What's happening in Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, Shimane Japan
There are many dance forms in Japan that you can try from Hula to Hip Hop, Belly to Butoh to Bon Odori. In Japan odori （踊り） means "dance" and is generally used in referring to Japanese forms of dance, while "dan-su" （ダンス）, written in katakana from "dance" is a popular way of describing the many forms of dance which come from all over the world.
Dance is popular for all ages and is a great way to express yourself, release stress, and exercise. Now in Japan you can also find Yoga Dance （ヨガダンス）.
As yoga in it’s many forms is becoming popular in studios all over Japan, the freedom offered in Yoga Dance is a chance to break free from the set poses and to find your inner rhythms and expression in order to achieve union between body and spirit.
Shake Your Soul/Kripalu Yoga Dance comes from Kripalu, a world-famous yoga center in western Massachusetts. Music from around the world is incorporated into the classes which are a combination of guided movements and opportunities for individual expression. In a culture where most leisure time activities as well as work and school life and even exercise and dance are fixed with set rules and expectations, the opportunity to express oneself freely and find your own rhythms in a class can be a welcome chance.
Yoga dance is a dance form that is meant to be shared, so it is also a fitting expression in Japan where doing things in groups in the spirit of team work is a prevalent value. Once we connect to ourselves and let our own hearts open, it is a joy to share that expression with others through movements and creative expressions.
Shake Your Soul Kripalu Yoga Dance in Oita (Heart of Christmas Event, Oita)
For information about Shake Your Soul/Kripalu Yoga Dance in Oita: joannegyoshida[at]yahoo.com
Dance is popular for all ages and is a great way to express yourself, release stress, and exercise. Now in Japan you can also find Yoga Dance （ヨガダンス）.
As yoga in it’s many forms is becoming popular in studios all over Japan, the freedom offered in Yoga Dance is a chance to break free from the set poses and to find your inner rhythms and expression in order to achieve union between body and spirit.
Shake Your Soul/Kripalu Yoga Dance comes from Kripalu, a world-famous yoga center in western Massachusetts. Music from around the world is incorporated into the classes which are a combination of guided movements and opportunities for individual expression. In a culture where most leisure time activities as well as work and school life and even exercise and dance are fixed with set rules and expectations, the opportunity to express oneself freely and find your own rhythms in a class can be a welcome chance.
Yoga dance is a dance form that is meant to be shared, so it is also a fitting expression in Japan where doing things in groups in the spirit of team work is a prevalent value. Once we connect to ourselves and let our own hearts open, it is a joy to share that expression with others through movements and creative expressions.
Shake Your Soul Kripalu Yoga Dance in Oita (Heart of Christmas Event, Oita)
For information about Shake Your Soul/Kripalu Yoga Dance in Oita: joannegyoshida[at]yahoo.com
写真
Visiting Japan has been one of my daughter's and my favorite experiences. Our photographs are our most cherished souvenirs.
Whenever we see a life-size cut-out of a samurai, a warring states princess, or even a television character I am ready to whip out my camera. My enthusiastic daughter will always pose for a picture that never fails to make us laugh.
On Shikoku we visited Uchiko in Ehime Prefecture, where we met up with Mito Mitsukune and (no surprise here) Sakamoto Ryoma.
On Kyushu my daughter was pleased to portray the awesome Kato Kiyomasa, standing in front of the impressive Kumamoto Castle.
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Visiting Japan has been one of my daughter's and my favorite experiences. Our photographs are our most cherished souvenirs.
Whenever we see a life-size cut-out of a samurai, a warring states princess, or even a television character I am ready to whip out my camera. My enthusiastic daughter will always pose for a picture that never fails to make us laugh.
On Shikoku we visited Uchiko in Ehime Prefecture, where we met up with Mito Mitsukune and (no surprise here) Sakamoto Ryoma.
On Kyushu my daughter was pleased to portray the awesome Kato Kiyomasa, standing in front of the impressive Kumamoto Castle.
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今週の日本
Incoming Chief Takes On a Sony That Is a Shadow of Its Former Self
New York Times
Thomas Blake Glover
BBC
IAEA approves stress tests on Japan reactors
Guardian
Record lows recorded at 38 locations
Japan Times
¿Estallará China?
El Pais
Nucléaire au Japon : « L'Etat est un traître pour les travailleurs »
Rue 89
日本议员：中国年轻人应亲眼来看日本
Caijing
Hooked on Nuclear Power: Japanese State-Local Relations and the Vicious Cycle of Nuclear Dependence
Japan Focus
IOC sells Japan 2014, ’16 Games rights for $472M
Yahoo Sports
Last Week's News
Statistics
As of the end of October 2011, the number of foreign workers in Japan rose by 5.6% over the same period in the previous year.
686,246 foreigners currently work in Japan.
Source: Kyodo News
Number of foreign students in the USA, by country (percentage rise or decline compared to the previous year):
1. China, 157,558 (23.5%)
2. India, 103, 895 (-1.0%)
3. South Korea, 73,351 (1.7%)
4. Canada, 27,546 (-2.1%)
5. Taiwan, 24,818 (-7.0%)
6. Saudi Arabia, 22,704 (43.6%)
7. Japan, 21,290 (-14.3%)
8. Vietnam, 14,888 (13.5%)
9. Mexico, 13,713 (2.0%)
10. Turkey, 12,184 (-1.7%)
Source: Asahi Shinbun
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Incoming Chief Takes On a Sony That Is a Shadow of Its Former SelfNew York Times
Thomas Blake Glover
BBC
IAEA approves stress tests on Japan reactors
Guardian
Record lows recorded at 38 locations
Japan Times
¿Estallará China?
El Pais
Nucléaire au Japon : « L'Etat est un traître pour les travailleurs »
Rue 89
日本议员：中国年轻人应亲眼来看日本
Caijing
Hooked on Nuclear Power: Japanese State-Local Relations and the Vicious Cycle of Nuclear Dependence
Japan Focus
IOC sells Japan 2014, ’16 Games rights for $472M
Yahoo Sports
Last Week's News
Statistics
As of the end of October 2011, the number of foreign workers in Japan rose by 5.6% over the same period in the previous year.
686,246 foreigners currently work in Japan.
