toxins. However, in Japan, around the beginning of the Meiji or Shōwa periods, custom changed and the head of the household usually takes the first drink.
The tradition of drinking toso at the New Year began in the Tang Dynasty in China, and was adopted by Japanese aristocrats during the Heian period. The first cup drunk would be made with tososan, and the second and third cups with different varieties called byakusan and toshōsan.
The drinking ceremony finally passed to the general public and doctors would give out tososan. Even today some chemists shops have retained the custom and give tososan away as a free gift at the end of the year.[1]
The custom is now mainly limited to Kansai and west Japan; in other regions celebratory o-toso at New Year is often plain sake without tososan.
Yamaguchi Prefecture
Yamaguchi Prefecture (山口県 Yamaguchi-ken) is a prefecture of Japan in the Chūgoku region on Honshū island.[1]
The capital is the city of Yamaguchi, in the center of the prefecture.[2] The largest city, however, is Shimonoseki.
Yamaguchi Prefecture was created by the merger of the provinces of Suō and Nagato.[3]
For the purposes of development analysis, Yamaguchi is construed to be part of Northern Kyūshū. Although Yamaguchi not part of the island of Kyūshū, it has become a functional satellite of the Kanmon Straits metropolitan area.[6]
The most popular place for tourism is Shimonoseki. One of the major attractions is the famous Kintai Bridge in the town of Iwakuni. This five arched wooden structure is considered a symbol of Western Honshū. The area on the banks of the Nishiki river close to the bridge is considered among the best places in Japan for Hanami, when groups of family and friends gather in early April to view cherry blossoms. Akiyoshidai Quasi-National Park, which includes Japan’s longest cave, the Akiyoshido (秋芳洞), is another popular destination.
The capital is the city of Yamaguchi, in the center of the prefecture.[2] The largest city, however, is Shimonoseki.
Yamaguchi Prefecture was created by the merger of the provinces of Suō and Nagato.[3]
For the purposes of development analysis, Yamaguchi is construed to be part of Northern Kyūshū. Although Yamaguchi not part of the island of Kyūshū, it has become a functional satellite of the Kanmon Straits metropolitan area.[6]
The most popular place for tourism is Shimonoseki. One of the major attractions is the famous Kintai Bridge in the town of Iwakuni. This five arched wooden structure is considered a symbol of Western Honshū. The area on the banks of the Nishiki river close to the bridge is considered among the best places in Japan for Hanami, when groups of family and friends gather in early April to view cherry blossoms. Akiyoshidai Quasi-National Park, which includes Japan’s longest cave, the Akiyoshido (秋芳洞), is another popular destination.
Famous for Festival and Event
- Kintaikyo Festival in Iwakuni - held in April 29
- Nishiki River Water Festival in Iwakuni - held in August
- Iwakuni Festival in August
- Yanai Goldfish Lantern Festival in August
- Yamaguchi Gion Festival in July 20 to 27
- Yamaguchi Tanabata Lantern Festival in August 6 to 7
- Hagi Era Festival in April
- Hagi Festival in August 2 to 3
- Shimonoseki Straight Festival in May 2 to 4
- Shimonoseki Firework Festival in August[citation nee
25.1.13
Sadako Sasaki
Sadako Sasaki (佐々木 禎子 Sasaki Sadako, January 7, 1943 – October 25, 1955) was a Japanese girl who was two years old when the atomic bomb was dropped on August 6, 1945, near her home by Misasa Bridge in Hiroshima, Japan.
Sadako is remembered through the story of a thousand origami cranes before her death, and is to this day a symbol of innocent victims of war.
Read more about this story
Sadako is remembered through the story of a thousand origami cranes before her death, and is to this day a symbol of innocent victims of war.
Read more about this story
Hiroshima Prefecture
Hiroshima Prefecture (広島県 Hiroshima-ken) is a prefecture of Japan located in the Chūgoku region on Honshu island.[1]
The capital is the city of Hiroshima.[2]
Hiroshima prefecture lies in the middle of Chūgoku. Most of the prefecture consists of mountains leading towards Shimane Prefecture.
