tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6350636500527142552024-03-06T09:50:45.257+07:00ArcSuzakuLet's Share ForeverSuzakuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01250371140846410038noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635063650052714255.post-67704575623631251362009-09-17T23:19:00.001+07:002009-09-17T23:19:46.201+07:00Unemployed Debt Consolidation LoansThese days one cannot guarantee a job just because you are educated and have got a higher degree. Your qualification is not of concern at times with the job demand higher then the actual availability. Under these circumstances many of us end up unemployed. Being unemployed after a good education does not hold pride but it is not in our hands. But many students would have taken up loans to study and these loans need to be paid off. These loans may be from various lenders and with a high interest rate. The debts because of these loans end up on a higher note and still repayment is a question mark. To help students out of this mess and make their life a lot better, student unemployed debt consolidation has been devised. Under this debt consolidation plan, lenders offer loans to students to clear off all their loans so that they can be debt free. This loan is specially designed for the students and so only students can avail it. These loans are available at a comparatively lower rate of interest. You have the secured student unemployed debt consolidation and the unsecured student unemployed debt consolidation. For the secured loan you need to place a collateral in the form of your house, car etc while for the unsecured loan you don't need any collateral. The interest rate for the unsecured loan is slightly higher then that for the unsecured loan. Availing this loan does not need your physical presence. You just need a computer and internet connection. With advancement in technology, lenders have started asking for loan application online. You also get details of the loan online so you can complete your search without actually moving around and get the best.Suzakuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01250371140846410038noreply@blogger.com113tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635063650052714255.post-82240483873071375812009-09-17T23:17:00.000+07:002009-09-17T23:18:20.946+07:00Most Loans Used for ConsolidationThe majority of UK loans are used to consolidate debt, with new cars and home improvements completing the top three uses of unsecured lending, according to figures released by Sainsbury's financial arm.<br /><br />Sainsbury's Bank head of loans Peter Baillie states that 40% of personal loans are used to consolidate debt from other sources, rolling it up into one manageable amount with a single monthly payment. During the months of March and September loans are primarily used for the purchase of new cars which accounts for 30% of the annual totals, and there is a steady all year round demand for loans for home improvements, running at 25% of loans granted throughout the year.<br /><br />Baillie added that customers who took out consolidation loans should consider whether the loan will clear off their debt, and not merely defer the problem for some time in the future, adding that it was important for customers to shop around, compare loans and make sure they were getting the best deal.<br /><br />The figures from Sainsbury's research are backed up by Moneysupermarket.com, who also discovered that over five millions Britons believe that they will never escape debt, while over 28 per cent of Brits - almost 12.7 million - have taken out a loan to consolidate some or all of their debt. But, almost 66% of those who had taken out a consolidation loan continued to build more debt through taking out more <a href="javascript:void(0)" onclick="window.open('http://www.moneynet.co.uk/loans/index.shtml')">loans</a>, building up credit card debts or extending their overdrafts, with 21% of those questioned managing to build up more debt using all three.<br /><br />Tim Moss, head of loans at moneysupermarket.com believes that debt has become part of the British psyche. He said: "Debt has become the curse of modern times. People need to be careful that the ease of credit doesn't catch them out. It can soon spiral into a debt sentence." And commenting on how times have changed in less than two generations, he added: "Forty years ago, being in the red was a last resort. It seems that many of today's Brits are much more accustomed to taking on debt - although being able to control it is another thing."<br /><br />According to creditaction.org.uk personal debt in the UK is growing by 1 million every four minutes. Moneysupermarket.com has discovered that 31% of those in debt feel they can't stop it spiralling out of control. With interest rates rising and the cost of credit increasing, unless people who take out consolidation loans can maintain the discipline to stop adding to their debt burden, rather than use it as a licence to start spending again, the number of Britons who feel they are trapped in debt will only increase.Suzakuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01250371140846410038noreply@blogger.com123tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635063650052714255.post-11347747585919205462009-09-17T23:15:00.001+07:002009-09-17T23:17:18.104+07:00Bad Credit Debt Consolidation: Tackle Your Debt Head On<div class="Link6 ver_12"> <p>Bad credit debt consolidation might seem like an uncomfortable term to many people. This is because, people are still uncomfortable with terms like bad credit and debt. But these are realities we have to face at some time or the other. By understanding what a debt consolidation loan is, you can better understand what debt and debt relief really mean.<br /><br />Stigmas And Scandals<br /><br />Most people do not like to admit that they are in debt. In todays money-conscious world, it is easy to see why debt is such an unsavory and scary word. Oftentimes, financial stress can seem like a hopeless situation, as debts keep piling up so quickly that you just cant keep up. Instead of focusing on the stigma and self-pitying part of debt, it is far more effective to think positively about what you can do about it.<br /><br />The good news is that, there are a number of ways to beat debt and best debt consolidation for bad credit holders has proven to be especially effective. The bad news is that, there are many crooked lenders out there, looking to make a fast buck. If you are looking for some helpful debt consolidation advise, there are a few hints you should keep in mind.<br /><br />The Consolidation Situation<br /><br />Before looking for consolidation program for people with poor credit, you should know what this kind of debt relief means. Debt consolidation advice involves clubbing all of your debts into one payment. This is useful because, it can be hard to keep track of multiple payments that have to be paid at different times. The lender will then take care of your debt for you, while you pay this lump sum off in regular payments. You will have to pay a lenders fee and work out a payment plan that is comfortable and workable for you.<br /><br />Its easy to see why a trustworthy lender is needed for a bad credit debt consolidation. After all, you dont want to hand over your hard-earned money to someone who wont cover your payments. Even before checking fee structures, check the Better Business Bureau. If a certain lender has complaints lodged against them, they are best avoided. Another important aspect many people forget about is credit counseling. This can help you get your finances in order, so you do not fall into debt again. A good lender will offer this service free of charge along with your poor credit debt consolidation.</p> <p> </p></div> <script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-0933858739464409"; google_alternate_ad_url = "http://www.streetdirectory.com/billboard336/travel.html"; google_ad_width = 336; google_ad_height = 280; google_ad_format = "336x280_as"; google_ad_type = "text"; google_ad_channel ="1623755563"; google_color_border = "FFFFFF"; google_color_bg = "FFFFFF"; google_color_link = "001485"; google_color_url = "000001"; google_color_text = "000001"; //--></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><script>google_protectAndRun("ads_core.google_render_ad", google_handleError, google_render_ad);</script><ins style="border: medium none ; margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt; display: inline-table; height: 280px; position: relative; visibility: visible; width: 336px;"><ins style="border: medium none ; margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt; display: block; height: 280px; position: relative; visibility: visible; width: 336px;"></ins></ins>Suzakuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01250371140846410038noreply@blogger.com179tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635063650052714255.post-18897078834629259722009-09-17T23:10:00.000+07:002009-09-17T23:15:36.644+07:00Consolidation Loans ExplainedIf you are feeling bogged down in debt by having many small loans and such as credit cards, the consolidation loan can take a huge weight off your mind and help you to get back on top of things and heading towards paying off your debt. However if you don't know what you are getting yourself into then consolidating your debts can just help you to dig the hole deeper and leave you struggling even more.<br /><br />If you consolidate your debts the right way then you could end up paying a much lower monthly repayment although this might be over a longer period of time, so you should take this into account when it comes to knowing how much you will be paying back in total.<br /><br />One big problem with the consolidation loan and which approximately 80% of people who take out a loan to consolidate their debts fall into the trap off, is using the loan for other than debt consolidation and running up further debt. The other problem with them is that once the majority of money has been used to pay off your creditors then it is very tempting to quickly get back into debt by taking out another loan or running up your credit card bill again.<br /><br />When choosing a consolidation loan the first thing you should look out for is the amount of interest that you will pay on the loan. This of course will vary from lender to lender and shopping online is the best way to get quotes from various lenders before deciding which deal is the best for you.<br /><br />As with the majority of loans there are different types available, two of the most popular are the secured and unsecured consolidation loan. The secured loan means that you have to secure something, which is usually your home on the loan, while the unsecured allows you to borrow money without putting your home on the line.<br /><br />The best loans will allow you to repay varying payments without penalty, for example if you take the loan for 10 years and find after say 4 years that you can afford to repay more off the loan and pay it up early then some lenders will add a cost onto the loan for doing so. Where possible look for a loan that allows you the freedom of paying more while not giving you a penalty should you pay it up early.Suzakuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01250371140846410038noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635063650052714255.post-80115546722394774542008-08-10T16:45:00.004+07:002009-03-22T15:28:21.577+07:00Japanese High School<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">The Japanese high school students do not drive cars</span>. Many either walk or ride bicycles if the distance is not too great. In other cases, students must take public buses and trains, often changing lines several times in order to reach their destinations. It is not uncommon for students to spend two or more hours each day on public transportation. <p><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Once at school, the students usually enter an area full of small lockers in which they place their street shoes and don school slippers.</span> These slippers may be color coded: pink for girls and blue for boys. Many schools have a weekly school-wide assembly. Then students assemble in their homeroom classes for the day's studies. The school day starts with classroom management tasks, such as taking attendance and making announcements. These activities usually are conducted by the students themselves on a rotating duty schedule called toban. Each homeroom has an average of 40-45 students. Students stay in their homeroom classrooms for most of the school day while the teachers move from room to room, operating out of a central teachers' room. Only for physical education, laboratory classes, or other subjects requiring special facilities do students move to different parts of the school. Between classes and at lunch time, classrooms can be noisy, lively places. Some schools may have a cafeteria, but most do not. Even in schools where a lunch is prepared and provided to the students, they usually eat together in their homeroom classrooms. In most schools, students bring a box lunch from home, almost always consisting of foods prepared by the mother in the early morning hours, such s rice, fish, eggs, vegetables, and pickles. </p><div class="fullpost"><p></p> <!