Source: Kyodo News
Number of foreign students in the USA, by country (percentage rise or decline compared to the previous year):
1. China, 157,558 (23.5%)
2. India, 103, 895 (-1.0%)
3. South Korea, 73,351 (1.7%)
4. Canada, 27,546 (-2.1%)
5. Taiwan, 24,818 (-7.0%)
6. Saudi Arabia, 22,704 (43.6%)
7. Japan, 21,290 (-14.3%)
8. Vietnam, 14,888 (13.5%)
9. Mexico, 13,713 (2.0%)
10. Turkey, 12,184 (-1.7%)
Source: Asahi Shinbun
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4 Feb
宮本 武蔵, 霊巌洞
I am a visitor from America, and in late October I traveled to Kumamoto in search of Miyamoto Musashi (1584-1645), the legedendary Japanese swordsman.
Kumamoto has a large bus terminal with 36 points of departure. After some assistance from the bus personnel, my daughter and I located the correct bus heading to Reigando Cave. This is where Musashi spent the last years of his life and purportedly wrote The Book of Five Rings.
We reached the bus stop in about a half hour. It is a 20 minute walk uphill to the cave.
After paying the entrance fee we passed by some modest displays before pausing to photograph the stone jizo figures covering the hillside. Then we climbed up to the cave and investigated. It was just as we had seen on the 2003 Taiga Drama, "Musashi." We each sat on the large rock and took in the view, as we imagined Musashi himself may have done in his private meditation.
The guide book recommended traveling by car to Reigando Cave, and if you have this option available I think it is a wise decision. The bus schedule isn't convenient at all. We had to ask a sympathetic middle-aged couple for a ride down the hill because we weren't going to make it to the bus stop on time. The man and his wife were so kind they ended up driving us to a local bus terminal. We were extremely grateful.
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Miyamoto Musashi Reigando Cave Miyamoto Musashi Kumamoto
I am a visitor from America, and in late October I traveled to Kumamoto in search of Miyamoto Musashi (1584-1645), the legedendary Japanese swordsman.
Kumamoto has a large bus terminal with 36 points of departure. After some assistance from the bus personnel, my daughter and I located the correct bus heading to Reigando Cave. This is where Musashi spent the last years of his life and purportedly wrote The Book of Five Rings.
We reached the bus stop in about a half hour. It is a 20 minute walk uphill to the cave.
After paying the entrance fee we passed by some modest displays before pausing to photograph the stone jizo figures covering the hillside. Then we climbed up to the cave and investigated. It was just as we had seen on the 2003 Taiga Drama, "Musashi." We each sat on the large rock and took in the view, as we imagined Musashi himself may have done in his private meditation.
The guide book recommended traveling by car to Reigando Cave, and if you have this option available I think it is a wise decision. The bus schedule isn't convenient at all. We had to ask a sympathetic middle-aged couple for a ride down the hill because we weren't going to make it to the bus stop on time. The man and his wife were so kind they ended up driving us to a local bus terminal. We were extremely grateful.
© JapanVisitor.com
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Miyamoto Musashi Reigando Cave Miyamoto Musashi Kumamoto
節分際吉田神社
As part of the "setsubun" festivities to welcome in the new lunar year the massive bonfire at Kyoto's Yoshida Shrine is taking place this evening. Expect a larger than average crowd as it is a Friday night.
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As part of the "setsubun" festivities to welcome in the new lunar year the massive bonfire at Kyoto's Yoshida Shrine is taking place this evening. Expect a larger than average crowd as it is a Friday night.
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神風
A new book "Kamikaze Japan's Death Pilots" by Albert Axell and Hideaki Kase was published in Danish on 27 in January.
The front cover shows Lieutenant Yukio Seki (1921-1944), one of the first Japanese airman who went to his death as a kamikaze pilot, attacking and destroying the USS St. Lo.
The image is from a painting by Copenhagen-based, Japanese artist Yoshiki Nakahara (after the likeness of the suicide pilot and plane).
Click on the image to expand
An English edition is in the works but not unfortunately with Yoshiki's cover.
Read an interview with an ex-kamikaze pilot
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A new book "Kamikaze Japan's Death Pilots" by Albert Axell and Hideaki Kase was published in Danish on 27 in January.
The front cover shows Lieutenant Yukio Seki (1921-1944), one of the first Japanese airman who went to his death as a kamikaze pilot, attacking and destroying the USS St. Lo.
The image is from a painting by Copenhagen-based, Japanese artist Yoshiki Nakahara (after the likeness of the suicide pilot and plane).
Click on the image to expandAn English edition is in the works but not unfortunately with Yoshiki's cover.
Read an interview with an ex-kamikaze pilot
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サッポロ 札幌開拓使麦酒
One of the better classic Japanese beer re-releases for the winter season is Sapporo's Kaitakushi Beer Premium, supposedly a return to the taste of the first beers produced at the Sapporo brewery way back in the late 19th century.
The limited release beer is available in convenience stores and is one of the best pale ale type beers we have sampled in Japan. With an ABV of 5.5%, Sapporo Kaitakushi Beer Premium has more of a kick than common or garden Japanese lagers and it's fairly tasty and with a nice color and aroma to boot.
For recent updates on new Japanese beer releases check out the informative japanbeer.wordpress.com
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Japanese beer
One of the better classic Japanese beer re-releases for the winter season is Sapporo's Kaitakushi Beer Premium, supposedly a return to the taste of the first beers produced at the Sapporo brewery way back in the late 19th century.
The limited release beer is available in convenience stores and is one of the best pale ale type beers we have sampled in Japan. With an ABV of 5.5%, Sapporo Kaitakushi Beer Premium has more of a kick than common or garden Japanese lagers and it's fairly tasty and with a nice color and aroma to boot.
For recent updates on new Japanese beer releases check out the informative japanbeer.wordpress.com
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国府宮神社の裸祭り
The Konomiya Hadaka (Naked) Festival takes place this year on February 4.
Hadaka Matsuri has its origins in an attempt to dispel an outbreak of plague and the festival began in 767.
The boisterous behavior at Konomiya has sometimes got out of hand. Riots occured in the 16th century. Upto 10,000 semi-naked men usually attend with over 100,000 spectators and the crush and subsequent frenzy can be scary.
The festival has a set of defined stages.
