Blog Feed: Muza-chan`s Gate to Japan

Japanese customs and traditions - 7 Lucky Gods Pilgrimage

Published on 2013-01-02 19:01:55

As I was writing a few days ago, I attended a couple of times to the New Year’s Japanese traditions, starting with the Joya no Kane and continuing with the Hatsumode. But the most special experience was to follow, like many Japanese people, a 7

A Japanese Song per Day: Malice Mizer - Bel Air

Published on 2013-01-02 05:58:38

Malice Mizer - Bel Air:

Demon-breaking arrow, Hamaya

Published on 2013-01-01 19:01:15

If you visit Japan during the first days of the year, you will surely notice many people carrying a quite unusual item, a wooden arrow decorated with small votive plaques. Called hamaya, this is a very special good luck charm, sold at Shinto shrines

A Japanese Song per Day: An Cafe - Snow Scene

Published on 2013-01-01 04:06:54

An Cafe - Snow Scene:

First day of the year, Hatsumode

Published on 2012-12-31 19:01:48

On the first day of the year, one of the main events in Japan is the first visit to the shrine or temple, Hatsumode. It can be done during the first days of the year, but many people prefer to do it immediately after midnight. That’s why, a few

A Japanese Song per Day: Kotoko - Fuyu No Shizuku

Published on 2012-12-31 02:50:17

Kotoko - Fuyu No Shizuku:

Last day of the year, Joya no Kane, 108 Bell Chimes

Published on 2012-12-30 19:01:34

The last day of the year in Japan is called Omisoka. There are many traditions on this day, some related to food (toshi-koshi buckwheat noodles), some even related to… TV shows (the Kōhaku Uta Gassen music contest)… But my favorite

A Japanese Song per Day: D - Snow White

Published on 2012-12-30 04:33:09

D - Snow White:

Takarabune , the 7 Lucky Gods Ship

Published on 2012-12-29 19:01:10

One of the most beautiful Japanese traditions related to the New Year is the celebration of the Seven Gods of Luck (Shichifukujin), a custom somehow similar to Santa Claus: at the New Year, the Lucky Gods are bringing gifts and good luck to those who

A Japanese Song per Day: La'cryma Christi - Warm Snow

Published on 2012-12-29 03:28:37

La’cryma Christi - Warm Snow:

Hagoita

Published on 2012-12-28 19:01:00

If you’re watching Jidaigeki “period dramas” or other Japanese historical movies about the Edo period, you may have noticed brief scenes with girls playing a kind of badminton. That is a traditional game called Hanetsuki, played wit

A Japanese Song per Day: Paradise Go!! Go!! - Argent snow

Published on 2012-12-28 02:47:01

Paradise Go!! Go!! - Argent snow:

Kumade

Published on 2012-12-27 19:01:51

One of the most popular customs of the New Year in Japan is to buy good luck charms for the year to come. At the same time, the old charms and decorations are brought to temples and shrines to be burned in a ceremony called Dondo yaki. One of these

2013, the Year of the Snake

Published on 2012-12-27 11:15:19

Like every year at the Tsutenkaku Tower from Osaka, today took place the annual end of the year “zodiac sign replacement” ceremony, where the animals representing the Chinese zodiac signs of the Old Year and the New Year (2013 will be the

A Japanese Song per Day: Kuwata Keisuke - White Love

Published on 2012-12-27 03:14:07

Kuwata Keisuke - White Love:

Kagamimochi

Published on 2012-12-26 19:01:59

After the Kadomatsu and the Shimekazari, another traditional Japanese decoration is usually placed inside the house, in the kamidana, but you will also find it in stores, restaurants and institutions. This is the Kagamimochi, a simpler decoration,

A Japanese Song per Day: Sailor Moon cast - Aka Hana no Tonakai

Published on 2012-12-26 03:47:22

Sailor Moon cast - Aka Hana no Tonakai:

Shimekazari

Published on 2012-12-25 19:01:33

As I wrote yesterday, the Japanese traditional decorations can bear multiple meanings, each element having its own symbolism. More than this, even the place where the decoration is placed has its own role… Here’s shimekazari, a small ro

A Japanese Song per Day: Ayumi Hamasaki and Gackt - Itsuka no Merry Christmas

Published on 2012-12-25 02:47:55

Ayumi Hamasaki and Gackt - Itsuka no Merry Christmas:

Kadomatsu

Published on 2012-12-24 19:01:02

The New Year (Shogatsu) is the most important celebration in Japan, so the preparations begin immediately after Christmas. For Christmas, the decorations are identical to those used in the Western world, but for the New Year people are enjoying the J

A Japanese Song per Day: Tatsuro Yamashita - Christmas Eve

Published on 2012-12-24 02:22:26

Tatsuro Yamashita - Christmas Eve:

From Hotei to Santa Claus

Published on 2012-12-23 19:01:56

Christmas celebrations started in Japan after the arrival of Saint Francis Xavier, in 1549. And this was also the beginning of all the Christmas-related celebrations, including Santa Claus (サンタさん Santa-san, or |

A Japanese Song per Day: L'Arc~en~Ciel - Hurry Xmas

Published on 2012-12-23 04:42:18

L’Arc~en~Ciel - Hurry Xmas:

Rare guardian statues, Dragons

Published on 2012-12-22 19:01:56

While visiting Japan, you will surely notice pairs of fantastic animals which seem to guard the entrance to the Shinto shrines. Actually, these really are guardians: their role is to protect the shrine against evil spirits. There are several types of

A Japanese Song per Day: AKB48 - Manatsu no Christmas Rose

Published on 2012-12-22 02:00:12

AKB48 - Manatsu no Christmas Rose:

Japanese traditional house, Shoji

Published on 2012-12-21 19:01:31

One of the most striking elements of the Japanese house is shoji, the traditional screen. Made from a wooden frame covered by washi (Japanese traditional paper), the shoji can be used as a sliding door or window but also as room divider. An interesti

A Japanese Song per Day: Matsuura Aya - Koibito wa Santa Claus

Published on 2012-12-21 02:26:58

Matsuura Aya - Koibito wa Santa Claus:

A Japanese Song per Day: Matsuura Aya - Koibito wa Santa Claus

Published on 2012-12-21 02:24:44

Matsuura Aya - Koibito wa Santa Claus:

Japanese Christmas Food, KFC

Published on 2012-12-20 19:01:25

Every Christian country has a traditional menu for Christmas, but in Japan, because the Christmas celebrations are imported, the Christmas menu was… reinvented. Actually, it is not a full menu but 2 types of dishes, very popular during the Chri

A Japanese Song per Day: EXILE - I Believe

Published on 2012-12-20 04:50:50

EXILE - I Believe:

Shinto Shrine, Kagami

Published on 2012-12-19 19:01:00

According to The Chronicles of Japan (Nihon Shoki), the goddess Amaterasu Omikami gave her nephew Ninigi-no-mikoto three celestial gifts, known as the three Sacred Imperial treasures (the Imperial Regalia of Japan): the sacred mirror Yata-no-Kagami,

A Japanese Song per Day: KAT-TUN - White Xmas

Published on 2012-12-19 03:11:48

KAT-TUN - White Xmas:

Kyoto Station nighttime view

Published on 2012-12-18 19:01:46

I wrote recently about Kyoto Station, a masterpiece of architecture created by Hiroshi Hara, the same architect who designed my favorite skyscraper, Umeda Sky Building from Osaka. Today, I would like to show you a different view of this magnificent c

A Japanese Song per Day: C-ute - Aitai Lonely Christmas

Published on 2012-12-18 05:51:16

C-ute - Aitai Lonely Christmas:

Japanese architecture, Fukihanachi Shoro

Published on 2012-12-17 19:01:44

As I wrote three weeks ago, the oldest type of Japanese bell tower (shoro) was the hakamagoshi, a tower where the bell is located at the top floor, invisible from outside. Around 1200, a new type of structure was developed, without walls and with the

A Japanese Song per Day: Dreams Come True - Yuki no Christmas

Published on 2012-12-17 05:39:11

Dreams Come True - Yuki no Christmas:

Paper lanterns night view at Yasaka shrine, Kyoto

Published on 2012-12-16 19:01:58

Ever since the old times, paper lanterns were used in Japan for lighting and advertising. The tradition survived until today, paper lanterns are often displayed in front of the traditional restaurants, at shrines and temples, they are lighting the fe

A Japanese Song per Day: Hirakawachi 1-chome - Kitto Santa ga

Published on 2012-12-16 06:16:34

Hirakawachi 1-chome - Kitto Santa ga:

Sugegasa, the Japanese hat

Published on 2012-12-15 19:30:32

Japan is a conservative country and everywhere you go, you can see the strong presence of traditional culture, even in the way people dress. The Japanese people are often wearing clothing like yukata, kimono, geta… However, there are some acc

A Japanese Song per Day: Fukuyama Masaharu - Kissin' in the Holy Night

Published on 2012-12-15 04:07:56

Fukuyama Masaharu - Kissin’ in the Holy Night:

Kokuzo Bosatsu

Published on 2012-12-14 19:01:37

The Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden) from the Todai-ji Temple from Nara is the largest building in the world made entirely of wood. Here is one of the most famous Great Buddha statues from Japan, the Vairocana Daibutsu. However, inside the hall there

A Japanese Song per Day: T.M.Revolution - Burnin’ X’mas

Published on 2012-12-14 03:16:44

T.M.Revolution - Burnin’ X’mas:

Omotesando Winter Illumination

Published on 2012-12-13 19:01:47

There are many places in Tokyo where the winter holiday lights are now shining brightly. During the last years, I spent every evening in a different place, each with its own charm… But there are a few places that, in my memory, are the essence

A Japanese Song per Day: Saeko Suzuki - I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday

Published on 2012-12-13 04:37:28

Saeko Suzuki - I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday:

Japanese waterproof technique, Namako wall

Published on 2012-12-12 19:01:27

Because the traditional Japanese house, built from wood and paper, was completely unprotected against fire, the supplies and valuables were kept in a storehouse (kura in Japanese). Kura was also made of wood, but the walls were covered with clay and

A Japanese Song per Day: La'cryma Christi - Warm Snow

Published on 2012-12-12 03:45:22

La’cryma Christi - Warm Snow:

Shakujo, Buddhist monk staff

Published on 2012-12-11 19:01:08

On Mount Takao, at the Yakuoin Yukiji Temple, in front of the two Tengu statues I noticed a beautiful but unusual metallic decoration representing, at a larger scale, the Buddhist ringed staff called shakujō. The shakujō was usually made

A Japanese Song per Day: Namie Amuro - White Light

Published on 2012-12-11 04:40:19

Namie Amuro - White Light:

Night-time in Ginza, San-ai building

Published on 2012-12-10 19:01:48

I love a good coffee, so when I travel I stop in a lot of coffee shops. One of my favorite coffee places in Japan is the Doutor Coffee from the second floor of the San-ai building, at the corner of Chuo Dori and Harumi Dori. Even today, 50 years afte

A Japanese Song per Day: Crazy Ken Band - Hallelujah Xmas

Published on 2012-12-10 02:55:08

Crazy Ken Band - Hallelujah Xmas:

