Nine Japanese Artists You Should Know About
Sep 24, 2019 By Bert Wishart
When we think of Japanese art our minds probably go straight to the two dimensional, Chinese-influenced pictures of cranes and floating castles or the lurid and grotesque kabuki characters of ukiyo-e woodblock prints. But there is so much more to the broad scope of Japanese artwork than that. From sculpture...[ Click to read more ]
When Did Manga Become So Popular?
By Justin Hanus
Although manga comic books are popular throughout the world, in Japan reading manga is a very common pastime for people of all ages. But it wasn’t always this way. The Word “Manga” “Manga” literally means “whimsical pictures.” The term came into use in 1798 in reference to a book called...[ Click to read more ]
Yokogawa: Where Old and New Meet in Hiroshima
Aug 26, 2019 By Hugh Cann
Historically, Yokogawa is the old Shitamachi and before the second world war was Hiroshima's commercial business district. The post-war reconstruction shifted most commercial and retail activity to Naka -ku (ward) area of central Hiroshima. Today, some of the businesses in Yokogawa remain much as they were after the immediate reconstruction....[ Click to read more ]
Going Potty over the Setomono Matsuri
Aug 20, 2019 By Bert Wishart
Although Japan has one of the oldest ceramic traditions in the world, with earthenwares being created as early as the Jōmon period (10,000–300 BCE), as a heavily wooded country most domestic utensils in Japan were usually made of either natural or lacquered wood. This all changed when Katō Shirōzaemon, the...[ Click to read more ]
Art Aquarium Retells an Old Japanese Tradition in a New Way
Jul 30, 2019 By Jason Gatewood
Anyone with a penchant for Japanese history and a love of Japanese artistry will recognize the Japanese Goldfish, “Kingyo,” as a cultural motif instantly. From anime and manga, high fashion, and the occasional tattoo; kingyo cultural significance dates back to when they were kept as rare novelties of the rich...[ Click to read more ]
Top Museums to Visit in Kansai
Jun 20, 2019 By Justin Hanus
If you’re interested in culture, history or art, some of the best places to visit are museums. There are some fascinating and unique museums throughout Japan, and nowhere more so than in Kansai. During your time in the region, make sure to pay a visit to as many of the...[ Click to read more ]
Five Japanese Authors You Should Read
Jun 13, 2019 By Bert Wishart
From the stories of twelfth century court life in the world's oldest novel, Murasaki Shikibu's Tale of Genji, to the epic tales of Nobel-Laureate-in-waiting Hideo Furukawa, Japan has a rich history of spellbinding writing. To get you started on your journey into Japanese literature, below are five authors that should...[ Click to read more ]
The Kawaii Rejection of Society
May 23, 2019 By Bert Wishart
Japan is in the grips of a cult. But this is no religious extremism or political fanaticism. This cult is pink, it's fluffy, and its ringleader is a cat with no mouth. I am, of course talking about 'kawaii,' the cult of cute that inspires so much of Japanese society....[ Click to read more ]
How Shodo Lessons Will Teach You More Than Calligraphy
May 22, 2019 By Justin Hanus
On the surface, it may seem that shodo is simply a form of Japanese writing. Actually, it is much more than that. The most well-known form of fine art in the country, children begin learning shodo at elementary school. It is also one of the most popular extra-curricular activities. What...[ Click to read more ]
Yasuke: From Mozambique to Slave to Samurai
Apr 16, 2019 By Bert Wishart
Whether it is on the subway, in a restaurant or just walking down the street, most foreigners in Japan know what it's like to be stared at and pointed out as different. There is generally nothing evil in it, and more often than not it is brought about by simple...[ Click to read more ]
