Grand Sumo Tournament (Video) Posted by sasha on Oct 22, 2012
Japan’s national sport, sumo is a huge part of Japanese culture. Three times a year, the best of the best come out to fight in a 15-day tournament in Tokyo. Learn a bit about the traditions, and see some highlights of the May 2012 edition in this video.
Grand Sumo Tournament Posted by sasha on Oct 17, 2012
When you think of Japan, one of the first things that comes to mind is certainly sumo wrestling (相撲). Japan’s national sport has been around for many centuries; it originally began as a performance meant to entertain Shinto gods. Some ancient rituals are still present in modern-day sumo, such as the leg-stomping exercise to drive…
The Cemetery Posted by Marcel on Sep 28, 2012
Unlike カナダ (Canada) and many western countries, the 春 (はる/spring) equinox and 秋 (あき/fall) equinox are national holidays in 日本 (にっぽん/Japan). Many people use this time to go to the 墓地 (ぼち/cemetery) to pray for their deceased family members and relatives. While the 夏 (なつ/summer) Obon holiday is perhaps the most popular time to go…
Hakone Open Air Museum Posted by sasha on Sep 22, 2012
The stunning Open Air Museum is one of the highlights of Hakone, as it combines art and nature with numerous sculptures situated on beautiful grounds surrounded by mountains. Take a stroll around this truly unique museum in this video.
A Day in Hakone (Video) Posted by sasha on Sep 15, 2012
Ryokan breakfasts are a great way to start the day. After that, getting around Hakone is a breeze, thanks to the Hakone free pass. Head up to the top of the ropeway for a stop at the “Hell’s Valley” before heading down to enjoy a cruise on a pirate ship across Lake Ashi. Finally, top…
鹿児島 Kagoshima Posted by Marcel on Sep 13, 2012
日本 (にっぽん/Japan) consists of four main 島 (しま/islands), starting with 本州(ほんしゅう/Honshu), the large main 島. To the 北 (きた/north) you’ll find 北海道 (ほっかいどう/Hokkaido), 南 (みなみ/south) of it’s middle you’ll find 四国 (しこく/Shikoku), and to the 西 (にし/west) you’ll find 九州 (きゅうしゅう/Kyushu). The biggest and most famous city in 九州 is 福岡 (ふくおか/Fukuoka), but if you travel…
“Candy” Pop Music Posted by Marcel on Aug 30, 2012
As many of you already know, the Japanese pop music scene is rather… eccentric. The variety is huge: Rock pop bands like: Tokio Solo pop singers like: 浜崎 あゆみ (はまさき あゆみ/Hamasaki Ayumi) or 宇多田 ヒカル (うただ ひかる) Utada Hikaru (not the most recent I know, but I don’t know the names of anyone more current) A huge number of…