What’s a Japanese Garden? The Japanese Garden is a symbol of harmony that combines natural forces. It is designed to bring peace into a minimalistic setting while keeping in mind the traditional aesthetics of Japanese culture. Five elements make up a Japanese garden: water, which stands for tranquility and renewal; stones-which represent the omnipresence and beauty of … [Read more...] about 8 Best Japanese Plants For Your Home Garden
Culture
13 Japanese Schools Rules You Probably Didn’t Know
“School is a building which has four walls with tomorrow inside” –Lon Watters Each country has a set of goals for development, and it makes every effort to instill these goals and ideals in the next generation. The best tool for this is the educational system. The Japanese educational system is regarded as one of the greatest in the world; they encourage practical education … [Read more...] about 13 Japanese Schools Rules You Probably Didn’t Know
16 Common Yakuza Tattoos And Their Meaning
The tradition of Japanese tattooing, known as Irezumi, has been inseparable from the Yakuza from the beginning of time. During the Edo period (1603 until 1868), criminals were tattooed in the hands of authorities using a method called bokkei. They were branded as a criminal using these tattoos back in the day, which made it hard for them to get back into society and get … [Read more...] about 16 Common Yakuza Tattoos And Their Meaning
The Hidden Mastery of Japanese Castle Design
Japanese castles, or shiro (城), stand out as distinctive architectural marvels originally built for military defense, but they also functioned as administrative centers and symbols of power. These castles, famous for their elegant multi-tiered roofs with sweeping curves, intricate wooden structures on imposing stone bases, and complex defensive layouts, seamlessly harmonize … [Read more...] about The Hidden Mastery of Japanese Castle Design
Anarchism In The School Sports Undokai In Japan
If you are a parent in Japan and you have attended your child’s undokai (運動会) or school sports day, then guess what: You’re an anarchist. When I first mentioned this idea that the undokai system was an example of anarchism to a group of Japanese people in a talk I did in Tokyo radical centre Cafe Lavanderia, they reacted with surprise: ‘No, the undokai system comes from … [Read more...] about Anarchism In The School Sports Undokai In Japan