A kendama (けん玉 , also written as 剣玉 and 拳玉) is a traditional Japanese toy
which consists of two wooden cups of different sizes placed on the
center of a wooden spike and smaller cup with a ball connected by a
string.
In English, kendama may be referred to as ring and pin and bears similarities to the classic cup-and-ball game, known in the Latin American world as balero.
The French game bilboquet, a forerunner of the kendama, was played as early as the 16th century.[6]
The principle of these toys are the same: catching one object with another, where both are joined by a string.[1]
Although Japan's indigenous people, the Ainu,
had invented their own kendama-type game, it is considered most likely
that the modern Japanese toy was derived from a European import.[1]
According to this assumption, the kendama arrived in Japan via the Silk
Road in around 1777, at which point Nagasaki was the only port open to
foreign trade. Reportedly, kendama was initially a sort of adult's
drinking game — a player who made a mistake was forced to drink more.[5]
15.12.12
Chūgoku Region
The Chūgoku region (中国地方 Chūgoku-chihō), also known as the San'in-San'yō region (山陰山陽地方 San'in san'yō-chihō), is the westernmost region of Honshū, the largest island of Japan.
It consists of the prefectures of Hiroshima, Okayama, Shimane, Tottori and Yamaguchi.[2] As of 2010 it has a population of 7,563,428.[1]
“Chūgoku” literally means “middle country”.
In Japanese, the characters 中国 and the reading Chūgoku began to be used to mean “China” after the founding of the Republic of China. The same characters are used in Chinese to refer to China, but pronounced Zhōngguó, lit. “Middle Kingdom” or “Middle Country” (Wade Giles: Chungkuo).
Primarily in the tourism industry, in order to avoid confusing the Chūgoku region with China, the Chūgoku region is also called the “San’in‐San’yō region”. San’in (“yīn of the mountains”) is the northern part facing the Sea of Japan. San’yō (“yáng of the mountains”) is the southern part facing the Seto Inland Sea. These names were created using the yīnyáng‐based place‐naming scheme.
The Chūgoku region is characterized by irregular rolling hills and limited plain areas and is divided into two distinct parts by mountains running east and west through its center.
The city of Hiroshima, the "capital" of the Chūgoku region, was rebuilt after being destroyed by an atomic bomb in 1945, and is now an industrial metropolis of more than one million people.
Kyūshū, Shikoku, and Kansai neighbor the Chūgoku region.
It consists of the prefectures of Hiroshima, Okayama, Shimane, Tottori and Yamaguchi.[2] As of 2010 it has a population of 7,563,428.[1]
“Chūgoku” literally means “middle country”.
In Japanese, the characters 中国 and the reading Chūgoku began to be used to mean “China” after the founding of the Republic of China. The same characters are used in Chinese to refer to China, but pronounced Zhōngguó, lit. “Middle Kingdom” or “Middle Country” (Wade Giles: Chungkuo).
Primarily in the tourism industry, in order to avoid confusing the Chūgoku region with China, the Chūgoku region is also called the “San’in‐San’yō region”. San’in (“yīn of the mountains”) is the northern part facing the Sea of Japan. San’yō (“yáng of the mountains”) is the southern part facing the Seto Inland Sea. These names were created using the yīnyáng‐based place‐naming scheme.
The Chūgoku region is characterized by irregular rolling hills and limited plain areas and is divided into two distinct parts by mountains running east and west through its center.
The city of Hiroshima, the "capital" of the Chūgoku region, was rebuilt after being destroyed by an atomic bomb in 1945, and is now an industrial metropolis of more than one million people.
Kyūshū, Shikoku, and Kansai neighbor the Chūgoku region.
14.12.12
Kansai Region (Kinki Region) and Keihanshin
The Kansai region (関西地方 Kansai-chihō) or the Kinki region (近畿地方 Kinki-chihō) lies in the southern-central region of Japan's main island Honshū.[2]
The Kansai region is the cultural and historical heart of Japan with 11% of its land area and 22,757,897 residents as of 2010.[1]
The region includes the prefectures of Mie, Nara, Wakayama, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyōgo, and Shiga. Depending on who makes the distinction, Fukui, Tokushima and even Tottori Prefecture are also included.
While the use of the terms "Kansai" and "Kinki" have changed over history, in most modern contexts the two can be considered the same.
The urban region of Osaka, Kobe and Kyoto (Keihanshin region) is the second most populated in Japan after the Greater Tokyo Area.
Kansai is one of the most prosperous area of baseball in Japan.
Kansai is known for its food, especially Osaka, as supported by the saying "Kyotoites are ruined by overspending on clothing, Osakans are ruined by overspending on food" (京の着倒れ、大阪の食い倒れ Kyō no Kidaore, Ōsaka no Kuidaore).
The Kansai region is the cultural and historical heart of Japan with 11% of its land area and 22,757,897 residents as of 2010.[1]
The region includes the prefectures of Mie, Nara, Wakayama, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyōgo, and Shiga. Depending on who makes the distinction, Fukui, Tokushima and even Tottori Prefecture are also included.