Japanese spirituality, Ichigan Kannon

Published on 2012-12-09 19:01:24

Inside the Jigen-in Temple from Takasaki, behind the spectacular Byakue Dai-Kannon statue, you can find a small hexagonal hall, built relatively recently in 1979. Named Ko-on-do, this hall hosts another Kannon statue, called Ichigan Kannon (which mea

A Japanese Song per Day: Shoko Nakagawa - Snow tears

Published on 2012-12-09 05:20:47

Shoko Nakagawa - Snow tears:

Kanda Myojin tethered horse

Published on 2012-12-08 19:01:37

I was writing half a year ago about how to identify Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples and about the exceptions from the gate-torii rule. One remarkable exception is the Kanda Myojin Shrine from Tokyo, which although is a Shinto shrine features a ga

A Japanese Song per Day: Ayumi Hamasaki - Powder Snow

Published on 2012-12-08 05:18:32

Ayumi Hamasaki - Powder Snow:

Japanese thatched roofs

Published on 2012-12-07 19:01:46

The traditional Japanese house is made from natural materials only: the walls are made of wood and paper, while the tatami mats are made of rice straw. And the roof is no exception, being made of various kinds of grass, reeds and straw. Thatched ro

A Japanese Song per Day: Changin’ My Life - Eternal Snow

Published on 2012-12-07 03:02:56

Changin’ My Life - Eternal Snow:

The Japanese umbrella

Published on 2012-12-06 19:01:17

A real work of art, the traditional Japanese umbrella - wagasa 「和傘」 - serves a more complex purpose than the occidental version: besides the protection against rain or sun, wagasa is made as a stylish fashion accessory and

A Japanese Song per Day: Perfume - Twinkle Snow Powdery Snow

Published on 2012-12-06 02:19:41

Perfume - Twinkle Snow Powdery Snow:

Japanese castle architecture, Renketsushiki style

Published on 2012-12-05 19:01:27

Usually, a Japanese castle has a main keep (tenshukaku) and one or more smaller towers (yagura). Depending on how these two structures are connected, several types of castle architecture are defined and I already presented the Fukugoshiki style, wher

A Japanese Song per Day: Dual Dream - Winter Kiss

Published on 2012-12-05 03:49:58

Dual Dream - Winter Kiss:

Japanese architecture, the first building-mounted free-fall ride

Published on 2012-12-04 19:01:13

Visiting Osaka, in the Namba district (famous for food and entertainment), a very eye-catching building will certainly draw your attention. Looking like a giant hourglass with an exclamation mark in the middle, the namBa HIPS building was opened in 2

A Japanese Song per Day: Hyde - Season's Call

Published on 2012-12-04 05:00:22

Hyde - Season’s Call:

Big drum, Odaiko

Published on 2012-12-03 19:01:36

I love taiko and every time I go to a taiko concert I am fascinated by the sound of the odaiko, the big drum. With impressive sizes (sometimes these giant drums are over 2 meter diameter), an odaiko is often a true work of art: carved from a single t

A Japanese Song per Day: Kaoru to Tomoki, Tama ni Mukku - Maru Maru Mori Mori!

Published on 2012-12-03 00:38:19

Kaoru to Tomoki, Tama ni Mukku - Maru Maru Mori Mori!

Japanese Gardens, Okochi Mountain Villa

Published on 2012-12-02 19:01:24

For over 30 years, the famous jidaigeki actor Denjirō Ōkōchi worked to perfect the garden from his villa in Arashiyama, Kyoto. This is an example of a Japanese garden where every plant, stone, alley and building were designed to be in

A Japanese Song per Day: Hikawa Kiyoshi - Kiyoshi no Zundoko Bushi

Published on 2012-12-02 06:15:43

Hikawa Kiyoshi - Kiyoshi no Zundoko Bushi:

Shinto Shrines, Onusa

Published on 2012-12-01 19:01:40

Because the Shinto religion is specific to Japan and cannot be found anywhere else in the world, it is quite hard for a foreigner to find information about the items seen inside a shrine. That’s why, from time to time, I wrote here about the ob

A Japanese Song per Day: Yoko Maeno - Wakare no Asa

Published on 2012-12-01 04:36:34

Yoko Maeno - Wakare no Asa:

Shinjuku Southern Terrace Winter Illumination

Published on 2012-11-30 19:01:34

My favorite time of the year begins today, the season of winter lights. Actually, in Japan this season starts a bit earlier, in mid-November… I have in Tokyo a few favorite places, with lovely winter illuminations, where during the last years I

A Japanese Song per Day: L'Arc~en~Ciel - Good Luck My Way

Published on 2012-11-30 04:54:34

L’Arc~en~Ciel - Good Luck My Way:

Romantic places in Kyoto, Moon Crossing Bridge

Published on 2012-11-29 19:01:58

If you visit Arashiyama, the area in western Kyoto famous for its bamboo groves, go to the nearby Togetsukyo Bridge, to admire the scenery of the green Mount Arashiyama. The first bridge here was about 200 meters upstream from the current location

A Japanese Song per Day: SKE48 - Okie Dokie

Published on 2012-11-29 04:16:48

SKE48 - Okie Dokie:

Colour Activity House

Published on 2012-11-28 19:01:35

The works of the Danish artist Olafur Eliasson are well known in the entire world, so I wasn’t surprised to find one in Japan. In front of the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa, you can enjoy the Colour Activity House, a charm

A Japanese Song per Day: Koshi Inaba - Wonderland

Published on 2012-11-28 02:24:36

Koshi Inaba - Wonderland:

Unusual Japanese traditional architecture, Komayose

Published on 2012-11-27 19:01:02

I like a lot the traditional Japanese houses and I’m delighted when I can stroll through old traditional areas. Especially in Kyoto, where I can enjoy specific architectural traits, some of them so peculiar that it is hard to guess what they ar

A Japanese Song per Day: Junko Akimoto - Ai No Mama De

Published on 2012-11-27 03:10:05

Junko Akimoto - Ai No Mama De:

Japanese spiritual architecture, Hakamagoshi Shoro

Published on 2012-11-26 19:01:24

In a Japanese Buddhist temple you will always find at least one shōrō ("bell tower"). There are two types of such towers, the more recent constructions are usually simple structures holding the bell, but the older ones are truly spectacular

A Japanese Song per Day: Namie Amuro - Baby Don't Cry

Published on 2012-11-26 04:31:24

Namie Amuro - Baby Don’t Cry:

The Glico Man

Published on 2012-11-25 19:01:09

One of the best known landmarks of Osaka is the “Glico 300 Meter Running Man", a huge neon sign on a building on the Dotonbori channel, representing an athlete (the Glico Man) running on a blue running track. The sign was first installed in 193

A Japanese Song per Day: Ken Hirai - Hitomi wo Tojite

Published on 2012-11-25 03:37:20

Ken Hirai - Hitomi wo Tojite:

Japanese mascots - Kasabo

Published on 2012-11-24 19:01:50

There are so many kawaii mascots in Japan! My favorites are the mascots of the tourist attractions (especially from the high-rise buildings), who can often be found wandering around, always ready to play with the children and to take pictures with th

A Japanese Song per Day: Gackt - Last Song

Published on 2012-11-24 00:30:08

Gackt - Last Song:

Tozai Kairo

Published on 2012-11-23 19:01:45

There are 5173 sculptures at the Toshougu Shrine from Nikko, practically all the buildings are lavishly ornate. From all these decorations, my favorites are the panels decorating Tozai Kairo, the wall surrounding the main building. Three of the four

A Japanese Song per Day: Ai Otsuka - Smily

Published on 2012-11-23 04:19:33

Ai Otsuka - Smily:

3 Years of Daily Photos from Japan, Top 12 Readers Choice

Published on 2012-11-22 19:01:01

A Japan Photo per Day series has been a part of my life for so long that it became a part of who I am. Today, on the 3rd anniversary since I published the first photo from this series (the Asakusa Shrine night view), I looked back to all these photos

A Japanese Song per Day: Showtaro Morikubo - The Answer

Published on 2012-11-22 05:03:42

Showtaro Morikubo - The Answer:

Japanese architecture, the Kyoto Tower controversy

Published on 2012-11-21 19:01:00

I was writing a month ago about the Tokyo skyscraper history, mentioning the Building Standard Law, a law which was in effect in Tokyo until 1963, forbidding the construction of commercial buildings taller than 31 meters. A similar law is still effec

A Japanese Song per Day: V-last - Plasma

Published on 2012-11-21 02:11:04

V-last - Plasma:

Japanese castle architecture, Ishi-otoshi

Published on 2012-11-20 19:01:28

Although designed for military purposes, the Japanese castles were also architectural jewels, carefully designed to combine the defensive ability with esthetically pleasing ornaments. One beautiful example is the fan sloping wall of the Nagoya Castle

A Japanese Song per Day: Girugamesh - Owari To Mirai

Published on 2012-11-20 02:46:51

Girugamesh - Owari To Mirai:

Rare prayer wheel in Japan

Published on 2012-11-19 19:01:27

During my trips through Japan, I sometimes had the opportunity to see rare items… One of them is this prayer wheel found near the entrance of the Kodaiji Temple from Kyoto. The prayer wheels are Tibetan religious objects often found in Tibet an

A Japanese Song per Day: D=Out - Sunrise

Published on 2012-11-19 02:26:23

D=Out - Sunrise:

Japanese Zen Garden, Ursa Major

Published on 2012-11-18 19:01:09

One of the must see Japanese Zen gardens from Kyoto, located inside the Tofuku-ji Temple, impresses with both its very special beauty and the message it conveys: that to create real beauty you don’t need expensive materials, you just need inspi

A Japanese Song per Day: Otomaru - Sendou Kawai Ya

Published on 2012-11-18 02:40:20

Otomaru - Sendou Kawai Ya:

Matchmaking Maneki Neko

Published on 2012-11-17 19:01:53

From the many exotic Japanese customs, one that I always enjoy is Maneki Neko, the beckoning cat. So when I learned that the Imado Jinja from Asakusa, Tokyo, is one of the two places related to the beginning of the Maneki Neko legend, I went there to

A Japanese Song per Day: Fukuyama Masaharu - Beautiful life/ GAME

Published on 2012-11-17 02:28:21

Fukuyama Masaharu - Beautiful life/ GAME:

Japanese spiritual architecture, Kon-do

Published on 2012-11-16 19:01:08

Inside any Japanese Buddhist temple there’s a main building, enshrining the temple’s principal object of veneration. The English term used to designate it is “main hall", but the Japanese name for this building varies, depending on

A Japanese Song per Day: Morning Musume - Wakuteka; Take a Chance!

Published on 2012-11-16 02:28:53

Morning Musume - Wakuteka; Take a Chance!

