Archive for February, 2011
Snail Song Posted by Ginny on Feb 28, 2011
There’s a cute Japanese children’s song calledかたつむり(katatsumuri) , which means “snail” in Japanese. It’s not often that you hear songs about snails, so this one really stands out in my memory as one of those nostalgic childhood songs. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BdtggRdFrk&feature=related でんでん虫々 (dendenmushimushi) snail かたつむり (katatsumuri)snail お前のあたまは (omae no atama wa) your head どこにある (doko ni aru)…
Japanese Haiku Continued Posted by Ginny on Feb 27, 2011
We’re going to continue to talk about the haiku. If you missed the previous post about the haiku, please read that first! Let’s take a look at this particular haiku: 几市 (i-ka-no-bo-ri) a kite きのふの空の (ki-no-u-no-so-ra-no) in yesterday’s sky ありどころ (a-ri-do-ko-ro) in the same place This haiku is by Yosa Buson (与謝蕪村), who was a…
Haiku Posted by Ginny on Feb 26, 2011
An haiku (俳句) is a Japanese form of poetry that consists of five moras for the first line, seven moras for the second line, and back to five moras for the third line. Let’s look at some examples of Japanese haiku. By the end of this post, I hope you will be inspired to write…
Japanese Dogs Posted by Ginny on Feb 24, 2011
Do you like dogs? I myself happen to like dogs. If you feel the same way, let me tell you about some dog breeds that are native to Japan. Akita Inu (秋田犬) are loyal, friendly and energetic dogs. However, they are mischievous animals and sometimes cause trouble for their human masters by destroying property. That’s…
Japan’s Painters Posted by Ginny on Feb 21, 2011
Japanese painters like Kanō Eitoku and Ogata Kōrin are masters of their fields. (For more on these painters, check this article out: https://blogs.transparent.com/japanese/japanese-painters/) However, there were other talented painters, but not as famous as Kanō Eitoku and Ogata Kōrin. Fujiwara Takanobu (藤原隆信) excelled in drawing portraits. His most famous work is the portrait of Minamoto…
Most Populated Cities in Japan Posted by Ginny on Feb 17, 2011
If you’re wondering where to find the location with the most people in Japan, than you’ll probably want to go to the top three populated cities in Japan. Going to a populated city has its benefits. In a populated city, you’re more likely to find better transportation options and interesting places to hang out in…
Goemon Posted by Ginny on Feb 14, 2011
Ishikawa Goemon (石川五右衛門) is the Japanese version of Robin Hood. Like Robin Hood, Goemon (pictured to the right) stole from the rich and gave the riches to the poor. Goemon may or may not have been a real person. There is a historical mention of a thief named Goemon, but as to whether he actually…