While the use of the terms "Kansai" and "Kinki" have changed over history, in most modern contexts the two can be considered the same.
The urban region of Osaka, Kobe and Kyoto (Keihanshin region) is the second most populated in Japan after the Greater Tokyo Area.
Kansai is one of the most prosperous area of baseball in Japan.
Kansai is known for its food, especially Osaka, as supported by the saying "Kyotoites are ruined by overspending on clothing, Osakans are ruined by overspending on food" (京の着倒れ、大阪の食い倒れ Kyō no Kidaore, Ōsaka no Kuidaore).
Hoshigaki, Kaki and Hachiya
Persimmons are the edible fruit of a number of species of trees in the genus Diospyros. Diospyros is in the family Ebenaceae, and certain species of Diospyros are the sources of most kinds of ebony wood, and not all species bear edible fruit.
The species (Diospyros kaki) is native to China. It is deciduous, with broad, stiff leaves and is known as the shizi (柿子 in Chinese), and also as the Japanese Persimmon or kaki (柿) in Japanese. It is the most widely cultivated species.
The Japanese Persimmon variety 'Hachiya' is widely grown. The fruit has a high tannin content which makes the immature fruit astringent and bitter. The tannin levels are reduced as the fruit matures. Persimmons like 'Hachiya' must be completely ripened before consumption. When ripe, this fruit comprises thick pulpy jelly encased in a waxy thin skinned shell.
In China, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam after harvesting, 'Hachiya' persimmons are prepared using traditional hand-drying techniques, outdoors for two to three weeks. The fruit is then further dried by exposure to heat over several days before being shipped to market. In Japan the dried fruit is called hoshigaki (干し柿), in China it is known as "shìbǐng" (柿饼), in Korea it is known as gotgam (hangul: 곶감), and in Vietnam it is called hồng khô. It is eaten as a snack or dessert and used for other culinary purposes.
Its fruits are sweet, and slightly tangy with a soft to occasionally fibrous texture. Cultivation of the fruit extended first to other parts of east Asia, and was later introduced to California and southern Europe in the 1800s, to Brazil in the 1890s,[5] and numerous cultivars have been selected.
The species (Diospyros kaki) is native to China. It is deciduous, with broad, stiff leaves and is known as the shizi (柿子 in Chinese), and also as the Japanese Persimmon or kaki (柿) in Japanese. It is the most widely cultivated species.
The Japanese Persimmon variety 'Hachiya' is widely grown. The fruit has a high tannin content which makes the immature fruit astringent and bitter. The tannin levels are reduced as the fruit matures. Persimmons like 'Hachiya' must be completely ripened before consumption. When ripe, this fruit comprises thick pulpy jelly encased in a waxy thin skinned shell.
In China, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam after harvesting, 'Hachiya' persimmons are prepared using traditional hand-drying techniques, outdoors for two to three weeks. The fruit is then further dried by exposure to heat over several days before being shipped to market. In Japan the dried fruit is called hoshigaki (干し柿), in China it is known as "shìbǐng" (柿饼), in Korea it is known as gotgam (hangul: 곶감), and in Vietnam it is called hồng khô. It is eaten as a snack or dessert and used for other culinary purposes.
Its fruits are sweet, and slightly tangy with a soft to occasionally fibrous texture. Cultivation of the fruit extended first to other parts of east Asia, and was later introduced to California and southern Europe in the 1800s, to Brazil in the 1890s,[5] and numerous cultivars have been selected.
13.12.12
Chūbu Region, Omote-Nihon and Ura-Nihon
The Chūbu region (中部地方 Chūbu-chihō) is the central region of Honshū, Japan's main island. Chūbu has a population of 21,715,822 as of 2010.[1]
Chūbu, which means "central region", encompasses nine prefectures (ken): Aichi, Fukui, Gifu, Ishikawa, Nagano, Niigata, Shizuoka, Toyama, Yamanashi,[2] and often Mie.[3]
It is located directly between the Kantō region and the Kansai region and includes the major city of Nagoya as well as along Pacific and Sea of Japan coastlines, extensive mountain resorts, and Mount Fuji.
Nagoya (名古屋市 Nagoya-shi) is the largest city in the Chūbu region of Japan.
The Chūbu region is the widest part of Honshū and the central part is characterized by high, rugged mountains. The Japanese Alps divide the country into the Pacific side, known as the front of Japan, or Omote-Nihon (表日本) sunny in winter, and the Sea of Japan side, or Ura-Nihon (裏日本), the back of Japan, snowy in winter.
The Chūbu region covers a large and geographically diverse area of Honshū which leads to it generally being divided into three distinct subregions: Tōkai, Kōshin'etsu, and Hokuriku. There is also another subregion occasionally referred to in business circles called Chūkyō.
Chūbu, which means "central region", encompasses nine prefectures (ken): Aichi, Fukui, Gifu, Ishikawa, Nagano, Niigata, Shizuoka, Toyama, Yamanashi,[2] and often Mie.[3]
It is located directly between the Kantō region and the Kansai region and includes the major city of Nagoya as well as along Pacific and Sea of Japan coastlines, extensive mountain resorts, and Mount Fuji.