Tokyo architecture, Tokyo Dome Hotel

Published on 2012-11-15 19:01:43

At the end of the 20th century a few new entertaining areas were added in Tokyo to the old, traditional ones. Many of these new attractions were built on places never used before (like the Odaiba complex, which resides on an artificial island built a

A Japanese Song per Day: Megumi Ogata - Wine Red no Kokoro

Published on 2012-11-15 04:02:03

Megumi Ogata - Wine Red no Kokoro:

Kago

Published on 2012-11-14 19:01:17

Before the invention of rickshaw (jin riki sha in Japanese), until the end of the 19th century, the most popular transportation method in Japan was the kago. Kago was a kind of palanquin with a single crossbeam, designed to be to be carried on the sh

A Japanese Song per Day: Meiko Kaji - Onna wo Yametai

Published on 2012-11-14 04:41:19

Meiko Kaji - Onna wo Yametai:

Shinboku, the sacred tree

Published on 2012-11-13 19:01:56

Besides man-made structures like buildings, statues and torii, another important element of a Shinto shrine is always a tree. Called shinboku 「神木」, “sacred tree", you can recognize it easily because it is always mark

A Japanese Song per Day: Mori Shinichi - Yuragi

Published on 2012-11-13 02:21:05

Mori Shinichi - Yuragi:

Tokyo architecture, National Art Center

Published on 2012-11-12 19:01:31

I love architecture and I love that in Japan I can enjoy masterpieces from all periods. Regarding the modern architecture, my favorites are the buildings from the Metabolist movement. Here is one of them, the National Art Center from Roppongi Hills,

A Japanese Song per Day: Kyu Sakamoto - Sukiyaki (Ue O Muite Arukou)

Published on 2012-11-12 01:31:55

Kyu Sakamoto - Sukiyaki (Ue O Muite Arukou):

Dragon in the clouds

Published on 2012-11-11 19:01:34

Unlike in the western culture, in Japan the dragon is considered a benevolent creature, a protector of the Buddhist law and many Zen temples are decorated with paintings representing dragons. However, that’s not a rule and Kenchō-ji Temple

A Japanese Song per Day: La'Cryma Christi - Mirai Koro

Published on 2012-11-11 04:33:46

La’Cryma Christi - Mirai Koro:

Tsukimi turret, how to see the moon three times

Published on 2012-11-10 19:01:57

One of the special features of the Matsumoto Castle is its Tsukimi “Moon-viewing” turret. This is a one floor tower with a single room, with large windows, wide-open in three directions (north, south and east) and easily identifiable beca

A Japanese Song per Day: Hibari Misora - Jinsei ichirou

Published on 2012-11-10 03:24:47

Hibari Misora - Jinsei ichirou:

Hachiko's anniversary

Published on 2012-11-09 19:01:39

There are 6 native Japanese dog breeds: Akita, Kai Ken, Shikoku, Kishu, Hokkaidō and Shiba Inu. Otosan, a Hokkaidō dog who appeared in numerous SoftBank commercials over the last years, is quite famous right now, but I don’t think any

A Japanese Song per Day: Pinky & Killers - Cold Season of Love

Published on 2012-11-09 01:17:15

Pinky & Killers - Cold Season of Love:

Shinto architecture, Tamagaki

Published on 2012-11-08 19:01:02

One thing you will surely notice while visiting the Japanese Shinto shrines will be the enclosures surrounding the sacred areas. Called tamagaki, these wooden, stone or concrete fences are part of the traditional Shinto architecture. Some tamagaki ar

A Japanese Song per Day: Shiina Hekiru - Akai Hana ~ You're gonna change to the flower

Published on 2012-11-08 02:32:26

Shiina Hekiru - Akai Hana ~ You’re gonna change to the flower:

Unusual Toba Bay Cruise

Published on 2012-11-07 19:01:39

If you enjoy taking a cruise, Japan offers many places to enjoy pleasant trips in unusual sightseeing ships. I already wrote about the pirate ships from Lake Ashi in Hakone and about the Santa Maria ship replica from Osaka. These are replica ships, i

A Japanese Song per Day: v-u-den - Aisu Cream to My Pudding

Published on 2012-11-07 02:18:54

v-u-den - Aisu Cream to My Pudding:

Unusual Japanese traditional architecture, Inu-yarai

Published on 2012-11-06 19:01:41

Visiting the old districts from Kyoto, while admiring the beautiful traditional Japanese streets, one of the most unusual features you will notice is that many houses have some sort of… skirts. Made from curved bamboo, this architectural elemen

A Japanese Song per Day: Shinji Tanimura - Subaru

Published on 2012-11-06 02:31:15

Shinji Tanimura - Subaru:

Shibuya glass buildings aerial view

Published on 2012-11-05 18:01:30

As you know, every time I visit a city I first search for tall observatories… But before climbing to the observatory I like to study a bit, to learn about the area’s important buildings, because once I’m up there I like to play and

A Japanese Song per Day: Kotoko - Light My Fire

Published on 2012-11-05 01:17:34

Kotoko - Light My Fire:

Japanese castle walls, Uchikomihagi

Published on 2012-11-04 18:00:57

Important elements of the Japanese castle’s defensive systems, the curtain walls were built by using several different methods, classified today according to the stone work or by the way the wall was raised. Interestingly, sometimes even for a

A Japanese Song per Day: Mizumori Kaori - Iihi Tabidachi

Published on 2012-11-04 05:03:04

Mizumori Kaori - Iihi Tabidachi:

Popular Japanese food, Unagi Kamameshi

Published on 2012-11-03 20:01:14

Ever since the old times unagi, the Japanese eel, is consumed in Japan especially during the hot summer months. There’s even a day, which falls between July 18 and August 8, which is traditionally dedicated to eating unagi. One reason could be

A Japanese Song per Day: LISP - Vacuum!

Published on 2012-11-03 03:17:51

LISP - Vacuum!

Kiyomizu-dera gates

Published on 2012-11-02 19:01:22

The entrance to the Japanese Buddhist temples is usually marked by one or more gates and an interesting fact is that every gate has a name. These names are given according to various, but rigorous sets of criteria, like the position of the gate relat

A Japanese Song per Day: Motohiro Hata - Toumei Datta Sekai

Published on 2012-11-02 02:36:59

Motohiro Hata - Toumei Datta Sekai:

Japanese Gardens - Kodaiji Temple, Kyoto

Published on 2012-11-01 19:01:18

Inside of many Japanese temples there are beautiful gardens, some of them real landscape jewels, created in small spaces. One of these gardens, created over 400 years ago by a well known artist, Kobori Enshu, can be visited inside the Kodaiji Temple

A Japanese Song per Day: Boom Boom Satellites - Easy Action

Published on 2012-11-01 03:46:04

Boom Boom Satellites - Easy Action:

The frogs from Meoto Iwa

Published on 2012-10-31 19:01:38

On the beach of the city of Ise, right near the Meoto Iwa “wedded rocks”, there is a little shrine featuring a large number of statues representing… frogs. This unusual shrine is dedicated to Sarutahiko Ōkami, a kami who is gui

A Japanese Song per Day: Tomohisa Sako - Evening Magic

Published on 2012-10-31 00:59:45

Tomohisa Sako - Evening Magic:

Japanese Traditional Crafts - Gold leaf

Published on 2012-10-30 19:01:43

The production of the Japanese gold leaf started in Kanazawa 400 years ago, during the reign of Maeda Toshiie, the lord of the Kaga clan. The humid weather of Kanazawa and the clean water from this area proved to be important advantages, since these factors are essential for the production of quality gold leaf, and today Kanazawa produces over 98% of the Japanese gold leaf. Actually, the gold leaf is produced not only from pure gold but includes small quantities of copper and silver and the le [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Ray - Rakuen Project

Published on 2012-10-30 03:16:56

Ray - Rakuen Project:

Takasaki Daruma Dolls

Published on 2012-10-29 19:01:36

The Daruma dolls are Japanese traditional good luck charms representing (in an extremely stylized way) Bodhidharma, the legendary founder of Zen Buddhism. These very unusual dolls first appeared 200 years ago at the Shorinzan Daruma Temple from Takasaki, Gunma Prefecture. At the time, the farmers in the area were suffering from hunger and the priest of the temple taught them to make Daruma dolls from papier-m

A Japanese Song per Day: Ryoko Shintani - Wonderful World

Published on 2012-10-29 03:29:27

Ryoko Shintani - Wonderful World:

Akihabara Duty Free Shops

Published on 2012-10-28 19:01:45

After visiting Japan, many tourists are returning home with Japanese products, watches, perfumes, electronics and even home appliances. The offer is wide and varied, the quality is good and the price is probably better than home. I noticed that many visitors are not aware about a Japanese law that makes the Japanese products even more affordable for the foreign visitor: if during the same day you spend more than 10001 yen on the same shop, you are allowed to receive the 5% consumption tax refu [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Minori Chihara - Yuki Muon Madobe Ni Te

Published on 2012-10-28 05:37:19

Minori Chihara - Yuki Muon Madobe Ni Te:

Cute Japanese roadside barriers

Published on 2012-10-27 19:01:01

Because Japanese people like cute objects, they are designing to look pretty even the most ordinary and mundane things, like manhole covers (manhoru in Japanese), warning panels or roadside barriers. Take a look at this roadside barrier shaped like a cute frog, spotted in front of the Shinjuku Station, overly detailed considering its usage: the frog on the back has even a different expression. And by the care taken for their storage and assembly, I guess even the workers are appreciating these [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: YuiKaori - Our Steady Boy

Published on 2012-10-27 04:25:20

YuiKaori - Our Steady Boy:

Inari Torii row

Published on 2012-10-26 19:01:20

At the entrance to the Shinto shrines you will always see a torii, marking the delimitation between the sacred space of the shrine and the profane world. At the Inari shrines however, sometimes there are groups of torii, with a different role. These are donations from worshipers, for Inari, the patron of business. Each torii is inscribed with the name of the donor and they are usually placed in rows with small spaces in between, creating a beautiful sight. Some of these rows are huge, with thou [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Shizuka Kudo - Blue Velvet

Published on 2012-10-26 02:25:28

Shizuka Kudo - Blue Velvet:

Dotonbori

Published on 2012-10-25 19:01:56

Like many other waterways from the Japanese cities, the Dotonbori canal from Osaka wasn’t a natural water stream. Its construction was the idea of a local entrepreneur, Doton Yasui, who hoped that a canal will enhance the commercial activities in the area. He managed to get the construction started in 1612, but died soon after, during the Siege of Osaka, fighting on the side of Toyotomi Hideyori. The canal was finished after the war, in 1615, by a relative of him and although he fought on [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Minami Takayama - Just Communication

Published on 2012-10-25 04:22:51

Minami Takayama - Just Communication:

Kyoto, Yasaka Pagoda

Published on 2012-10-24 19:01:04

With its height of 49 meters, the Yasaka Pagoda is visible from many viewpoints across the Higashiyama district. One of the most important landmarks from Kyoto, this five-story pagoda once belonged to the Hokanji Temple, established by Prince Shotoku at the end of the 6th century. After being destroyed and rebuilt several times during its long history, the pagoda we see today dates from 1440, when it was rebuilt by the shogun Ashikaga Yoshinori. Designated as an important cultural property, th [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Maiko Fujita - Hanabi

Published on 2012-10-24 01:21:16

Maiko Fujita - Hanabi:

Japanese garden landmarks - Kenrokuen Neagari-no-Matsu

Published on 2012-10-23 19:01:51

Originally built during the Edo period, the Kenrokuen Garden from Kanazawa belonged to the Maeda clan, the rulers of the Kaga Domain. The garden, as we know it today, was made by the 13th lord Nariyasu, in 1874. He designed one of the most beautiful landmarks, the Neagari no Matsu ("raised roots pine"), a pine-tree with magnificent roots rising more than 2 meters over the ground. The technique used was to plant the tree in a raised mound and after the roots became strong enough the soil undern [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Angela - Soukyuu