On the second day of the lunar new year a post marked with the words "naoi shinji" is set up outside Konomiya Shrine, this happened this year on January 24.
An hour later at 10am a group of applicants arrive in the hope of being selected as that year's shin-otoko or ("god-man"). To be chosen as shin-otoko is considered a great honor, though a strange one in most people's eyes in view of the bruising experience that is to follow.
A huge 4-ton rice-cake (mochi) is prepared and is presented to the shin-otoko on the eve of the main festival. For three days prior to the start of the matsuri the shin-otoko is kept alone, enclosed in a small hall in Konomiya Shrine. He is fed only rice-gruel and water and has all his body hair shaved off as part of the purification rite.
The festival begins in mid-afternoon on the 13th day of the lunar new year when thousands of men dressed only in loincloths carry a bamboo pole covered with pieces of paper carrying the excuses of people who couldn't make it to the festival that year.
When the shin-otoko appears from the shrine the assembled men - many of them aged 23 or 42 (ages considered unlucky or yakudoshi) - converge on the shin-otoko in an effort to touch him and thus pass on their bad luck and so rid themselves of evil.
The shin-otoko's guards, who attempt to stop him getting killed in the crush, throw cold water on the crowds to help cool things down. The event can be dangerous and people have suffered injuries in the past.
At 3am the next morning the shin-otoko carrying a "mud cake" on his back - symbolizing bad luck and calamity is chased away from the shrine and the mud cake is buried by the shrine priests. This part of the festival is known as yonaoi shinji.
Later that morning the large rice cake presented earlier is cut up and distributed to worshippers. Eating the rice cake is supposed to ward off illness and misfortune.
Access: Take a Meitetsu Line train from Nagoya Station bound for Gifu to Konomiya Station (north exit and then a short 3-minute walk) or a JR Tokaido Line train from Nagoya Station to Inazawa Station and then a 15-minute walk to Konomiya shrine.
Konomiya Shrine
1-1-1 Konomiya, Inazawa city
Tel: 0587 23 2121
Konomiya is located just outside Nagoya.
Tags
Japan Naked Festival Hadaka Matsuri Nagoya Japan Festivals Konomiya
The Konomiya Hadaka (Naked) Festival takes place this year on February 4.
Hadaka Matsuri has its origins in an attempt to dispel an outbreak of plague and the festival began in 767.
The boisterous behavior at Konomiya has sometimes got out of hand. Riots occured in the 16th century. Upto 10,000 semi-naked men usually attend with over 100,000 spectators and the crush and subsequent frenzy can be scary.
The festival has a set of defined stages.
On the second day of the lunar new year a post marked with the words "naoi shinji" is set up outside Konomiya Shrine, this happened this year on January 24.
An hour later at 10am a group of applicants arrive in the hope of being selected as that year's shin-otoko or ("god-man"). To be chosen as shin-otoko is considered a great honor, though a strange one in most people's eyes in view of the bruising experience that is to follow.
A huge 4-ton rice-cake (mochi) is prepared and is presented to the shin-otoko on the eve of the main festival. For three days prior to the start of the matsuri the shin-otoko is kept alone, enclosed in a small hall in Konomiya Shrine. He is fed only rice-gruel and water and has all his body hair shaved off as part of the purification rite.
The festival begins in mid-afternoon on the 13th day of the lunar new year when thousands of men dressed only in loincloths carry a bamboo pole covered with pieces of paper carrying the excuses of people who couldn't make it to the festival that year.
When the shin-otoko appears from the shrine the assembled men - many of them aged 23 or 42 (ages considered unlucky or yakudoshi) - converge on the shin-otoko in an effort to touch him and thus pass on their bad luck and so rid themselves of evil.
The shin-otoko's guards, who attempt to stop him getting killed in the crush, throw cold water on the crowds to help cool things down. The event can be dangerous and people have suffered injuries in the past.
At 3am the next morning the shin-otoko carrying a "mud cake" on his back - symbolizing bad luck and calamity is chased away from the shrine and the mud cake is buried by the shrine priests. This part of the festival is known as yonaoi shinji.
Later that morning the large rice cake presented earlier is cut up and distributed to worshippers. Eating the rice cake is supposed to ward off illness and misfortune.
Access: Take a Meitetsu Line train from Nagoya Station bound for Gifu to Konomiya Station (north exit and then a short 3-minute walk) or a JR Tokaido Line train from Nagoya Station to Inazawa Station and then a 15-minute walk to Konomiya shrine.
Konomiya Shrine
1-1-1 Konomiya, Inazawa city
Tel: 0587 23 2121
Konomiya is located just outside Nagoya.
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Japan Naked Festival Hadaka Matsuri Nagoya Japan Festivals Konomiya
おでん
In these cold winter months in Japan, a favorite winter warmer is oden, a selection of ingredients boiled in a soy-flavored dashi broth. Dashi is made with konbu seaweed and shaved tuna flakes (kezurikatsuo), so oden is not really vegetarian, though many of the other ingredients are staples for non-meat eaters: daikon radish, potatoes, konnyaku (konjac or devil's tongue), kinchaku (mochi in a deep-fried tofu pouch) and tofu. Other things found in oden include boiled eggs, chikuwa fish cakes, folded seaweed, meatballs on sticks, sausages, octopus and sometimes skewered beef.
Convenience store oden
Oden can be found at food stalls at temple fairs and festivals, convenience stores, izakaya and at some specialized Japanese restaurants. There are many regional differences and the oden you eat in Tokyo is likely to differ from that popular in Osaka, Hiroshima or Kyoto.
Aomori oden - heavy on the eggs
You order your oden by the piece and it is served in a either in a bowl with broth or just plain on a tray. Mustard is served to dab on the pieces and to increase the heat effect.
Oden goes well with hot sake rather than beer.
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In these cold winter months in Japan, a favorite winter warmer is oden, a selection of ingredients boiled in a soy-flavored dashi broth. Dashi is made with konbu seaweed and shaved tuna flakes (kezurikatsuo), so oden is not really vegetarian, though many of the other ingredients are staples for non-meat eaters: daikon radish, potatoes, konnyaku (konjac or devil's tongue), kinchaku (mochi in a deep-fried tofu pouch) and tofu. Other things found in oden include boiled eggs, chikuwa fish cakes, folded seaweed, meatballs on sticks, sausages, octopus and sometimes skewered beef.
