Nihon Minka-en (日本民家園) is a park in the Ikuta Ryokuchi (生田緑地) Park of Tama-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.
On display in the park is a collection of 20 traditional minka (民家) (farm houses) from various parts of Japan, especially thatched-roofed
houses from eastern Japan. Of these, nine have received the designation
of Important Cultural Assets from the national government. The houses
are varied, and include examples from regions of heavy snow, lodgings
for travellers, and a theatrical stage. Visitors can see regional
variety and differences in construction.
The park is operated by the city of Kawasaki. Admission is free to
visitors who are not older than junior-high-school age. The entrance is a
fifteen-minute walk from Mukogaoka-Yuen Station on the Odakyu Odawara Line.
Kanagawa Prefecture (神奈川県 Kanagawa-ken) is a prefecture located in the southern Kantō region of Japan.[1] The capital is Yokohama.[2] Kanagawa is part of the Greater Tokyo Area.
23.6.13
The Rare Kai Ken (aka Tiger Dog)
The Kai Ken (甲斐犬, also called the Tora Inu or Tiger Dog) is a breed of dog that hails from Japan where it is a natural monument and has been bred for centuries. It is an extremely rare dog even in its native land and is related to the Japanese Spitz dog type.
The Kai Ken is considered to be the most ancient, and purest dog breed in Japan.[citation needed] It was developed in the isolated district of Kai (Yamanashi Prefecture) as a hunting dog.[citation needed] Kai were used to hunt boar and deer.
This breed was designated a natural monument in Japan in 1934.
The Kai Ken is intelligent, agile, alert and brave. They are natural hunters and make good watch dogs, being reserved with strangers but loyal to their families. They are friendly, often good with children and are not usually aggressive towards other dogs. Many love to swim, and have been known to cross rivers and climb trees while chasing their prey. [1]
Find out about Kai Ken in popular culture.
The Kai Ken is considered to be the most ancient, and purest dog breed in Japan.[citation needed] It was developed in the isolated district of Kai (Yamanashi Prefecture) as a hunting dog.[citation needed] Kai were used to hunt boar and deer.
This breed was designated a natural monument in Japan in 1934.
The Kai Ken is intelligent, agile, alert and brave. They are natural hunters and make good watch dogs, being reserved with strangers but loyal to their families. They are friendly, often good with children and are not usually aggressive towards other dogs. Many love to swim, and have been known to cross rivers and climb trees while chasing their prey. [1]
Find out about Kai Ken in popular culture.
The "Zakka" Trend
Zakka (from the Japanese 'zak-ka'（雑貨）or 'many things') is a fashion and design phenomenon that has spread from Japan throughout Asia.
The term refers to everything and anything that improves your home,
life and appearance.
It is often based on household items from the West that are regarded as kitsch in their countries of origin, but it can also be Japanese goods, mainly from the fifties, sixties, and seventies.
In Japan there are also so-called Asian zakka stores; that usually refers to Southeast Asia. The interest in Nordic design or Scandinavian design, both contemporary and past, is also part of this zakka movement.
Zakka can also be contemporary handicraft.
Zakka has also been described as "the art of seeing the savvy in the ordinary and mundane".
The zakka boom could be recognized as merely another in a series of consumer fads, but it also touches issues of self-expression and spirituality. "Cute, corny and kitschy is not enough. To qualify as a zakka, a product must be attractive, sensitive, and laden with subtext."
It is often based on household items from the West that are regarded as kitsch in their countries of origin, but it can also be Japanese goods, mainly from the fifties, sixties, and seventies.
In Japan there are also so-called Asian zakka stores; that usually refers to Southeast Asia. The interest in Nordic design or Scandinavian design, both contemporary and past, is also part of this zakka movement.
Zakka can also be contemporary handicraft.
Zakka has also been described as "the art of seeing the savvy in the ordinary and mundane".