-- Don`t delete this link ! --> <div style="display: none;">Copyright <a href="http://arcsuzaku.co.cc/">suzaku</a></div> <p><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></p><p>Club activities take place after school every day. Teachers are assigned as sponsors, but often the students themselves determine the club's daily activities. Students can join only one club, and they rarely change clubs from year to year. In most schools, clubs can be divided into two types: sports clubs (baseball, soccer, judo, kendo, track, tennis, swimming, softball, volleyball, rugby) and culture clubs (English, broadcasting, calligraphy, science, mathematics, yearbook). New students usually are encouraged to select a club shortly after the school year begins in April. Clubs meet for two hours after school each day and many clubs continue to meet during school vacations. Club activities provide one of the primary opportunities for peer group socialization. Most college bound students withdraw from club activities during their senior year to devote more time to preparation for university entrance examinations. Although visible in the general high school experience, it is in the clubs that the fundamental relationships of senpai (senior) and kohai (junior) are established most solidly. It is the responsibility of the senpai to teach, initiate, and take care of the kohai. It is the duty of the kohai to serve and defer to the senpai. For example, kohai students in the tennis club might spend one year chasing tennis balls while the upperclassmen practice. Only after the upperclassmen have finished may the underclassmen use the courts. The kohai are expected to serve their senpai and to learn from them by observing and modeling their behavior. This fundamental relationship can be seen throughout Japanese society, in business, politics, and social dealings.</p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Japanese students</span> spend 240 days a year at school, 60 days more then their American counterparts. Although many of those days are spent preparing for annual school festivals and events such as Culture Day, Sports Day, and school excursions, Japanese students still spend considerably more time in class than American students. Traditionally, Japanese students have attended school for half a day on Saturdays; however, the number of required Saturdays each month is decreasing as the result of Japanese educational reforms. Course selection and textbooks are determined by the Japanese Ministry of Education. Schools have limited autonomy in their curriculum development. Students in academic high schools typically take three years each of the following subjects: mathematics, social studies, Japanese, science, and English. Other subjects include physical education, music, art, and moral studies. All the students in one grade level study the same subjects. Given the number of required subjects, electives are few.</p><p><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">At the end of the academic day</span>, all students participate in o soji, the cleaning of the school. They sweep the classrooms and the hallways, empty trash cans, clean restrooms, clean chalkboards and chalk erasers, and pick up trash from the school grounds. After o soji, school is dismissed and most students disperse to different parts of the school for Extracurricular Activities.</p><p>An interesting component of Japanese education is the thriving industry of juku and yobiko, after school "cram schools," where approximately 60% of Japanese high school students go for supplemental lessons. Juku may offer lessons in nonacademic subjects such as art, swimming, abacus, and calligraphy, especially for elementary school students, as well as the academic subjects that are important to preparation for entrance examinations at all levels. Juku for high school students must compete for enrollment with yobiko, which exist solely to prepare students for university entrance examinations. Some "cram schools" specialize in preparing students for the examination of a particular school. Although it would seem natural for students to dread the rigor of additional lessons that extend their school day well into the late evening hours and require additional homework, many students enjoy juku and yobiko, where teachers often are more animated and more interesting than some of the teachers in their regular schools. Also, in many cases, the lessons studied in "cram schools" provide an intellectual challenge for students bored with the standardized curriculum of their regular schools. </p> <p>Juku and yobiko are primarily private, for profit schools that attract students from a wide geographical area. They often are located near train stations, enabling students to transport themselves easily to juku directly from school. Juku and yobiko thrive in Japan, where it is believed that all people possess the same innate intellectual capacity, and it is only the effort of individuals, or lack thereof, that determines their achievement above or below their fellows. In Japanese schools, there is the tendency to pass students with their grade cohort. Therefore, without the supplemental juku lessons, some students could fall well behind their classmates. Yobiko also exist to serve ronin, "masterless samurai," students who have failed an entrance examination, but who want to try again. It is possible for students to spend a year or two as ronin after graduating from high school, studying at yobiko until they can pass a university entrance examination or until they give up. "Cram school" tuition is expensive, but most parents are eager to pay in order to ensure acceptance into a selective junior high school, high school, or university, and thus, a good future for their children. </p><div style="display: none;">Copyright <a href="http://arcsuzaku.co.cc/">suzaku</a></div><div class="KonaBody"><span style="font-weight: bold;">In addition</span> to university admission, entrance to high school also is determined by examination, and the subjects tested are Japanese, mathematics, science, social studies, and English. Private high schools create their own examinations, while those for public high schools are standardized within each prefecture. Students (and their parents) consider each school's college placement record when deciding which examinations to take. Success or failure on an entrance examination can influence a student's entire future, since the prospect of finding a good job depends on the school attended. Thus, students experience the pressure of this examination system at a relatively early age. But, practice tests at school and juku help teachers to direct students toward institutions whose examinations they are most likely to pass. </div></div>Suzakuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01250371140846410038noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635063650052714255.post-31322037573192744672008-08-10T16:30:00.002+07:002008-08-10T16:37:46.962+07:00Bonsai<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyd4_L0yw1neMS-oIKao_PbwHttSKf67YRxrhp7zOvzphaqr5FRFyuMVUq1AVPu4neGGBtPSco6iip545ufHerNJAZxF8nGXCZ7APxq6Qyo7QubYyDqvwasSdEVTheZ0da10-P3QYXCoMi/s1600-h/BonsaiStan.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyd4_L0yw1neMS-oIKao_PbwHttSKf67YRxrhp7zOvzphaqr5FRFyuMVUq1AVPu4neGGBtPSco6iip545ufHerNJAZxF8nGXCZ7APxq6Qyo7QubYyDqvwasSdEVTheZ0da10-P3QYXCoMi/s320/BonsaiStan.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232820431252582098" border="0" /></a><strong>Bonsai is Japanese for 'tray gardening'.</strong> Bonsai trees are miniature trees; they keep their small shape and size because of being grown in a small pot or tray and through very careful pruning. The art of pruning a bonsai tree can take a very short time to learn but many people can go an entire lifetime without actually mastering the art. <h2>History of Bonsai </h2> <p>Bonsai trees have been documented to exist up to 4,000 years ago everywhere from parts of Asia to Africa. The trees were originally grown in China, but then caravans started to export the trees elsewhere such as Egypt where healers would use them to produce medicines. Some were even buried in tombs with royalty. </p> <p>The original art of bonsai is thought to have started in China, where it was referred to as 'penzai' before being adapted by the Japanese. Only royalty and nobility first enjoyed bonsai trees, but then in the Edo period the art form was opened up to people of all social classes.</p><p><strong><strong class="red"></p><div class="fullpost"><br /></strong></strong></p><h2>The Art of Bonsai </h2><p>Pruning bonsai trees is very difficult and takes many years of practice to perfect. Not only does a gardener have to grow the tree properly but they must also know how to prune the branches and roots to keep the bonsai trees small and healthy. This care is part of the philosophy behind bonsai trees in that they bring together three forces: Truth, essence and beauty, or, in Japanese, 'shin-zen-bi'. </p> <p>When pruning bonsai trees, the Japanese ideal is to prune them in a way that does not show any kind of intervention from outside forces. The tree must always look as though it grew completely naturally with no help. On the other hand, Chinese pruning tends to be much more artistic, as gardeners grow their trees and cut them into intricate shapes and designs such as into Chinese characters or even images of animals and dragons.</p><p><strong><strong class="red"><br /></strong></strong></p><h2>Common Kinds of Bonsai<br /></h2><p>Bonsai trees come in many different forms and varieties. The formal upright tree is one of the most common, distinguished by its balanced branches and a trunk that tapers. The sister variety is one which bends and curves, leading to more variety in how it can be displayed as pleasing to the eye. </p> <p>These trees can be found all over now, with growers in every corner of the globe and collections and gardens to visit in many countries including Australia, Belgium, Montreal, Canada, China, Germany and many more places in the United States and Asia. If you are interested in learning the fine art of bonsai trees, visit one of these gardens and see the kind of large-scale beauty that can come from such a small creation.</p><p> </p> <h2>Bonsai Tree Care</h2><p>Today, bonsai care has become a very popular hobby for some who maintain the spiritual connection with nature. If that sounds like you, here are there are five basic techniques in providing bonsai care. </p><p> </p><h2>Water and Bonsai</h2><p>Bonsai trees are planted in limited amounts of unique bonsai soil. This combination necessitates that bonsai care include a frequency in the number of times watered. There are two methods that can be used to determine the dampness of the soil; one method uses a water meter that will indicate the dampness of the soil and will help to determine whether water needs to be added. </p> <p>Or, by simply inserting your finger into the soil, up to the first joint, you can feel if the soil is moist or dry. If the soil is dry, add enough water to cause the water to escape from the drainage hole of the pot. Bonsai care also requires an increase in watering during the summer months and less watering during the winter months. It is also important to remember to keep the roots of the tree dry. </p><p> </p><h2>Sunlight and Bonsai</h2><p>Depending on the needs of your specific tree, bonsai care requires that the tree receive some direct sunlight. If this is not possible your choice of tree should be based on the limited availability of light, or, alternatively, the bonsai tree can be placed outdoors to receive its daily dose of Vitamin D. One cautionary note regarding sunlight: limit exposure if your tree has been recently placed into new soil or has been trimmed substantially. </p><p> </p><h2>Soil Nutrients and Fertilizing</h2><p>Bonsai care includes the nurturing of the soil in the spring and fall season. This nurturing should include the introduction of nitrogen, potash, and phosphoric acid into the soil. The health of your indoor bonsai tree is also dependent upon fertilization. Bonsai care should include scheduled fertilization twice a month during the spring months. Additionally, fertilization should happen once a month in later fall and through winter. </p></div>Suzakuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01250371140846410038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635063650052714255.post-36954442927777662802008-08-10T16:23:00.000+07:002008-08-10T16:24:31.605+07:00Magewappa<img class="border-pad" src="http://www.japanlinked.com/Images/shopping/magewappa2L.gif" alt="Magewappa" align="left" height="200" width="159" /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Magewappa </span>is a traditional craftwork that has been made for about four hundred years in Odate city (Akita prefecture), which is located at the east end of Shirakami Mountains (A World National Heritage), and is also known as one of the most famous cedar growing districts in Japan. <h2><span class="shoppingtitle">History of Magewappa<br /></span></h2><p> Magewappa was first made by woodcutters in the Odate area, using straight grain Akita Cedar. The Lord of Odate Castle, Nishiie Satake, encouraged this use of the soldiers and has been passed on from generation to generation from the end of the Edo Era to the present. With the emergence of plastics, it became economically necessary for some craftsmen to change their business. Since then more people are becoming aware of real quality and craftsmanship. Odate Magewappa fits this description perfectly.