Convenience store odenOden can be found at food stalls at temple fairs and festivals, convenience stores, izakaya and at some specialized Japanese restaurants. There are many regional differences and the oden you eat in Tokyo is likely to differ from that popular in Osaka, Hiroshima or Kyoto.
Aomori oden - heavy on the eggsYou order your oden by the piece and it is served in a either in a bowl with broth or just plain on a tray. Mustard is served to dab on the pieces and to increase the heat effect.
Oden goes well with hot sake rather than beer.
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眼鏡
Japan is one of the most myopic nations on the planet. Between 50%-60% of Japan's general population wears eye glasses or contact lenses.
With 60-72 million potential customers, competition between rival opticians and contact lens retailers is fierce. 25 years ago, each neighborhood would have a local optician, these small family businesses have largely disappeared, replaced by cut-price mega stores with 1000s of pairs of eye glasses from different makers to choose from. Styles range from cheap and functional to highly fashionable designer specs costing 100s of dollars.
Many stores make a literal spectacle of themselves to increase custom. Here outside this store in Tokyo a young man takes to rapping to draw the crowds.
The Japanese word for spectacles is megane, often seen written in katana - メガネ or hiragana めがね.
It is thought the first spectacles where brought to Japan by the Jesuit priest Francisco Xavier (1506-1552) and presented to a local feudal lord.
Early Japanese spectacles often used tortoiseshell (鼈甲, bekkou) in their manufacture and an early pair of ivory-made glasses can be seen at Daisenin Temple in Kyoto. Other historical eye-glasses are a pair that belonged to Ieyasu Tokugawa kept at the Tosho-gu Shrine in Nikko.
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Japan is one of the most myopic nations on the planet. Between 50%-60% of Japan's general population wears eye glasses or contact lenses.
With 60-72 million potential customers, competition between rival opticians and contact lens retailers is fierce. 25 years ago, each neighborhood would have a local optician, these small family businesses have largely disappeared, replaced by cut-price mega stores with 1000s of pairs of eye glasses from different makers to choose from. Styles range from cheap and functional to highly fashionable designer specs costing 100s of dollars.
Many stores make a literal spectacle of themselves to increase custom. Here outside this store in Tokyo a young man takes to rapping to draw the crowds.
The Japanese word for spectacles is megane, often seen written in katana - メガネ or hiragana めがね.
It is thought the first spectacles where brought to Japan by the Jesuit priest Francisco Xavier (1506-1552) and presented to a local feudal lord.
Early Japanese spectacles often used tortoiseshell (鼈甲, bekkou) in their manufacture and an early pair of ivory-made glasses can be seen at Daisenin Temple in Kyoto. Other historical eye-glasses are a pair that belonged to Ieyasu Tokugawa kept at the Tosho-gu Shrine in Nikko.
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今週の日本
Japan: Nuclear Contamination Cleanup Near Stricken Plant to Start in Spring
New York Times
Japan did not keep records of nuclear disaster meetings
BBC
Japan reports first trade deficit in 32 years after tsunami
Guardian
Nuclear foes defy order to remove tents from the grounds of METI
Japan Times
Japón sufre su primer déficit comercial en tres décadas
El Pais
« La Fissure », un webdocu sur le Japon de l'après-Fukushima
Rue 89
伊恩•坎贝尔：日本贸易逆差不只意味着不幸
Caijing
Henoko and the U.S. Military: A History of Dependence and Resistance
Japan Focus
Oakland manager Melvin excited about Japan series
Yahoo Sports
Last Week's News
Statistics
Of the nine attacks involving a firearm in 2011 that are suspected to be the work of the Japanese mafia (yakuza), eight took place in Fukuoka Prefecture. The one other was an attack on an entertainment company office in Tokyo.
In 2012 to date, the one attack was the January 17 shooting of a construction company president in Fukuoka.
Source: Asahi Shinbun
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Japan: Nuclear Contamination Cleanup Near Stricken Plant to Start in SpringNew York Times
Japan did not keep records of nuclear disaster meetings
BBC
Japan reports first trade deficit in 32 years after tsunami
Guardian
Nuclear foes defy order to remove tents from the grounds of METI
Japan Times
Japón sufre su primer déficit comercial en tres décadas
El Pais
« La Fissure », un webdocu sur le Japon de l'après-Fukushima
Rue 89
伊恩•坎贝尔：日本贸易逆差不只意味着不幸
Caijing
Henoko and the U.S. Military: A History of Dependence and Resistance
Japan Focus
Oakland manager Melvin excited about Japan series
Yahoo Sports
Last Week's News
Statistics
Of the nine attacks involving a firearm in 2011 that are suspected to be the work of the Japanese mafia (yakuza), eight took place in Fukuoka Prefecture. The one other was an attack on an entertainment company office in Tokyo.
In 2012 to date, the one attack was the January 17 shooting of a construction company president in Fukuoka.
Source: Asahi Shinbun
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初弘法Toji Temple in south Kyoto is best known for the large pagoda that can be seen from the bullet train as it pulls into Kyoto Station.
Toji was created in 796 C.E. and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Toji Temple is also famous for its monthly flea market.
On the 21st of each month, the temple hosts a large outdoor market known as "Kobo-san."
The market is held in honor of Kukai, the founder the temple.
Kukai's full name was Kobo Daishi. He died on the 21st of March; therefore, the flea market is held on the 21st. Stalls are set up and sell antiques, food, pottery, crafts, art, clothes, etc.
On the first flea market of 2012, it was cold and rainy. However, over 100,000 people showed up.
Information
Kujo Subway Station (Karasuma Line).
1 Kujo, Minami-ku, Kyoto.
Tel: 075 691 3325
Free Admission. (9am-4.30pm).
Toji is a short walk or cycle ride west from Kujo subway station along Kujo Street or from Toji Station, one stop south of Kyoto Station on the Kintetsu Line. Buses #202, #207, #208 and #19 pass by the main entrance to the temple.
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ビッグイシュー
The Japanese edition of The Big Issue is, indeed, big in Japan. And from yesterday it just got a little bigger: I was coming out of Asakusabashi station, my station, on Tokyo's Sobu Line, went down the stairs onto the street, and just to the left of the little mobile lottery booth was the sight, familiar in much of Tokyo, but not in Asakusabashi, of a man selling The Big Issue.