Nagoya (名古屋市 Nagoya-shi) is the largest city in the Chūbu region of Japan.
The Chūbu region is the widest part of Honshū and the central part is characterized by high, rugged mountains. The Japanese Alps divide the country into the Pacific side, known as the front of Japan, or Omote-Nihon (表日本) sunny in winter, and the Sea of Japan side, or Ura-Nihon (裏日本), the back of Japan, snowy in winter.
The Chūbu region covers a large and geographically diverse area of Honshū which leads to it generally being divided into three distinct subregions: Tōkai, Kōshin'etsu, and Hokuriku. There is also another subregion occasionally referred to in business circles called Chūkyō.
Satsuma Mikan and Dekopon
Citrus unshiu is a seedless and easy-peeling citrus species, also known as cold hardy mandarin,[1] satsuma mandarin,[1] satsuma orange,[1] Christmas orange,[citation needed] and tangerine.[1]
It is probably of Japanese origin and introduced elsewhere.[2][3][4][5][6]
One of the English names for the fruit, "satsuma", is derived from the former Satsuma Province in Japan, from which these fruits were first exported to the West.
The Chinese and Japanese names reference Wenzhou, a city in the Zhejiang Province of China known for its citrus production. However, the satsuma originates from Japan.[2][3][4][5][6] In 1916, a number of Japanese cultivars were introduced to Wenzhou.[citation needed] These, and new cultivars developed from them, now dominate orchards in Wenzhou.[citation needed] The traditional centre of satsuma production in Wenzhou is in the town of Wushan, in the Ouhai District of Wenzhou.[citation needed].
Dekopon (デコポン) is a seedless and very sweet citrus fruit, a hybrid between Kiyomi and ponkan (Nakano no.3), developed in Japan in 1972.[1][2] Originally a brand name, Dekopon has become a genericized trademark and it is used to refer to all brands of the fruit; the generic name is shiranuhi or shiranui (不知火).[1][2] Dekopon is distinctive due to its sweet taste, large size and the large protruding bump on the top of the fruit.
Satsuma Province (薩摩国 Satsuma-no Kuni) was an old province of Japan that is now the western half of Kagoshima Prefecture on the island of Kyūshū.[1] Its abbreviation is Sasshū (薩州).
Satsuma is well known for its production of sweet potatoes, known in Japan as 薩摩芋 (satsuma-imo or "Satsuma potato"). On the other hand, Satsuma mandarins (known as mikan in Japan) do not specifically originate from Satsuma but were imported into the West through this province in the Meiji era.
It is probably of Japanese origin and introduced elsewhere.[2][3][4][5][6]
One of the English names for the fruit, "satsuma", is derived from the former Satsuma Province in Japan, from which these fruits were first exported to the West.
The Chinese and Japanese names reference Wenzhou, a city in the Zhejiang Province of China known for its citrus production. However, the satsuma originates from Japan.[2][3][4][5][6] In 1916, a number of Japanese cultivars were introduced to Wenzhou.[citation needed] These, and new cultivars developed from them, now dominate orchards in Wenzhou.[citation needed] The traditional centre of satsuma production in Wenzhou is in the town of Wushan, in the Ouhai District of Wenzhou.[citation needed].
Dekopon (デコポン) is a seedless and very sweet citrus fruit, a hybrid between Kiyomi and ponkan (Nakano no.3), developed in Japan in 1972.[1][2] Originally a brand name, Dekopon has become a genericized trademark and it is used to refer to all brands of the fruit; the generic name is shiranuhi or shiranui (不知火).[1][2] Dekopon is distinctive due to its sweet taste, large size and the large protruding bump on the top of the fruit.
Satsuma Province (薩摩国 Satsuma-no Kuni) was an old province of Japan that is now the western half of Kagoshima Prefecture on the island of Kyūshū.[1] Its abbreviation is Sasshū (薩州).
Satsuma is well known for its production of sweet potatoes, known in Japan as 薩摩芋 (satsuma-imo or "Satsuma potato"). On the other hand, Satsuma mandarins (known as mikan in Japan) do not specifically originate from Satsuma but were imported into the West through this province in the Meiji era.
12.12.12
Itasha, Itansha and Itachari
Itasha (痛車), literally "painmobile", is a Japanese term for an otaku fad of individuals decorating the bodies of their cars with fictional characters of anime, manga, or video games (especially bishōjo game or eroge).
These characters are predominately "cute" female. The decorations usually involve paint schemes and stickers.
Automobiles are called itasha, while similar motorcycles and bicycles are called itansha (痛単車) and itachari (痛チャリ), respectively.
The cars are seen prominently in places such as Akihibara (Tokyo), Nipponbashi (Osaka), or Ōsu (Nagoya).
These characters are predominately "cute" female. The decorations usually involve paint schemes and stickers.
Automobiles are called itasha, while similar motorcycles and bicycles are called itansha (痛単車) and itachari (痛チャリ), respectively.
The cars are seen prominently in places such as Akihibara (Tokyo), Nipponbashi (Osaka), or Ōsu (Nagoya).