The zakka boom could be recognized as merely another in a series of consumer fads, but it also touches issues of self-expression and spirituality. "Cute, corny and kitschy is not enough. To qualify as a zakka, a product must be attractive, sensitive, and laden with subtext."
22.6.13
Bikkle
Bikkle is a Japanese yogurt-based drink. Produced by Japanese drink giant Suntory, it can be found in vending machines for 100-120 Yen
and also at convenience stores and supermarkets. It comes in a small
glass bottle, although since 2007, "Big Bikkle" is also available in a
larger 500ml plastic bottle.
Bikkle is a popular drink among both the Japanese and expatriates living in Japan, with whom it has gained somewhat of a cult status due to the interesting sounding name and unique taste. Many have described the taste of Bikkle to be similar to that of Yakult, or even oranges and cream.
Bikkle is a popular drink among both the Japanese and expatriates living in Japan, with whom it has gained somewhat of a cult status due to the interesting sounding name and unique taste. Many have described the taste of Bikkle to be similar to that of Yakult, or even oranges and cream.
Imari Ton-Ten-Ton Festival (伊万里 トンテントン)
The Imari Ton-Ten-Ton Festival is a fighting festival held every year in the city of Imari, Saga Prefecture, Japan. Beginning at the Imari Shrine, the festival is well known as one of the three great fighting festivals of Japan.
The event is held annually for 3 days from October 22 to 24.
Saga Prefecture (佐賀県 Saga-ken) is a prefecture in the northwest part of the island of Kyushu, Japan.[1] It touches both the Sea of Japan and the Ariake Sea.
The event is held annually for 3 days from October 22 to 24.
Saga Prefecture (佐賀県 Saga-ken) is a prefecture in the northwest part of the island of Kyushu, Japan.[1] It touches both the Sea of Japan and the Ariake Sea.
Kōhaku Maku (Red and White Curtain)
A kōhaku maku (紅白幕 literally red and white curtain) is a type of decorative fabric panel used on various occasions in Japan.
The fabric takes its name from its design of vertical red and white stripes, which is known as kōhaku.
Kōhaku maku panels are hung from a red and white striped rope.
Kōhaku maku are hung against walls on to give a festive appearance on formal occasions such as graduation ceremonies, but are also used on less formal occasions such as outdoor tea ceremonies and hanami flower viewing picnics to mark off or decorate spaces.
A type of fabric with a similar pattern in black and white is used for wakes.
The fabric takes its name from its design of vertical red and white stripes, which is known as kōhaku.
Kōhaku maku panels are hung from a red and white striped rope.
Kōhaku maku are hung against walls on to give a festive appearance on formal occasions such as graduation ceremonies, but are also used on less formal occasions such as outdoor tea ceremonies and hanami flower viewing picnics to mark off or decorate spaces.
A type of fabric with a similar pattern in black and white is used for wakes.
21.6.13
International Budō University (Kokusai Budō Daigaku)
International Budō University (国際武道大学 Kokusai Budō Daigaku) (IBU) is a private university in Katsuura, Chiba, Chiba Prefecture, Japan, established in 1984.[1] The university has a specialized curriculum in physical education,[2] specifically the budō Japanese martial arts, sports, and physical culture.
Faculties
IBU hosts a year-long program in budo for foreign students called the Budo Specialization Program (別科武道専修課程 Bekka Budō Senshū Katei).
Faculties
- Department of Physical Education
- Department of Budo, includes:
- Department of Athletic Training
- Department of International Sport Culture
- Martial arts and physical culture of sports
- Sports medicine
- Coaching science
- Exercise and health
IBU hosts a year-long program in budo for foreign students called the Budo Specialization Program (別科武道専修課程 Bekka Budō Senshū Katei).
J-Alert (Zenkoku Shunji Keihō System)
J-Alert (全国瞬時警報システム Zenkoku Shunji Keihō System) is a nationwide warning system in Japan
launched in February 2007. It is designed to quickly inform the public
of various threats. The system was developed in the hope that early
warnings would speed up evacuation times and help coordinate emergency
response.