I walked past, thought, looked in my wallet, found I had coins, went back, and bought a copy. It featured the Japanese pop artist Yayoi Kusama on the cover, and an interview with her inside.
The vendor told me that this was the first day for The Big Issue to go on sale in Asakusabashi, and that he would be a regular fixture from hereon in.
160 yen of the 300 yen you buy the 30-page Big Issue for goes to the vendor. He was also selling Big Issue merchandise, notably fabric shopping bags.
The issue I bought was number 183. The Big Issue being a monthly, that makes this year the 15th year of The Big Issue in Japan.
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Asakusabashi
The Japanese edition of The Big Issue is, indeed, big in Japan. And from yesterday it just got a little bigger: I was coming out of Asakusabashi station, my station, on Tokyo's Sobu Line, went down the stairs onto the street, and just to the left of the little mobile lottery booth was the sight, familiar in much of Tokyo, but not in Asakusabashi, of a man selling The Big Issue.
I walked past, thought, looked in my wallet, found I had coins, went back, and bought a copy. It featured the Japanese pop artist Yayoi Kusama on the cover, and an interview with her inside.
The vendor told me that this was the first day for The Big Issue to go on sale in Asakusabashi, and that he would be a regular fixture from hereon in.
160 yen of the 300 yen you buy the 30-page Big Issue for goes to the vendor. He was also selling Big Issue merchandise, notably fabric shopping bags.
The issue I bought was number 183. The Big Issue being a monthly, that makes this year the 15th year of The Big Issue in Japan.
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メモリアル・シップ 八甲田丸
The Memorial Ship Hakkoda Maru, located in Mutsu Bay near Aomori Station in Aomori is Japan's first railroad ferry museum.
From 1966 until 1988 the Hakkoda Maru transported trains 113km from Aomori in Honshu to Hakodate in Hokkaido. The opening of the Seikan Tunnel linking the two towns made this journey redundant and the ship was transformed into a floating museum dedicated to the history of the historic crossing.
The Seikan Ferry crossing between Aomori and Hokkaido had been in operation since 1908, with the first train ferry going into service in 1924. In 1954, five ferries including the Toya Maru were sunk in the Tsugaru Strait by Typhoon Marie, with over 1,400 deaths.
On display are models of other Japanese ships, uniforms of the crew, historic documents and panel displays showing how the trains were loaded onto the ship.
The Memorial Ship Hakkoda Maru also offers a full bar and restaurant service and the rear of the ship serves as a beer garden in summer.
The Memorial Ship Hakkoda Maru is a short walk from Aomori Station under Aomori Bay Bridge.
Other attractions in Aomori include the reproduction of Showa-era food stalls at Yatai Mura, the Aomori Prefectural Folk Museum, the Aomori Contemporary Art Center, A-Factory, ASPAM, Wa-Rasse, Aomori Machinaka Baths and the fish market in the basement of the AUGA department store.
Memorial Ship Hakkoda Maru (Official site in Japanese)
112-15 Yanagawa
Aomori
Tel: 017 735 8150
Hours: 9am-7pm; 9am-5pm November-March
Admission: 500 yen
Memorial Ship Hakkoda Maru map
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The Memorial Ship Hakkoda Maru, located in Mutsu Bay near Aomori Station in Aomori is Japan's first railroad ferry museum.
From 1966 until 1988 the Hakkoda Maru transported trains 113km from Aomori in Honshu to Hakodate in Hokkaido. The opening of the Seikan Tunnel linking the two towns made this journey redundant and the ship was transformed into a floating museum dedicated to the history of the historic crossing.
The Seikan Ferry crossing between Aomori and Hokkaido had been in operation since 1908, with the first train ferry going into service in 1924. In 1954, five ferries including the Toya Maru were sunk in the Tsugaru Strait by Typhoon Marie, with over 1,400 deaths.
On display are models of other Japanese ships, uniforms of the crew, historic documents and panel displays showing how the trains were loaded onto the ship.
The Memorial Ship Hakkoda Maru also offers a full bar and restaurant service and the rear of the ship serves as a beer garden in summer.
The Memorial Ship Hakkoda Maru is a short walk from Aomori Station under Aomori Bay Bridge.
Other attractions in Aomori include the reproduction of Showa-era food stalls at Yatai Mura, the Aomori Prefectural Folk Museum, the Aomori Contemporary Art Center, A-Factory, ASPAM, Wa-Rasse, Aomori Machinaka Baths and the fish market in the basement of the AUGA department store.
Memorial Ship Hakkoda Maru (Official site in Japanese)
112-15 Yanagawa
Aomori
Tel: 017 735 8150
Hours: 9am-7pm; 9am-5pm November-March
Admission: 500 yen
Memorial Ship Hakkoda Maru map
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東京に雪
It snowed in Tokyo on Monday night. I happened to look outside at about 11pm, and witnessed a full-on snowstorm: masses of huge snowflakes whirling through the air coating the railing, the plants - everything, and even flying in through the open door.
Tuesday morning, the whole of Tokyo was frosted under a layer of about 3cm of glistening, crunching snow. The trains were late, pedestrians lost their footing, and shopkeepers were bent over shovels scraping snow off the sidewalk in front of their store, as were the kids from the nearest junior high school off the promenade alongside the Sumida River where they go for their morning group jog.
Most snow in Japan's main island of Honshu falls on the Japan Sea side, where the winds that make it over the mountains have usually left most of their moisture. However, very occasionally, maybe once or twice ever winter, they are still laden with sufficient water to deposit a coat of snow on the Pacific side.
A snowfall is rare enough phenomenon with Tokyo weather to send a bit of a thrill through the city, but bothersome enough to make Tokyoites glad that it's not regular.
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It snowed in Tokyo on Monday night. I happened to look outside at about 11pm, and witnessed a full-on snowstorm: masses of huge snowflakes whirling through the air coating the railing, the plants - everything, and even flying in through the open door.
Tuesday morning, the whole of Tokyo was frosted under a layer of about 3cm of glistening, crunching snow. The trains were late, pedestrians lost their footing, and shopkeepers were bent over shovels scraping snow off the sidewalk in front of their store, as were the kids from the nearest junior high school off the promenade alongside the Sumida River where they go for their morning group jog.