</p><h2><span class="shoppingtitle">Magewappa Creation Process</span></h2><p> For more than four hundred years our ancestors have exploited mountains, planted Japanese cedars, and repeated the process of weeding, pruning, and thinning out the forests every year to protect the beauty and health of the environment for the next generation</p><h2><span class="shoppingtitle">Finest Selection of Trees</span> </h2><p><img class="border-pad" src="http://www.japanlinked.com/Images/shopping/magewappaL.gif" alt="Magewappa" align="right" height="200" width="320" /> Even though four hundred saplings of Akita cedar are planted, at the end, less than thirty of those would be used to make products. Only Akita cedars over one hundred years old, which have survived the very severe weather conditions of northern Japan, can be bent in the manufacturing process mentioned above. Ones with a knot or even slight discoloration cannot be used. </p> <h2><span class="shoppingtitle">Special Features of Magewappa<br /></span></h2><p> The Magewappa products are known for the brilliant elegance of their straight grain, and the light yet rich color. They meet the needs of modern lifestyle.</p>Suzakuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01250371140846410038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635063650052714255.post-89007550610131187232008-08-10T16:13:00.003+07:002008-08-10T16:31:47.796+07:00Kendo<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8cAwVGracoSyCBeOVI7gJv1RkmS3vdU7aMcHRfC0laXxFp6UjDCPuQEbgpK08ixpEX-SYK18nwHmZnovKjRRpdsV2KEl4mN566yqIiRkRjcPisRzlRGbf39X9KdTVkY0-dkR14Ns8sTJG/s1600-h/image-kendo.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8cAwVGracoSyCBeOVI7gJv1RkmS3vdU7aMcHRfC0laXxFp6UjDCPuQEbgpK08ixpEX-SYK18nwHmZnovKjRRpdsV2KEl4mN566yqIiRkRjcPisRzlRGbf39X9KdTVkY0-dkR14Ns8sTJG/s320/image-kendo.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232815778938140050" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Kendo</span> is composed of two kanji: "Ken", meaning sword, and "Do", meaning 'the way/path of'. Together the term is literally the "way of the sword". It is a martial arts tradition spawned by the traditional schools of swordsmanship <span style="font-weight: bold;">(ryu)</span> of ancient Japan, and was practiced by and large by the bushi, or samurai class of the era. As practice with real blades is inherently dangerous, the schools developed a dummy sword called a shinai, and a set of protective equipment called bogu which protects the head (men), wrists (kote), chest (do), and groin (tare). <h2>History Of Kendo</h2><p></p><div class="fullpost"><br /></p><p>Before the Showa period (1926-1989) it was customarily referred to as kenjutsu or gekken . Fencing with the single edged, straight bladed sword was probably introduced from the Sui (589-618) or early Tang (618-907) dynasties of China. The cultivation of sword skills flourished during the Kamakura shogunate (1192-1333). With the establishment of the Tokugawa shogunate and relative peace until the 17th century, kenjutsu went into decline. The moral and spiritual element became prominent, drawing on Confucianism, Shinto, and Buddhism, especially Zen. Following the Meiji Restoration (1868), kenjutsu went into temporary decline, but in 1879 the Tokyo Police Force initiated kenjutsu practices as a means to nurture discipline and stamina. In 1895 the Dai Nihon Butokukai (All-Japan Martial Virtue Society) was established to encourage kenjutsu and other budo arts. At the end of WWII, occupational authorities banned kenjutsu on the basis of its militaresque origins. Yet despite this, following the end of the Occupation period in 1952, <span style="font-weight: bold;">the Zen Nihon Kendo Renmei </span>(All-Japan Kendo Federation) was established. By 1957 Kendo was returned to all Japanese middle schools. </p><h2>Training Kendo</h2><p> Kendo training is based on a variety of movements of attack and defense known as waza . Most fundamental are stance, footwork, cuts, thrusts, feints, and parries. Today kendo has ten ranks and 3 teaching degrees, with the higher ranks regulated by the All-Japan Kendo Federation. The International Kendo Federation oversees all international kendo tournaments, acts as the umbrella organization of all international kendo organizations, and orchestrates the World Kendo Championships which occurs once every 3 years.</p><p>Though it is a highly strenuous activity, kendo is also a means to strengthen the mind and the will to improve oneself. It is this aspect of kendo that attracts many of its most devoted practicioners. A Kendo bout with skilled opponent is an intense experience. For a moment in time concentration is absolute, concious thought is suppressed, and action is instinctive. Such training develops in the serious student powers of resolution and endurance under pressure which frequently affects his or her life beyond the confines of the training hall.<br />The mission of the All Japan Kendo Federation states that, "The concept of Kendo is to discipline the human character through the application of the principles of the <span style="font-weight: bold;">KATANA</span>." From the beginning one must practice hard physically and develop mental control to master simple techniques. Kendo practice may be started at any age, young and old, and even with severe physical handicaps. The will to continue regular training is the essential element in learning Kendo. Kendo is practiced for character building through the manipulation of the sword calmly under great pressure. Physical prowess is less important than doing everything with full spirit even when there is no hope of winning. The essence of Kendo is attaining mental, spiritual, and physical calm with balance, thus the popular Kendo phrase, "ki-ken-tai no icchi". In effect, the spirit (ki), the sword (ken), and the body (tai) must move and act as one. </p><h2>Striking The Opponent</h2><p><img class="border-pad" src="http://www.japanlinked.com/about_japan/images/kendo%20armor.jpg" alt="Kendo Armor" align="right" height="200" width="150" />Ki You must see the target, feel the chance available to you, and work the resolve to make the cut. Often there's the "go for broke" spirit in a strike which manifests itself in the kiai or scream that arises from the gut of the kendoka.</p> <p>Ken The motion of the sword in it's rise and it's descent on the target must be precisely coordinated with the will and the body's movement forward upon the target.</p> <p>Tai The body must follow the will of the kendoka and the movement of the shinai as it lands on the target. The legs must lunge forward to get within striking distance, and the back must be straight. All of this is accompanied by a confident resolve to achieve the objective.</p><h2>Modern Kendo</h2><p>Kendo as practiced today is the result of refinements in the use of the Japanese sword spanning more than 1000 years. On the surface kendo appear to be only a physical activity: but beneath the surface are many benefits that may be acquired over a period of time through honest, sincere effort and self-examination. Kendo did not start as a clearly defined art --it evolved over centuries of trial and error through combat known as "Kenjutsu" to the present form which on the surface may be called a sport. Kenjutsu is the use of the katana in combat. Kendo is the use of a bamboo sword called the shinai to make strikes to a limited number of targets. The cultivation of the human spirit through Kendo also enhances our daily lives in work, relationships, knowledge and relaxation.</p> <p>To learn Kendo, as with anything, repetitive practice in the basics is the foundation for expanding knowledge, growth, ability and true success. Training in Kendo is immediate and continuous with success as the companion of honest effort. Progress is derived from one's effort immediately, though it will seem small in comparison to the total spectrum of Kendo. Kendo success is achieved through aerobic and anaerobic physical effort, mental discipline and honest self-examination. We teach ourselves patience, discipline, cultivation of the human spirit, respect for ourselves, opponents, fellow human beings and nature as well as how to learn and and how to teach. Kendo is one of the things that can be started at any age level, childhood or old age,and with a pure spirit of learning always improve ones-self. We learn to relax under situations of high stress and perform beyond what we consider as the limits of our ability. No human being is unique, we differ only our willingness to do that which is needed.</p> <p>In Kendo the practice halls are known as dojo. Although this word is in common use throughout the martial arts, it was first used in Kenjutsu many centuries ago, originating from the Buddhist term for "a place of enlightenment" probably in the 11th or 12th century. Within the dojo, training is hard and sustained, and must be so. The accent is on discipline since it is only through the sometimes harsh feudal methods that one can reach the ultimate goal of the master --<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">mastery of oneself</span>.</p> <p>We use the word reigi to describe the discipline or etiquette of kendo. It is this reigi or good manners and respect between kendoka at all levels, that is the most unique and valuable thing that kendo can offer the modern world. It is as old as kendo itself. In a Western environment it would be impossible to impose totally Japanese culture on our students and we do not attempt this. But in any dojo the students, Japanese or not, can observe the traditional kendo reigi and this encourages the growth of a fundamental understanding of that which is naturally colored by the individual's own cultural background. One of the values of kendo training, according to many masters is that it produces a calm mind and allows its followers to face everyday problems squarely.</p> <p>An aspiring kendo student must never forget that he is joining a society whose training program dates back to very ancient military practice and whose members are conditioned to accept rigors in this training not for their own sake but for the moral values behind them. For the greatest part of history, kendo or kenjutsu was practiced almost exclusively by the bushi. For the warrior: perserverance, skill-at-arms, breadth of character, steadiness, and self-control in all situations were the goals that lay at the end of a lifetime's study of swordmanship. These are still the kendoka's aims. The swordsman found that great ryus often exert a significant influence on political thought and action. They were men who commanded enormous esteem amongst their contemporaries and posterity; even today kendoka are highly regarded in Japan. It is for these reasons that kendo reigi is considered so important and is so closely observed within the dojo. </p> <p>Kendo therefore, as opposed to kenjutsu, is not practiced in order to destroy opponents but rather to train oneself in character building. It is in this aim of spritual awakening that kendo has much in common with Zen Buddhism. However, kendo is deeply influenced not only by Zen but by orthodox Buddhist, Confucian, and Shinto philosophy.</p> The expert manipulation of the sword is only the means to the end. In a kendo match only one person may win but many people may take part. Physical prowess and technical skill are counted less important than doing everything with full spirit and participation even if there's no hope of winning. What is important is attaining mental and spiritual calm and balance. <h2> The Concept of Kendo<br /></h2><p style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;" align="center">The Concept of Kendo is to discipline the human character<br /> through the application of the principles of the Katana.</p> <p align="center">The purpose of practicing Kendo is:<br /> To mold the mind and body,<br /> To cultivate a vigorous spirit,<br /> And through correct and ridgid training,<br /> To strive for improvement in the Art of Kendo;<br /> To hold in esteem human courtesy and honor,<br /> To associate with others with sincerity,<br /> And to forever pursue the cultivation of oneself.</p> <p align="center">Thus will one be able<br /> to love his country and society,<br /> To contribute to the development of culture,<br /> And to promote peace and prosperity among all people</p> <br /><div align="center"> (This is from All-Japan Kendo Federation's motto)</div></div>Suzakuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01250371140846410038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635063650052714255.post-8334713788375657892008-08-10T15:43:00.000+07:002008-08-10T15:47:07.705+07:00Setsubun<div align="left"><img class="border-pad" src="http://www.japanlinked.com/about_japan/images/demon.gif" alt="Oni Demon Mask" align="left" height="129" width="96" /><span style="font-weight: bold;">There are many holidays, festivals, and annual events in Japan</span>. Some are big events which the whole city gets involved in, and some are small, basically just for the family. There is at least one holiday, festival, or event every month, and in February the event is Setsubun the day before Risshun or the Spring Equinox. This is a great event for the whole family and the kids love it!</div> <p><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Setsubun is not a national holiday</span>. It is held on February 3rd. Which is to mark the day before spring or Risshun using the Japanese lunar calendar. Setsubun is a holiday for chasing away the demons, or evil spirits. In modern day Japan it involves a Demon, a hand full of beans (mame). Fish heads, and a holy stick. Sound interesting? </p><p><img class="border-pad" src="http://www.japanlinked.com/about_japan/images/setsubunbean.JPG" alt="Mame Beans to throw at the demon and around the house" align="right" height="200" width="267" />Usually the kids will draw up a demon mask on a piece of paper color it in. Then someone gets selected to wear the mask, while the rest of the family throws beans at the person where the Demon mask. When you throw the beans you are to shout"<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi</span>" which translates something like "Demons out, Happiness(<span style="font-weight: bold;">Fortune</span>) in." Beans can be thrown out into the yards of your house, around temples, and around shrines. All with the same meaning " Demons out, Happiness(<span style="font-weight: bold;">Fortune</span>) in". In the older days and even in a few homes in modern Japan. Grilled Fish Heads are hung on stick at the entrance of your house. Why? Because Demons hate bad smells didn't you know that? Drive out the demon and drive bad fortune! </p>Suzakuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01250371140846410038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635063650052714255.post-85972144016028664052008-08-10T15:36:00.002+07:002008-08-10T15:42:08.113+07:00Kenkoku Kinenbi<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5cw7L4qacdfDBNeXsTdayWfZi_dvvz8_NfKL0Es_gHuw_BKv5sdmQNk6hBRkRyYX4FOI1a1GfuJudegpd_loeseTbMDVgrwTyc1i7CTb4zQ9934MdD1GqZBQPMZ3LSSZEfCD8f5MJlMHo/s1600-h/lesson44_03.