Published on 2012-10-23 04:39:56

Angela - Soukyuu:

Japanese architecture - Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan and a Travel Tip

Published on 2012-10-22 19:01:32

Osaka is a city with many architecturally interesting buildings and amongst them the Aquarium Kaiyukan certainly stands out. Inaugurated in 1990, Aquarium Kaiyukan was designed by Peter Chermayeff LLC, an American company specialized in aquarium architecture. The best angle to admire its shape is from… above and the nearby Tempozan Ferris Wheel offers the best opportunity for this (as you can see from this photo). Travel tip: If you like to visit it (and I warmly recommend it), you can b [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Ayumi Hamasaki - Virgin Road

Published on 2012-10-22 01:43:28

Ayumi Hamasaki - Virgin Road:

Japanese customs and traditions - the Ring of Wisdom

Published on 2012-10-21 19:01:49

There are many places in Japan where the tradition says that if you perform some unusual act, you will get something in return. Probably the most famous such place is inside the Todaiji Temple from Nara, but I recently found something similar in Amanohashidate. An old Buddhist teaching says that “Out of the counsel of three comes the wisdom of Monju”, Monju being the Bodhisattva of wisdom. The meaning of this saying is that three heads think better than one, but related to this, a [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Kokia - Fate

Published on 2012-10-21 05:12:32

Kokia - Fate:

Syoda Ebisu Restaurant Shinsekai

Published on 2012-10-20 19:01:29

If you’re in Osaka and you love Japanese traditional food, besides the mandatory visit to Dotonbori, you should also visit the Shinsekai district. It’s a very colorful place, the restaurants have huge billboards (some of them similar to the ones from Dotonbori) and since we are here very close to the Tsutenkaku Tower, many of the businesses are displaying at least one statue of Biliken, the Japanese God from America. But Biliken is not the only god featured here, here is one specta [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Ali Project - Katana to Saya

Published on 2012-10-20 04:32:57

Ali Project - Katana to Saya:

Wide angle night illumination on Shijo-dori, Kyoto

Published on 2012-10-19 19:01:51

Dating since the Heian period, the 7 kilometers long Shijo-dori is the most famous street from Kyoto. Its most beautiful part is the section between the Yasaka Shrine’s gate (from where I took this wide angle photo) and the Shijo Ohashi bridge (near the Minami-za theater). There are a lot of modern buildings here, but the covered sidewalk was design to look somehow traditional and was provided with night illuminations made with traditionally looking lanterns… It looks beautiful and [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: ON/OFF - Hajimaru no wa Sayonara

Published on 2012-10-19 04:15:13

ON/OFF - Hajimaru no wa Sayonara:

Reflection on the Kurashiki Canal

Published on 2012-10-18 19:01:17

One of the most scenic merchant neighborhoods from Japan is the one from Kurashiki, a small town near Okayama. During the Edo period, the town was an important center in the Japanese economy, because the rice harvested from the surrounding area was stored here before being shipped to Edo or Osaka. The storehouses (kura in Japanese) from the street running alongside the Bikan canal were perfectly preserved and are housing today several cafes, stores and museums, while the whole area was transfo [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Buck-Tick - Gekka Reijin

Published on 2012-10-18 02:30:24

Buck-Tick - Gekka Reijin:

Zen Architecture - Katomado

Published on 2012-10-17 19:01:23

At some Japanese Zen Buddhist temples, you will see an architectural element of great beauty: the Katōmado window. According to the original kanji writing, 火灯窓 katōmado means “fire light window". However, because it was considered bad to have a name that implies the presence of fire for a wooden building element, the kanji writing was changed to 花頭窓 or 華頭窓, both meaning “flower head window". Indeed, we can say n [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: FictionJunction - Distance

Published on 2012-10-17 02:07:32

FictionJunction - Distance:

Shinjuku Green Peas Pachinko

Published on 2012-10-16 19:01:41

It is well known that the Japanese people are passionate gamers and gamblers, the most popular game is pachinko. In a pachinko parlor you will see people of all ages and conditions and, surprisingly, a lot of women. I was amazed to learn that, according to an official statistic from 2009, 1.6% of all Japanese women are compulsive gamblers… With such a huge mainstream popularity, it’s only natural that the pachinko parlors can be found literally everywhere in Japan, many of them havi [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Galneryus - A Far Off Distance

Published on 2012-10-16 02:17:12

Galneryus - A Far Off Distance:

Remembering the Dog Shogun's days

Published on 2012-10-15 19:01:23

After dozens of cities visited, I never saw a stray dog in Japan… But it wasn’t always like this: during the time of shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, stray dogs were roaming freely in Edo and their numbers reached an all-time high after 1690, when the shogun issued a series of laws known as the Edicts on Compassion for Living Things. These strange laws were conceived especially to protect the dogs, establishing harsh punishments for those caught hurting animals and deportation or even d [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Aoi Eir - Aurora

Published on 2012-10-15 02:36:43

Aoi Eir - Aurora:

A very Japanese phone booth

Published on 2012-10-14 19:01:55

Traveling through Japan, I noticed almost everywhere a special care for detail and harmony. Sometimes, the Japanese architects are going to unusual lengths to ensure it: one example is this phone booth located inside the Sumiyoshi Taisha from Osaka. The roof was designed to carefully match the shrine’s roof, with the forked ornament on top (called chigi in Japanese) and with the transverse beam (katsuogi). An interesting fact though, there was a time in Japan when this would have been [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Yuya Matsushita - Bird

Published on 2012-10-14 02:50:28

Yuya Matsushita - Bird:

Kyoto Fushimi Inari Taisha Kagura-den

Published on 2012-10-13 19:01:12

Since the old times, the traditional Shinto ceremonies featured sacred dances as offerings for kami. Originally, these dances were performed on temporary platforms raised near the shrine, but during the Heian period, the temporary stages were replaced by permanent constructions called kagura-den ("dance hall"). Today, only the larger and most important shrines have a kagura-den, in the smaller shrines the danced being performed in the main hall of worship (haiden). Here is one of the most beau [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Momoiro Clover Z - Nippon Egao Hyakkei

Published on 2012-10-13 02:15:55

Momoiro Clover Z - Nippon Egao Hyakkei:

Traditional shopping street, Oharaimachi Ise

Published on 2012-10-12 19:01:18

I love Japanese traditional products, so whenever I visit a new town I always check if there is a traditional shopping area. And if possible, I always search for specific products, foods or drinks. Many of these traditional shopping areas are streets, a few hundred meters long, with traditional Japanese buildings, like the street from this photo, Oharaimachi, located right near Naiku, the famous Inner Shrine of Ise. For hundreds of years, pilgrims from all over Japan were passing through this [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Minami Kuribayashi - Signs ~ Sakutsuki Ichiya

Published on 2012-10-12 02:30:36

Minami Kuribayashi - Signs ~ Sakutsuki Ichiya:

Kinryu Ramen Restaurant

Published on 2012-10-11 19:01:38

If you visit Osaka, one of the must see places is Dotonbori, a street from the Namba district, well know as a paradise for gourmands. Once you get there, it will be impossible not to stop and admire all the extravagant billboards and signs. One of the most beautiful billboards is a huge dragon with a funny face - this will surely draw you in! This chain of restaurants is called Kinryu Ramen (Golden Dragon Ramen) and it is famous for its tonkotsu ramen (don’t confuse it with tonkatsu, ton [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Egoist - Planetes

Published on 2012-10-11 02:19:12

Egoist - Planetes:

The French Castle from Tokyo

Published on 2012-10-10 19:01:24

As a child, you probably read “The Adventures of Tintin", the series of comics created by the Belgian artist Herg

A Japanese Song per Day: Maon Kurosaki - Reimei

Published on 2012-10-10 02:06:36

Maon Kurosaki - Reimei:

Inuyama Castle's protector tree

Published on 2012-10-09 19:01:24

In Japan, in every Shinto shrine you will see a tree, usually a very old one, which is considered sacred. The explanation is that these trees are providing a place for the gods and spirits (kami), so that they can be present during the Shinto ceremonies. But these aren’t the only sacred trees from Japan. The tree from today’s photo, located right next to the walls of the Inuyama Castle, is considered sacred because it actually protected the castle: it is said that over many years, t [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Home Made Kazoku - Motto Kimi Wo

Published on 2012-10-09 03:21:46

Home Made Kazoku - Motto Kimi Wo:

Tokyo, Ultra-short Skyscraper history

Published on 2012-10-08 19:01:30

Compared to other large cities, the vertical development of Tokyo begun relatively recently: while in New York the first building over 200 meters was built in 1909 (the Metropolitan Life Tower), up until the beginning of 1960’s in Tokyo there was a law in effect (the Building Standard Law) that was forbidding the development of commercial buildings taller than 31 meters and residential building over… 20 meters. After Tokyo Tower was inaugurated in 1958, it became clear that the cit [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: SEAMO - Yakusoku

Published on 2012-10-08 03:24:57

SEAMO - Yakusoku:

Itsukushima Shrine Taka-Butai

Published on 2012-10-07 19:01:57

The first shrine on the Miyajima Island was built in 593, but the building was smaller than the one we know today. The shrine was rebuilt at the end of the Heian period, during the reign of Taira no Kiyomori, the leader of the Heike clan and immediately became an important place of worship. Since the Emperor and the Imperial Court were also coming to pray at the Itsukushima Shrine, during the same period Bugaku, the Japanese court dance, started to be performed on a temporary stage. Later, durin [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Nana Mizuki - Scarlet Knight

Published on 2012-10-07 03:35:29

Nana Mizuki - Scarlet Knight:

Japanese spirituality - the 33 forms of Kannon Bosatsu

Published on 2012-10-06 19:01:09

One of the most beloved deities in Japan is Kannon, (Avalokiteśvara in Sanskrit). According to Buddhism, Kannon is a Bosatsu (Bodhisattva in Sanskrit), a being who attained the state of perfect enlightenment (Buddhahood), but remains in the world to help all the living beings to achieve salvation. In Japan, Kannon is the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion and to help as many people as possible, she can appear in 33 forms. The best known form is the Byakue Kannon (the White-robe Kannon), the o [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: UVERworld - Mondo Piece

Published on 2012-10-06 00:30:34

UVERworld - Mondo Piece:

Samurai legends, Ushiwakamaru's height measurement stone

Published on 2012-10-05 19:01:58

Many samurai earned their celebrity through their courage and martial skills, but few are as famous as Minamoto no Yoshitsune. There are many legends about him, including one that he didn’t committed seppuku after the battle of Koromo River (as the history recalls) and that he fled to Mongolia, where he further lived as Temujin, no other that the famous Genghis Khan. This is obviously unbelievable, but there are other more reliable legends about its childhood, when he was known as Ushiwaka [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Aqua Timez - Kaze ni Fukarete

Published on 2012-10-05 03:55:31

Aqua Timez - Kaze ni Fukarete:

Old Japanese stories, Kyoto Gion Tatsumi Shrine

Published on 2012-10-04 19:01:16

In one of the most beautiful traditional districts of Kyoto, on the Shirakawa-minami-dori, the street renowned for its expensive O-chaya (tea houses), there is a small shrine, the Tatsumi Shrine, with a funny old story. It is said that on the nearby bridge there was a tanuki, a Japanese raccoon dog who was attacking the passersby, making them fall in the water. To stop these attacks, the people decided to build this small shrine and the story says that, since then, the aggressive tanuki was magi [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Kobukuro - Blue Bird

Published on 2012-10-04 02:48:52

Kobukuro - Blue Bird:

Japanese Gardens, the Ohashi courtyard garden

Published on 2012-10-03 17:19:51

In Japan you can find a perfect garden not only in temples or in tourist areas, but also in less expected places. In restaurants, hotels, ryokans, traditional homes or even in the spaces between buildings, you can find tiny but amazingly beautiful gardens, so small that they cannot be “visited", being built just to be admired: these are tsubo-niwa (tsubo is an old Japanese measuring unit, about 3.3 square meters) and they are popular in Japan since the Edo period, when wealthy merchants st [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: AAA - Daiji na Koto

Published on 2012-10-03 02:38:35

AAA - Daiji na Koto:

Shinkansen Doctor Yellow

Published on 2012-10-02 19:01:05

People photographing trains are a common sight in Japan, where the diversity of trains is so great that it is almost impossible for one to know all the trains series, versions and liveries. Some people are photographing the trains they traveled on, others are especially waiting on the platforms for some less common cars or locomotives… But among them, there is a special train, a Shinkansen, that I noticed that it is photographed whenever it makes its appearance. It looks unusual indeed, [..]

Abeno Harukas, the New Tallest Building in Japan

Published on 2012-10-02 06:00:12

Japan’s new tallest building is now officially taller than the previous record holder: the Abeno Harukas building from Osaka, still in construction, has recently surpassed the Yokohama Landmark Tower (296 meters) with several meters… Click on photo for higher resolution: Abeno Harukas, Abeno-ku, Osaka The new skyscraper is owned by Japan Railway’s Kintetsu Corporation and is located near the Abenobashi Station. It will be inaugurated in March 2014. Its name, Abeno Harukas, [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Girl Next Door - Silent Scream

Published on 2012-10-02 03:48:48

Girl Next Door - Silent Scream:

Steampunk decor in Inuyama

Published on 2012-10-01 19:01:33

Some great steampunk movies were produced in Japan, Hayao Miyazaki’s “Howl’s Moving Castle” being one of the most representative, so the steampunk genre is really popular in Japan. Many steampunk works are decorating the Japanese cities, with the masterpiece being the Nippon Television’s NI-TELE Really BIG Clock from Shiodome, Tokyo. And since it is so popular, if you like steampunk you can have many pleasant surprises while traveling through Japan: a couple of wee [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Meisa Kuroki - Wired Life:

Published on 2012-10-01 02:46:37

Meisa Kuroki - Wired Life:

Sunset at Fushimi Inari, Kyoto

Published on 2012-09-30 19:01:13

If you love taking photos, you surely know that the time of day when you take the photo is of maximum importance: the color of the light, the sun’s position, the shadows, all these are very important ingredients in photography… For a traveler like me, who rarely returns to the same place, to catch a good light for a photo is a matter of good luck, careful planning and readiness for improvisation. But in same cases, it is almost impossible to plan ahead… In Japan, most temples [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Itano Tomomi - 10nen Go no Kimi e

Published on 2012-09-30 02:11:10

Itano Tomomi - 10nen Go no Kimi e:

Japanese customs and traditions - Moon-viewing festival

Published on 2012-09-29 19:01:46

Today in Japan takes place Tsukimi, the Moon-viewing festival. According to the Japanese tradition, this is the best moment to admire the moon, because during this period of the year the full moon is brighter and prettier than usual. To admire the full moon in Japan, you can visit a shrine or a temple or, why not, you can enjoy the view next to a spectacular skyscraper, like I did near the Umeda Sky Building from Osaka, which I think is the most beautiful skyscraper from Japan. Click on photo [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Sexy Zone - Lady Diamond

Published on 2012-09-29 02:18:43

Sexy Zone - Lady Diamond:

Tokyo Gundam 2012

Published on 2012-09-28 19:01:15

Remember the spectacular Gundam robot first built 3 years ago in Odaiba and then dismantled? After a brief presence in Shizuoka in 2010, the giant robot returned last winter in Odaiba, where it will remain for good, much to the joy of the many Gundam fans… And the Gundam is not just for decor - today begins the 29th National Urban Greenery Fair Tokyo, a fair taking place in six of the most beautiful parks from Tokyo (Ueno Park, Inokashira Park, Hibiya Park, Hamarikyu Gardens, Sea Forest a [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Mr. Children - Inori Namida no Kidou

Published on 2012-09-28 02:39:02

Mr. Children - Inori 〜 Namida no Kidou:

Kiyomizu-dera wooden stage

Published on 2012-09-27 19:01:11

Ever since the Edo period, the wooden stage from the Kiyomizu-dera main hall was one of the most popular places in Kyoto. Visitors are coming here from all over the country to admire the landscape, because the view from here is simply gorgeous. But in the past there was also a local custom hard to explain: it was believed that if one will survive to a jump from the stage in the 13-meters-deep abyss beneath, they will have a wish fulfilled… and 234 people actually jumped! Only 200 of them [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: BREAKERZ - Miss Mystery

Published on 2012-09-27 03:02:28

BREAKERZ - Miss Mystery:

Japanese customs and traditions - Kukurizaru, the Hanging Monkeys

Published on 2012-09-26 19:01:17

An old Japanese belief says that in order to have a wish fulfilled, you need to give up a desire… Related to this, there’s a small temple in Higashiyama, Kyoto, called Yasaka Koshin-do, where you can witness a nice old custom: in the temple’s courtyard you will see a large number of spherical talismans made of colorful cloth, called Kukurizaru - the “hanging monkey". Kukurizaru represents a monkey with the hands and feet tied to the back, a symbol of self-control and tr [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Acid Black Cherry - Yes

Published on 2012-09-26 00:56:48

Acid Black Cherry - Yes:

Japanese Narrow Buildings Photo 20, Ise

Published on 2012-09-25 19:01:24

Returning to a subject which I enjoy photographing, the Japanese narrow buildings, these days I learned that narrow buildings can be found not only in large, crowded cities but also in provincial areas, like this cute little building from Ise. It is one of the narrowest buildings I found until now: comparing it with the Toyota Vitz parked next to it (which has a width of 1.66 meters), the building’s width is just a little over 2 meters… Click on photo for higher resolution: Narro [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Bump of Chicken - Sailing Day

Published on 2012-09-25 00:36:26

Bump of Chicken - Sailing Day:

Chashitsu architecture - Cottage of Lingering Fragrance

Published on 2012-09-24 19:01:40

Traveling through Japan, in gardens, temples or in public parks you can see small wooden buildings with a special architecture: these are chashitsu 「茶室」 “tea rooms", places especially designed for the tea ceremony. One of the most beautiful chashitsu can be visited at the Kodai-ji temple from Kyoto. Called Iho-an, which can be translated as the Cottage of Lingering Fragrance, this architectural jewel features a beautiful and unusual round window and it is consi [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: 2PM - Beautiful

Published on 2012-09-24 00:44:48

2PM - Beautiful:

Glamorous Japanese architecture - Uniqlo Ginza by night

Published on 2012-09-23 19:01:39

There are many glamorous stores in Ginza, Tokyo, but today I would like to show you the latest one, opened in March this year, owned by Uniqlo, the leading Japanese clothing chain. The store was designed by Masamichi Katayama, the founder of a renowned design company from Tokyo, Wonderwall. With 12 floors covered with glass, the building was designed to look like having only 6 floors, with each glass panel covering 2 levels. By night the store is heavily illuminated, looking spectacular with r [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Momoiro Clover Z - Otome Senso

Published on 2012-09-23 00:30:08

Momoiro Clover Z - Otome Senso:

Mikimoto Ama women divers

Published on 2012-09-22 19:01:56

Collecting pearls is a 2000 years old tradition in Japan, most of the divers being women (called Ama), because it seems that women are more resistant than men to immersion in cold water. Over a century ago, Kokichi Mikimoto, the inventor of pearl cultivation, was helped by the Ama divers. They were diving to collect the oysters and, after the oysters were seeded to produce pearls, the Ama were diving again to put them back on the seafloor. Of course, today the pearl cultivation is automated [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Morning Musume - One Two Three/The Matenrou Show

Published on 2012-09-22 03:01:46

Morning Musume - One Two Three/The Matenrou Show:

Unusual Architecture in Japan - the Dutch gate

Published on 2012-09-21 19:01:38

The Oyama Shrine from Kanazawa is well known because of its main gate’s unusual architecture. Actually, the gate was originally built for the palace from the Kanazawa castle and was later moved to the shrine. The gate’s original shape was designed by a Dutch architect, who wanted to mix several European and Asian architectural elements. Thus, the lower part is inspired by a Japanese Zen Buddhist temple gate, Sanmon, while the second level is influenced by a Chinese Ming dynasty sty [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Yamapi - Love Chase

Published on 2012-09-21 02:05:36

Yamapi - Love Chase:

Japanese architecture, the Water Spaceship

Published on 2012-09-20 19:01:21

One of the most spectacular buildings from Japan, Oasis 21, is located in Nagoya, in the Sakae district, right near the Nagoya Tower. Surprisingly for a building with such a modern architecture, Oasis 21 serves mainly as a… bus terminal, but there are also many restaurants and stores, located underground. The most striking feature of Oasis 21 is its oval glass roof, filled with water, which can be visited (the view from up there is really nice) and acts as a huge cooler. And since it loo [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: V6 - Sexy.Honey.Bunny!

Published on 2012-09-20 02:32:47

V6 - Sexy.Honey.Bunny!

Japanese Garden beauty, the Flying Geese Bridge from Kenroku-en

Published on 2012-09-19 19:01:33

From the many attractions offered by the Kenroku-en Garden from Kanazawa, I recently presented the exquisite Kotoji lantern. Today, I would like to show you a very special bridge, Gankō-bashi - the Flying Geese Bridge. Made from 11 red andesite stones, the bridge was designed to look like a skein of geese (a flock of geese flying in formation). But the bridge also has an alternative name: because it resembles a row of aligned tortoises, it is also called the Tortoise Shell Bridge. And since [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: LiSA - Crossing Field

Published on 2012-09-19 00:38:09

LiSA - Crossing Field:

Japanese mascots - Otosan, the SoftBank's famous dog

Published on 2012-09-18 19:01:34

Since 2007, when he first appeared in the commercials of the Japanese telecommunications corporation SoftBank, Otosan became one of the most famous dogs in Japan. Otosan is not a CGI animation nor a puppet, he is a real-life 9 years old dog, his name is Kai-kun and he’s a Hokkaidō-Inu, a breed declared since 1937 as a “rare species protected by law". Kai-kun also starred in a few TV drama series. In the commercials, Otosan is the father (otosan in Japanese) of the Shirato Famil [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Nogizaka46 - Oide Shampoo

Published on 2012-09-18 08:34:27

Nogizaka46 - Oide Shampoo:

Pure beauty in Kyoto - Reflection of the Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji

Published on 2012-09-18 03:55:32

The story of today’s Kinkaku-ji Temple from Kyoto starts in 1397, when the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu bought the land and started building a villa including the Kinkaku (Golden Pavilion), the garden and the pond surrounding it. After the shogun’s death, the place was transformed into a Zen temple, Kinkaku-ji. The pond and Kinkaku where designed so that they will create the perfect harmony, a reflection on earth of the Buddhist paradise. There are 10 islands on the pond (of which the [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Kis-MyFt2 - Wanna Beee!!!

