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…
Japan’s World Expos Posted by Ginny on Jul 10, 2011
The ‘World Expo’ is an exhibition that is used by nations to feature their best works in art, architecture and technology. Over the years the Japanese have gone far and beyond in displaying their prowess in many fields. The first World Expo that was held in Japan was in 1970. This Expo is called Osaka…
Japanese Ramen Posted by Ginny on Jul 7, 2011
There are certain places in Japan that are famous for its ramen. For example, Sapporo Ramen (札幌ラーメン) is a type of miso (味噌) ramen. Miso is a type of thick paste used to flavor soups and sauces. If you like your ramen salty, then you’ll probably like Sapporo Ramen. Sapporo is a city up in…
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…
Wonderful Waterfalls Posted by Ginny on Jun 27, 2011
The summer season is one of the best times to see some of Japan’s prettiest waterfalls. Fukuroda Falls (袋田の滝) can be found in the town of Daigo (大子町) in Ibaraki Prefecture (茨城県). The Fukuroda Falls is one hundred and twenty meters high. The width of this Waterfall is quite impressive. It’s about seventy meters wide…
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…