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 159px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5cw7L4qacdfDBNeXsTdayWfZi_dvvz8_NfKL0Es_gHuw_BKv5sdmQNk6hBRkRyYX4FOI1a1GfuJudegpd_loeseTbMDVgrwTyc1i7CTb4zQ9934MdD1GqZBQPMZ3LSSZEfCD8f5MJlMHo/s320/lesson44_03.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232806397506316610" border="0" /></a><strong>February 11 is Kenkoku Kinenbi, or National Foundation Day,</strong> a national holiday in Japan. It is to remind them of there countries founders, and to show appreciation of their country. <p>In January 1873 Japan switched to the Gregorian calendar system, from the original Japanese Lunar Calendar. On this day the first Emperor of Japan was enthroned. Emperor Jinmu, the first Japanese Emperor. On this day it was also declared a national holiday, Kigensetsu. </p> <p><span class="bold">Well by looking at the Nihon Shoki</span> (The Chronicles of Japan) and comparing to the Japanese Lunar Calendar, February 11 was determined as the day of enthronement by calculating the date in the solar calendar corresponding to the date recorded in the Nihon Shoki.</p><p>Many Japanese believe that the enthroning of Emperor Jinmu, as described in the Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan), was not a historical fact but folklore. Before World War II government offices and schools throughout Japan held all sorts of celebrations on Kigensetsu, but after the war, the holiday was abolished for various reasons. Many people kept voicing that they wanted the return of the holiday. So much so they kept voicing themselves, until in 1966. In 1966 Kigen Setsu was again made a national holiday, but renamed Kenkoku Kinenbi, or National Foundation Day.</p>Suzakuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01250371140846410038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635063650052714255.post-39962525777112957432008-08-10T15:16:00.002+07:002008-08-10T15:28:13.281+07:00Hina Matsuri<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBICXI7_NBeZ-cgRr2r4oFxNL6XqHy638iDEeGu0xEkDdqCUsyV2yMzfe9F2Rc77qs5lI4ssu3NjMmPvl1wfGimf5yriUnizxVny35MkmnOsSN3dhWUuok4Ho-DhULZHx1Ow9qXj2ZSXc/s1600-h/450px-Hinamatsuri.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBICXI7_NBeZ-cgRr2r4oFxNL6XqHy638iDEeGu0xEkDdqCUsyV2yMzfe9F2Rc77qs5lI4ssu3NjMmPvl1wfGimf5yriUnizxVny35MkmnOsSN3dhWUuok4Ho-DhULZHx1Ow9qXj2ZSXc/s320/450px-Hinamatsuri.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232801461593249634" border="0" /></a><br />The Japanese <strong>Doll Festival</strong> (<em><strong>Hina-matsuri</strong></em>), or <strong>Girls' Day,</strong> is held March 3, the third day of the third month. Platforms with a red cloth <em></em> are used to display a set of ornamental dolls (<em>hina-ningy</em>) representing the Emperor, Empress, attendants, and musicians in traditional court dress of the Heian period. <p>This is a day to pray for young girl's growth and happiness. It is also called "Momo no sekku (Peach Festival)" because of the peach blossom season on the old lunar calendar.</p> <p>The custom of displaying dolls began during the Heian period. Formerly, people believed the dolls possessed the power to contain bad spirits, and would thus protect the owner.</p> <p>Hinamatsuri traces its origins to an ancient Japanese custom called (<span></span> <em>Hina-nagashi</em>, lit. <em>doll floating</em>), in which paper dolls are put into a boat and sent down a river to the sea, supposedly taking troubles or bad spirits with them.</p><p>The customary drink for the festival is <em>amazake</em>, a sweet, non-alcoholic version of sake made from fermented rice; the customary food is colored <em>arare</em>, bite-sized crackers flavored with soy sauce.</p> <p><img class="border-pad" src="http://japanlinked.com/images/content/hinamatsuri3.jpg" alt="Hinmatsuri" align="right" height="160" width="120" />A popular superstition states that if the family forgets to retire the whole set before the night of March 4, the girl will not marry before the next year.</p><p> Most families with girls display "hina-ningyo" and dedicate peach blossoms to them. They are usually arranged on a five or seven-tiered stand covered with a red carpet. At the top are the Emperor and Empress. The next step contains three court ladies (sannin-kanjo), followed by five musicians (gonin-bayashi), two ministers (udaijin and sadaijin), and three servants ending the bottom row in a five-tiered display. There are also small pieces of furniture, small meal dishes, and other things.</p>Suzakuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01250371140846410038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635063650052714255.post-23948525233776709012008-08-10T15:06:00.002+07:002008-08-10T15:10:14.697+07:00Hanami<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9_7gOeJA6tUW9DuFKxDZopVfPoS7biQXiJGgJCqP1FFkAV02l4qLi9kcurRNRoV3gpTcgQKuJq7zJ-MeA9vcuH5tNv_DzPfgfQ4BVjeWNWV_G0mc4G-3XqP4_GlkMez_LKAHkdX4aGXSP/s1600-h/hanami.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9_7gOeJA6tUW9DuFKxDZopVfPoS7biQXiJGgJCqP1FFkAV02l4qLi9kcurRNRoV3gpTcgQKuJq7zJ-MeA9vcuH5tNv_DzPfgfQ4BVjeWNWV_G0mc4G-3XqP4_GlkMez_LKAHkdX4aGXSP/s320/hanami.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232798068592566706" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Hanami</span></span> is an anual event held across Japan. In modern-day Japan, hanami mostly consists of having an outdoor party under the sakura tree during daytime or at night. Hanami at night is called <em>yozakura</em> (lit. "night sakura"). In many places such as Ueno Park temporary paper lanterns are hung for the purpose of yozakura. It is most popular when the flowers are falling from the tree. In the more polpular viewing areas in Tokyo, and other large cities you must mark the place you want to view the cherry blossoms well in advance. <p>The practice of hanami s centuries old. The custom is said to have started during the Nara Period (710?784) when the Chinese Tang Dynasty influenced Japan in many ways; one of which was the custom of enjoying flowers. Though it was ume blossoms that people admired in the beginning, by the Heian Period, sakura came to attract more attention.</p><p>In more than half of Japan, the cherry blossoming period coincides with the beginning of the scholastic and fiscal years, and so welcoming parties are often opened with hanami.</p><p>Today, people continue with the tradition of Hanami, gathering in great numbers wherever the flowering trees are found. Thousands of people fill the parks to hold feasts under the flowering trees, and sometimes these parties go on until late at night. </p> <p>Everyone usualy drinks sake or beer, while eating bento and snacks. The idea is just to enjoy watching the cherry blossoms in the company of friends. </p>Suzakuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01250371140846410038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635063650052714255.post-84056417875626366072008-08-10T15:02:00.000+07:002008-08-10T15:04:18.654+07:00Kenpo Kinenbi<img src="http://www.japanlinked.com/about_japan/images/flag.jpg" alt=" " align="left" height="213" hspace="2" vspace="2" width="160" /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Kenpo Kinenbi</span></span> - Constitution Day, celebrated on May 3, is a patriotic holiday in Japan. The day commemorates the date when the post-war Japanese constitution was enacted. The most famous part of this constitution is Article 9 which prohibits Japan from participating in war activities, except in cases of self-defense. It is also part of Golden Week. . Expect to pay two times the average flight price. This also affects foreign destinations as well. <p>Japan’s constitution went into effect on May 3, 1947 and replaced the constitution from the Meiji era. The current Japanese Constitution was based off of a draft presented by U.S. General Douglas MacArthur at the close of World War II. The Japanese constitution is a point of pride for the citizens of the country.</p> <p>Major changes that were made:<br /> <br /> -The emperor loses all governmental power and his position is purely symbolic.<br /> - Sovereign power lies with the people (self-govern).<br /> -Complete division of the legislative, judiciary and executive powers.<br /> -Prohibition of leading war or maintaining an army.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.japanlinked.com/about_japan/images/kenpodiet.jpg" alt="Kenpokinenbi Diet Building" align="left" height="150" width="201" />According to Japanese law, a day that falls between 2 national holidays is also declared a national holiday. So, Between Day (now called Greenery day) was named as the holiday that falls between Kenpo Kinenbi and Kodomo no hi during Golden Week. This is also popular holiday for the uyoku right-wingers. They can be seen parading through town in their black speaker trucks, speaking against the constitution.ay two times the average flight price. This also affects foreign destinations as well. </p>Suzakuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01250371140846410038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635063650052714255.post-28415133304994960692008-08-10T14:39:00.002+07:002008-08-10T14:53:36.809+07:00Midori No Hi - Greenery Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fCwHsWWt8vGFurFM1Q_q293UXlC7jSmWZ9vJdBxNKnbqRrQgmMEqiIkY7l4V2ryt3xJ9tHkRm9D_kMTCnkZzAS0S5vBXwcD_WoTqJKD8Pe1EOcaVhc1VPNJ1A96vPY0vdqAEuWsyb7rE/s1600-h/midori.GIF"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fCwHsWWt8vGFurFM1Q_q293UXlC7jSmWZ9vJdBxNKnbqRrQgmMEqiIkY7l4V2ryt3xJ9tHkRm9D_kMTCnkZzAS0S5vBXwcD_WoTqJKD8Pe1EOcaVhc1VPNJ1A96vPY0vdqAEuWsyb7rE/s320/midori.GIF" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232793490619932050" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">May 4 is Midori No Hi</span> - Greenery Day, It is a national holiday in Japan. It is used to be celebrated as the birthday of the late Emperor Showa, since 1989, following the accession to the Chrysanthemum Throne of the current Emperor Akihito, the name "Birthday of the Emperor" was changed to "Greenery Day” due to the late Emperor’s love of the greenery of the nation. It is also part of Golden Week. <p>After Emperor Showa's death the day still remained a holiday, but as a holiday to appreciate nature Many parks have activities involving tree planting and informative talks on environmental issues. This holiday is geared to increasing the awareness and love of nature by the people of Japan. Each year on this date, thousands of volunteers are mobilized to plant trees, to clean natural sites and to take part in public-awareness campaigns of their fellow-citizens about the environmental protection.</p><p>Officially, as its name suggests, it is a day to commune with nature, to be thankful for blessings, and to foster an abundant spirit.<br /></p>Suzakuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01250371140846410038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635063650052714255.post-42394301860321815272008-08-10T14:32:00.002+07:002008-08-10T14:37:11.764+07:00Kodomo No Hi Childrens Day<div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 0, 0); font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Kodomo No Hi Childrens Day<br /><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://www.japanlinked.com/about_japan/images/kabuto.gif" alt=" kodomo no hi kabuto samurai helmet" align="left" height="165" hspace="2" vspace="2" width="160" />Kodomo No Hi (Children's Day) falls on May 5th and is one of the most popular national holidays in Japan. Although it is called Children's Day, it originally started as “Tango no Sekku” (Boy's Day) similar to Hinamatsuri (Girl's Day). <p>After World War II it was changed to celebrate the health and growth of all children, in hopes of uplifting the spirits of Japan.<br /></p><p><br /><img src="http://www.japanlinked.com/about_japan/images/Koinobori4797.jpg" alt="koinobori carp flag" align="left" height="240" hspace="2" vspace="2" width="160" /> Families hoist Koinobori (cloth carp streamers). These can range in size from a few feet to several meters in length. Koinobori are believed to be strong, spirited fish that are known for their determination in fighting up streams and through powerful waterfalls. Some are hung off balconies and others are hoisted up on huge flag poles. It is also a part of Golden Week.</p><p><img src="http://www.japanlinked.com/about_japan/images/gogatsu-ningyo.JPG" alt=" gogatsu ningyo may doll" align="right" height="96" hspace="2" vspace="2" width="160" />Gogatsu-Ningyo (Dolls for boys) are put<br />on display in homes. The dolls are patterned after samurai warriors and heroes, and their armaments, such as Kintaro, Momotaro and others that symbolize courage.