Most snow in Japan's main island of Honshu falls on the Japan Sea side, where the winds that make it over the mountains have usually left most of their moisture. However, very occasionally, maybe once or twice ever winter, they are still laden with sufficient water to deposit a coat of snow on the Pacific side.
A snowfall is rare enough phenomenon with Tokyo weather to send a bit of a thrill through the city, but bothersome enough to make Tokyoites glad that it's not regular.
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木曽川駅
JR Kisogawa Station is on the JR Tokaido Line with trains to Nagoya Station, Okazaki, Ogaki and Gifu.
The nearby Kiso River is known for its cherry blossoms in spring. The first train from Kisogawa Station on weekdays to Nagoya is 5.26am with the last train at 11.55pm.
Shin-Kisogawa is a nearby station on the Meitetsu Line.
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JR Kisogawa Station is on the JR Tokaido Line with trains to Nagoya Station, Okazaki, Ogaki and Gifu.
The nearby Kiso River is known for its cherry blossoms in spring. The first train from Kisogawa Station on weekdays to Nagoya is 5.26am with the last train at 11.55pm.
Shin-Kisogawa is a nearby station on the Meitetsu Line.
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美 漢字レッスン
One of the best words to learn in any language is that which stands for one of the best concepts in any language: beauty, beautiful. Who can be offended, who cannot be charmed, if you point at something or someone and say just the word "Beautiful"? (Well, exceptions do come to mind!) Let's have a look at how to write the word "beauty" or "beautiful" in the Japanese language.
The character for beauty is particularly appealing one in that, in its symmetry, it is, indeed, beautiful. The roots of the character might make you think twice, though. The upper part, 羊, is the character for "sheep," and the bottom part, 大, for "big." Old China, pastoral idylls, shepherdly musings - and the imagination starts to race. Enough! Whatever its provenance, beauty is beauty.
In Japanese, the character alone is pronounced bi (its onyomi, or "sound reading", and as an everyday word it is pronounced "utsukushii" (its kunyomi, or "meaning reading"), the final "shii" being adended in hiragana like so: 美しい.
Aesthetics in Japanese is 美学 (bigaku), literally "beauty study"). You get your hair done at a 美容室 (biyoshitsu), literally "beuatiful looks room," or, in normal English "beauty salon." Your mother-in-law is (at least upon first meeting) a 美人 (bijin), literally "beautiful person," or, in normal English, a "beauty." Beautification or glorification is, in Japanese, 美化, (bika), literally "beauty transformation." And 審美眼 (shinbigan), literally "judging beauty eye," is to have aesthetic sense, or an eye for beauty.
So, remember this symbol of beauty whose form reflects so faithfully its meaning, and its Japanese pronunciation, utsukushii, that will so often come buoyantly to your rescue when conversation has started to sink.
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utsukushii
One of the best words to learn in any language is that which stands for one of the best concepts in any language: beauty, beautiful. Who can be offended, who cannot be charmed, if you point at something or someone and say just the word "Beautiful"? (Well, exceptions do come to mind!) Let's have a look at how to write the word "beauty" or "beautiful" in the Japanese language.
The character for beauty is particularly appealing one in that, in its symmetry, it is, indeed, beautiful. The roots of the character might make you think twice, though. The upper part, 羊, is the character for "sheep," and the bottom part, 大, for "big." Old China, pastoral idylls, shepherdly musings - and the imagination starts to race. Enough! Whatever its provenance, beauty is beauty.
In Japanese, the character alone is pronounced bi (its onyomi, or "sound reading", and as an everyday word it is pronounced "utsukushii" (its kunyomi, or "meaning reading"), the final "shii" being adended in hiragana like so: 美しい.
Aesthetics in Japanese is 美学 (bigaku), literally "beauty study"). You get your hair done at a 美容室 (biyoshitsu), literally "beuatiful looks room," or, in normal English "beauty salon." Your mother-in-law is (at least upon first meeting) a 美人 (bijin), literally "beautiful person," or, in normal English, a "beauty." Beautification or glorification is, in Japanese, 美化, (bika), literally "beauty transformation." And 審美眼 (shinbigan), literally "judging beauty eye," is to have aesthetic sense, or an eye for beauty.
So, remember this symbol of beauty whose form reflects so faithfully its meaning, and its Japanese pronunciation, utsukushii, that will so often come buoyantly to your rescue when conversation has started to sink.
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今週の日本
Japan’s Prime Minister Shuffles Cabinet in a Bid for Tax Support
New York Times
New video of Fukushima nuclear reactor interior
BBC
How a Japanese paper rose to the occasion in tsunami disaster
Guardian
New Kimigayo ruling
Japan Times
Japón permitirá a sus nucleares funcionar hasta los 60 años como máximo
El Pais
Nucléaire au Japon : « L'Etat est un traître pour les travailleurs »
Rue 89
日本将试验开采海底“可燃冰”
Caijing
Megasolar Japan: The Prospects for Green Alternatives to Nuclear Power
Japan Focus
Texas spent time getting to know Yu before $107M
Yahoo Sports
Last Week's News
Statistics
The number of tourists who visited Japan in 2011 declined by 27.8% compared with the previous year.
6.2 million tourists visited Japan in 2011, which was a large drop from the 8.6 million in 2010.
Source: Kyodo News
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Japan’s Prime Minister Shuffles Cabinet in a Bid for Tax SupportNew York Times
New video of Fukushima nuclear reactor interior
BBC
How a Japanese paper rose to the occasion in tsunami disaster
Guardian
New Kimigayo ruling
Japan Times
Japón permitirá a sus nucleares funcionar hasta los 60 años como máximo
El Pais
Nucléaire au Japon : « L'Etat est un traître pour les travailleurs »
Rue 89
日本将试验开采海底“可燃冰”
Caijing
Megasolar Japan: The Prospects for Green Alternatives to Nuclear Power
Japan Focus
Texas spent time getting to know Yu before $107M
Yahoo Sports
Last Week's News
Statistics
The number of tourists who visited Japan in 2011 declined by 27.8% compared with the previous year.
6.2 million tourists visited Japan in 2011, which was a large drop from the 8.6 million in 2010.
Source: Kyodo News
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Japan is rightly famous for its crazy English used to give a touch of the exotic to clothes and accessories.