Kantō Region
The Kantō region (関東地方 Kantō-chihō) is a geographical area of Honshu, the largest island of Japan.[1]
The region includes the Greater Tokyo Area and encompasses seven prefectures: Gunma, Tochigi, Ibaraki, Saitama, Tokyo, Chiba, and Kanagawa.
Within its boundaries, slightly more than 40 percent of the land area is the Kantō Plain.
The rest consists of the hills and mountains that form the land borders.
In official census count on October 1, 2010 by the Japan Statistics Bureau, the population was 42,607,376 s[2] amounting to approximately one third of the total population of Japan.
The heartland of feudal power during the Kamakura period and again in the Edo period, Kantō became the center of modern development.
The Kantō region is the most highly developed, urbanized, and industrialized part of Japan.
The Kamakura period (鎌倉時代 Kamakura jidai, 1185–1333) is a period of Japanese history that marks the governance by the Kamakura Shogunate, officially established in 1192 AD in Kamakura, by the first shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo. The period is known for the emergence of the samurai, the warrior caste, and for the establishment of feudalism in Japan.
The Edo period (江戸時代 Edo jidai), or Tokugawa period (徳川時代 Tokugawa jidai) is the period between 1603 to 1868 in the history of Japan when Japanese society was under the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate and the country's 300 regional Daimyo. The period was characterized by economic growth, strict social orders, isolationist foreign policies, an increase in both environmental protection and popular enjoyment of arts and culture.
The region includes the Greater Tokyo Area and encompasses seven prefectures: Gunma, Tochigi, Ibaraki, Saitama, Tokyo, Chiba, and Kanagawa.
Within its boundaries, slightly more than 40 percent of the land area is the Kantō Plain.
The rest consists of the hills and mountains that form the land borders.
In official census count on October 1, 2010 by the Japan Statistics Bureau, the population was 42,607,376 s[2] amounting to approximately one third of the total population of Japan.
The heartland of feudal power during the Kamakura period and again in the Edo period, Kantō became the center of modern development.
The Kantō region is the most highly developed, urbanized, and industrialized part of Japan.
The Kamakura period (鎌倉時代 Kamakura jidai, 1185–1333) is a period of Japanese history that marks the governance by the Kamakura Shogunate, officially established in 1192 AD in Kamakura, by the first shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo. The period is known for the emergence of the samurai, the warrior caste, and for the establishment of feudalism in Japan.
The Edo period (江戸時代 Edo jidai), or Tokugawa period (徳川時代 Tokugawa jidai) is the period between 1603 to 1868 in the history of Japan when Japanese society was under the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate and the country's 300 regional Daimyo. The period was characterized by economic growth, strict social orders, isolationist foreign policies, an increase in both environmental protection and popular enjoyment of arts and culture.
11.12.12
Hikone Castle and Hikonyan
Hikone Castle (彦根城 Hikone-jō) is an Edo period castle in the city of Hikone, in Shiga Prefecture, Japan.
It is considered the most significant historical building in Shiga.
Hikone is one of only 12 Japanese castles with the original keep, and one of only four castles listed as a national treasure.
Hikone Castle traces its origin to 1603 when Ii Naokatsu, son of the former daimyo Ii Naomasa, ordered its construction. The keep was originally built in 1575, as part of Ōtsu Castle, and was moved to Hikone by the Ii clan. Other parts of the castle were moved from Nagahama Castle.[1]
Hikone Castle was completed in 1622.
When the Meiji era began in 1868, many castles were scheduled to be dismantled, and only a request from the emperor himself, touring the area, kept Hikone Castle intact. Today it remains one of the oldest original-construction castles in Japan.
Hikonyan, the samurai cat, is the castle's mascot and is one of the famous local mascot characters in Japan.
It is considered the most significant historical building in Shiga.
Hikone is one of only 12 Japanese castles with the original keep, and one of only four castles listed as a national treasure.
Hikone Castle traces its origin to 1603 when Ii Naokatsu, son of the former daimyo Ii Naomasa, ordered its construction. The keep was originally built in 1575, as part of Ōtsu Castle, and was moved to Hikone by the Ii clan. Other parts of the castle were moved from Nagahama Castle.[1]
Hikone Castle was completed in 1622.
When the Meiji era began in 1868, many castles were scheduled to be dismantled, and only a request from the emperor himself, touring the area, kept Hikone Castle intact. Today it remains one of the oldest original-construction castles in Japan.
Hikonyan, the samurai cat, is the castle's mascot and is one of the famous local mascot characters in Japan.
Daruma Otoshi
Daruma Otoshi is a traditional game played with a daruma doll split in
five pieces, usually in the colors of the rainbow, from top to bottom:
head - a man's face, blue, green, yellow, red.
The game is played by using a small hammer to hit each of the colored pieces, from bottom to the top, without letting the pieces fall during the game.
Daruma refers to Bodhidharma, a Buddhist monk, founder of the Zen sect of Buddhism, and known in Japanese as Daruma
The game is played by using a small hammer to hit each of the colored pieces, from bottom to the top, without letting the pieces fall during the game.
