Which three words come into your mind immediately when you think of Geisha? For me, beauty, mystery, and grace come to mind, as does Kyoto. Geisha and Kyoto are practically synonymous. Although there are/were some in Tokyo as well, the very concept of these mysterious women with their almost ethereal white-painted faces comes from Japan’s ancient (former) capital city. Most … [Read more...] about What you did not know about Geisha (芸者)
Culture
Should Tattoos Continue to be Banned From Onsen in Japan?
Spring and early Summer means relaxation, travel, and for many people, it also means a visit to an Onsen (温泉; natural hot springs). As a volcanically active country, Japan has thousands of them, and visiting one is a must during a trip to the land of the rising sun. This could prove a bit difficult for some, however, as Japan has quite stringent rules against Tattoos in … [Read more...] about Should Tattoos Continue to be Banned From Onsen in Japan?
Why are there no Empresses in Japan?
The U.N. Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women made headlines recently after deciding to remove criticism about Japan’s male-only imperial succession. The reaction in Tokyo, and the U.N. committees decision to amend the report, have riled up many in the international community such as activist and columnist Arudo Debito. Tokyo’s rejection of the … [Read more...] about Why are there no Empresses in Japan?
7 Things you didn’t know about Ninja
Imposing figures in black, hiding in the shadows, and moving about with almost superhuman agility seem like nothing but cool stories told to tourists and movie-goers nowadays, but were once a very real part of feudal Japan. Japanese folklore states that the Ninja descended from a demon that was half man and half crow. Logic would dictate, however, that it seems more likely that … [Read more...] about 7 Things you didn’t know about Ninja
The Will to Secede: Japan’s Micro-nation Boom
As US secretary of state John Kerry makes the rounds in Asia, meeting with various heads of state, it is inevitable that the leaders of some nations will be overlooked. One such person is Ben Iwata, the prime minister of the Kingdom of Inobhutan, a portmanteau of “Inobuta” – a hybrid between a wild boar and a domesticated pig – and Bhutan. No meeting is currently scheduled … [Read more...] about The Will to Secede: Japan’s Micro-nation Boom