The province is facing Shikoku across the Seto Inland Sea. Hiroshima Bay opens on the Inland Sea.[4] The prefecture also includes many small islands.
The sheltered nature of the Inland Sea makes Hiroshima's climate very mild.
The area around Hiroshima was formerly divided into Bingo Province and Aki Province.[3] This location has been a center of trade and culture since the beginning of Japan's recorded history. Hiroshima is a traditional center of the Chūgoku region and was the seat of the Mōri clan until the Battle of Sekigahara.
Hiroshima is home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites:
The capital is the city of Hiroshima.[2]
Hiroshima prefecture lies in the middle of Chūgoku. Most of the prefecture consists of mountains leading towards Shimane Prefecture.
The province is facing Shikoku across the Seto Inland Sea. Hiroshima Bay opens on the Inland Sea.[4] The prefecture also includes many small islands.
The sheltered nature of the Inland Sea makes Hiroshima's climate very mild.
The area around Hiroshima was formerly divided into Bingo Province and Aki Province.[3] This location has been a center of trade and culture since the beginning of Japan's recorded history. Hiroshima is a traditional center of the Chūgoku region and was the seat of the Mōri clan until the Battle of Sekigahara.
Hiroshima is home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites:
- The Atomic Dome in Hiroshima, one of the few remnants of prewar Hiroshima following the atomic bombing in 1945;
- The Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima, famed for filling with water and appearing to "float" during high tide.
24.1.13
Okayama Prefecture
Okayama Prefecture (岡山県 Okayama-ken) is a prefecture of Japan located in the Chūgoku region on the island of Honshu.[1]
The capital is the city of Okayama.[2][3][4]
Prior to the Meiji Restoration of 1868, the area of present-day Okayama Prefecture was divided between Bitchū, Bizen and Mimasaka provinces. Okayama Prefecture was formed and named in 1871 as part of the large-scale administrative reforms of the early Meiji period (1868 – 1912), and the borders of the prefecture were set in 1876.[3][5]
Okayama Prefecture borders Hyōgo Prefecture, Tottori Prefecture and Hiroshima Prefecture.[3] It faces Kagawa Prefecture in Shikoku across the Seto Inland Sea and includes 90 islands in the sea.
Okayama Prefecture is home to the historic town of Kurashiki.
Most of the population is concentrated around Kurashiki and Okayama. The small villages in the northern mountain region are aging and declining in population - more than half of the prefectures municipalities are officially designated as depopulated.[6]
Kurashiki (倉敷市 Kurashiki-shi) is a historic city located to the west of Okayama Prefecture, Japan, sitting on the Takahashi River, on the coast of the Inland Sea.
Kibitsu-hiko-no-mikoto (吉備津彦命), also known as Hiko Isuseri-hiko no mikoto, was a legendary Japanese prince. According to the Nihon Shoki, he was the son of Emperor Korei.[1] His kami is enshrined at Shinto shrines in Okayama Prefecture and Hiroshima Prefecture.[2]
The capital is the city of Okayama.[2][3][4]
Prior to the Meiji Restoration of 1868, the area of present-day Okayama Prefecture was divided between Bitchū, Bizen and Mimasaka provinces. Okayama Prefecture was formed and named in 1871 as part of the large-scale administrative reforms of the early Meiji period (1868 – 1912), and the borders of the prefecture were set in 1876.[3][5]
Okayama Prefecture borders Hyōgo Prefecture, Tottori Prefecture and Hiroshima Prefecture.[3] It faces Kagawa Prefecture in Shikoku across the Seto Inland Sea and includes 90 islands in the sea.
Okayama Prefecture is home to the historic town of Kurashiki.