Daruma refers to Bodhidharma, a Buddhist monk, founder of the Zen sect of Buddhism, and known in Japanese as Daruma
10.12.12
Tōhoku Region
The Tōhoku region (東北地方 Tōhoku-chihō) is a geographical area of Japan. The region occupies the northeastern portion of Honshu, the largest island of Japan.
The region consists of six prefectures (ken): Akita, Aomori, Fukushima, Iwate, Miyagi and Yamagata.[2]
Tōhoku retains a reputation as a remote region, offering breathtaking scenery but a harsh climate. In the 20th century, tourism became a major industry in the Tōhoku region.
The area was historically known as the Michinoku region or province.[3]
The haiku poet Matsuo Bashō wrote Oku no Hosomichi (The Narrow Road to the Deep North) during his travels through Tōhoku.
Tōhoku was traditionally considered the granary of Japan because it supplied Sendai and the Tokyo-Yokohama market with rice and other farm commodities. Tōhoku provided 20 percent of the nation's rice crop. The climate, however, is harsher than in other parts of Honshū and permits only one crop a year on paddy fields.
The region consists of six prefectures (ken): Akita, Aomori, Fukushima, Iwate, Miyagi and Yamagata.[2]
Tōhoku retains a reputation as a remote region, offering breathtaking scenery but a harsh climate. In the 20th century, tourism became a major industry in the Tōhoku region.
The area was historically known as the Michinoku region or province.[3]
The haiku poet Matsuo Bashō wrote Oku no Hosomichi (The Narrow Road to the Deep North) during his travels through Tōhoku.
Tōhoku was traditionally considered the granary of Japan because it supplied Sendai and the Tokyo-Yokohama market with rice and other farm commodities. Tōhoku provided 20 percent of the nation's rice crop. The climate, however, is harsher than in other parts of Honshū and permits only one crop a year on paddy fields.
Hannya Mask
The Hannya (般若) mask is a mask used in Japanese Noh theater, representing a jealous female demon or serpent. It possesses two sharp bull-like horns, metallic eyes, and a leering mouth split from ear to ear.[1]
The Hannya mask is used in many noh and kyōgen Japanese plays, as well as in Shinto ritual kagura dances.[5] The Hannya mask portrays the souls of women who have become demons due to obsession or jealousy. Plays in which a person may wear the hannya mask include Aoi no Ue and Dōjōji; its use in these two plays, two of the most famous of the Noh repertoire, and its distinctive and frightening appearance make it one of the most recognizable Noh masks.
The Hannya mask is said to be demonic and dangerous but also sorrowful and tormented, displaying the complexity of human emotions. When the actor looks straight ahead, the mask appears frightening and angry; when tilted slightly down, the face of the demon appears to be sorrowful, as though crying.[citation needed] The oldest hannya mask is dated 1558.[citation needed]
The name hannya (般若) is a Sino-Japanese word for prajna or wisdom. One tradition states that this name was given to this mask because it was the name of an artist monk Hannya-bô（般若坊） who is said to have perfected its creation.[2][3] Another explanation is that Perfection of Wisdom sutras and their variations were considered to be particularly effective against female demons.[citation needed] An alternate explanation is that the artist would need a great deal of wisdom in order to create this mask.[4]
The Hannya mask is used in many noh and kyōgen Japanese plays, as well as in Shinto ritual kagura dances.[5] The Hannya mask portrays the souls of women who have become demons due to obsession or jealousy. Plays in which a person may wear the hannya mask include Aoi no Ue and Dōjōji; its use in these two plays, two of the most famous of the Noh repertoire, and its distinctive and frightening appearance make it one of the most recognizable Noh masks.
The Hannya mask is said to be demonic and dangerous but also sorrowful and tormented, displaying the complexity of human emotions. When the actor looks straight ahead, the mask appears frightening and angry; when tilted slightly down, the face of the demon appears to be sorrowful, as though crying.[citation needed] The oldest hannya mask is dated 1558.[citation needed]
The name hannya (般若) is a Sino-Japanese word for prajna or wisdom. One tradition states that this name was given to this mask because it was the name of an artist monk Hannya-bô（般若坊） who is said to have perfected its creation.[2][3] Another explanation is that Perfection of Wisdom sutras and their variations were considered to be particularly effective against female demons.[citation needed] An alternate explanation is that the artist would need a great deal of wisdom in order to create this mask.[4]
Amazake
Amazake (甘酒, [amazake]) is a traditional sweet, low- or non-alcohol (depending on recipes) Japanese drink made from fermented rice.
Amazake dates from the Kofun period, and it is mentioned in the Nihon Shoki.
There are several recipes for amazake that have been used for hundreds of years. By a popular recipe, kōji is added to cooled whole grain rice causing enzymes to break down the carbohydrates into simpler unrefined sugars. As the mixture incubates, sweetness develops naturally.[1] By another popular recipe, sake kasu is simply mixed with water, but usually sugar is added.
Many Shinto shrines provide or sell it in the New Year.
Amazake can be used as a dessert, snack, natural sweetening agent, baby food, salad dressing or smoothie.
