Archive for 'Culture'
Hiroshige Posted by Ginny on Jul 13, 2011
The ‘Meisho Edo Hyakkei’ or ‘One Hundred Views of Edo” (名所江戸百景) is a collection of ink print drawings that were done by Utagawa Hiroshige (歌川広重). Some of Hiroshige’s prints are internationally well known. For instance, the ‘Kameido Umeyashiki’ (亀戸梅屋舗) or ‘Plum Park in Kameido was copied by Vincent van Gogh. That meant that a European artist…
Japanese Festival in July Posted by Ginny on Jul 3, 2011
The summer season is a grand time for Japanese festivals. For example the Uwajima Ushioni Festival (うわじま牛鬼祭り) or Ox Demon Festival in Uwajima City (宇和島市) of Ehime Prefecture (愛媛県) is known for its large ox demon effigies. There are two large teams that maneuver the two ox demons. This Festival is also known for its…
Japanese Beetle Song Posted by Ginny on Jun 30, 2011
There’s a Japanese children’s song called ‘Koganemushi’ (黄金虫). Koganemushi is a type of metallic green beetle (pictured left). There are many different kinds of beetles in Japan. One other beetle that is also common in Japan is a horned beetle called ‘Kabutomushi’ (カブトムシ) [pictured below]. Beetle collecting is a big pastime of Japanese schoolboys. Some…
Dai Kannon Posted by Ginny on Jun 25, 2011
Kannon (観音) is the Goddess of Mercy. Large statues of Kannon called Dai Kannon (大観音) can be found scattered across Japan. One statue of a Dai Kannon is the Aizu Jibo Dai Kannon (会津慈母大観音). This Kannon Statue is in the city of Aizuwakamatsu (会津若松市) in Fukushima Prefecture (福島県). It’s 57 meters high. This particular Kannon…
Crater Lakes in Japan Posted by Ginny on Jun 18, 2011
Have you even seen a volcanic water crater? It’s one of the most beautiful sights that nature has blessed Japan with. It’s one of those things where you have to see it to understand its beauty! Mount Aso (阿蘇山) is a mountain range that consists of five major peaks. One of these peaks is named…
Japanese Lullaby Posted by Ginny on Jun 15, 2011
There’s a Japanese lullaby called 揺籃のうた (yurikago no uta). It means “Cradle Song” in Japanese. It’s a sweet song sung to get babies to fall asleep. Have a listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDvPiqzz81A&feature=related 揺籃のうたを (yurikago no uta o) A cradle song カナリヤが歌うよ (kanariya ga utau yo) A canary sings ねんねこねんねこねんねこよ (nenneko nenneko nenneko yo) Nenneko nenneko nenneko 揺籃のうえに (yurikago…
Outstanding Okinawa Sites Posted by Ginny on Jun 12, 2011
Okinawan culture is a rich culture with a long history. There are still some remnants of Okinawa’s past that tourists can visit today. For instance, there’s the Shikinaen (識名園), which was a garden where the royal family relaxed and entertained guests. The Shikinaen is a garden that is distinctly different from the other gardens of…