Most of the population is concentrated around Kurashiki and Okayama. The small villages in the northern mountain region are aging and declining in population - more than half of the prefectures municipalities are officially designated as depopulated.[6]
Culture
- Bizen-yaki (Bizen pottery)
- Bizen Osafune/Bitchu Aoe swords
Assocation with Momotarō legend
Okayama Prefecture is closely associated with the folklore hero, Momotarō. This tale is said to have roots in the legendary story of Kibitsuhiko-no-mikoto and Ura which explains that the Prince Ura of Kudara used to live in Kinojo (castle of the devil) and was a cause of trouble for the people living in the village. The emperor's government sent Kibitsuhiko-no-mikoto(Momotarō) to defeat Ura. The city of Okayama holds an annual Momotarō-matsuri, or Momotarō Festival.[4][7]Kurashiki (倉敷市 Kurashiki-shi) is a historic city located to the west of Okayama Prefecture, Japan, sitting on the Takahashi River, on the coast of the Inland Sea.
Kibitsu-hiko-no-mikoto (吉備津彦命), also known as Hiko Isuseri-hiko no mikoto, was a legendary Japanese prince. According to the Nihon Shoki, he was the son of Emperor Korei.[1] His kami is enshrined at Shinto shrines in Okayama Prefecture and Hiroshima Prefecture.[2]
Momotarō
Momotarō (桃太郎) is a popular hero from Japanese folklore.
His name literally means Peach Tarō; as Tarō is a common Japanese boy's name, it is often translated as Peach Boy. Momotarō is also the title of various books, films, and other works that portray the tale of this hero.
Story:
According to the present form of the tale (dating to the Edo period), Momotarō came to Earth inside a giant peach, which was found floating down a river by an old, childless woman who was washing clothes there. The woman and her husband discovered the child when they tried to open the peach to eat it. The child explained that he had been sent by Heaven to be their son. The couple named him Momotarō, from momo (peach) and tarō (eldest son in the family).[1]
Years later, Momotarō left his parents to fight a band of marauding oni (demons or ogres) on a distant island. En route, Momotarō met and befriended a talking dog, monkey, and pheasant, who agreed to help him in his quest. At the island, Momotarō and his animal friends penetrated the demons' fort and beat the band of demons into surrendering. Momotarō and his new friends returned home with the demons' plundered treasure and the demon chief as a captive. Momotarō and his family lived comfortably from then on.[1]
Momotarō is strongly associated with Okayama, and his tale may have its origins there. The demon island (Onigashima (鬼ヶ島)) of the story is sometimes associated with Megijima Island, an island in the Seto Inland Sea near Takamatsu, due to the vast manmade caves found on that island.[2][3]
Read about the variants of this story and more.
His name literally means Peach Tarō; as Tarō is a common Japanese boy's name, it is often translated as Peach Boy. Momotarō is also the title of various books, films, and other works that portray the tale of this hero.
Story:
According to the present form of the tale (dating to the Edo period), Momotarō came to Earth inside a giant peach, which was found floating down a river by an old, childless woman who was washing clothes there. The woman and her husband discovered the child when they tried to open the peach to eat it. The child explained that he had been sent by Heaven to be their son. The couple named him Momotarō, from momo (peach) and tarō (eldest son in the family).[1]
Years later, Momotarō left his parents to fight a band of marauding oni (demons or ogres) on a distant island. En route, Momotarō met and befriended a talking dog, monkey, and pheasant, who agreed to help him in his quest. At the island, Momotarō and his animal friends penetrated the demons' fort and beat the band of demons into surrendering. Momotarō and his new friends returned home with the demons' plundered treasure and the demon chief as a captive. Momotarō and his family lived comfortably from then on.[1]
Momotarō is strongly associated with Okayama, and his tale may have its origins there. The demon island (Onigashima (鬼ヶ島)) of the story is sometimes associated with Megijima Island, an island in the Seto Inland Sea near Takamatsu, due to the vast manmade caves found on that island.[2][3]
Read about the variants of this story and more.
23.1.13
Hatsuyume: Ichi-Fuji, Ni-Taka, San-Nasubi...
Hatsuyume (初夢) is the Japanese word for the first dream
had in the new year.
Traditionally, the contents of the dream would foretell the luck of the dreamer in the ensuing year. In Japan, the night of December 31 was often passed without sleeping, thus the hatsuyume was often the dream seen the night of January 1. This explains why January 2 (the day after the night of the "first dream") is known as Hatsuyume in the traditional Japanese calendar.
