Archive for November, 2010
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star Posted by Ginny on Nov 28, 2010
Kira Kira Boshi (きらきら星) is the Japanese version of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”. Here’s a nice video to sing along to : きらきらひかる (kira kira hikaru) Twinkle twinkle little star お空の星よ (osora no hoshiyo) How I wonder what you are まばたきしては (mabataki shitewa) Up above the sky so high みんなを見てる (minna o miteru) Like a…
Japanese Paintings Posted by Ginny on Nov 25, 2010
Japanese paintings that were produced before WWI were varied and created by some of Japan’s famous painters. To see just how great these paintings are, let’s take a look at a few of these paintings. Sesshū Tōyō (雪舟等楊) is considered one of the greatest Japanese artists of all time. One of his most well known…
Japanese-North Korean Relations Posted by Ginny on Nov 22, 2010
In reaction to the news about North Korea’s attack on a South Korean island, Japan is on high alert. At this point, the Japanese government is not planning on gathering armaments and forces to combat the North Koreans. There is, however, a fear that the North Korean attack will escalate. Ever since the bombing of…
Japanese Artifacts and Exhibits Posted by Ginny on Nov 19, 2010
Japan has a long and rich history. Part of that history is rooted in ancient times. Proof of that can be seen in the items and exhibits excavated in Japan. Dogū (土偶) is a traditional Japanese figurines from prehistoric Japan. These figurines are made of clay with goggled eyes, wide hips and a narrow waist…
Unique Places to Visit in Japan Posted by Ginny on Nov 16, 2010
Going sightseeing in Japan is a feast for the eyes. Here are some must see places in Japan. Akihabara (秋葉原) is a great place to get electronic goods, video games, computers, anime figurines and DVDs, comic books and other items. There are some high end stores that offer the latest technological products on the market…
The Three Great Gardens of Japan Posted by Ginny on Nov 13, 2010
The Sanmeien (三名園,) are three of Japan’s famous gardens. Let’s take a look at these three gardens. Kenrokuen (兼六園) means “six attribute garden”. Some of the attributes that make this garden special are : spaciousness, seclusion, serenity and scenic subtleness. Kōrakuen (後楽園) means “garden of after -pleasure”. The daimyo Ikeda Tsunamasa (池田綱政) used the garden…
Japanese Festivals in November Posted by Ginny on Nov 10, 2010
November is the time for some interesting Japanese festivals. Take a look at some of these festivals : The Onomichi Betcha Festival (尾道 ベッチャー祭り) is a festival where men dress as demons and pretend to thrash children as they walk by. It’s an old custom that traces back to a time when people believed that…