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Traditional Japanese Music Posted by Ginny on Dec 6, 2010
Traditional Japanese music is still being played today in theaters and plays. For example Nagauta (長唄) is a form of traditional Japanese music using the shamisen (Japanese stringed instrument). Gagaku (雅楽) is formal music played for the imperial court. Gagaku is the oldest type of traditional music in Japan. Jōruri (浄瑠璃) is a type of…
Japanese Ceramics and Pottery Posted by Ginny on Dec 3, 2010
The subject of Japanese ceramics and pottery is interesting and complex. There are so many Japanese styles of with unique works by specific Japanese masters. Let’s take a look at some of them : Kakiemon (柿右衛門) Porcelain was first circulated in the 17th century. Not only was Kakiemon Porcelain valued in Japan, it was treasured…
Japanese Boxed Lunches Posted by Ginny on Dec 1, 2010
I will never forget my first Japanese Bentō (弁当). A bentō is a packed meal in a container, and depending on the bentō, different items are placed in the container. kyarakutā bentō (キャラクター弁当), which is shortened to Kyaraben (キャラ弁) is a type of “character bento”. The bentōs in this category are cute, and made to…
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…