It is considered to be particularly good luck to dream of Mount Fuji, a hawk, and an eggplant. This belief has been in place since the early Edo period but there are various theories regarding the origins as to why this particular combination was considered to be auspicious. One theory suggests that this combination is lucky because Mount Fuji is Japan's highest mountain, the hawk is a clever and strong bird, and the word for eggplant (nasu or nasubi 茄子) suggests achieving something great (nasu 成す). Another theory suggests that this combination arose because Mount Fuji, falconry, and early eggplants were favorites of the shōgun Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Although this superstition is well known in Japan, often memorized in the form Ichi-Fuji, Ni-Taka, San-Nasubi (一富士、二鷹、三茄子; 1. Fuji, 2. Hawk, 3. Eggplant), the continuation of the list is not as well known. The continuation is Yon-Sen, Go-Tabako, Roku-Zatō (四扇、五煙草、六座頭; 4. Fan, 5. Tobacco, 6. Blind acupressurer). The origins of this trio are less well known, and it is unclear whether they were added after the original three or whether the list of six originated at the same time.
Traditionally, the contents of the dream would foretell the luck of the dreamer in the ensuing year. In Japan, the night of December 31 was often passed without sleeping, thus the hatsuyume was often the dream seen the night of January 1. This explains why January 2 (the day after the night of the "first dream") is known as Hatsuyume in the traditional Japanese calendar.
It is considered to be particularly good luck to dream of Mount Fuji, a hawk, and an eggplant. This belief has been in place since the early Edo period but there are various theories regarding the origins as to why this particular combination was considered to be auspicious. One theory suggests that this combination is lucky because Mount Fuji is Japan's highest mountain, the hawk is a clever and strong bird, and the word for eggplant (nasu or nasubi 茄子) suggests achieving something great (nasu 成す). Another theory suggests that this combination arose because Mount Fuji, falconry, and early eggplants were favorites of the shōgun Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Although this superstition is well known in Japan, often memorized in the form Ichi-Fuji, Ni-Taka, San-Nasubi (一富士、二鷹、三茄子; 1. Fuji, 2. Hawk, 3. Eggplant), the continuation of the list is not as well known. The continuation is Yon-Sen, Go-Tabako, Roku-Zatō (四扇、五煙草、六座頭; 4. Fan, 5. Tobacco, 6. Blind acupressurer). The origins of this trio are less well known, and it is unclear whether they were added after the original three or whether the list of six originated at the same time.
Shimane Prefecture
Shimane Prefecture (島根県 Shimane-ken) is a prefecture of Japan located in the Chūgoku region on Honshū island.[1]
The capital is Matsue.[2]
It is the second least populous prefecture in Japan, after its eastern neighbor Tottori.
The prefecture has an area elongated from east to west facing the Chūgoku Mountain Range on the south side and to the Sea of Japan on the north side.
It is divided into the Izumo Region in the East, the Iwami Region in the West and the Oki Region, a small group of islands off the northern coast.
Most of the cities are near the shoreline of the Sea of Japan. One-third of the prefecture's population is concentrated in the Izumo-Matsue area. Otherwise, over two-thirds of the population is on the coastline. The reason is that the Chugoku mountains make the land inland harder to inhabit.
Izumo Taisha in Izumo City is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan.
The Oki Islands in the Sea of Japan are also part of Shimane Prefecture, which also claims to have jurisdiction over the South Korea-controlled island of Liancourt Rocks (Takeshima).
In Shimane, the largest employer is the retail industry, employing over 60,000 workers. The supermarket, Mishimaya, and the hardware store, Juntendo, are examples of companies based in Shimane. The manufacturing industry has the second number of employees with 49,000 workers. The retail industry has over 12,000 locations within the prefecture, the most of any industry.
Check out the cultural assets and tourist spots.
The capital is Matsue.[2]
It is the second least populous prefecture in Japan, after its eastern neighbor Tottori.