J-Alert is a satellite based system that allows authorities to quickly broadcast alerts to local media and to citizens directly via a system of loudspeakers.
J-Alert broadcasts via the Superbird-B2 communication satellite.
All warnings, except for severe weather warnings, are broadcast in five languages: Japanese, English, Mandarin, Korean and Portuguese (Japan has a small Chinese, Korean and Brazilian population). The warnings were broadcast in these languages during the 11th March 2011 earthquake and tsunami. The severe weather warnings are only broadcast in Japanese.
J-Alert is a satellite based system that allows authorities to quickly broadcast alerts to local media and to citizens directly via a system of loudspeakers.
J-Alert broadcasts via the Superbird-B2 communication satellite.
All warnings, except for severe weather warnings, are broadcast in five languages: Japanese, English, Mandarin, Korean and Portuguese (Japan has a small Chinese, Korean and Brazilian population). The warnings were broadcast in these languages during the 11th March 2011 earthquake and tsunami. The severe weather warnings are only broadcast in Japanese.
Information able to be transmitted by this system
- Earthquake
- Earthquake Early Warning
- News flash of hypocenter, magnitude, and precaution to tsunami
- Information of hypocenter, magnitude, intensities of various cities, and presence of tsunami
- Advisory information of Tokai earthquakes
- Earthquake prediction information of Tokai earthquakes
- Caution to Tokai earthquakes
- Tsunami
- Volcano eruption
- Military threats
- North Korean ballistic missile launching
- Air assault
- Military attack to nuclear power plant
- Large scale terrorism
Shincha and Kocha
Shincha (新茶), literally "new tea", represents the first month's harvest of Sencha, a Japanese green tea.
Basically, it is the same as ichibancha (一番茶), "the first-picked tea," and is characterized by its fresh aroma and sweetness. Use of the term "ichibancha" rather than "shincha" generally infers its difference from "nibancha" ("the second-picked tea") and "sanbancha" ("the third-picked tea"). Use of the term "shincha" generally is to emphasize that it is that year's earliest tea, and is timely and seasonal.[1]
The opposite term is kocha (古茶), or "old tea," referring to tea left over from the previous year.[2]
Besides the fresh aroma of the young leaves, shincha is characterized by its relatively low content of bitter catechin and caffeine, and relatively high content of amino acid.[4]
Shincha is available only for a limited time. The earliest batch, from southern Japan, comes on the market around late April through May. It is prized for its high vitamin content, sweetness, and grassy flavor with resinous aroma and minimal astringency.
Basically, it is the same as ichibancha (一番茶), "the first-picked tea," and is characterized by its fresh aroma and sweetness. Use of the term "ichibancha" rather than "shincha" generally infers its difference from "nibancha" ("the second-picked tea") and "sanbancha" ("the third-picked tea"). Use of the term "shincha" generally is to emphasize that it is that year's earliest tea, and is timely and seasonal.[1]
The opposite term is kocha (古茶), or "old tea," referring to tea left over from the previous year.[2]
Besides the fresh aroma of the young leaves, shincha is characterized by its relatively low content of bitter catechin and caffeine, and relatively high content of amino acid.[4]
Shincha is available only for a limited time. The earliest batch, from southern Japan, comes on the market around late April through May. It is prized for its high vitamin content, sweetness, and grassy flavor with resinous aroma and minimal astringency.
20.6.13
The Theme Song of Yamada-Denki Co., Ltd.
Yamada-Denki Co., Ltd. (株式会社ヤマダ電機 Kabushiki-gaisha Yamada Denki) is one of the largest consumer electronics retailer chains in Japan. Some of its stores also sell other products, such as books.
- The Yamada Denki Song (ヤマダ電機の唄) (Lyrics: "Yamada Denki and its jolly friends"; Music: Ichirō Tomita (富田伊知郎)) is used as background music inside the store, and in television commercials.
Game & Watch (aka G&W): Nintendo's First Major Success!