Amazake is believed to be very nutritious.[3]
The Kofun period (古墳時代 Kofun jidai) is an era in the history of Japan from around 250 to 538. It follows the Yayoi period. The Kofun and the subsequent Asuka periods are sometimes referred to collectively as the Yamato period.
The Nihon Shoki (日本書紀), sometimes translated as The Chronicles of Japan, is the second oldest book of classical Japanese history. The book is also called the Nihongi (日本紀 lit. Japanese Chronicles).
Kōji is a filamentous fungus (a mold). It is used in Chinese and Japanese cuisine for fermentation.
Amazake dates from the Kofun period, and it is mentioned in the Nihon Shoki.
There are several recipes for amazake that have been used for hundreds of years. By a popular recipe, kōji is added to cooled whole grain rice causing enzymes to break down the carbohydrates into simpler unrefined sugars. As the mixture incubates, sweetness develops naturally.[1] By another popular recipe, sake kasu is simply mixed with water, but usually sugar is added.
Many Shinto shrines provide or sell it in the New Year.
Amazake can be used as a dessert, snack, natural sweetening agent, baby food, salad dressing or smoothie.
Amazake is believed to be very nutritious.[3]
The Kofun period (古墳時代 Kofun jidai) is an era in the history of Japan from around 250 to 538. It follows the Yayoi period. The Kofun and the subsequent Asuka periods are sometimes referred to collectively as the Yamato period.
The Nihon Shoki (日本書紀), sometimes translated as The Chronicles of Japan, is the second oldest book of classical Japanese history. The book is also called the Nihongi (日本紀 lit. Japanese Chronicles).
Kōji is a filamentous fungus (a mold). It is used in Chinese and Japanese cuisine for fermentation.
9.12.12
Takoyaki and Akashiyaki
Takoyaki (たこ焼き or 蛸焼) is a ball-shaped Japanese snack made of a wheat flour-based batter and cooked in a special takoyaki pan. It is typically filled with minced or diced octopus, tempura scraps (tenkasu), pickled ginger, and green onion.[1][2] Takoyaki are brushed with takoyaki sauce, a sauce similar to Worcestershire sauce, and mayonnaise. The takoyaki is then sprinkled with green laver (aonori) and shavings of dried bonito (katsuobushi). There are many variations to the takoyaki recipe. For example, ponzu i.e. soy sauce with dashi and citrus vinegar, goma-dare i.e. sesame-and-vinegar sauce or vinegared dashi.
Takoyaki was first popularized in Osaka,[3] where a street vendor named Tomekichi Endo is credited with its invention in 1935. Takoyaki is inspired by Akashiyaki, a small round dumpling from the city of Akashi in Hyōgo Prefecture made of an egg-rich batter and octopus.[4] Takoyaki was initially popular in the Kansai region, but later spread to the Kantō region and other areas of Japan. Takoyaki is associated with yatai street food stalls, but there are many well-established takoyaki specialty restaurants, particularly in the Kansai region. Takoyaki is now sold at commercial outlets, such as supermarkets and 24-hour convenience stores.
Katsuobushi (鰹節 or かつおぶし), also known as okaka (おかか) is the Japanese name for dried, fermented, and smoked skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis, sometimes referred to as bonito).
A yatai (屋台) is a small, mobile food stall in Japan typically selling ramen or other food. The name literally means "shop stand."[2][3]
Takoyaki was first popularized in Osaka,[3] where a street vendor named Tomekichi Endo is credited with its invention in 1935. Takoyaki is inspired by Akashiyaki, a small round dumpling from the city of Akashi in Hyōgo Prefecture made of an egg-rich batter and octopus.[4] Takoyaki was initially popular in the Kansai region, but later spread to the Kantō region and other areas of Japan. Takoyaki is associated with yatai street food stalls, but there are many well-established takoyaki specialty restaurants, particularly in the Kansai region. Takoyaki is now sold at commercial outlets, such as supermarkets and 24-hour convenience stores.
Katsuobushi (鰹節 or かつおぶし), also known as okaka (おかか) is the Japanese name for dried, fermented, and smoked skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis, sometimes referred to as bonito).
A yatai (屋台) is a small, mobile food stall in Japan typically selling ramen or other food. The name literally means "shop stand."[2][3]
Tarai-bune
A Tarai Bune or tub-turned boat is a traditional Japanese fishing boat found mainly on Sado Island and used for catching Abalone and other mollusks. The design originated from need to fish in the narrow coves formed by earthquakes.
Spirited Away - Animated Movie by Studio Ghibli
Skies Of Arcadia - Video Game by Sega
Sado (佐渡市 Sado-shi) is a city located on Sado Island (佐渡島 or 佐渡ヶ島, both Sadogashima) in Niigata Prefecture, in the Chūbu region of Japan.
Tarai Bune In Popular Culture
Tarai Bune boats have appeared in:Spirited Away - Animated Movie by Studio Ghibli
Skies Of Arcadia - Video Game by Sega
Sado (佐渡市 Sado-shi) is a city located on Sado Island (佐渡島 or 佐渡ヶ島, both Sadogashima) in Niigata Prefecture, in the Chūbu region of Japan.