The prefecture has an area elongated from east to west facing the Chūgoku Mountain Range on the south side and to the Sea of Japan on the north side.
It is divided into the Izumo Region in the East, the Iwami Region in the West and the Oki Region, a small group of islands off the northern coast.
Most of the cities are near the shoreline of the Sea of Japan. One-third of the prefecture's population is concentrated in the Izumo-Matsue area. Otherwise, over two-thirds of the population is on the coastline. The reason is that the Chugoku mountains make the land inland harder to inhabit.
Izumo Taisha in Izumo City is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan.
The Oki Islands in the Sea of Japan are also part of Shimane Prefecture, which also claims to have jurisdiction over the South Korea-controlled island of Liancourt Rocks (Takeshima).
In Shimane, the largest employer is the retail industry, employing over 60,000 workers. The supermarket, Mishimaya, and the hardware store, Juntendo, are examples of companies based in Shimane. The manufacturing industry has the second number of employees with 49,000 workers. The retail industry has over 12,000 locations within the prefecture, the most of any industry.
Check out the cultural assets and tourist spots.
22.1.13
Tottori Prefecture
Tottori Prefecture (鳥取県 Tottori-ken) is a prefecture of Japan located in the Chūgoku region.[1]
The capital is the city of Tottori.[2] It is the least populous prefecture in Japan.
Tottori is home to the Tottori Sand Dunes, Japan's only large dune system.
Tottori Prefecture is heavily agricultural and its products are shipped to the major cities of Japan. Some of the famous products are the nashi pear, nagaimo yam, Japanese scallion, negi, and watermelon. The prefecture is also a major center of rice production.
Numerous kofun tumuli from the Kofun period (250 – 538) are located across the prefecture.[7]
While the standard Tokyo dialect of the Japanese language is used in Tottori Prefecture now, historically the region had extensively linguistic diversity, and several dialects are used in the prefecture today. Many of them are grouped with the Kansai dialect, and include the Tajima, Izumo, Unpaku, Mamasaka, and Bichū dialects.[11]
The word "Tottori" in Japanese is formed from two kanji characters. The first, 鳥, means "bird" and the second, 取 means "to get". Early residents in the area made their living catching the region's plentiful waterfowl. The name first appears in the Nihon shoki in the 23rd year of the Emperor Suiko when Yukuha Tana, an elder from the Izumo, visits the emperor. The imperial Prince Homatsu-wake was unable to speak, despite being 30 years of age.
The capital is the city of Tottori.[2] It is the least populous prefecture in Japan.
Tottori is home to the Tottori Sand Dunes, Japan's only large dune system.
Tottori Prefecture is heavily agricultural and its products are shipped to the major cities of Japan. Some of the famous products are the nashi pear, nagaimo yam, Japanese scallion, negi, and watermelon. The prefecture is also a major center of rice production.
Numerous kofun tumuli from the Kofun period (250 – 538) are located across the prefecture.[7]
While the standard Tokyo dialect of the Japanese language is used in Tottori Prefecture now, historically the region had extensively linguistic diversity, and several dialects are used in the prefecture today. Many of them are grouped with the Kansai dialect, and include the Tajima, Izumo, Unpaku, Mamasaka, and Bichū dialects.[11]
The word "Tottori" in Japanese is formed from two kanji characters. The first, 鳥, means "bird" and the second, 取 means "to get". Early residents in the area made their living catching the region's plentiful waterfowl. The name first appears in the Nihon shoki in the 23rd year of the Emperor Suiko when Yukuha Tana, an elder from the Izumo, visits the emperor. The imperial Prince Homatsu-wake was unable to speak, despite being 30 years of age.
"Yukuha Tana presented the swan to the emperor. Homatsu-wake no Mikoto played with this swan and at least learned to speak. Therefore, Yukaha Tana was liberally rewarded, and was granted the title of Tottori no Miyakko." (Aston, tran.)[3]
21.1.13
Tama, The Cat Super Station Master!
Tama (たま, born April 29, 1999) is a calico cat who is the station master and operating officer at Kishi Station in Kinokawa city, Wakayama prefecture, Japan.