Game & Watch or G&W is a line of handheld electronic games produced by Nintendo from 1980 to 1991. Created by game designer Gunpei Yokoi, each Game & Watch features a single game to be played on an LCD
screen in addition to a clock and/or an alarm.
43.4 million copies of the 59 games were sold worldwide. It was the earliest Nintendo product to garner major success.[1]
In 1979, Gunpei Yokoi, traveling on the Shinkansen, saw a bored businessman playing with an LCD calculator by pressing the buttons. Yokoi then thought of an idea for a watch that doubled as a miniature game machine for killing time.[2]
The device was known as Tricotronic in Germany.
Mr. Game & Watch is the mascot of the Game & Watch series.
The Shinkansen (新幹線, new trunk line), also known as the "Bullet Train", is a network of high-speed railway lines in Japan operated by four Japan Railways Group companies.
43.4 million copies of the 59 games were sold worldwide. It was the earliest Nintendo product to garner major success.[1]
In 1979, Gunpei Yokoi, traveling on the Shinkansen, saw a bored businessman playing with an LCD calculator by pressing the buttons. Yokoi then thought of an idea for a watch that doubled as a miniature game machine for killing time.[2]
The device was known as Tricotronic in Germany.
Mr. Game & Watch is the mascot of the Game & Watch series.
The Shinkansen (新幹線, new trunk line), also known as the "Bullet Train", is a network of high-speed railway lines in Japan operated by four Japan Railways Group companies.
Oekaki (O-ekaki)
Oekaki (お絵描き) (お: O = Formal prefix, 絵: E = picture, 描き: KAKI = to draw) is the Japanese term to describe the act of drawing, meaning "doodle or scribble".
Oekaki on the Internet refers to a bulletin board system allowing artists to draw online and share their pictures.[1] The drawings are generally not uploaded; pictures are done using an online drawing program inside the web browser. However, some versions of oekaki software do allow uploads, and usually the rules of that oekaki will state that only x number of uploads in a week are allowed.[citation needed] Drawings can be done with a computer mouse, a graphics tablet, or a touch screen.
There are a remarkable number of oekaki message boards, Oekaki Central[2] being one of the largest where users can create their own oekaki board at sites such OekakiBBS.com,[3] though this site is often hard to use for non-Japanese-speakers because much of it is in Japanese or poorly translated English.
Oekaki on the Internet refers to a bulletin board system allowing artists to draw online and share their pictures.[1] The drawings are generally not uploaded; pictures are done using an online drawing program inside the web browser. However, some versions of oekaki software do allow uploads, and usually the rules of that oekaki will state that only x number of uploads in a week are allowed.[citation needed] Drawings can be done with a computer mouse, a graphics tablet, or a touch screen.
There are a remarkable number of oekaki message boards, Oekaki Central[2] being one of the largest where users can create their own oekaki board at sites such OekakiBBS.com,[3] though this site is often hard to use for non-Japanese-speakers because much of it is in Japanese or poorly translated English.
19.6.13
Ryōunkaku
The Ryōunkaku (凌雲閣 Ryōunkaku, lit. Cloud-Surpassing Pavilion or Cloud-Surpassing Tower) was Japan's first western-style skyscraper.
It stood in the Asakusa district of Tokyo from 1890 until its demolition following the Great Kanto earthquake of 1923.
The Asakusa Jūnikai (浅草十二階, lit. Asakusa Twelve-stories), as it was called affectionately by Tokyoites, was the most popular attraction in Tokyo, and a showcase for new technologies as it housed Japan's first electric elevator.
The Ryōunkaku quickly became a landmark and symbol of Asakusa after its opening in 1890. It was a major leisure complex for visitors from all over Tokyo.
It stood in the Asakusa district of Tokyo from 1890 until its demolition following the Great Kanto earthquake of 1923.
The Asakusa Jūnikai (浅草十二階, lit. Asakusa Twelve-stories), as it was called affectionately by Tokyoites, was the most popular attraction in Tokyo, and a showcase for new technologies as it housed Japan's first electric elevator.