We all have our own particular favorites of misspelled and grammatically incorrect English as well as the plain bizarre.
Here's a recent example which takes song lyrics from Minute By Minute by the Doobie Brothers:
You Will StayJust To Watch Me,Darlin'. Wilt Away On LiesFrom You
Does the wearer know he is sporting Doobie Brothers' lyrics? Does he care? Is it copyright infringement?
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We all have our own particular favorites of misspelled and grammatically incorrect English as well as the plain bizarre.
Here's a recent example which takes song lyrics from Minute By Minute by the Doobie Brothers:
You Will StayJust To Watch Me,Darlin'. Wilt Away On LiesFrom You
Does the wearer know he is sporting Doobie Brothers' lyrics? Does he care? Is it copyright infringement?
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スーパーマーケット
Japanese supermarkets look pretty much like their counterparts elsewhere around the world. Though as fish and seafood is so much part of the Japanese diet, the fresh fish counter in Japanese supermarkets is prominent and a specialized butcher's counter is usually noted for its absence or small size.
Japanese supermarkets usually open around 10am until 8pm though some supermarkets in Japan are 24 hours. Credit cards can be used and many supermarkets offer a points card and a variety of vouchers for deductions on future purchases.
Service at the checkout at japanese supermarkets is speedy and polite. Plastic bags often cost an extra 5 yen to encourage customers to bring their own bags.
Goods stocked in Japanese supermarkets include fruit and vegetables, dairy products, dried goods, canned food, snacks, beer, wines and Japanese sake, non-alcoholic drinks, toiletries and ready-to-eat, pre-prepared foods including a variety of often excellent salads, yakitori and grilled fish. If you can't cook Japanese food, you can buy most of the classic dishes pre-prepared and just reheat them in the microwave and serve with rice prepared in a rice-cooker.
Large supermarket chains in Japan include Aeon, Valor and Daiei along with Costco from the US with several stores in Japan including those in Kobe, Sapporo, Kawasaki and Machida-shi near Tokyo.
French supermarket Carrefour sold its operation in Japan to Aeon in 2005 and left the Japanese market.
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Japanese supermarkets
Japanese supermarkets look pretty much like their counterparts elsewhere around the world. Though as fish and seafood is so much part of the Japanese diet, the fresh fish counter in Japanese supermarkets is prominent and a specialized butcher's counter is usually noted for its absence or small size.
Japanese supermarkets usually open around 10am until 8pm though some supermarkets in Japan are 24 hours. Credit cards can be used and many supermarkets offer a points card and a variety of vouchers for deductions on future purchases.
Service at the checkout at japanese supermarkets is speedy and polite. Plastic bags often cost an extra 5 yen to encourage customers to bring their own bags.
Goods stocked in Japanese supermarkets include fruit and vegetables, dairy products, dried goods, canned food, snacks, beer, wines and Japanese sake, non-alcoholic drinks, toiletries and ready-to-eat, pre-prepared foods including a variety of often excellent salads, yakitori and grilled fish. If you can't cook Japanese food, you can buy most of the classic dishes pre-prepared and just reheat them in the microwave and serve with rice prepared in a rice-cooker.
Large supermarket chains in Japan include Aeon, Valor and Daiei along with Costco from the US with several stores in Japan including those in Kobe, Sapporo, Kawasaki and Machida-shi near Tokyo.
French supermarket Carrefour sold its operation in Japan to Aeon in 2005 and left the Japanese market.
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アノプロシィーム チェコ レストラン
In Tokyo's pleasant Minami Azabu district, near Hiroo station, is something of a rarity for Tokyo, indeed for Japan: a Czech restaurant, called Ano Prosim (formerly Cafe Ano).
I went to Ano Prosim with a group of friends last Sunday, having made a reservation. First impression: surprise that one of our party, who had arrived first, was standing out in the cold, having found outside the front of the restaurant to be warmer than the welcome he'd found inside. Not a great start.
Indeed, on the whole party entering, the "welcome" was decidedly low-key, if there at all. And, what's more, the place was empty! Near Hiroo station, on Sunday lunchtime, and completely empty? Hmm. We were shown the more expensive evening menu, and had to request the lunch menu.
I started with a plate of chicken liver pate, sausage and Camembert cheese: gourmet quality, but there was no bread. We requested it, and they went out to buy some from the local bakery for us, which took about 10 minutes. For mains I had the pork roast, which was a very happy meeting of heartiness and haute cuisine. The bread was good - but having to ask for it, and their not having any on the premises, did seem a little odd.
We didn't order drinks for a variety of reasons: non-drinkers, too much last night, etc., but the drinks menu did look good, featuring beers and wines from the Czech Republic and elsewhere.
Fortunately we were a party of five: big enough to keep a good vibe going. Perhaps we struck them on a bad day, but it's certainly not the kind of place I'd take a date.
More reviews of Tokyo restaurants
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In Tokyo's pleasant Minami Azabu district, near Hiroo station, is something of a rarity for Tokyo, indeed for Japan: a Czech restaurant, called Ano Prosim (formerly Cafe Ano).
I went to Ano Prosim with a group of friends last Sunday, having made a reservation. First impression: surprise that one of our party, who had arrived first, was standing out in the cold, having found outside the front of the restaurant to be warmer than the welcome he'd found inside. Not a great start.
Indeed, on the whole party entering, the "welcome" was decidedly low-key, if there at all. And, what's more, the place was empty! Near Hiroo station, on Sunday lunchtime, and completely empty? Hmm. We were shown the more expensive evening menu, and had to request the lunch menu.
I started with a plate of chicken liver pate, sausage and Camembert cheese: gourmet quality, but there was no bread. We requested it, and they went out to buy some from the local bakery for us, which took about 10 minutes. For mains I had the pork roast, which was a very happy meeting of heartiness and haute cuisine. The bread was good - but having to ask for it, and their not having any on the premises, did seem a little odd.
We didn't order drinks for a variety of reasons: non-drinkers, too much last night, etc., but the drinks menu did look good, featuring beers and wines from the Czech Republic and elsewhere.
Fortunately we were a party of five: big enough to keep a good vibe going. Perhaps we struck them on a bad day, but it's certainly not the kind of place I'd take a date.