In April 2006, the Wakayama Electric Railway converted all stations on the Kishigawa Line from manned to unmanned in an effort to cut costs. Station masters were selected from employees of local businesses near each station. For Kishi station, Toshiko Koyama, the neighborhood grocer, was selected as station master. Koyama had adopted Tama and other stray cats, and she fed them at the station.
In January 2007, railway officials decided to officially name Tama the station master.[1] As station master her primary duty is to greet passengers. The position comes with a stationmaster's hat; in lieu of a salary, the railway provides Tama with free cat food.
The publicity from Tama's appointment led to an increase in passengers by 17% for that month as compared to January 2006; ridership statistics for March 2007 showed a 10% increase over the previous financial year. A study has estimated that the publicity surrounding Tama has contributed 1.1 billion Yen to the local economy.[2]
In January 2008, Tama was promoted to "super station master" in a ceremony attended by the president of the company and the mayor; as a result of her promotion, she is "the only female in a managerial position" in the company.[3] Her new position has an "office"—a converted ticket booth containing a litter box.
In January 2010, railway officials promoted Tama to the post of "Operating Officer" in recognition of her contribution to expanding the customer base. Tama will maintain the stationmaster's job while taking over the new job, and is the first cat to become an executive of a railroad corporation.[4]
Her staff consisted of two feline assistant stationmasters, Chibi (ちび, born May 12, 2000) and an orange tabby cat named Miiko (ミーコ, October 3, 1998 – July 20, 2009). Now only Chibi remains. Tama appeared in a documentary about cats titled La Voie du chat in French and Katzenlektionen in German by Italian filmmaker Myriam Tonelotto, broadcast on European TV channel ARTE in April 2009.[5]
Kishigawa Line announced that it was releasing a new "Tama Densha" (たま電車 Tama railcar/train) train that was customized with cartoon depictions of Tama. It began running in spring 2009.[6]
By January, 5th (2012). Tama's official apprentice named "Nitama" ("Second Tama") was presented. [7]
In April 2006, the Wakayama Electric Railway converted all stations on the Kishigawa Line from manned to unmanned in an effort to cut costs. Station masters were selected from employees of local businesses near each station. For Kishi station, Toshiko Koyama, the neighborhood grocer, was selected as station master. Koyama had adopted Tama and other stray cats, and she fed them at the station.
In January 2007, railway officials decided to officially name Tama the station master.[1] As station master her primary duty is to greet passengers. The position comes with a stationmaster's hat; in lieu of a salary, the railway provides Tama with free cat food.
The publicity from Tama's appointment led to an increase in passengers by 17% for that month as compared to January 2006; ridership statistics for March 2007 showed a 10% increase over the previous financial year. A study has estimated that the publicity surrounding Tama has contributed 1.1 billion Yen to the local economy.[2]
In January 2008, Tama was promoted to "super station master" in a ceremony attended by the president of the company and the mayor; as a result of her promotion, she is "the only female in a managerial position" in the company.[3] Her new position has an "office"—a converted ticket booth containing a litter box.
In January 2010, railway officials promoted Tama to the post of "Operating Officer" in recognition of her contribution to expanding the customer base. Tama will maintain the stationmaster's job while taking over the new job, and is the first cat to become an executive of a railroad corporation.[4]
Her staff consisted of two feline assistant stationmasters, Chibi (ちび, born May 12, 2000) and an orange tabby cat named Miiko (ミーコ, October 3, 1998 – July 20, 2009). Now only Chibi remains. Tama appeared in a documentary about cats titled La Voie du chat in French and Katzenlektionen in German by Italian filmmaker Myriam Tonelotto, broadcast on European TV channel ARTE in April 2009.[5]
Kishigawa Line announced that it was releasing a new "Tama Densha" (たま電車 Tama railcar/train) train that was customized with cartoon depictions of Tama. It began running in spring 2009.[6]
By January, 5th (2012). Tama's official apprentice named "Nitama" ("Second Tama") was presented. [7]
Wakayama Prefecture
Wakayama Prefecture (和歌山県 Wakayama-ken) is a prefecture of Japan located on the Kii Peninsula in the Kansai region on Honshū island.[1]
The capital is the city of Wakayama.[2]
Present-day Wakayama is mostly the western part of the ancient province of Kii.[3]
Wakayama supplies most of Japan with its high production of mikans (Mandarin Oranges) in October of every year.