The Ryōunkaku quickly became a landmark and symbol of Asakusa after its opening in 1890. It was a major leisure complex for visitors from all over Tokyo.
Wanyūdō
Wanyūdō (Japanese: 輪入道 literally "wheel (輪) monk (入道)") is a figure in Japanese mythology, a relatively well-known yōkai in the folklore of Japan.
Wanyūdō is said to take the form of a burning oxcart wheel bearing the tormented face of a man. Various folklore purports him as the condemned soul of a tyrant daimyo who, in life, was known for having his victims drawn on the back of an oxcart. He is said to guard the gates of Hell and to wander back and forth along the road between this world and the underworld, scaring townsfolk as he passes and stealing the souls of anyone who gets too close in order to bring them to Hell with him.
Yōkai (妖怪, ghost, phantom, strange apparition) are a class of supernatural monsters in Japanese folklore.
The daimyo (大名 daimyō,
Pronunciation (help·info)) (dah-ee-myoh) were the powerful territorial lords[1] in pre-modern Japan who ruled most of the country from their vast, hereditary land holdings.
Wanyūdō is said to take the form of a burning oxcart wheel bearing the tormented face of a man. Various folklore purports him as the condemned soul of a tyrant daimyo who, in life, was known for having his victims drawn on the back of an oxcart. He is said to guard the gates of Hell and to wander back and forth along the road between this world and the underworld, scaring townsfolk as he passes and stealing the souls of anyone who gets too close in order to bring them to Hell with him.
Yōkai (妖怪, ghost, phantom, strange apparition) are a class of supernatural monsters in Japanese folklore.
The daimyo (大名 daimyō,
Pronunciation (help·info)) (dah-ee-myoh) were the powerful territorial lords[1] in pre-modern Japan who ruled most of the country from their vast, hereditary land holdings.
Terakoya
Terakoya (寺子屋 terako-ya, lit. temple schools, private elementary schools in the Edo period[1]) were private educational institutions that taught writing and reading to the children of Japanese commoners during the Edo period.
Terakoya focused on reading and writing, but they dealt with extra subjects and disciplines, as counting with the abacus (soroban), history, and geography. They also taught girls sewing, tea ceremony rituals, flower arranging techniques and other arts and crafts. The classes usually took place in private homes of samurai, Buddhist priests or even commoner citizens.
Unlike centers of popular education that taught mainly skills needed in everyday life, terakoya offered a higher level of education.
The first terakoya made their appearance at the beginning of the 17th century, as a development from educational facilities founded in Buddhist temples. Prior to the Edo period, public educational institutions were dedicated to the children of samurai and ruling families, thus the rise of the merchant class in the middle of the Edo period boosted the popularity of terakoya, as they were widely common in large cities as Edo and Osaka, as well as in rural and coastal regions.
The terakoya were abolished in the Meiji period, when the government instituted the Education System Order (gakusei 学制) in 1872, when attending public schools was made compulsory as a measure to give basic education to the whole population.
Terakoya focused on reading and writing, but they dealt with extra subjects and disciplines, as counting with the abacus (soroban), history, and geography. They also taught girls sewing, tea ceremony rituals, flower arranging techniques and other arts and crafts. The classes usually took place in private homes of samurai, Buddhist priests or even commoner citizens.
Unlike centers of popular education that taught mainly skills needed in everyday life, terakoya offered a higher level of education.
The first terakoya made their appearance at the beginning of the 17th century, as a development from educational facilities founded in Buddhist temples. Prior to the Edo period, public educational institutions were dedicated to the children of samurai and ruling families, thus the rise of the merchant class in the middle of the Edo period boosted the popularity of terakoya, as they were widely common in large cities as Edo and Osaka, as well as in rural and coastal regions.
The terakoya were abolished in the Meiji period, when the government instituted the Education System Order (gakusei 学制) in 1872, when attending public schools was made compulsory as a measure to give basic education to the whole population.
