Archive for 'Culture'
Japanese Street Fashion Posted by Ginny on Dec 10, 2010
Some people call it Japanese Street Fashion while others call it Japanese Underground Fashion. Whatever you call it, Japanese fashion is influencing the way youths want to express themselves. One unique style of Japanese Street Fashion is called Visual Kei (ヴィジュアル系,). Visual Kei is often associated with J-rock, glam/metal music and musicians. Obviously different bands…
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…
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 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…
Japanese Ghost Stories Posted by Ginny on Oct 28, 2010
If you’ve been looking for some classic Japanese ghost stories, try the following stories below. These stories have been told not just orally, but in films, dramas, plays and comics. Yotsuya Kaidan (四谷怪談) is a famous ghost story that has suicide, revenge, incest, love, murder, deception and betrayal. There are other characters, but the two…