Published on 2012-09-17 00:40:13

Kis-MyFt2 - Wanna Beee!!! / Shake It Up:

Romantic night in Odaiba

Published on 2012-09-16 19:01:11

During the current trip to Japan I have seen many new cities, I fell in love with a lot of new places but, to be honest, I was looking forward to return to Tokyo again… So here I am in Odaiba, spending a lovely romantic night, feeling the bay’s cool breeze and admiring the view I love so much: the lights of Rainbow Bridge and the Tokyo’s skyscraper outline… Click on photo for higher resolution: Odaiba, Tokyo Info:Fuji X100 Lens: Fujinon Focal Length: 19mm Aperture: F [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Kanjani8 - Aoppana

Published on 2012-09-16 00:30:40

Kanjani8 - Aoppana:

Asakusa, birds-eye view from Tokyo Sky Tree

Published on 2012-09-15 19:01:45

Ever since the construction of Tokyo Sky Tree started, I was looking forward to see Tokyo from its observatory. So yesterday morning, to avoid the crowding, I went there at the first hour. The interior is premium quality, as expected from the tallest tower in the world. Everything inside is good taste, with a lot of interesting cultural bits, and the panorama is… well, spectacular - again, as expected! And a big plus, the slanted windows are perfect for taking photos! Here is my favorite [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Yui - Fight

Published on 2012-09-15 00:24:20

Yui - Fight:

Weird Japanese architecture, Love Hotels

Published on 2012-09-14 19:01:29

In Japan, the first love hotels appeared during the Edo Period, when they were built with very discreet entrances, featuring even tunnels to protect the privacy of their customers. But the modern Japanese love hotels are now exactly the opposite: developed after the abolition of prostitution in 1958, their architecture is flashy, with gaudy colors and way too many ornaments. The “love hotel” term comes from the name of such a hotel from Osaka, built in 1968. Also from Osaka is the [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Perfume - Macaroni

Published on 2012-09-14 04:14:53

Perfume - Macaroni:

The third tallest statue in the world, Ushiku Daibutsu

Published on 2012-09-13 19:01:26

In 1993 when it was built, with its height of 120 meters, the Ushiku Daibutsu - Great Buddha - from Ushiku, Ibaraki Prefecture, was the tallest statue in the world. To put its size into perspective, it is almost 3 times the size of the Statue of Liberty, which without the pedestal is “just” 46 meters tall. The Kamakura Daibutsu, the most famous Great Buddha from Japan, measures from one knee to the other 9.1 meters, so it can easily fit into the 18-meters-long hand of Ushiku Daibutsu [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Aice5 - Love Power

Published on 2012-09-13 00:30:09

Aice5 - Love Power:

Japan's most scenic beauty, Amanohashidate

Published on 2012-09-12 19:01:01

After the Miyajima Island, the following destination on my tour of Japan’s most scenic beauty places was the next of the Three Views of Japan - Nihon Sankei, Amanohashidate… Located in the north of Kyoto Prefecture, Amanohashidate is a pine covered sandbar connecting the sides of the Miyazu Bay. Four centuries ago, the Confucian scholar Shunsai Hayashi was so impressed by Amanohashidate’s beauty that he included it in his book Nihon Kokujisekikou as one of the three most celeb [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Kalafina - Red Moon

Published on 2012-09-12 00:30:23

Kalafina - Red Moon:

Tea-serving Karakuri doll and a travel tip

Published on 2012-09-11 19:01:45

The Japanese interest in karakuri ningyo - mechanical puppets - which probably led to today’s passion for robots, appeared several hundred years ago. The most spectacular karakuri are the zashiki karakuri, which where used as a form of entertainment for the Edo period lords. And among them, the most popular was the type from this photo, the tea-serving doll, cha-hakobi ningyo. To serve the tea, the doll is placed facing the guest and when the tea cup is put on the tray, it automatically [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Dio - Distraught Overlord - Haunting

Published on 2012-09-11 00:30:29

Dio - Distraught Overlord - Haunting:

Kyoto Arashiyama bamboo groves

Published on 2012-09-10 19:01:01

If you like bamboo forests (I simply love them), one of the best places to visit in Japan is the trail near the Tenryū-ji Temple from Arashiyama, a district located in the western Kyoto. The trail passes through an old and thick bamboo forest - it is an amazingly beautiful place - and when the sun shines, the light passing through the foliage creates magical light spots. However, the light spots don’t look that well in a photo, so I just sit there, waiting for some clouds… and [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Akira Kushida - Jiban

Published on 2012-09-10 00:30:58

Akira Kushida - Jiban:

The oldest Japan castle

Published on 2012-09-09 19:01:10

Continuing my quest to visit the 12 original surviving Japanese castles, today I reached Inuyama. The Inuyama castle is one of the four Japanese castles designated as national treasures, the other three being the castles from Himeji, Matsumoto and Hikone. Originally built in 1537 by the uncle of Oda Nobunaga, Oda Nobuyasu, the Inuyama castle claims an important record, that of the oldest Japanese castle (however, it seems that its main tower is a little bit younger). The castle’s interior [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: S/mileage - Chotto Matte Kudasai!

Published on 2012-09-09 00:30:27

S/mileage - Chotto Matte Kudasai!

Japanese architecture, Kyoto Station

Published on 2012-09-08 19:01:23

If you only passed through the platforms of Kyoto Station, you haven’t seen anything from this impressive building, the second largest train station in Japan. If you come by train and want to enjoy it, go to the North exit (Karasuma Side) and you will arrive in the atrium from this photo. From here, you can reach the most attractive areas of this 15-stories futurist place, filled with beautiful viewpoints… A large number of escalators and walkways are inviting you to explore, while [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: ACIDMAN - Slow Rain

Published on 2012-09-08 00:30:52

ACIDMAN - Slow Rain:

Meoto Iwa, the wedded rocks and a small travel tip

Published on 2012-09-07 19:01:39

One of the special places I visited in Japan is located near the Ise City, the spiritual center of the country. In the Ise Bay, near the JR Futaminoura station, there are two large rocks, tied together by a huge, 1-ton shimenawa, made from 5 thick rice-straw ropes. These are Meoto Iwa 「夫婦岩」, sacred rocks representing the central deities in the Shinto creation myth, Izanagi and Izanami. The link between them symbolizes their union and that’s why Meoto Iw [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Hiroshi Wada & Mahina Star - Ginza Blues

Published on 2012-09-07 00:30:42

Hiroshi Wada & Mahina Star - Ginza Blues:

How to be a (fake) Geisha in Kyoto

Published on 2012-09-06 19:01:27

A couple of days ago, in Kyoto, while I was strolling through the beautiful, traditional district of Higashiyama, I suddenly found myself in front of a loud and happy group of 3 geisha. Noticing my camera, they immediately started posing for me with the usual “V” sign… Now, what is wrong with this picture? (^_^) Of course, they were no geisha nor maiko. They are tourists, having a good time while using the services of a company that can “transform” you into a geish [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Mami Kawada - Serment

Published on 2012-09-06 00:30:33

Mami Kawada - Serment:

Japanese food delicacies, Ume Soba

Published on 2012-09-05 19:01:04

One of the most popular Japanese dishes, soba, the Japanese noodle made from buckwheat flour, is also one of the oldest, being invented in Edo, during the Tokugawa period. Soba quickly became very popular throughout Japan because of its taste and because it was an important supply of thiamine, a nutrient that was missing in the Edo period’s diet. Soba can be served hot, like a soup, or cold - which is my favorite - with a soy-based dipping sauce. Served on a small bamboo tray (zaru), my f [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Chieko Kawabe - Kizuna iro

Published on 2012-09-05 00:30:11

Chieko Kawabe - Kizuna iro:

The Kotoji stone lantern from Kenroku-en garden

Published on 2012-09-04 19:01:37

Of the Three Great Gardens of Japan (Nihon Sanmeien), these days I visited my second, the Kenroku-en in Kanazawa, called the “Garden of the Six Sublimities". There are many beautiful sights here, but the most representative is this stone lantern located on the northern side of the Kasumiga-ike Pond. It wasn’t easy to take a photo, because the place is continuously crowded by people taking their pictures in front of it… Why is it so famous? This lantern is an unusual version of [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Exile - Bow & Arrows

Published on 2012-09-04 00:30:06

Exile - Bow & Arrows:

The most famous Geisha tea house from Kyoto

Published on 2012-09-03 19:01:41

Right at the entrance of the Hanami-koji street from Gion, the famous Kyoto district of geiko (geisha in the Kyoto dialect), you will find the most famous geisha tea house (ochaya), the Ichiriki Chaya. Established over 300 years ago, this ochaya is also one of the oldest tea houses and it became famous because the leader of the Forty-seven Ronin, Oishi Kuranosuke, spent here several nights to deceive the potential spies. A Kabuki play about this event became a huge success and since the ochaya w [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Aya Matsuura - Dokki Doki! Love Mail

Published on 2012-09-03 00:30:51

Aya Matsuura - Dokki Doki! Love Mail

Tsuzumimon, the spectacular gate from Kanazawa

Published on 2012-09-02 19:01:12

One of the most spectacular gates from Japan can be found not in the front of a temple or shrine, but in front of… a train station. Tsuzumimon was built right in front of the East entrance to the JR Kanazawa Station and it is directly connected to a huge steel-and-glass structure, the Motenashi Dome. The gate’s architecture draws its inspiration from a Japanese traditional drum called tsuzumi (hence the name), and surprisingly, although it was finished in 2005, Tsuzumimon is almost [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Glay- I'm In Love

Published on 2012-09-02 00:30:02

Glay- I’m In Love:

A modern Zen Garden in Kyoto

Published on 2012-09-01 19:01:45

If you love Zen gardens, one of the most interesting places to visit in Kyoto is the Tofuku-ji Temple. You will find a Zen garden on each of the 4 sides of its Hojo building, all created in 1930 by one of the most important Japanese garden builders, Mirei Shigemori. Today, I want to show you the Northern Garden, which re-creates the Zen simplicity with modern design themes: a checkered pattern with square rocks and large patches of moss. As you can see in the photo, since the summer was scorch [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Zard - Good-Bye My Loneliness

Published on 2012-09-01 00:30:43

Zard - Good-Bye My Loneliness:

The 1000th Japan Photo of the day - Taikobashi reflection

Published on 2012-08-31 19:01:56

Today, I would like to mark the anniversary of the 1000th photo from the “A Japan Photo per Day” series! On this occasion, I wanted to show you something special and yesterday, when I was visiting the Sumiyoshi Taisha from Osaka, I found this really special bridge, Taikobashi… Located between the entrance torii and the main building, Taikobashi (also called Soribashi), shaped like a rainbow, is said to connect our world and the spiritual world… The original bridge was [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: ajico - Pepin

Published on 2012-08-31 00:30:06

ajico - Pepin:

The Giant Lion Head from Namba

Published on 2012-08-30 19:01:30

If you visit the Namba district from Osaka, one of the most exotic food places in Japan, take a half-hour detour to admire a unique shrine, with a very special architecture: called Namba Yasaka, this little Shinto shrine features a stage located… in the mouth of a huge, 12-meters-tall lion head - about the size of a 4 stories building. The role of the giant head is, like any other koma-inu, to protect the shrine against evil spirits… Click on photo for higher resolution: Namba Y [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Aika Yoshioka - Izayoi Namida

Published on 2012-08-30 00:30:18

Aika Yoshioka - Izayoi Namida:

Billiken, the Japanese God from... America

Published on 2012-08-29 19:01:48

While visiting the Shinsekai district from Osaka, you will see everywhere statues of a funny looking character with a mischievous smile - the god Billiken. Many people are taking pictures with Billiken while rubbing the soles of his feet, so he seems to be the typical Japanese god - the rubbing looks similar to other customs related to the Seven Lucky Gods (e.g. people are rubbing Daikokuten for good luck). However, Biliken is a god imported from… America! He was invented at the beginni [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: AION - Gasp For Breath

Published on 2012-08-29 00:30:26

AION - Gasp For Breath:

Osaka Bay, spectacular bird's-eye night view

Published on 2012-08-28 19:45:16

One of the most beautiful views over the Osaka Bay can be seen from the complex of high-rises located in the Benten area, X-Tower and ORC 200. On a clear day, you can see as far as Kobe (the dim lights on the upper right corner of the photo), in the upper center of the view you can see the Tempozan Ferris Wheel and the Tempozan Bridge and to the left, the tallest building visible is the Osaka Cosmo Tower, the third tallest building in Japan. I especially like to take night photos with a long ex [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Akeboshi - Yellow Moon

Published on 2012-08-28 00:30:35

Akeboshi - Yellow Moon:

Kani Doraku Crab

Published on 2012-08-27 20:48:13

Many of the restaurants lining the Dōtonbori street from Namba, Osaka, are drawing attention with extravagant billboards and signs. The one that started this trend is Kani Doraku, a crab restaurant, of course - back in 1960, they had the idea of installing this monstrous, 6-meters mechanized crab (which also moves its legs). The idea caught on and today there’s an invasion of giant 3D crabs, octopuses or dragons, much to the visitors’ delight… Click on photo for higher re [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Chihiro Onitsuka - Gekkou

Published on 2012-08-27 00:30:49

Chihiro Onitsuka - Gekkou:

Sailing in Osaka bay and a travel tip

Published on 2012-08-26 19:01:40

Of the many amusements in Osaka Bay, the most tempting for me was a ride with Santa Maria, a ship replica of the famous Santa Mar

A Japanese Song per Day: Balflare - Waking in Silence

Published on 2012-08-26 00:30:23

Balflare - Waking in Silence:

X-Tower, the tallest residential building in Japan

Published on 2012-08-25 19:03:43

Most Japanese homes are houses or small apartment buildings with just a few stories, but during the last years taller apartment buildings started rising here and there, some of them real skyscrapers… Among them, the X-Tower Osaka Bay, finished in 2006, stands out as the tallest residential building in Japan, with a total height of 200 meters (54 stories tall). Click on photo for higher resolution: X-Tower Osaka Bay, Osaka Info:Nikon D90 Lens: 8-16mm F/4.5-5.6 Focal Length: 10mm Apert [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Ayaka - Mikazuki

Published on 2012-08-25 00:30:31

Ayaka - Mikazuki:

Walking through thousands of Torii

Published on 2012-08-24 19:01:50

Now, that I arrived in Japan for the 8th time in 6 consecutive years, a friend asked me if, after visiting so many shrines and temples, if I ever had a truly spiritual experience… Well, besides the many religious festivals - matsuri - to which I had the chance to participate, each with its unique memories, I think I experienced in Japan a few strong, spiritual moments, which impressed me deeply, both visually and emotionally. One I strongly remember now was an eerily quiet afternoon, when [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Double Dealer - Deep Blue Sky

Published on 2012-08-24 00:30:04

Double Dealer - Deep Blue Sky:

Rainbow Bridge by night

Published on 2012-08-23 19:01:32

Although it is called the Rainbow Bridge, the bridge connecting the northern shores of Tokyo Bay with the Odaiba island is, during the day, white colored - the painting was carefully selected to harmonize with the surrounding environment. But by night, this solar powered bridge is indeed lit like a rainbow… Seen from a side, the predominant color is a dazzling green, but if you cross the bridge, you will see the supporting wires colored in red, white and green. The lighting was designed b [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Concerto Moon - Savior Never Cry

Published on 2012-08-23 00:30:00

Concerto Moon - Savior Never Cry:

Nihonjika, the deer from Miyajima

Published on 2012-08-22 19:01:40

In the Shinto religion, deer are considered sacred messengers of gods - that’s why, in a few places in Japan, we can encounter wild deer roaming freely in urban areas. The species of deer living on the Miyajima Island are called Nihonjika - “Japanese deer” and it is known that deer lived here since the ancient times, the first historical document attesting to their presence going back to 800 years ago. It is estimated that there are about 500 Nihonjika on the island, most of [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: BACK-ON - Flower

Published on 2012-08-22 00:30:59

BACK-ON - Flower:

The Shrine over the Sea

Published on 2012-08-21 19:01:58

Because the Miyajima Island is a sacred land, over 800 years ago, when the Itsukushima Shrine was built, people where not allowed to set foot on the island, so the shrine was built on wooden pillars, like a pier. Thus, the visitors were coming to the shrine by sea, passing by boat through the magnificent Otorii (the same way I did) and entering the shrine without touching the island’s ground. Obviously, in time the wooden pillars needed to be replaced, but the shrine was always rebuilt, [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: BEAT CRUSADERS - Ghost

Published on 2012-08-21 05:55:35

BEAT CRUSADERS - Ghost:

Orange trains in Shinjuku

Published on 2012-08-20 19:01:46

As you probably know, the Japanese train lines are color-coded. I like very much to play while photographing trains and on the day I took this picture I was in the JR Shinjuku Station, looking for colors. I was on the platform, near the Tobu Railway orange-colored Spacia limited-express (the train on the left) and I wanted to take a picture with the JR’s orange line, the Chuo Rapid (on the right)… Well, what do you know! The shop was also orange… (^_^) Click on photo for highe [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: defspiral - Dive into the Mirror

Published on 2012-08-20 03:48:25

defspiral - Dive into the Mirror:

Takadanobaba Astro Boy

Published on 2012-08-19 19:01:10

The story from the Astro Boy manga created by Osamu Tezuka is set in what was then the future, the year 2003. In the manga, Dr. Tenma, who was working in the Tokyo’s neighborhood of Takadanobaba, creates Astro Boy, an invincible robot, after his son dies in a car accident. So, for the fans, Takadanobaba became the birthplace of Astro Boy and since the anniversary of its birthday, in 2003, the Japan Rail Station Takadanobaba uses the theme song from the Astro Boy anime as a train departur [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Chirinuruwowaka - Kasugai

Published on 2012-08-19 07:49:23

Chirinuruwowaka - Kasugai:

Japanese spiritual architecture - Myojin torii

Published on 2012-08-18 20:13:52

A month ago, after I showed you the unusual shime torii from Hiroshima, I received quite a few questions regarding the other styles… Judging by the construction style, we can identify 2 large categories of torii and the most frequently used is the one in this photo, the myōjin style. Besides the two pillars (called hashira), the myōjin style features a large horizontal beam made from two parts, called kasagi - the black part and shimaki - the vermilion part, reinforced by a s [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Aqua Timez - Alones

Published on 2012-08-18 09:48:32

Aqua Timez - Alones:

Hozomon Gate by night

Published on 2012-08-17 19:01:29

From the very few temples equipped with night illumination, the Senso-ji from Asakusa, Tokyo, stands out through its beautiful lights and decorations. Here you can admire the Hozomon Gate on a warm summer night, when the paper lanterns are shining in the light and the statues of the two Nio guardians can be seen even better than during the day… Click on photo for higher resolution: Hozomon Gate, Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa, Tokyo Info:Nikon D300 Lens: 35mm F/2D Focal Length: 35mm Apert [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: BeForU - Strike Party!

Published on 2012-08-17 00:30:36

BeForU - Strike Party!:

A Japanese Tea-house

Published on 2012-08-16 19:01:25

One of the must see Japanese scenes is definitely the tea ceremony, the ceremonial way of preparing and drinking matcha, the Japanese powdered green tea. There are many places where you can experience the tea ceremony, cultural centers, museums or private houses, but in my opinion the best place is an old tea-house (chashitsu) from inside a scenic Japanese garden - you will feel like the guests of a daimyo. That’s the case with the chashitsu from this photo, located inside the Genkyu-en [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Charcoal Filter - Tightrope

Published on 2012-08-16 00:30:48

Charcoal Filter - Tightrope:

Traditional Japanese house, Irori

Published on 2012-08-15 19:01:20

In the kitchen or in the main living room, the fireplace (irori in Japanese) is the hearth of the traditional Japanese house and one of its specific features. Irori is built as a square sunken pit, carved directly in the ground or formed in the raised wooden floor, filled with ash and sand and bordered with timber or stones. For cooking, the kettles are usually suspended from the ceiling with a decorative hook, jizaikagi. The one from this photo is designed in the shape of a fish, but the mall [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: D-51 - Brand New World

Published on 2012-08-15 00:30:40

D-51 - Brand New World:

Shinto Shrines, Jingu

Published on 2012-08-14 19:01:58

Visiting Japan, you will notice a large variety of Shinto shrines. They are classified according to their Shinto gods (kami) and, in some cases, the type of shrine ca be identified directly by the name. Ths is the case for Jingu, shrines with a deep relationship with the Imperial House of Japan or shrines enshrining an Emperor. The best known Jingu shrine is the Meiji Jingu from Shibuya, Tokyo, dedicated to the divine spirit of Emperor Meiji and his consort Empress Shoken. Established on Novemb [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Clammbon - Hanasaku Iroha

Published on 2012-08-14 00:30:38

Clammbon - Hanasaku Iroha:

Tokyo Architecture, Bunkyo Civic Center

Published on 2012-08-13 19:01:37

From the many skyscrapers in Tokyo, I would like to show you today a lesser-known one, the Bunkyō ward’s government building, Bunkyō Civic Center 「文京シビックセンター」. Like the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Bunkyō Civic Center features an observatory which even though it is not as tall, being located at the 25th floor, 105 meters above ground, has the advantage of a beautiful view towards [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: AAA - Aitai Riyū/Dream After Dream (Yume Kara Sameta Yume)

Published on 2012-08-13 04:32:44

AAA - Aitai Riyū/Dream After Dream (Yume Kara Sameta Yume):