More reviews of Tokyo restaurants
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文化殿
The Bunka-den treasure storehouse museum (also known as the Atsuta Jingu Museum) is located within the grounds of Atsuta Shrine in Nagoya. A modern ferro-concrete building constructed in 1966 to mimic Azekura (log-cabin) style architecture, the Bunka-den has over 4,000 pieces in store of which a small number are on revolving display, changed every month.
The exhibits, which have been donated by members of the Imperial and Tokugawa families as well as the general public, include daggers, swords, garments, Bugaku dance masks and historic documents.
Bunka-den
1-1-1- Jingu
Atsuta-ku
Nagoya
456-0031
Tel: 052 671 0852
Hours: 9am-4.30pm; closed last Wednesday of the month
The nearest stations are Jingu-mae on the Meitetsu Line and Jingu-nishi subway station on the Meijo Line.
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The Bunka-den treasure storehouse museum (also known as the Atsuta Jingu Museum) is located within the grounds of Atsuta Shrine in Nagoya. A modern ferro-concrete building constructed in 1966 to mimic Azekura (log-cabin) style architecture, the Bunka-den has over 4,000 pieces in store of which a small number are on revolving display, changed every month.
The exhibits, which have been donated by members of the Imperial and Tokugawa families as well as the general public, include daggers, swords, garments, Bugaku dance masks and historic documents.
Bunka-den
1-1-1- Jingu
Atsuta-ku
Nagoya
456-0031
Tel: 052 671 0852
Hours: 9am-4.30pm; closed last Wednesday of the month
The nearest stations are Jingu-mae on the Meitetsu Line and Jingu-nishi subway station on the Meijo Line.
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雷神
Raijin is the Japanese god of thunder and lightening and depictions of raijin in paintings and sculpture are commonplace in classical Japanese art. Raijin is often shown with drums beating out the sounds of thunder.
In Shinto mythology raijin seems to have both positive and negative connotations: positive in the sense that thunder and lightening are often precursors of rain but negative in the sense of danger and the possibility of fire.
This image of raijin can be seen at Kenninji Temple in Kyoto. A famous sculpture of raijin along with his fellow god fujin (the god of wind) can be seen at Sanjusangendo Temple, also in Kyoto.
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Raijin is the Japanese god of thunder and lightening and depictions of raijin in paintings and sculpture are commonplace in classical Japanese art. Raijin is often shown with drums beating out the sounds of thunder.
In Shinto mythology raijin seems to have both positive and negative connotations: positive in the sense that thunder and lightening are often precursors of rain but negative in the sense of danger and the possibility of fire.
This image of raijin can be seen at Kenninji Temple in Kyoto. A famous sculpture of raijin along with his fellow god fujin (the god of wind) can be seen at Sanjusangendo Temple, also in Kyoto.
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16 Jan
京都市立動物園
Kyoto Municipal Zoo is Japan's second largest zoo. By American standards, it seems quite small, but only Tokyo's Ueno Zoo is larger.
Kyoto's zoo is located in Okazaki Park close to The National Museum of Modern Art Kyoto, Kyoto Municipal Museum, Heian Shrine, and Nanzenji Temple.
The zoo is home to roughly 700 animals.
It opened in April 1903 and retains a bit aged feel.
Some of the conditions in which the animals are housed are not ideal - barren concrete floors are standard - but it is for the most part a good day out.
Information
Okazaki, Hoshoji-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
Telephone : 075 771 0210
Hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (March - November)
Fees
General: 500 yen
Junior High School Students: 300 yen
Elementary School Students and under: Free
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京都市立動物園Kyoto Municipal Zoo is Japan's second largest zoo. By American standards, it seems quite small, but only Tokyo's Ueno Zoo is larger.
Kyoto's zoo is located in Okazaki Park close to The National Museum of Modern Art Kyoto, Kyoto Municipal Museum, Heian Shrine, and Nanzenji Temple.
The zoo is home to roughly 700 animals.
It opened in April 1903 and retains a bit aged feel.
Some of the conditions in which the animals are housed are not ideal - barren concrete floors are standard - but it is for the most part a good day out.
Information
Okazaki, Hoshoji-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
Telephone : 075 771 0210
Hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (March - November)
Fees
General: 500 yen
Junior High School Students: 300 yen
Elementary School Students and under: Free
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今週の日本
Japan - Earthquake, Tsunami and Nuclear Crisis (2011)
New York Times
Japanese earthquake recorded from sea floor
BBC
Quota market could save whales
Guardian
New Noda Cabinet on tax push
Japan Times
Fukushima analizará la leche materna de 10.000 mujeres en busca de radiación
El Pais
Le Louvre envoie des œuvres à Fukushima. Raisonnable ?
Rue 89
日本华媒：且看日本社会如何强力“打黑”
Caijing
Okinawa, New Year 2012: Tokyo’s Year End Surprise Attack
Japan Focus
Japan’s Maeda set for West Ham switch
Yahoo Sports
Last Week's News
Statistics
Japan's oil imports, by country, in 2010:
Saudi Arabia: 29.2%
UAE: 20.9%
Qatar: 11.6%
Iran: 9.8%
Russia: 7.1%
Kuwait: 7%
Other: 6%
Iraq: 3.3%
Oman: 2.7%
Indonesia: 2.4%
Source: Asahi Shinbun
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Japan - Earthquake, Tsunami and Nuclear Crisis (2011)New York Times
Japanese earthquake recorded from sea floor
BBC
Quota market could save whales
Guardian
New Noda Cabinet on tax push
Japan Times
Fukushima analizará la leche materna de 10.000 mujeres en busca de radiación
El Pais
Le Louvre envoie des œuvres à Fukushima. Raisonnable ?
Rue 89
日本华媒：且看日本社会如何强力“打黑”
Caijing
Okinawa, New Year 2012: Tokyo’s Year End Surprise Attack
Japan Focus
Japan’s Maeda set for West Ham switch
Yahoo Sports
Last Week's News
Statistics
Japan's oil imports, by country, in 2010:
Saudi Arabia: 29.2%
UAE: 20.9%
Qatar: 11.6%
Iran: 9.8%
Russia: 7.1%
Kuwait: 7%
Other: 6%
Iraq: 3.3%
Oman: 2.7%
Indonesia: 2.4%
Source: Asahi Shinbun
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