18.6.13
Kata and Randori
Kata (型 or 形 literally: "form") is a Japanese word describing detailed choreographed patterns of movements practised either solo or in pairs. The term form is used for the corresponding concept in non-Japanese martial arts in general.
The basic goal of kata is to preserve and transmit proven techniques and to practice self defence. By practicing in a repetitive manner the learner develops the ability to execute those techniques and movements in a natural, reflex-like manner.
Kata are used in many traditional Japanese arts such as theater forms like kabuki and schools of tea ceremony (chadō), but are most commonly known for the presence in the martial arts. Kata are used by most traditional Japanese and Okinawan martial arts, such as aikidō, iaidō, jōdō, jūdō, jūjutsu, kenjutsu, kendō and karate. Other arts such as t'ai chi ch'uan and taekwondo feature the same kind of training, but use the respective Chinese and Korean words taolu and hyeong, respectively.
Randori (乱取り) is a term used in Japanese martial arts to describe free-style practice.
The term literally means "chaos taking" or "grasping freedom," implying a freedom from the structured practice of kata.
Randori may be contrasted with kata, as two potentially complementary types of training.
The exact meaning of randori depends on the martial art it is used in. In judo, jujitsu and Shodokan Aikido, among others, it most often refers to one-on-one sparring where partners attempt to resist and counter each other's techniques. In other styles of aikido, in particular Aikikai, it refers to a form of practice in which a designated aikidoka defends against multiple attackers in quick succession without knowing how they will attack or in what order.
In Steven Seagal's Tenshin Aikido Federation (affiliated with the Aikikai), the randori is different from that of Aikikai—the attackers can do anything to the defender (e.g. punch, grab, kick, etc.),
The basic goal of kata is to preserve and transmit proven techniques and to practice self defence. By practicing in a repetitive manner the learner develops the ability to execute those techniques and movements in a natural, reflex-like manner.
Kata are used in many traditional Japanese arts such as theater forms like kabuki and schools of tea ceremony (chadō), but are most commonly known for the presence in the martial arts. Kata are used by most traditional Japanese and Okinawan martial arts, such as aikidō, iaidō, jōdō, jūdō, jūjutsu, kenjutsu, kendō and karate. Other arts such as t'ai chi ch'uan and taekwondo feature the same kind of training, but use the respective Chinese and Korean words taolu and hyeong, respectively.
Randori (乱取り) is a term used in Japanese martial arts to describe free-style practice.
The term literally means "chaos taking" or "grasping freedom," implying a freedom from the structured practice of kata.
Randori may be contrasted with kata, as two potentially complementary types of training.
The exact meaning of randori depends on the martial art it is used in. In judo, jujitsu and Shodokan Aikido, among others, it most often refers to one-on-one sparring where partners attempt to resist and counter each other's techniques. In other styles of aikido, in particular Aikikai, it refers to a form of practice in which a designated aikidoka defends against multiple attackers in quick succession without knowing how they will attack or in what order.
In Steven Seagal's Tenshin Aikido Federation (affiliated with the Aikikai), the randori is different from that of Aikikai—the attackers can do anything to the defender (e.g. punch, grab, kick, etc.),
Jo-ha-kyū
Jo-ha-kyū (序破急) is a concept of modulation and movement applied in a wide variety of traditional Japanese arts.
Roughly translated to "beginning, break, rapid", it essentially means that all actions or efforts should begin slowly, speed up, and then end swiftly.
This concept is applied to elements of the Japanese tea ceremony, to kendō and other martial arts, to dramatic structure in the traditional theatre, and to the traditional collaborative linked verse forms renga and renku (haikai no renga).
The concept originated in gagaku court music, specifically in the ways in which elements of the music could be distinguished and described.
Though eventually incorporated into a number of disciplines, it was most famously adapted, and thoroughly analysed and discussed by the great Noh playwright Zeami,[1] who viewed it as a universal concept applying to the patterns of movement of all things.
