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Japanese Sculpture Posted by Ginny on Sep 12, 2011
Although Japanese paintings get a lot of international attention, Japanese sculptures are also quite amazing and should get the reverence that Japanese paintings get. For example, one of the more famous sculptors in Japan is Tankei (湛慶). The most famous sculpture by Tankei is the sculpture in a temple called Sanjusangendō (三十三間堂). The sculpture is…
Traditional Japanese Arts Posted by Ginny on Sep 9, 2011
If you’re ever in the mood to pick up a new hobby, what not try making a hobby out of a traditional Japanese art? There are many varieties of traditional Japanese art, but probably one of the most famous is Ikebana (生け花), which is an artform that involves flower arrangement. There are many styles of…
Typhoon Talas Posted by Ginny on Sep 6, 2011
Japan was recently hit by Typhoon Talas. The Typhoon is the worst typhoon to hit Japan since 2004 and is responsible for some heavy damage and for at least 33 deaths in Japan. There are more missing, so the death toll may rise over the next few days. Typhoon Talas brought heavy rainfall and obstructed…
Japanese Festivals in September Posted by Ginny on Sep 3, 2011
Some people think that once the summer season comes to a close the festival seasons will stop, but the festival season is never really over in Japan. In fact it is of my opinion that the really interesting festivals start in September. For instance the Furusato Hyappei Festival (ふるさと百餅祭り) is a festival that occurs in…
Hokkaidō Posted by Ginny on Aug 31, 2011
Hokkaidō (北海道) is the second largest island in Japan and is the northern most part of Japan. Hokkaidō is a place that has some of the most scenic places in all of Japan. For example, the Okhotsk (流氷) refers to the ice floes on Hokkaidō. Tourists come all the time to listen to the crackling…
Giant Japanese Statues Posted by Ginny on Aug 30, 2011
Kannon (観音) is the Buddhist goddess associated with compassion. There are large statues of the Kannon that can be found all over Japan. One of the more famous statues of Kannon is the Ōfuna Kannon (大船観観音) in Kamakura (鎌倉) of Kanagawa Prefecture (神奈川県). It is 82 feet tall was built to commemorate those who died…
Japanese Lakes Posted by Ginny on Aug 28, 2011
There is definitely no shortage of lakes in Japan. One of the most beautiful lakes that I’ve ever encountered is Lake Towada (十和田湖). Lake Towada is in Honshū (本州) Island between the border of Aomori Prefecture (青森県) and Akita Prefecture (秋田県). Lake Towada is a crater lake created by volcanic eruptions. Today tourists go to…