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Ninja Posted by Ginny on Sep 10, 2010
In Japanese, a “shinobi” (忍び) is a term referring to a “ninja”. Ninjas continue to dominate contemporary imagination in films, movies, comic books and cartoons. The popular anime Naruto (ナルト—) is a story revolving around several ninjas, and even in the U.S., there was a movie called Ninja Assassin in 2009. In Japanese popular culture…
Teru Teru Bōzu Posted by Ginny on Sep 7, 2010
Teru teru bōzu (てるてる坊主) is a nursery rhyme sung by Japanese children. The lyrics are somewhat disturbing, especially the part about drinking sake and head severing. It’s not exactly appropriate for children, but everyone just seems to sing the song without really paying attention to the meaning. So sing along and learn some Japanese while…
Mon Posted by Ginny on Sep 4, 2010
Mon (紋) is a Japanese term referring to an emblem that idenitifies a clan, family, individual and even an occupation or rank. Mon were especially useful in an iliterate society. Peasants could see the crest and easily indentify the family without having to inquire any further. Mon were also used on military equipement to distinguish…
Outstanding Onsens Posted by Ginny on Sep 1, 2010
An onsen (温泉) means “hot springs” in Japanese. Basically an onsen is supposed to be a bathing area where the water is hot and comes from the natural environment. There is an endless supply of hot springs in Japan, but a few stand out as unique. Arima Onsen (有馬温泉) is famous for its two springs…
Japanese Directors Posted by Ginny on Aug 30, 2010
The Japanese film industry and its film directors are a force to be reckoned with. These directors have received critical acclaim and a place in film history as great directors. Hideo Nakata (中田秀夫) is responsible for directing Ring (リング) and Dark Water (仄暗い水の底から). His movies have been so popular, they’ve been remade for English…
The Nine Tailed Fox Posted by Ginny on Aug 25, 2010
The kyūbi no kitsune (九尾の狐) is a legendary nine tailed fox prevalent in Japanese folktales and plays. Stories about the nine tailed fox go way back in Japan’s oral telling history. Interestingly, it’s still used in modern times. If you’ve watched the anime Naruto (ナルトー), the kyūbi no yōko (九尾の妖狐) or nine tailed demon fox…
Traditional Japanese Theater Posted by Ginny on Aug 22, 2010
Traditional Japanese theater is elaborate, interesting, and a feast for the eyes. I would recommend seeing at least one traditional Japanese performance out of the three main forms of traditional Japanese theater. Nō (能) is a type of theater where actors usually wear a mask that depicts an emotion or expression. The actors perform with…