Roughly translated to "beginning, break, rapid", it essentially means that all actions or efforts should begin slowly, speed up, and then end swiftly.
This concept is applied to elements of the Japanese tea ceremony, to kendō and other martial arts, to dramatic structure in the traditional theatre, and to the traditional collaborative linked verse forms renga and renku (haikai no renga).
The concept originated in gagaku court music, specifically in the ways in which elements of the music could be distinguished and described.
Though eventually incorporated into a number of disciplines, it was most famously adapted, and thoroughly analysed and discussed by the great Noh playwright Zeami,[1] who viewed it as a universal concept applying to the patterns of movement of all things.
Robatayaki (aka Robata)
In Japanese cuisine, robatayaki (炉端焼き, literally "fireside-cooking"), often shortened to just robata (ろばた in hiragana), refers to a method of cooking, similar to barbecue, in which items of food on skewers are slow-grilled over hot charcoal. Traditionally, the food consists of a combination of morsels of seafood and vegetables, but other kinds of food that are suitable for grilling may also be offered.
While the setup varies, a common arrangement is that in which the grill has a central position, whether as a hearth in a sand-pit as for the traditional irori, or on a raised dais, around which the customers are seated. In Japan, where the robata restaurant is often also a male-dominated drinking establishment (izakaya), this evokes a highly prized nostalgic feeling among the clientele.[3]
Robata originates from a centuries-old country style of cooking by northern Japanese fishermen around a communal hearth (irori) that serves both as a cooking area and to provide heating, found on the northernmost island of Japan, Hokkaido.[1] After a government campaign depicting Hokkaido as an idyllic rustic area, this style of cooking became popular all over Japan.[1] The first robata restaurant (which was named "Robata") opened in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. Proving a successful formula, soon more robata restaurants followed, starting with Osaka. As of 1965, there were more than 10,000 such restaurants across the country.
While the setup varies, a common arrangement is that in which the grill has a central position, whether as a hearth in a sand-pit as for the traditional irori, or on a raised dais, around which the customers are seated. In Japan, where the robata restaurant is often also a male-dominated drinking establishment (izakaya), this evokes a highly prized nostalgic feeling among the clientele.[3]
Robata originates from a centuries-old country style of cooking by northern Japanese fishermen around a communal hearth (irori) that serves both as a cooking area and to provide heating, found on the northernmost island of Japan, Hokkaido.[1] After a government campaign depicting Hokkaido as an idyllic rustic area, this style of cooking became popular all over Japan.[1] The first robata restaurant (which was named "Robata") opened in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. Proving a successful formula, soon more robata restaurants followed, starting with Osaka. As of 1965, there were more than 10,000 such restaurants across the country.
17.6.13
Sport Fukiya
The fukiya (吹き矢) is the Japanese blowgun,
as well as the term for the associated sport.
It consists of a 1.2 metres (3 ft 11 in) long tube, with darts approximately 20 centimetres (7.9 in) in length. Unlike modern Western blowguns, the fukiya has no mouthpiece: instead, a shooter must maintain a seal with the lips as he forcefully exhales. The darts used in the fukiya are called fukibari. Traditionally, fukibari were two inches in length.
The fukiya is often considered to have been a weapon of the ninja. It is known that in the past, there were numerous schools of martial arts and ninjutsu (such as Togakure-ryū) which used the fukiya and fukibari alone (as senbon).
A typical ninjutsu fukiya is around 50 cm, which is shorter than the sport fukiya, but does affect the effective range. Thus, even in theory, ninja would have had to use special darts with poisoned tips in order for it to work, and fired from a concealed location. Most likely, it was used similar to shuriken, as a distraction.
The blowgun can also double as a breathing pipe and straw to enable the ninja practitioner to better survive in the wilderness.
In Japan, fukiya is considered to be an archery sport, maintained by the Japan Sports Fukiya Association. In order to promote fukiya, the International Fukiya Association (IFA) was formed, based in Japan. The main organizations under the IFA are the American Association (ASBA), and the French Federation (FSBA).