<br /><br />Some families also display a Kabuto (samurai helmet). To drive away bad spirits and celebrate the future of their sons. </p><p><img src="http://www.japanlinked.com/about_japan/images/iris.JPG" alt=" iris flowers in bloom" align="left" height="120" hspace="2" vspace="2" width="160" />Iris flowers bloom during this time, and are placed in the home to ward off evil. Some families still practice the ancient practice of taking a Syobuyu (a bath with floating iris leaves). This is said to have medicinal values. </p> <p>Families also eat Kashiwa-Mochi (a rice cake stuffed with bean paste and wrapped with oak leaves) and Chimaki (a dumpling wrapped in<img src="http://www.japanlinked.com/about_japan/images/Kashiwa-Mochi.jpg" alt="Kashiwa mochi" align="right" height="107" hspace="2" vspace="2" width="160" /> bamboo leaves).</p><br /><p><br /></p></div></div>Suzakuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01250371140846410038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635063650052714255.post-9327894020441038092008-08-03T18:16:00.002+07:002008-12-11T11:52:15.368+07:00May Golden Week<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpagr1xy8foKbNhXusfONIQHEoRShyrtLtO43g8NANBiUZzSl3KYs04FLHmQKfaBdGJ9ZjlwpuqiDhj0BUJGa5HA9uQTo2C_h825jp0cuQ4ikDFc2jAPN28WJMxjt0Ne30qLbh_jYJkmfG/s1600-h/483889465_1805dbaea5_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpagr1xy8foKbNhXusfONIQHEoRShyrtLtO43g8NANBiUZzSl3KYs04FLHmQKfaBdGJ9ZjlwpuqiDhj0BUJGa5HA9uQTo2C_h825jp0cuQ4ikDFc2jAPN28WJMxjt0Ne30qLbh_jYJkmfG/s320/483889465_1805dbaea5_o.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230250156377513026" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;">May Golden Week<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left; font-weight: normal;">Golden week is one of Japans busiest travel periods. Many Japanese take paid time off work during the holiday few days during the week that holidays fall on, but some companies also close down completely and give their employees time off. <div class="KonaBody"><p> </p></div> <p> The longest vacation period of the year for most Japanese jobs, Golden Week is an extremely popular time to travel. Flights, trains, and hotels are often fully booked despite significantly higher rates at this time. Expect to pay two times the average flight price. This also affects foreign destinations as well.</p><p>The holidays that make golden week are as follows:</p><p>April 29th<br /> <strong>Showa No Hi<br />Showa Day:</strong><br />The birthday of former Emperor Showa. Before 2007, April 29 was known as Greenery Day (now celebrated on May 4). </p> <p>May 3rd<br /> <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">kenpo kinebi</span><br />Constitution Mermorial Day:</strong><br />A national holiday remembering the new constitution, which was put into effect after the war. </p><p>May 4th<br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;">midori no hi</span><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br />Greeny day</span>:</strong><br />Until 2006, Greenery Day was celebrated on April 29, the former Emperor Showa's birthday, due to the emperor's love for plants and nature. </p> May 5th<br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Kodomo no hi</span><strong><a href="http://www.japanlinked.com/about_japan/fha/kodomonohi.html"><br /></a>Children Days<br /></strong> Also called boy's festival.</div></div>Suzakuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01250371140846410038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635063650052714255.post-81793537329120182252008-08-03T18:07:00.002+07:002008-12-11T11:52:15.485+07:00Hanamatsuri<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGHBNrl7MCmEnsF6m5yuh6HXAJ1KAwQ3QCHsf6cGa-OMzjsDAJ3nhoaw2dNwf8Qa2jiu41FtlDWBUVCRXC3tJOpMVc5TKY2-o3CnYkTES7msAObz-omoEfiAv_h1l1VCeKM60EIPx-Esmq/s1600-h/hanamatsuri.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGHBNrl7MCmEnsF6m5yuh6HXAJ1KAwQ3QCHsf6cGa-OMzjsDAJ3nhoaw2dNwf8Qa2jiu41FtlDWBUVCRXC3tJOpMVc5TKY2-o3CnYkTES7msAObz-omoEfiAv_h1l1VCeKM60EIPx-Esmq/s320/hanamatsuri.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230247709117633202" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Hanamatsuri<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hanamatsuri </span>meaning "flower festival",is a festival in spring when flowers flourish but the most famous reason for this day is to celebrate Sakyamuni Buddha's birthday on April 8th. It is also called Kanbutsue or Goutane. Altars are erected and decorated with flowers around a statue of baby Buddha. Amacha or Sweet Tea is poured on the Buddha's head.</span> <p style="font-weight: normal;">The nature of the festival varies greatly from region to region, and often appears to have the characteristics of older spring festivals: driving out devils or praying for the coming harvest. It is not a public holiday</p> <p style="font-weight: normal;">The nature of the festival varies greatly from region to region, and often appears to have the characteristics of older spring festivals: driving out devils or praying for the coming harvest. It is not a public holiday</p><p>Hanamatsuri is a day when many people show of arts, and skills. Events are held to demonstrate, martial arts, and onther crafts of Japan. Aichi has a famous festival, int he town of Toei. The highlight of the festival is, "The Oni no mai," dance of the demon. An Oni looks like a demon, but actually it is an embodiment of the god. Our ancestors believed that the god would appear as a demon to make their wishes come true. </p></div></div>Suzakuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01250371140846410038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635063650052714255.post-62918140977520114592008-08-03T17:57:00.002+07:002008-08-03T17:59:18.058+07:00Valentine's Day in Japan<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> Valentine's Day in Japan<br /><br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: left;">Valentine's Day is a day where women, give candy, chocolate or flowers to people they like. This has become an obligation for many women in Japan. Those who work in offices end up giving chocolates to all their male co-workers, sometimes at significant personal expense. In Japan it would be considered rude not to. <p>In 1958, a department store in Tokyo first held an original event called "Valentine Sale" to promote their chocolate products in February. Although this creative idea ended in failure - only 3 pieces of chocolate were bought during the event - still, it was an interesting beginning.</p> <h2>Types of Chocolate gifts in Japan<br /></h2><p>The chocolate given to a co-worker on valentines day is known as "giri-choko" (義理チョコ), from the words <em>giri</em> ("obligation") and "choko", a common short version of "chokor?to" (チョコレート), meaning "chocolate". </p> <p>Chocolates for someone you love or have a good strong relationship with, is known as honmei-choko </p> <p>But it is not fair that girls have only the role of giving chocolate on St Valentine's Day. They want to enjoy these scrumptious sweets as well! Therefore, "ToMo Choco" ( which means chocolate of friendship ) started to be exchanged among girls.<em>tomo-choko</em> (友チョコ); <em>tomo</em> means "friend" in Japanese.</p><h2>What about the girls? White Day in Japan was created<br /></h2><p>In contrast to valentines white day was established. White day is on march 14th, where men are expected to return the favour to those who gave chocolate to them on valentines day. Most men only give to their girlfriends, or significant others. Originally, the return gift was supposed to be white chocolate or marshmallows; hence "White Day". However, many men give more exotic gifts including, jewlery, or lingerie.</p><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"></span></span></div></div>Suzakuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01250371140846410038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635063650052714255.post-57412016409746683542008-08-03T17:39:00.004+07:002008-08-03T17:53:47.420+07:00Japanese National Anthem<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0); font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> Japanese National Anthem<br /><br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"> Do you know the Japanese National anthem? Have you ever even heard it?<br />Well if your like me then your answer will probably be no. So add this to your knowledge of Japanese Culture! <p> </p><p> </p><table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2" height="189" width="539"><tbody><tr> <td colspan="3" width="259"><p class="aboutjapanleft">The anthem is a Waka Poem from the Heian period, which was later sung to a melody from the Meiji Era</p></td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="3"><br /></td> </tr> <tr valign="top"> <td colspan="1"><br /></td> <td colspan="2"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="aboutjapantitle">Furigana</span><br /> <span class="aboutjapanleft"><br /> Kimi ga yo wa<br /> Chiyo ni<br /> yachiyo ni<br /> Sazare ishi no<br /> Iwao to narite<br /> Koke no musu made</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p><strong> </strong><span class="aboutjapantitle"><strong>English Translation</strong><br /> </span><br /> May your reign<br /> Continue for a thousand years.<br /> And last for eight thousand of generations<br /> Until pebbles<br /> Turn into boulders<br /> And covered with Moss</p><p><img src="http://www.japanlinked.com/Images/anthemscore.png" alt="Kimi ga yo score" height="322" width="420" /> </p><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0); font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"></span></span></div></div>Suzakuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01250371140846410038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635063650052714255.post-37942234597284541672008-08-03T17:28:00.002+07:002008-08-03T17:36:26.637+07:00Sushi Etiquette<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> Sushi Etiquette<br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: left;">Rest your chopsticks properly. If eating at a sushi bar, place your chopsticks in front of you, parallel to the edge of the bar, with the narrow ends on the "Hashioki" (a small item to rest your chopsticks) this is the most polite way to rest your chopsticks during any occasion. While it is not as polite to place them on the plate, if you do, place your chopsticks across your plate, not leaning on your plate, or haphazardly strewn across your plate. <h2>Know Your Sushi </h2><p>Know the difference between:<br /> <br />"Nigiri," (pieces of fish, shellfish, or fish roe over rice balls). <img src="http://www.japanlinked.com/about_japan/images/nigiri.jpg" alt="Nigiri Sushi" align="left" height="139" width="186" /><br /></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>"Makizushi" (rolled in seaweed)<br /><img src="http://www.japanlinked.com/about_japan/images/maki.jpg" alt="Makizushi" height="175" width="194" /><br /><br />"Temaki" (hand rolls).<br /><img src="http://www.japanlinked.com/about_japan/images/temaki.jpeg" alt="Temaki" height="168" width="250" /></p><p>"Sashimi" (sliced/chilled raw fish without rice).<br /> <img src="http://www.japanlinked.com/about_japan/images/sashimi.jpg" alt="Sashimi" height="153" width="242" /></p><h2>Picking Up Sushi </h2><p>Use the fat end of your chopsticks to pick up sushi from a communal platter, or when serving someone else. </p> <p> Never pass food from one set of chopsticks to another. During Japanese funeral rituals, family members pass bones of the deceased to each other by chopsticks. Passing food from one set of chopsticks to another mimics this ritual, and is therefore considered extremely impolite and offensive. If you must pass something to another person, pick it up, and place it on their dish, remember to use the fat end of your chopsticks. They can then pick it up with their own chopsticks. </p><div class="KonaBody"><h2> Eating Sushi<br /></h2><p>Nigiri sushi:<br />Always dip your "Nigiri-sushi" upside-down in the Soy Sauce and eat it "rice-side up." Don't pinch it too hard with your shop sticks, and place it so the fish touches your tongue. (The soy sauce will cause the rice to fall apart.)<br />Sushi should be eaten in one bite if possible, but taking two bites is generally acceptable. However, don't put the sushi back on the plate if you bit it in half already. Once you pick it up, eat all of it.<br />Feel free to use your fingers as utensils. Wipe your hands on a damp towel, if they provide you with one. But generally, use your fingers for sushi, and use chopsticks for sashimi.<br />Clean off your plate. It is impolite to leave a grain of rice on your plate. </p></div> </p><div class="fullpost">Ask the chef what's good, and let him pick for you, especially if it's your first time eating sushi. This shows your respect for what he does, and maybe you'll get a good snack. If you're in Japan, buy the chef a drink, like sake or beer, as a compliment.<h2>Use Japanese </h2><p>Learn a few polite Japanese words and phrases, like:<br /> <br /> "Arigatou", Thank you. or<br />"Arigatou Gozaimasu", Thank you very much.<br /><br />Before eating, say "Itadakimasu!" and when you're done, say "Gochisousama Deshita!" This is what Japanese say before and after they eat.<br /><br />When asking for a waiter/waitress say "Sumimasen". This is the equivalent of saying "excuse me"</p><h2>Sushi Ettiqutte Tips </h2><table style="border: 1px solid rgb(51, 51, 51);" align="center" border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="400"><tbody><tr><td height="100" valign="top"><li class="border-pad">If there is tea available, drink it with one hand holding it, while the other hand supports it from underneath. (Men don't have to do this.)</li> <br /><li class="border-pad">If there is sake for drinking or bottled beer, it is boorish to pour sake for yourself. Pour some into cups for others, and let your companions pour for you.