8.12.12
Tenryū-ji
Tenryū-ji (天龍寺)—more formally known as Tenryū Shiseizen-ji (天龍資聖禅寺)—is the head temple of the Tenryū branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism, located in Susukinobaba-chō, Ukyō Ward, Kyoto, Japan.
The temple was founded by Ashikaga Takauji in 1339, primarily to venerate Gautama Buddha, and its first chief priest was Musō Soseki.
Construction was completed in 1345.
As a temple related to both the Ashikaga family and Emperor Go-Daigo, the temple is held in high esteem, and is ranked number one among Kyoto's so-called Five Mountains.
In 1994, it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto".
During the Middle Ages, the temple met with fire six times: in 1358, 1367, 1373, 1380, 1447 and 1467. The temple was destroyed again during the Ōnin War and subsequently rebuilt, but in 1815 it was lost to yet another fire. The temple was severely damaged during the Kinmon Incident of 1864, and most of the buildings as they stand today are reconstructions from the latter half of the Meiji period. The garden to the west of the abbey, created by Musō Soseki, shows only traces of its original design.
Musō Soseki (夢窓 疎石, 1275 – October 20, 1351) was a Rinzai Zen Buddhist monk and teacher, and a calligraphist, poet and garden designer. The most famous monk of his time, he is also known as Musō Kokushi (夢窓国師) ("national Zen teacher"), a honorific conferred to him by Emperor Go-Daigo.[1]
The temple was founded by Ashikaga Takauji in 1339, primarily to venerate Gautama Buddha, and its first chief priest was Musō Soseki.
Construction was completed in 1345.
As a temple related to both the Ashikaga family and Emperor Go-Daigo, the temple is held in high esteem, and is ranked number one among Kyoto's so-called Five Mountains.
In 1994, it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto".
During the Middle Ages, the temple met with fire six times: in 1358, 1367, 1373, 1380, 1447 and 1467. The temple was destroyed again during the Ōnin War and subsequently rebuilt, but in 1815 it was lost to yet another fire. The temple was severely damaged during the Kinmon Incident of 1864, and most of the buildings as they stand today are reconstructions from the latter half of the Meiji period. The garden to the west of the abbey, created by Musō Soseki, shows only traces of its original design.
Musō Soseki (夢窓 疎石, 1275 – October 20, 1351) was a Rinzai Zen Buddhist monk and teacher, and a calligraphist, poet and garden designer. The most famous monk of his time, he is also known as Musō Kokushi (夢窓国師) ("national Zen teacher"), a honorific conferred to him by Emperor Go-Daigo.[1]
Meiji Restoration
Meiji Restoration is an important period of history of Japan.
At that time, Emperor Meiji was ruling Japan.
During this period, power of Japan’s emperor (named Meiji) was restored, that is, he gained back his full power; and this is why the period is called Meiji Restoration.
During this period, beginning after the Boshin War of 1868, many changes happened in Japan.
In the Japanese language, Meiji-ishin is the term for Meiji Restoration. The term describes a number of events that took place in the politics and society of Japan that changed the shape of Japan’s political and social systems. These changes took place mainly during three years - from 1866 to 1869.
The feudal system was ended. Japan copied many systems of the western countries. Changes occurred in Japan’s legal system and the government.
At that time, Emperor Meiji was ruling Japan.
During this period, power of Japan’s emperor (named Meiji) was restored, that is, he gained back his full power; and this is why the period is called Meiji Restoration.
During this period, beginning after the Boshin War of 1868, many changes happened in Japan.
In the Japanese language, Meiji-ishin is the term for Meiji Restoration. The term describes a number of events that took place in the politics and society of Japan that changed the shape of Japan’s political and social systems. These changes took place mainly during three years - from 1866 to 1869.
The feudal system was ended. Japan copied many systems of the western countries. Changes occurred in Japan’s legal system and the government.
7.12.12
Sakoku: Beginning and End
Beginning from the early 17th century, the rulers of Japan started to follow a policy of seclusion, known as sakoku
in Japanese language. They suspected that traders, merchants and
missionaries wanted to bring Japan under the control of European powers.
These rulers (known as shogunate)
started a policy of seclusion. Except the Dutch and the Chinese, all
foreigners, traders and merchants from other countries, missionaries
faced restrictions. They also ordered some foreigners to go out of
Japan.
Still even during the period of seclusion, Japanese continued to gain information and knowledge about other parts of the world.
Next year, on 31st March 1854, Perry came with seven ships, and Japanese signed a treaty (known as the Convention of Kanagawa) established diplomatic relationship with the USA. Another treaty (known as the Harris Treaty) was signed with the USA on 29th July 1858. This gave more facilities to foreigners coming to Japan and doing business with Japan. Though Japan started relationship with the USA and several other countries, many Japanese were not happy with this style of forcing Japan to do such things.
Still even during the period of seclusion, Japanese continued to gain information and knowledge about other parts of the world.