It consists of a 1.2 metres (3 ft 11 in) long tube, with darts approximately 20 centimetres (7.9 in) in length. Unlike modern Western blowguns, the fukiya has no mouthpiece: instead, a shooter must maintain a seal with the lips as he forcefully exhales. The darts used in the fukiya are called fukibari. Traditionally, fukibari were two inches in length.
The fukiya is often considered to have been a weapon of the ninja. It is known that in the past, there were numerous schools of martial arts and ninjutsu (such as Togakure-ryū) which used the fukiya and fukibari alone (as senbon).
A typical ninjutsu fukiya is around 50 cm, which is shorter than the sport fukiya, but does affect the effective range. Thus, even in theory, ninja would have had to use special darts with poisoned tips in order for it to work, and fired from a concealed location. Most likely, it was used similar to shuriken, as a distraction.
The blowgun can also double as a breathing pipe and straw to enable the ninja practitioner to better survive in the wilderness.
In Japan, fukiya is considered to be an archery sport, maintained by the Japan Sports Fukiya Association. In order to promote fukiya, the International Fukiya Association (IFA) was formed, based in Japan. The main organizations under the IFA are the American Association (ASBA), and the French Federation (FSBA).
Omotesandō and Sandō
Omotesandō (表参道) is an avenue, subway station and neighborhood in the Minato and Shibuya wards in Tokyo stretching from Harajuku station, specifically, the foot of Takeshita Street, to Aoyama-dōri where Omotesandō station can be found. Zelkova trees line both sides of the avenue. Around 100,000 cars drive down the main street daily.[citation needed]
Omotesandō was originally created as the frontal (表 Omote) approach (参道 Sandō) to Meiji Shrine, when the Shrine was dedicated in the Taishō era.
Today, Omotesandō is known as one of the foremost 'architectural showcase' streets in the world, featuring a multitude of fashion flagship stores within a short distance of each other. It is an upscale shopping area. Every year Omotesandō is the venue for Tokyo's Saint Patrick's Day Parade.
A sandō (参道 visiting road) in Japanese architecture is the road approaching either a Shinto shrine or a Buddhist temple.[1]
Its point of origin is usually straddled in the first case by a Shinto torii, in the second by a Buddhist sanmon, gates which mark the beginning of the shrine's or temple territory. There can also be stone lanterns and other decorations at any point along its course.
A sandō can be called a front sandō (表参道 omote-sandō), if it is the main entrance, or a rear sandō (裏参道 ura-sandō) if it is a secondary point of entrance, especially to the rear; side sandō (脇参道 waki-sandō) are also sometimes found.
The famous Omotesandō district in Tokyo, for example, takes its name from the nearby main access path to Meiji Shrine.[2] An ura-sandō also used to exist.
Omotesandō was originally created as the frontal (表 Omote) approach (参道 Sandō) to Meiji Shrine, when the Shrine was dedicated in the Taishō era.
Today, Omotesandō is known as one of the foremost 'architectural showcase' streets in the world, featuring a multitude of fashion flagship stores within a short distance of each other. It is an upscale shopping area. Every year Omotesandō is the venue for Tokyo's Saint Patrick's Day Parade.
A sandō (参道 visiting road) in Japanese architecture is the road approaching either a Shinto shrine or a Buddhist temple.[1]
Its point of origin is usually straddled in the first case by a Shinto torii, in the second by a Buddhist sanmon, gates which mark the beginning of the shrine's or temple territory. There can also be stone lanterns and other decorations at any point along its course.
A sandō can be called a front sandō (表参道 omote-sandō), if it is the main entrance, or a rear sandō (裏参道 ura-sandō) if it is a secondary point of entrance, especially to the rear; side sandō (脇参道 waki-sandō) are also sometimes found.
The famous Omotesandō district in Tokyo, for example, takes its name from the nearby main access path to Meiji Shrine.[2] An ura-sandō also used to exist.
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