</li><br /> <li class="border-pad">The purpose of the soy sauce is to flavor the fish, not the rice.</li></td></tr></tbody></table><h2> Word of Warning Whe Eating Sushi<br /></h2><table style="border: 1px solid rgb(51, 51, 51);" align="center" border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="400"><tbody><tr><td height="100" valign="top"><li class="border-pad">Don't play with your chopsticks!</li> <div align="left"><li class="border-pad">Use a scant amount of soy sauce. It is impolite to fill up your dish with excess soy sauce.</li></div> <li class="border-pad">It's just fine to put a a small amount of wasabi on your sushi; likewise, it's fine to tell the chef (Itamae-san) that you don't want any wasabi. it will never be taken as an insult. Just use the phrase "wasabi nuki de kudasai." Some folks just don't like wasabi.</li> <li class="border-pad">Don't expect the chef to handle the money. Have another employee assist you. People who handle the food never touch the money. </li> <li class="border-pad">Don't ask for knives, as sushi is not that tough to eat!</li> <li class="border-pad">Never stick your chopsticks in food, standing upright. This is rude, and resembles the incense at a funeral.</li></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.japanlinked.com">Source : www.japanlinked.com</a><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"></span></span></div></div></div>Suzakuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01250371140846410038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635063650052714255.post-3913418470700944272008-08-03T17:23:00.002+07:002008-08-03T17:26:09.055+07:00Cosplay<div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"> Cosplay</span><br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><p><a href="http://www.japanlinked.com/forum/index.php?action=gallery&g2_itemId=3932"><img class="border-pad" src="http://www.japanlinked.com/about_japan/images/maki1.jpg" alt="Cosplay" align="left" border="0" height="200" width="133" /></a></p> <img class="border-pad" src="http://www.japanlinked.com/about_japan/images/cos.jpg" alt="Cosplay" align="right" height="200" width="147" />Cosplay is a contraction of the two words costume and role play. Cosplay is centered on dressing like ones favorite anime, manga, and/or video game character. Some even make up there own costume from none of the above. Either way most are hand crafted. Countless hours spent on the finest details in there costume. There are also some that can be store bought but that depends on your budget and creativity. <h2>Where Can Cosplay Be Found?</h2><p><img class="border-pad" src="http://www.japanlinked.com/about_japan/images/fashion/cosplay3.jpg" alt="Cosplay" align="right" height="180" width="240" />Many people who cosplay (deemed cosplayers) can be found at your favorite conventions such as Animazment, Comiket, Otakan, and many others. Many conventions will have a masque, costume contest and cosplay chess. These games and others along with special attention make cosplaying especially popular in the US. But what really pushed cosplaying in the state was the imported Japanese anime. Bleach, Cowboy Bebop, and Naruto are a crowd favorite to immolate. </p><p> </p><h2>Not Just in Japan!</h2><p>So all in all cosplay is a growing hobby through out the world. It's the people who are truly dedicated to there particular piece of Japanese culture you see dressed up and we will continue to see out at our favorite conventions. So when you see them you will hopefully not judge but understand that if you are't dressed up you are missing out!</p><p> </p><h2>Cosplay Venues in Japan</h2><p><img class="border-pad" src="http://www.japanlinked.com/about_japan/images/alcatrazER.jpg" alt="Alcatraz E.R. Cosplay" align="left" height="200" width="131" /><img class="border-pad" src="http://www.japanlinked.com/about_japan/images/miacafe.jpg" alt="MIA CAfe Cosplay" align="right" height="200" width="133" /><span class="bold"><strong>Alcatraz E.R.</strong> (Shibuya),</span> Harvest Building 2F, 2-13-5 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; tel (03) 3770-7100; www.hy-japan.com. Open 5 p.m.-midnight, Sun.-Thurs., and 5 p.m.-4 a.m., Fri.-Sat. Table charge 600 yen per person. Drinks from 600 yen; original Alcatraz cocktails from 700 yen.</p> <strong><span class="bold">MIA-Cafe</span></strong><br /> Postal code 101-0021<br /> Meiji-Bld 1F Sotokanda 3-1-2 Chiyoda-ku Tokyo Japan<br /> Open Hours<br />Mon-Fri : 12:00-22:00 (last order 21:30)<br />Sat-Sun: 11:00-22:00 (last order 21:30)<br />Everyday http://www5f.biglobe.ne.jp/~miacafe/miaeng/ <p> </p><h2>Cosplay in T.V. - Maid in Akihabara</h2><p>Maid in Akihabara is a 6 episode series that was produced in Japan on 2005 and released on February 24, 2006. Each episode ran about 15 minutes, and took place in Akihabara, Tokyo - the cyber city of Japan. The story begins when a woman, named Saki, tries to find a job to hide from a bar gang, since she had worked at a bar before. She ends up getting a job at a Maid cafe called Meido no miyage (Maid's gift). She is the third maid to be joining the cafe. With the addition of being homeless, she lives in a 24h internet cafe. </p><p><img class="border-pad" src="http://www.japanlinked.com/about_japan/images/MaidinAkihabara.jpg" alt="Maid in Akihabara" align="right" height="200" width="267" />Maids</p> <p> * MAKO - Saki<br /> * Miyabi<br /> * Himeko</p> <p>Cast</p> <p> * Kentaro Nakakura<br /> * Takeshi Yoshikoa<br /> * Hajime</p><br /><p><br /></p><p><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.japanlinked.com">Source : www.japanlinked.com</a><br /></p><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"></span></span></div></div>Suzakuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01250371140846410038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635063650052714255.post-18121446727065759362008-08-03T17:14:00.002+07:002008-08-03T17:18:39.163+07:00Japanese Ghosts<div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:180%;"> Japanese Ghosts<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><img class="border-pad" src="http://www.japanlinked.com/Images/goast/okiku.gif" alt=" " align="left" height="280" width="190" /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: normal;" class="aboutjapanleft">Obake, the Japanese "ghost," is exactly what its name suggests: "O" is an honorific prefix, while bake is a noun from bakeru, the verb meaning "undergo change." Japanese ghosts, then, are essentially transformations.</span></span> <p style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="aboutjapantitle">Obake / Bakemono</span></p><div class="fullpost"><br />Literally, "transforming thing." Refers to any type of preternatural being. Comprises yokai and yurei, and can also be used more generally to refer to anything that is weird or grotesque.</span></p><p style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:100%;"> <span class="aboutjapantitle">Yokai</span><br />Literally, "bewitching apparition." Encompasses a wide spectrum of ghouls, goblins and monsters--some frightening, some amusing, and many bizarre. Yokai usually appear at dawn or dusk.</span></p><p style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="border-pad"><span style="font-size:100%;">Yurei<br />Literally, "dim/hazy/faint spirit." Spirits of the dead who remain among the living for a specific purpose, usually to seek vengeance. Yurei generally appear between 2 and 3 AM.<img class="border-pad" src="http://www.japanlinked.com/Images/goast/goast3.jpg" alt="Yurei Japanese Ghost" align="right" height="350" width="245" /></span></p><p style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="border-pad"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="aboutjapantitle">Oni</span><br />"Demons" or "ogres." Ferocious creatures with horns and fangs that are best known for manning the gates of the various Buddhist hells and performing some of the tortures that take place in them.</span></p><p style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="border-pad"><span style="font-size:100%;"><img class="border-pad" src="http://www.japanlinked.com/Images/goast/ghost1.jpg" alt="Japanese Ghost" align="left" height="278" width="200" /></span></p><p style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="border-pad"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="border-pad"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="border-pad"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></div> <p style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="border-pad"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="border-pad"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Check these movies out for a good Japanese scare:</span></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="border-pad"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> THE GRUDGE</span><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Hollywood meets Japanese Horror.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> RING</span><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Our look at one of Japan's scariest movies.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> JIGOKU (HELL)</span><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> The classic 1960 cinematic glimpse of Purgatory.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> CURE</span><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Our review of this unnerving supernatural thriller.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> KWAIDAN</span><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Homepage for Japanese restless spirits.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> JAPANESE GHOSTS</span><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> A history of Japanese Ghost stories.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> HARAPAN</span><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Fabulous collection of Japanese Ghost stories.</span></span></p><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="border-pad"><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span></p><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="border-pad"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.japanlinked.com/">Source : www.japanlinked.com</a><br /></span></span> </p></div></div></div>Suzakuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01250371140846410038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635063650052714255.post-84834265225152654162008-08-03T16:54:00.003+07:002008-08-03T17:08:09.377+07:00Japanese Lunar Calendar<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 51);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> Japanese Lunar Calendar</span></span><br /></div><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">The Japanese lunar calendar</span>, more commonly know as the Chinese calendar, is based on the moon phases. Today it is not commonly used, because it does not dived evenly between the 12 lunar months. Today the Gregorian calendar is commonly used in Japan. Although terms are still commonly used from the Japanese lunar calendar, days of good and bad luck, and holidays associated with the lunar year.</span><br /></p><div class="fullpost"><br /><br /><table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" width="500"><tbody><tr><td class="shoppingtitle" colspan="4"><h2>The twelve animals of Japanese zodiac are:</h2></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="shopping" width="64">Animal</td> <td class="shopping" width="74"><br /></td> <td class="shopping" width="97">Hiragana / Katakana </td> <td class="shopping" width="379">What year where you born in? Year of the Tiger? </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="shoppingleft"><p>Rat</p></td> <td class="shoppingleft"><br /></td> <td class="shoppingleft">Nezumi</td> <td class="shoppingleft">1996, 1984, 1972, 1960, 1948, 1936, 1924, </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="shoppingleft">Ox</td> <td class="shoppingleft"><br /></td> <td class="shoppingleft">Ushi</td> <td class="shoppingleft">1997, 1985, 1973, 1961, 1949, 1937, 1925, </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="shoppingleft">Tiger</td> <td class="shoppingleft"><br /></td> <td class="shoppingleft">Tora</td> <td class="shoppingleft">1998, 1986, 1974, 1962, 1950, 1938, 1926, </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="shoppingleft">Rabbit</td> <td class="shoppingleft"><br /></td> <td class="shoppingleft">Usagi</td> <td class="shoppingleft">1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951, 1939, 1927, </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="shoppingleft">Dragon</td> <td class="shoppingleft"><br /></td> <td class="shoppingleft">Tatsu</td> <td class="shoppingleft">2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, 1952, 1940, 1928, </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="shoppingleft">Snake</td> <td class="shoppingleft"><br /></td> <td class="shoppingleft">Hebi</td> <td class="shoppingleft">2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, 1953, 1941, 1929, </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="shoppingleft">Horse</td> <td class="shoppingleft"><br /></td> <td class="shoppingleft">Uma</td> <td class="shoppingleft">2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, 1942, 1930, </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="shoppingleft">Sheep</td> <td class="shoppingleft"><br /></td> <td class="shoppingleft">Hitsuji</td> <td class="shoppingleft">2003, 1991, 1979, 1967, 1955, 1943, 1931, </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="shoppingleft">Monkey </td> <td class="shoppingleft"><br /></td> <td