Archive for 'Culture'
Explore Japan – Kinkakuji Temple in Kyoto Japan Posted by keiko on Dec 16, 2013
Have you ever seen any temple covered with gold leaf? Well, one of the most well recognized temples in Japan, Kinkakuji (kinkaku ji, 金閣寺) is actually a special temple that is covered with pure gold leaf, and it is also called, “Temple of the Golden Pavilion.” This temple is located in Kyoto, Japan and is designated as…
Top 3 Christmas Songs In Japan – No. 3 Posted by keiko on Dec 12, 2013
Christmas is fast approaching in a little over 2 weeks. I can’t believe how fast this year is going by. Around this time of the year, everywhere you go, we hear all kinds of Christmas songs played. Out of so many Christmas songs out there, I am sure many of you probably have your favorite…
What do you love about Japan? Posted by keiko on Dec 11, 2013
Recently, I came across the YouTube Video by Michael Moore, talking about what he likes about Japan compared to U.S. I will show you the YouTube video later in my article, but thought I would list some of the good aspects of Japan below. This information is from foreigner’s perspectives, perhaps compared to the rest…
Let’s Cook Japanese Food – Sukiyaki (Japanese Beef Hot Pot) Posted by keiko on Dec 4, 2013
It is getting really cold here in Portland, Oregon these days. When it gets colder, I often cook hot pot at home. One of my family’s favorites is beef hot pot called Sukiyaki (Sukiyaki, すき焼き). It is really easy to make once you have the key ingredients ready. Sukiyaki is a very popular hot pot…
Japanese Martial Art: Shorinji Kempo Posted by keiko on Dec 3, 2013
Have you heard about Japanese martial art called Shorinji Kempo? Shorinji Kempo is one of the martial arts originated in Japan, just like Karate. Although Karate might be much more popular in the U.S. compared to Shorinji, there are about 27 Shorinji branches throughout the U.S. Here in Portland, Oregon, there are two branches where…
Japanese traditional toy: Kendama Posted by keiko on Nov 27, 2013
Recently, my older son bought his first Kendama (Kendama,けん玉) with his allowance (Okozukai, お小遣い). It sounds like a lot of his friends at school are playing with Kendama these days. Kendama is one of the Japanese traditional toys that has been around for quite a long time. When I was growing up, it was one…
Do the Japanese Celebrate Thanksgiving? Posted by keiko on Nov 19, 2013
Are you ready for Thanksgiving? With Thanksgiving fast approaching next week, I am sure everyone is excited and perhaps, getting ready for a big family get together. In Japan, although people might not celebrate quite the same way as in US, we actually do have a similar national holiday called “Labor Thanksgiving Day (Kinro-kansha-no-hi, 勤労感謝の日)…