Mount Kōya (高野山 Kōya-san) in the Ito District is the headquarters of the Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism. It is home to one of the first Japanese style Buddhist temples in Japan and remains a site of pilgrimage and an increasingly popular tourist destination as people flock to see its ancient temples set amidst the towering cedar trees at the top of the mountain.
The Sacred sites and pilgrimage routes in the Kii Mountain Range extend for miles throughout the prefecture and together have been recognized as Japan's 11th UNESCO World Heritage site.[4]
The Kumano Shrines are located on the southern tip of the prefecture.
Wakayama Prefecture has friendship and sister relationships with six places outside Japan.[5] These are Richmond, Canada; Shandong, People's Republic of China; Pyrénées-Orientales, France; Florida, United States; Sinaloa, Mexico; and Galicia, Spain.
Kii Province (紀伊国 Kii no Kuni), or Kishū (紀州), was a province of Japan in the part of Honshū that is today Wakayama Prefecture, as well as the southern part of Mie Prefecture.[1]
The capital is the city of Wakayama.[2]
Present-day Wakayama is mostly the western part of the ancient province of Kii.[3]
Wakayama supplies most of Japan with its high production of mikans (Mandarin Oranges) in October of every year.
Mount Kōya (高野山 Kōya-san) in the Ito District is the headquarters of the Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism. It is home to one of the first Japanese style Buddhist temples in Japan and remains a site of pilgrimage and an increasingly popular tourist destination as people flock to see its ancient temples set amidst the towering cedar trees at the top of the mountain.
The Sacred sites and pilgrimage routes in the Kii Mountain Range extend for miles throughout the prefecture and together have been recognized as Japan's 11th UNESCO World Heritage site.[4]
The Kumano Shrines are located on the southern tip of the prefecture.
Wakayama Prefecture has friendship and sister relationships with six places outside Japan.[5] These are Richmond, Canada; Shandong, People's Republic of China; Pyrénées-Orientales, France; Florida, United States; Sinaloa, Mexico; and Galicia, Spain.
Kii Province (紀伊国 Kii no Kuni), or Kishū (紀州), was a province of Japan in the part of Honshū that is today Wakayama Prefecture, as well as the southern part of Mie Prefecture.[1]
Kagami mochi, Okudokazari and Kagami-biraki
Kagami mochi (鏡餅), literally mirror rice cake, is a traditional Japanese New Year decoration.
It usually consists of two[1][2][3][4] round mochi (rice cakes), the smaller placed atop the larger, and a daidai (a Japanese bitter orange) with an attached leaf on top. In addition, it may have a sheet of konbu and a skewer of dried persimmons under the mochi. It sits on a stand called a sanpō (三宝) over a sheet called a shihōbeni (四方紅), which is supposed to ward off fires from the house for the following years. Sheets of paper called gohei (御幣) folded into lightning shapes similar to those seen on sumo wrestler's belts are also attached.
The kagami mochi first appeared in the Muromachi period (14th-16th century). The name kagami ("mirror") is said to have originated from its resemblance to an old-fashioned kind of round copper mirror, which also had a religious significance. The reason for it is not clear. Explanations include mochi being a food for sunny days,[2] the 'spirit' of the rice plant being found in the mochi,[1][2] and the mochi being a food which gives strength.[2]
The two mochi discs are variously said to symbolize the going and coming years,[2] the human heart,[2] "yin" and "yang", or the moon and the sun.[3]
The "daidai", whose name means "generations",[4] is said to symbolize the continuation of a family from generation to generation.[1]
Traditionally the kagami mochi was placed in various locations throughout the house.[3] Nowadays it is usually placed in a household Shinto altar, or kamidana. It has also been placed in the tokonoma, a small decorated alcove in the main room of the home.