class="shoppingleft">Saru</td> <td class="shoppingleft">2004, 1992, 1980, 1968, 1956, 1944, 1932, </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="shoppingleft">Rooster</td> <td class="shoppingleft"><br /></td> <td class="shoppingleft">Tori</td> <td class="shoppingleft">2005, 1981, 1969, 1957, 1945, 1933, 1921, </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="shoppingleft">Dog </td> <td class="shoppingleft"><br /></td> <td class="shoppingleft">Inu</td> <td class="shoppingleft">2006, 1982, 1970, 1958, 1946, 1934, 1922, </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="shoppingleft">Boar</td> <td class="shoppingleft"><br /></td> <td class="shoppingleft">Inoshishi</td> <td class="shoppingleft">2007, 1983, 1971, 1959, 1947, 1935, 1923,</td></tr></tbody></table><table border="1" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="500"><tbody><tr><td colspan="4"><h2>The Japanese Lunar Calendar is Divided Into 24 Seasonal Distinctions:</h2></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="shopping" width="174">Date (This is approximate) </td> <td class="shopping" width="102"><br /></td> <td class="shopping" width="147">Romaji</td> <td class="shopping" width="171">Meaning</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="shoppingleft">January 5th</td> <td class="shoppingleft"><br /></td> <td class="shoppingleft">shokan</td> <td class="shoppingleft">Moderate Cold </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="shoppingleft"><p>January 21st </p> </td> <td class="shoppingleft"><br /></td> <td class="shoppingleft">taikan</td> <td class="shoppingleft">Severe Cold</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="shoppingleft">February 3rd / 4th</td> <td class="shoppingleft"><br /></td> <td class="shoppingleft">risshun</td> <td class="shoppingleft">Spring Begins </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="shoppingleft">February 19th</td> <td class="shoppingleft"><br /></td> <td class="shoppingleft">amamizu</td> <td class="shoppingleft">Rain Water </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="shoppingleft">March 6th</td> <td class="shoppingleft"><br /></td> <td class="shoppingleft">kaichitsu</td> <td class="shoppingleft">Insects Awaken </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="shoppingleft">March 21st</td> <td class="shoppingleft"><br /></td> <td class="shoppingleft">shunbun</td> <td class="shoppingleft">Vernal Equinox</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="shoppingleft">April 5th</td> <td class="shoppingleft"><br /></td> <td class="shoppingleft">seimyou</td> <td class="shoppingleft">Pure Brightness </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="shoppingleft">April 20th</td> <td class="shoppingleft"><br /></td> <td class="shoppingleft">kokuu</td> <td class="shoppingleft">Grain Rain </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="shoppingleft">May 6th</td> <td class="shoppingleft"><br /></td> <td class="shoppingleft">rikka</td> <td class="shoppingleft">Summer Begins </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="shoppingleft"><p>May 21st </p> </td> <td class="shoppingleft"><br /></td> <td class="shoppingleft">koumitsu</td> <td class="shoppingleft">Grain Fills </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="shoppingleft">June 6th</td> <td class="shoppingleft"><br /></td> <td class="shoppingleft">boushu</td> <td class="shoppingleft">Awn Appears </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="shoppingleft">June 21st</td> <td class="shoppingleft"><br /></td> <td class="shoppingleft">geshi</td> <td class="shoppingleft">Summer Solstice</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="shoppingleft">July 7th </td> <td class="shoppingleft"><br /></td> <td class="shoppingleft">shousho</td> <td class="shoppingleft">Moderate Heat </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="shoppingleft">July 23rd </td> <td class="shoppingleft"><br /></td> <td class="shoppingleft">daisho</td> <td class="shoppingleft">Great Heat </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="shoppingleft">August 8th</td> <td class="shoppingleft"><br /></td> <td class="shoppingleft"><p>rishuu</p> </td> <td class="shoppingleft">Autumn Begins </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="shoppingleft">August 23rd</td> <td class="shoppingleft"><br /></td> <td class="shoppingleft">shuubun</td> <td class="shoppingleft">Heat Ends </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="shoppingleft">September 8th</td> <td class="shoppingleft"><br /></td> <td class="shoppingleft">kanro</td> <td class="shoppingleft">White Dew </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="shoppingleft">September 23rd</td> <td class="shoppingleft"><br /></td> <td class="shoppingleft">shimo ori </td> <td class="shoppingleft">Autumn Equinox </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="shoppingleft">October 8th</td> <td class="shoppingleft"><br /></td> <td class="shoppingleft">ritou</td> <td class="shoppingleft">Cold Dew </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="shoppingleft">October 23rd </td> <td class="shoppingleft"><br /></td> <td class="shoppingleft">shousetsu</td> <td class="shoppingleft">Frost Decends </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="shoppingleft">November 7th </td> <td class="shoppingleft"><br /></td> <td class="shoppingleft">taisetsu</td> <td class="shoppingleft">Winter Begins</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="shoppingleft">November 22nd</td> <td class="shoppingleft"><br /></td> <td class="shoppingleft">touji</td> <td class="shoppingleft">Light Snow </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="shoppingleft">December 6th</td> <td class="shoppingleft"><br /></td> <td class="shoppingleft">shoukan</td> <td class="shoppingleft">Heavy Snow </td> </tr> <tr> <td class="shoppingleft">December 22nd</td> <td class="shoppingleft"><br /></td> <td class="shoppingleft">taikan</td> <td class="shoppingleft">Winter Solstice</td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><table border="2" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="500"><tbody><tr><td class="shoppingtitle" colspan="3"><h2>There is a new and old way to say the months. In modern Japan the English calendar can be seen quite commonly. </h2></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="shopping" width="85">English</td> <td style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="shopping" colspan="1">Modern japanese<br /></td> <td style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="shopping" colspan="1">Old Japanese<br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="shoppingleft"> </td> <td style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" class="shoppingleft" width="91">Romaji<br /></td> <td style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" class="shoppingleft" width="78">Romaji</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="shoppingleft">January</td> <td class="shoppingleft">ichigatsu</td> <td class="shoppingleft">mutsuki</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="shoppingleft">February</td> <td class="shoppingleft">nigatsu</td> <td class="shoppingleft">kisaragi</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="shoppingleft">March</td> <td class="shoppingleft">sangatsu</td> <td class="shoppingleft">yayoi</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="shoppingleft">April</td> <td class="shoppingleft">shigatsu</td> <td class="shoppingleft">uzuki</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="shoppingleft"><p>May</p> </td> <td class="shoppingleft">gogatsu</td> <td class="shoppingleft">satsuki</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="shoppingleft">June</td> <td class="shoppingleft">rokugatsu</td> <td class="shoppingleft">minatsuki</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="shoppingleft">July </td> <td class="shoppingleft">shichigatsu</td> <td class="shoppingleft">fzuki</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="shoppingleft"><p>August </p> </td> <td class="shoppingleft">hachigatsu</td> <td class="shoppingleft">hazuki</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="shoppingleft">September</td> <td class="shoppingleft">kyuugatsu</td> <td class="shoppingleft">nagatsuki</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="shoppingleft">October</td> <td class="shoppingleft">juugatsu</td> <td class="shoppingleft">kanazuki</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="shoppingleft">November</td> <td class="shoppingleft">juuichigatsu</td> <td class="shoppingleft">shimotsuki</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="shoppingleft">December</td> <td class="shoppingleft">juunigatsu</td> <td class="shoppingleft">shihasu</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://www,japanlinked.com">Source : www.japanlinked.com</a></div>Suzakuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01250371140846410038noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635063650052714255.post-2054164524988612572008-08-03T16:29:00.003+07:002008-08-03T16:39:06.783+07:00Gyaru Gal Styles<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Gyaru Gal Styles</span></span><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><p><img style="width: 102px; height: 142px;" src="http://www.japanlinked.com/images/content/gyaruganjiro.jpg" alt="Ganjiro Gyaru Style" align="left" />In Japan most pepole know the common Gyaru GAL Styles such as Kogal, or Ganguro, but most people don't know the difference or actualy how many differnt styles there are! Here is a detailed description of many of the different Gyaru GAL Styles.</p><br /><p><br /></p><br /><h3>Amura <a name="1" title="1"></a></h3><p>A girl who chooses to follow the look of Namie Amuro...who is rumored to have started the kogal fashion trend with her tan skin and light brown hair and pre-disposition to wear tiny skirts and high boots.</p><p> </p><h3>B-Gyaru <a name="2" title="2"></a></h3><p><img class="border-pad" src="http://www.japanlinked.com/about_japan/images/fashion/bgal1.jpg" alt="B-Gyaru Bgyaru" align="left" height="200" width="194" />Despite popular belief B-Gyaru aren't trying to look like Black women, they are copying R&B artists who are predominately African American. The style is distinguishable only by a very dark tan(whereas Yamanba/Ganguro/Gonguro are mostly tan make-up or bronzer, the B-Gyaru tan is 100% permanent with upkeep of course) and the hairstyles which are mostly micro-braids, cornrows, and almost always extensions.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><h3>Banba / Bamba <a name="3" title="3"></a></h3><p><img class="border-pad" src="http://www.japanlinked.com/about_japan/images/fashion/Banba.jpg" alt="Banba Bamba" align="left" height="200" width="267" />The style is much more raaku (rock) than the previous gal styles. The style is characterized by fishnet and bright colors but most importantly high stiletto boots and as much streetwalker apparel as a gal is allowed outside of Las Vegas. Not to be confused with Manba, though the hair styles are very similar. A Banba can be classified by pale or dark skin depending on preference. The teased bee-hive-esque do seem to be a favorite (think Elvira) as well as the bright colors.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><h3>Baika / Bozosoku<a name="4" title="4"></a><br /></h3><p><img class="border-pad" src="http://www.japanlinked.com/about_japan/images/fashion/gals.jpg" alt="Baika Bozosoku" align="left" height="200" width="150" />Biker style is characterized by lots of black/bright colors, and leather, chains, and plaid. The style is usually isolated to Banba/Bambas, but there are exceptions. The style is surprisingly feminine and nods to the Vivienne Westwood-punk-bondage </p><div class="fullpost"> styles of the 70's/80's in the U.K. Light white panda make-up is applied to the corners as well as some black liner for contour. The hair is usually similar to banba style but can also be cornrows/braids/or faux-hawks. A popular follower of Baika style is Hiromi Endo who epitomizes it with her fierce expression and up until recently jet black hair...which is uncharacteristic for a GAL to remain raven-headed. </p><p> </p><h3> </h3><p> </p><h3>Cocogyaru<a name="5" title="5"></a></h3><p><img class="border-pad" src="http://www.japanlinked.com/about_japan/images/fashion/cocolulu.jpg" alt="Coco Gyaru Cocogyaru" align="left" height="200" width="124" /><img class="border-pad" src="http://www.japanlinked.com/about_japan/images/fashion/cocolulu2.jpg" alt="Coco Gyaru cocogyaru" align="right" height="200" width="139" />Any of the above or remaining GAL styles, but the GAL loves Cocolulu and often drapes herself in lots of labels such as cocolulu logo jeans and a cocolulu monogram bag. </p><p> </p><h3> </h3><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><h3>Ganguro<a name="6" title="6"></a></h3><p><img class="border-pad" src="http://www.japanlinked.com/about_japan/images/fashion/gangurogonguro.jpg" alt="Ganguro" align="left" height="200" width="96" />Moderately tanned gyaru. One of the first styles to emerge when "Kogal" began tanning more heavily and took the initiative to take contouring make-up (the white on the bridge of the nose and through the eyes) to a new level. They tend to wear GAL brands as well as whatever the new trend is. The hairstyles usually lean more towards soft waves or stick straight hair with plenty of volume or spiral curled ends. Fake nails are a must or at least some hint of a manicure. Footwear is seasonal, but I can tell you go-go boots and tube top skirts are out.