End of seclusion
This policy of seclusion lasted for about 200 years. At last it was ended under force. On July 8th 1853, Commodore Matthew Perry of the U.S. Navy reached Edo, old Tokyo with four warships. The ships were heavily armed and their guns pointed towards the city. After shown such a power, Japan was asked to agree to trade with other countries. Later on, Japanese called these ships the kurofune, the Black Ships.
Next year, on 31st March 1854, Perry came with seven ships, and Japanese signed a treaty (known as the Convention of Kanagawa) established diplomatic relationship with the USA. Another treaty (known as the Harris Treaty) was signed with the USA on 29th July 1858. This gave more facilities to foreigners coming to Japan and doing business with Japan. Though Japan started relationship with the USA and several other countries, many Japanese were not happy with this style of forcing Japan to do such things.
Sanuki Dialect
Sanuki Dialect (讃岐弁 Sanuki-ben) is a dialect of Japanese used in Kagawa Prefecture on the island of Shikoku. The accent is based on the Kyoto-Osaka or Keihan accent (京阪式アクセント).
There are some differences in vocabulary between the western and
eastern sides of the prefecture, and the eastern and western dialects
are referred to as the Tōsan Dialect (東讃弁 Tōsan-ben) and the Seisan Dialect (西讃弁 Seisan-ben) respectively.
Expressions
Shikoku (四国, "four provinces") is the smallest (225 km or 139.8 mi long and between 50 and 150 km or 31.1 and 93.2 mi wide) and least populous (4,141,955 as of 2005) of the four main islands of Japan, located south of Honshū and east of the island of Kyūshū.
Expressions
- Akan (あかん) Useless/No good/Hopeless(だめだ)
- Ikan（いかん）is sometimes used by young people in Seisan(West) dialect.
- Azuru (あずる) Verb To trouble/to pain/ to worry(苦労する)
Shikoku (四国, "four provinces") is the smallest (225 km or 139.8 mi long and between 50 and 150 km or 31.1 and 93.2 mi wide) and least populous (4,141,955 as of 2005) of the four main islands of Japan, located south of Honshū and east of the island of Kyūshū.
Miyajima: Itsukushima Shrine
Itsukushima Shrine (Japanese: 厳島神社 Itsukushima-jinja) is a Shinto shrine on the island of Itsukushima (popularly known as Miyajima).[1] It is in the city of Hatsukaichi in Hiroshima Prefecture in Japan. The shrine complex is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Japanese government has designated several buildings and possessions as National Treasures.
Itsukushima jinja was the chief Shinto shrine (ichinomiya) of Aki Province. [2]
Near the main shrine is a noh stage which dates from 1590.[1] Noh theater performances have long been used to pay honor to the gods, and ritually act out key events in the mythic history of Shinto belief.
The dramatic gate, or torii, of Itsukushima Shrine is one of Japan's most popular tourist attractions, and the most recognizable and celebrated feature of the Itsukushima shrine,[4] and the view of the gate in front of the island's Mount Misen is classified as one of the Three Views of Japan (along with the sand bar Amanohashidate, and Matsushima Bay).
The torii only appears to be floating at high tide; when the tide is low, it is approachable by foot from the island. It is common practice for visitors to place coins in the cracks of the legs of the gate and make a wish. Gathering shellfish near the gate is also popular at low tide. Many locals add the shellfish they gather to their miso soup. At night, powerful lights on the shore illuminate the torii.
The shrine is dedicated to the three daughters of Susano-o no Mikoto, Shinto deity of seas and storms and brother of the great sun deity, Amaterasu (tutelary deity of the Imperial Household). Because the island itself has been considered sacred, in order to maintain its purity commoners were not allowed to set foot on Miyajima through much of its history. In order to allow pilgrims to approach, the shrine was built like a pier over the water, so that it appeared to float, separate from the land, and therefore existed in a liminal state between the sacred and the profane.[5]
Itsukushima jinja was the chief Shinto shrine (ichinomiya) of Aki Province. [2]
Near the main shrine is a noh stage which dates from 1590.[1] Noh theater performances have long been used to pay honor to the gods, and ritually act out key events in the mythic history of Shinto belief.
The dramatic gate, or torii, of Itsukushima Shrine is one of Japan's most popular tourist attractions, and the most recognizable and celebrated feature of the Itsukushima shrine,[4] and the view of the gate in front of the island's Mount Misen is classified as one of the Three Views of Japan (along with the sand bar Amanohashidate, and Matsushima Bay).
The torii only appears to be floating at high tide; when the tide is low, it is approachable by foot from the island. It is common practice for visitors to place coins in the cracks of the legs of the gate and make a wish. Gathering shellfish near the gate is also popular at low tide. Many locals add the shellfish they gather to their miso soup. At night, powerful lights on the shore illuminate the torii.
The shrine is dedicated to the three daughters of Susano-o no Mikoto, Shinto deity of seas and storms and brother of the great sun deity, Amaterasu (tutelary deity of the Imperial Household). Because the island itself has been considered sacred, in order to maintain its purity commoners were not allowed to set foot on Miyajima through much of its history. In order to allow pilgrims to approach, the shrine was built like a pier over the water, so that it appeared to float, separate from the land, and therefore existed in a liminal state between the sacred and the profane.[5]
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