Contemporary kagami mochi are often pre-moulded into the shape of stacked discs and sold in plastic packages in the supermarket. A mikan or a plastic imitation daidai is often substituted for the original daidai.
Variations in the shape of kagami mochi are also seen.[3] In some regions, three layered kagami mochi are also used. The three layered kagami mochi are placed on the butsudan or on the kamidana.
There is also a variant decoration called an okudokazari placed in the centre of the kitchen or by the window which has three layers of mochi.[3]
It is traditionally broken and eaten in a Shinto ritual called kagami biraki (mirror opening) on the second Saturday or Sunday of January. It traditionally falls on January 11 (odd numbers are associated with being good luck in Japan). It refers to the opening of a Kagami mochi, or to the opening of a cask of Sake at a party or ceremony.
This is an important ritual in Japanese martial arts dojos. It was first adopted into Japanese martial arts when Jigoro Kano, the founder of judo, adopted it in 1884, and since then the practice has spread to aikido, karate and jujutsu studios.
A butsudan (佛壇 or 仏壇, literally "Buddha altar") is a shrine commonly found in temples and homes in Japanese Buddhist cultures.[1] A butsudan is a wooden cabinet with doors that enclose and protect a gohonzon or religious icon, typically a statue or painting of a Buddha or Bodhisattva, or a "script" mandala scroll.
It usually consists of two[1][2][3][4] round mochi (rice cakes), the smaller placed atop the larger, and a daidai (a Japanese bitter orange) with an attached leaf on top. In addition, it may have a sheet of konbu and a skewer of dried persimmons under the mochi. It sits on a stand called a sanpō (三宝) over a sheet called a shihōbeni (四方紅), which is supposed to ward off fires from the house for the following years. Sheets of paper called gohei (御幣) folded into lightning shapes similar to those seen on sumo wrestler's belts are also attached.
The kagami mochi first appeared in the Muromachi period (14th-16th century). The name kagami ("mirror") is said to have originated from its resemblance to an old-fashioned kind of round copper mirror, which also had a religious significance. The reason for it is not clear. Explanations include mochi being a food for sunny days,[2] the 'spirit' of the rice plant being found in the mochi,[1][2] and the mochi being a food which gives strength.[2]
The two mochi discs are variously said to symbolize the going and coming years,[2] the human heart,[2] "yin" and "yang", or the moon and the sun.[3]
The "daidai", whose name means "generations",[4] is said to symbolize the continuation of a family from generation to generation.[1]
Traditionally the kagami mochi was placed in various locations throughout the house.[3] Nowadays it is usually placed in a household Shinto altar, or kamidana. It has also been placed in the tokonoma, a small decorated alcove in the main room of the home.
Contemporary kagami mochi are often pre-moulded into the shape of stacked discs and sold in plastic packages in the supermarket. A mikan or a plastic imitation daidai is often substituted for the original daidai.
Variations in the shape of kagami mochi are also seen.[3] In some regions, three layered kagami mochi are also used. The three layered kagami mochi are placed on the butsudan or on the kamidana.
There is also a variant decoration called an okudokazari placed in the centre of the kitchen or by the window which has three layers of mochi.[3]
It is traditionally broken and eaten in a Shinto ritual called kagami biraki (mirror opening) on the second Saturday or Sunday of January. It traditionally falls on January 11 (odd numbers are associated with being good luck in Japan). It refers to the opening of a Kagami mochi, or to the opening of a cask of Sake at a party or ceremony.
This is an important ritual in Japanese martial arts dojos. It was first adopted into Japanese martial arts when Jigoro Kano, the founder of judo, adopted it in 1884, and since then the practice has spread to aikido, karate and jujutsu studios.
A butsudan (佛壇 or 仏壇, literally "Buddha altar") is a shrine commonly found in temples and homes in Japanese Buddhist cultures.[1] A butsudan is a wooden cabinet with doors that enclose and protect a gohonzon or religious icon, typically a statue or painting of a Buddha or Bodhisattva, or a "script" mandala scroll.
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