</p><p> </p><h3> </h3><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><h3>Ganjiro / Shiro Gyaru<a name="7" title="7"></a></h3><p>This style pertains to any GAL who chooses not to tan but follows all of the other gal trends. They even go above and beyond the call of duty to remain "bihaku"(beautifully white) and apply sun-block. Some ganjiro choose a light bronze skintone but never tan religiously. It's not the tan that makes you GAL it's the attitude and way of carrying yourself...as well as the fashions you tend to wear. Ganjiro can still be any of the previous fashions other than Gonguro and Ganguro, some even slick on orange make-up and pretend to be Yamanba for a day...many Yamanba are very pale under all the make-up.</p><p> </p><h3>Gonguro / Ganguro <a name="8" title="8"></a></h3><p><img class="border-pad" src="http://www.japanlinked.com/about_japan/images/fashion/gonguro.jpg" alt="Gonguro " align="left" height="200" width="267" />This style like Ganguro is taken up a notch. This style requires a super dark tan, super white contouring make-up, and white lipstick. Sometimes bleached white or silver streaked hair is also common.</p><p> </p><h3> </h3><p> </p><p> </p><p><br /></p><h3>Himegyaru<a name="9" title="9"></a></h3><p><img class="border-pad" src="http://www.japanlinked.com/about_japan/images/fashion/hime.jpg" alt="Himegyaru" align="left" height="200" width="150" />Meaning Princess GAL it is a style characterized by pink make-up and long eyelashes as well as either tan or very light skin. Huge hair in a bouffant/beehive is practically the uniform. Himegyaru wear Liz Lisa typically because the brand sums up the style. Lots of fur and rich materials as well as lace and velvet are common. High heels are always a must, as well as a good structured handbag preferably white, black, or pink. Animal prints as well as rhinestones, roses, orchids, and other flowers. Pearl and cameo inlays and beadwork on nails is a big trend. Hair is teased up on top and curled tightly in spirals on the bottom. Hair color is always caramel, black, or dark brown. Rarely is hair dyed white and never unnatural colors. Casual Himegyaru can be confused with Oneegyaru.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><h3>Kogyaru / Kogal <a name="10" title="10"></a></h3><p>A high school girl who chooses to hinder her skin tone and hair color to go against standards set by her school to dictate what she wears or doesn't wear, kogal are set apart from others because of their need to stay "Kawaii" (Cute) ?and one step ahead of fashion trends. </p><p> </p><p> </p><h3>Mago-garu <a name="11" title="11"></a></h3><p> A girl not yet in high school but in junior high who follows GAL fashion.</p><p> </p><h3>Manba / Mamba<a name="12" title="12"></a></h3><p><img class="border-pad" src="http://www.japanlinked.com/about_japan/images/fashion/manba2.jpg" alt="Manba amba" align="left" height="200" width="319" />The updated version of Yamamba, is for the most part exactly the same only the make-up is much more powdery and blended better, and often the clothing is Alba Rosa, Cocolulu, and fairly non-beach related clothing. However, 4 inch strappy sandals and Capri pants are all too common. </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><h3>Oneegyaru<a name="13" title="13"></a></h3><p>A GAL who is typically in her early to mid twenties that has reformed her previously wild GAL style into a sophisticated, and understated form of Ganguro. Many oneegyaru still tan and dye their hair light brown or blonde but choose to wear labels like Louis Vuitton, YSL, and Chanel. </p><p> </p><h3>Rasuta<a name="14" title="14"></a></h3><p><img src="http://www.japanlinked.com/about_japan/images/fashion/rasutanail.jpg" alt="Rasuta" align="left" height="200" width="255" />Rasta style is big in Japan so of course it is big in GAL style also, characterized by Jamaican flags, red-green-yellow, Bob Marley, and lots of straw handbags or hemp clothing. Not to be confused with B-Gyaru but can be sort of a spin-off also.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><h3>Romanba /Romamba<a name="15" title="15"></a></h3><p><img class="border-pad" src="http://www.japanlinked.com/about_japan/images/fashion/romanba-1.jpg" alt="Romanba" align="left" height="200" width="159" />A style that is too often called "Lolita Gal" but is rather Ro, as in romantic, and Manba who wear lots of pink and lots of lace. Romanba wear lots of Marie-chan and lots of pearls and flowers. Though similar to the idea of the Lolita Style. It is far from it. Typical brands are Pinky Girls and Liz Lisa. The skin tone is always very dark and the make-up is the same as Yamanba. </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><h3>Sentaa / Sentaa Guy<a name="16" title="16"></a></h3><p><img class="border-pad" src="http://www.japanlinked.com/about_japan/images/senntaguy.jpg" alt="Sentaa Senta Guy" align="left" height="200" width="267" />Sentaa or Sentaa Guys as for lack of a better term male Manbas...They wear the same Alba Rosa pants and have the same long lion manes teased up 4 inches. They wear the same make-up and even dress in tons of pink. One common difference is the amount of jewelry accosted by a Sentaa-Kun...usually tons of beaded "raver" bracelets or Madonna-esque jelly bracelets cling to their super tan arms. Flip flops are a must...flat ones.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><h3>Yanki<a name="17" title="17"></a></h3><p>The yanki style is typically combat or stiletto boots, loose pants, and a long jacket often a military one. This style can often can be confused with miruteri (milatary style) which was big during the fall of 05'.</p><p> </p><h3>Yamanba / Yamamba<a name="18" title="18"></a></h3><p><img class="border-pad" src="http://www.japanlinked.com/about_japan/images/fashion/yamanba.jpg" alt="Yamanba Yamamba" align="left" height="200" width="267" />The early form of Manba, characterized by over the top make-up and stickers of popular Disney characters or cartoons as well as jewels or stick-on earrings. The clothing style is heavy "I just got back from Hawaii" complete with lei's on wrists, necks, ankles and even in hair. Thick Ganguro style "panda" make-up, and usually orange, hot pink, teal blue, blue or bleached white hair. The usual hairstyle is long with many multi-colored extensions with the common long on bottom short on top hairstyle that is all too frequent in Japan.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong><br /></strong></p></div>Suzakuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01250371140846410038noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-635063650052714255.post-62636455163230382352008-07-31T13:58:00.001+07:002008-07-31T13:59:49.556+07:00Geisha<h1> GEISHA</h1><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:85%;">Geisha (芸者 "person of the arts") are traditional Japanese artist-entertainers. The word Geiko is also used to describe such persons. Geisha were very common in the 18th and 19th centuries, and are still in existence today, although their numbers are dwindling. "Geisha," pronounced /ˈgeɪ ʃa/ ("gay-sha") is the most familiar term to English speakers, and the most commonly used within <a href="http://www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/japan/index.htm">Japan</a> as well, but in the <a href="http://www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/travel/kansai.htm">Kansai</a> region the terms geigi and, for apprentice geisha, "Maiko" have also been used since the Meiji Restoration. The term maiko is only used in <a href="http://www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/travel/kyoto.htm">Kyoto</a> districts. The English pronunciation ˈgi ʃa ("gee-sha") or the phrase "geisha girl," common during the American occupation of </p><div class="fullpost"> <a href="http://www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/japan/index.htm">Japan</a>, carry connotations of prostitution, as some young women, desperate for money and calling themselves "geisha," sold themselves to American troops.</span><p align="center"> <img src="http://www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/culture/images/geisha_maiko_kyoto.jpg" alt="Geisha Picture" border="0" height="599" width="337" /><br /> <span style="font-size:85%;">Trainee Geisha (Maiko) Kyoto Japan by <a target="_blank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Geisha-fullheight.jpg"> Michael Reeve</a></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:85%;">The geisha tradition evolved from the taikomochi or hōkan, similar to court jesters. The first geisha were all male; as women began to take the role they were known as onna geisha (女芸者), or "woman artist (female form)." Geisha today are exclusively female, aside from the Taikomochi. Taikomochi are exceedingly rare. Only three are currently registered in Japan. They tend to be far more bawdy than geisha. Other public figures who contributed to the creation of the modern geisha were Oiran, or courtesans, and Odoriko, dancing girls. The Odoriko in particular influenced geisha to include dance as part of their artistic repertoire.</span></p> <p align="center"> <img src="http://www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/culture/images/geisha_kyoto.jpg" alt="Geisha Picture" border="0" height="470" width="480" /><br /> <span style="font-size:85%;">A geisha at work in <a href="http://www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/travel/kyoto_gion.htm">Gion</a> <a href="http://www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/travel/kyoto.htm">Kyoto</a>. Picture by </span> <a target="_blank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Geisha_kyoto.jpg"> <span style="font-size:85%;">ToddLara</span></a></p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:85%;">Geisha were traditionally trained from young childhood. Geisha houses often bought young girls from poor families, and took responsibility for raising and training them. During their childhood, apprentice geisha worked first as maids, then as assistants to the house's senior geisha as part of their training and to contribute to the costs of their upkeep and education. This long-held tradition of training still exists in Japan, where a student lives at the home of a master of some art, starting out doing general housework and observing and assisting the master, and eventually moving up to become a master in her own right (see also irezumi). This training often lasts for many years.<br /> <br /> The course of study traditionally starts from a young age and encompasses a wide variety of arts, including <a href="http://www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/culture/japanese_music.html">Japanese musical instruments</a> (particularly the shamisen) and traditional forms of singing, <a href="http://www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/culture/japanese_dance.html">traditional dance</a>, <a href="http://www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/culture/japanese_tea_ceremony.html">tea ceremony</a>, flower arranging (<a href="http://www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/culture/ikebana.html">ikebana</a>), poetry and literature. By watching and assisting senior geisha, they became skilled in the complex traditions surrounding selecting, matching, and wearing precious <a href="http://www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/fashion/kimono.html">kimono</a>, and in various games and the art of conversation, and also in dealing with clients.<br /> <br /> Once a woman became an apprentice geisha (a maiko) she would begin to accompany senior geisha to the tea houses, parties and banquets that constitute a geisha's work environment. To some extent, this traditional method of training persists, though it is of necessity foreshortened. Modern geisha are no longer bought by or brought into geisha houses as children. Becoming a geisha is now entirely voluntary. Most geisha now begin their training in their late teens.</span></p> <h3><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:85%;"> <a href="http://www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/culture/geisha_prostitutes.html">Are Geisha Prostitutes?</a></span></h3> <p><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:85%;">Strictly speaking, geisha are not prostitutes. Because they entertain men behind closed doors in an exclusive manner, there has been much speculation about the underpinnings of their profession. The confusion that surrounds this issue has been complicated by Japanese prostitutes who wish to co-opt the prestige of the geisha image, and by inaccurate depictions of geisha in Western popular culture. Although a geisha may choose to engage in sexual relations with one of her patrons, geisha engagements will never involve sex.<br /> <br /> The first geisha was indeed a courtesan named Kako. Over time, she discovered that she had no need to engage in the red-light district. Kako was directly or indirectly to heir to many schools of Japanese art. She called herself a geisha ("arts-person") and confined herself to giving artistic performances.<br /> <br /> Occasionally, a geisha may choose to take a danna (an old fashioned word for husband), which is typically a wealthy man who has the means to support a geisha mistress. Although a geisha may fall in love with her danna, the affair is customarily contingent upon the danna's ability to financially support the geisha's lifestyle. The traditional conventions and values within such a relationship are very intricate and not well understood, even by many Japanese. Because of this, the true intimate role of the geisha remains the object of much speculation, and often misinterpretation, in Japan as well as abroad.</span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:85%;">Source : Japaneselifestyle.com.au<br /></span></p></div>Suzakuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01250371140846410038noreply@blogger.com0