Five Storied Pagoda from Toshogu Shrine

Published on 2012-08-12 19:01:54

One of the best known pagodas from Japan is the five-storied pagoda located at the entrance of the Tōshōgū Shrine from Nikkō. The shrine was established in 1617 and the pagoda was built 33 years later as a donation of Tadakatsu Sakai, the governor of the city Obama (Fukui prefecture). However, the first pagoda burned in 1815 and the one we see today was rebuilt in 1818 by one of Tadakatsu Sakai’s descendants. With a height of 36 meters, the pagoda has no floors inside, [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Def Tech - Rays of Light

Published on 2012-08-12 02:01:13

Def Tech - Rays of Light:

Bon Odori Yagura stage

Published on 2012-08-11 19:01:05

During the middle of August, in Japan takes place one of the most important traditional celebrations, the Obon (Bon festival), a Buddhist tradition dedicated to honoring the spirits of ancestors. One of the main activities during this festival is the Bon Odori dance: in temple courtyards, in parks or even in the squares between apartment buildings, the paper lanterns are marking and decorating the festival area and at sunset the dance begins… The dancers, accompanied by traditional music [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Minori Chihara - Terminated

Published on 2012-08-11 08:13:34

Minori Chihara - Terminated:

Tenno-ji Daibutsu

Published on 2012-08-10 19:00:11

There are many Daibutsu (Great Buddha statues) in Japan, some of them are well-known, like the ones from Kamakura or Nara, others were famous once but have since faded away… Here is one of them, famous during the Edo and Meiji era, sculpted by Ota Kyuemon in 1690. It is known as the Tenno-ji Daibutsu, because originally it was located near the five-storied pagoda from the Tenno-ji Temple. In 1874 it was moved in the western corner of Yanaka cemetery and in 1933 was moved again on the toda [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Depapepe - Canon

Published on 2012-08-10 00:30:01

Depapepe - Canon:

Japanese castle arhitecture, Fukugoshiki style

Published on 2012-08-09 19:01:00

The most important feature of a Japanese castle is, of course, its main keep (tenshukaku in Japanese), the tallest building in the complex, usually with 3 or 5 stories. From a military point of view, the tenshukaku was the central command post for the castle’s daimyo, but it was also built with an artistic touch, to impress the visitors and to tell the world about the power and the richness of its lord. That’s why many of them are featuring complex and sometimes even golden ornaments [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Complex - 1990

Published on 2012-08-09 00:30:12

Complex - 1990:

Unusual Japanese architecture - Isshin-ji Gate

Published on 2012-08-08 19:01:45

If you are in Osaka and want to see something unusual, in the Tennoji ward, best known for its Shinsekai entertainment district, take a little time to visit the Isshin-ji Temple. Established 800 years ago, Isshin-ji was destroyed during the WWII and was progressively rebuilt over the following decades. One of the most recent constructions is the Main gate, raised in 1997 after the design of the head priest, who is also an architect. Made of steel, concrete and glass, with bronze statues, the ne [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Devil Kitty - Banzai oshare kei

Published on 2012-08-08 00:30:31

Devil Kitty - Banzai oshare kei:

Old Japanese stories, Hasedera Kannon-do

Published on 2012-08-07 19:01:19

Almost 1300 years ago, a monk named Tokudo Shonin found a large camphor tree in the forest nearby the Hase village from Nara, and sculpted from it two statues of the eleven-headed Kannon. One of the statues was sent to the Hasedera Temple near Nara, where it was enshrined, while the second one was… thrown into the sea. The belief was that the statue will reappear where the people will need it… And the legend says that, 15 years later, the statue was found glowing on a beach near Ka [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: BENNIE K - Sunrise

Published on 2012-08-07 00:30:46

BENNIE K - Sunrise:

Japanese architecture, Osaka Cosmo Tower

Published on 2012-08-06 19:01:03

One of the most elegant skyscrapers from Japan is the Osaka Prefectural Government Sakishima Building, known also as the Cosmo Tower (and formerly known as Osaka World Trade Center Building). With a roof height of 256 meters, it is ranked the third tallest skyscraper in Japan, after the Yokohama Landmark Tower (which is 295.8 meters tall) and with almost the same height the Rinku Gate Tower Building (256.1 meters - only 10 centimeter taller). I especially like the giant curtain wall made of re [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Day After Tomorrow - Faraway

Published on 2012-08-06 00:30:20

Day After Tomorrow - Faraway:

Hiroshima day, 67 years - Shelter for the Souls of the Victims

Published on 2012-08-05 19:01:33

Today, at 08:15 Japan time, marks 67 years since one of the greatest tragedies in the history of the mankind, the moment when approx. 80,000 people died instantly in the blast and the firestorm caused by the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park was built near the hypo-center of the nuclear explosion, to honor and remember the victims… Today, from the over 50 monuments located inside the park, I would like to show you this arch-shaped shelter, designed by the [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Chatmonchy - Shangri-la

Published on 2012-08-05 00:30:32

Chatmonchy - Shangri-la:

Hiroshima Children's Peace Monument, Sadako Sasaki's story

Published on 2012-08-04 19:01:16

67 years ago, Sadako Sasaki was two years old when she survived the atomic blast, although she was blown out of the window of her home from Hiroshima. However, 9 years later she became ill with leukemia because of the exposure to radiations… While in hospital, a friend folded for her an origami crane from a golden piece of paper and, according to a traditional belief that the cranes will grant an important wish to any person who will fold 1000 origami cranes (Senbazuru), Sadako started fol [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Dragon Ash - Grateful Days

Published on 2012-08-04 00:30:22

Dragon Ash - Grateful Days:

Asakusa Walk of Fame, Stars Plaza

Published on 2012-08-03 19:01:05

When you visit Asakusa, after admiring the impressive Senso-ji, after souvenir shopping on Nakamise-dori and after eating in a traditional restaurant, you may want to stroll around a little bit… And if you like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, you may enjoy visiting the Stars Plaza in front of the Asakusa Public Hall, a place where you can see and play with the hand-prints of over 260 famous Japanese performers. You will find here many Japanese tourists, seeking their favorite artist’s ha [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: 5.6.7.8's - The Barracuda

Published on 2012-08-03 00:30:46

5.6.7.8’s - The Barracuda:

Japanese Zen garden, the Garden of Solitary Meditation

Published on 2012-08-02 19:01:43

As an avid traveler, when I’m in Japan I’m always on a tight schedule and I always run out of time. I guess that happens to many other travelers… But what would you do if you had enough time? I would love to be able to sit and meditate at least once a day in a Japanese Zen garden. But since I don’t have that time, I am content just to visit them as often as possible… And speaking of visiting Japanese gardens, if you’re also on a tight schedule and want to see [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Ayana - Last regrets

Published on 2012-08-02 00:30:25

Ayana - Last regrets:

Popular Japanese food, Okonomiyaki

Published on 2012-08-01 19:01:20

Since Okonomiyaki is one of the most popular Japanese dishes, you may be tempted to believe that it is one of the old traditional Japanese foods… However, although a type of pancake desert called Funoyaki was known during the Edo Period, Okonomiyaki as we know it today was invented in Osaka just before the WWII and became popular during the war, when rice was scarce and people started searching for recipes using the available ingredients. Actually, its name says all: konomi can be transl [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: DuelJewel - Polaris

Published on 2012-08-01 00:30:53

DuelJewel - Polaris:

Tokyo Opera City and a travel tip

Published on 2012-07-31 19:01:10

Since the skyscrapers from Nishi-Shinjuku are one of my favorite photography themes, there are just a few not yet presented here… Today, I would like to show you the Tokyo Opera City skyscraper because, while planning my next trip, I just learned that an interesting contemporary art exhibition currently takes place here until September 2: “Beat Takeshi Kitano, Gosse de peintre". One of the most acclaimed actors from Japan, Takeshi Kitano is a complex artist, a film director, actor, s [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Boom Boom Satellites - Kick It Out

Published on 2012-07-31 00:30:34

Boom Boom Satellites - Kick It Out:

Guardians - Four Heavenly Kings

Published on 2012-07-30 19:01:29

Many Japanese Buddhist temples are featuring beautifully crafted gates enshrining guardians, protectors against the evil spirits. I wrote before about the Niomon gates that are enshrining Nio statues. Another type of gates, the Nitenmon gates are enshrining statues of the “Four Heavenly Kings", four gods watching over the four cardinal directions: Kōmoku-ten, Zōjō-ten, Jikoku-ten and Tamon-ten, respectively the guardians of West, South, East and North. In this photo you ca [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Bright - Sorairo

Published on 2012-07-30 00:30:06

Bright - Sorairo:

Horse-Dragon

Published on 2012-07-29 19:01:11

One of the most interesting things to see at the Toshogu Shrine from Nikko are the sculptures… there are 5173 of them… Only on the Yomeimon Gate there are 508 sculptures and 194 are representing very interesting imaginary animals, called Reiju ("holy” or “spiritual” animals). Most of them are fully imaginary, but some are borrowed from non-Japanese mythologies, like the one in this photo, the Horse-dragon. Coming from the Chinese mythology, the Horse-dragon (Longm [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Changin' My Life - Stardust

Published on 2012-07-29 00:30:31

Changin’ My Life - Stardust:

Japanese traditions - How to change your luck, Omikuji

Published on 2012-07-28 19:01:30

I was writing yesterday about one of the most popular Japanese good luck charms, Maneki Neko. In the Japanese tradition the good luck is very important, so it is good to know what to expect from the future and to change it when it is unfavorable… That’s why at the Shinto shrines and at many Buddhist temples you will find for sale omikuji, fortune telling slips of paper. Randomly selected, they include predictions varying from “great blessing” (dai-kichi) to… ̶ [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: abingdon boys school - Nervous Breakdown

Published on 2012-07-28 00:30:37

abingdon boys school - Nervous Breakdown:

Kimono Maneki Neko

Published on 2012-07-27 19:01:49

Everywhere in Japan, in hotels, stores or restaurants, you will encounter the lovely cat beckoning with the paw, Maneki Neko… One of the most popular Japanese charms for good luck and prosperity, Maneki Neko comes from a very old Japanese tradition (the beginnings of the legend are taught at the Gotokuji Temple in Tokyo and another version can be found in Asakusa, at the Imado Shrine)… There are now hundreds of Maneki Neko styles, but traveling through Japan, from time to time, you [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Berryz Kobo - Rival

Published on 2012-07-27 00:30:16

Berryz Kobo - Rival:

Japan's first Western-style statue

Published on 2012-07-26 19:01:27

A lot was written (not to mention the movies) about the samurai who fought against the Meiji Restoration, but there are many interesting characters on the other side too. One of them is Ōmura Masujirō, known as the father of the Modern Japanese Army, whose statue from the Yasukuni Shrine (in the photo) is also the first Western-style statue from Japan. After modernizing the Meiji military forces, Ōmura Masujirō was appointed to the role of vice-minister of War, but one year [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Core of Soul - Purple Sky

Published on 2012-07-26 00:30:59

Core of Soul - Purple Sky:

Glimpse of life in Edo, Kidai Shoran

Published on 2012-07-25 19:01:33

I have long been interested in the history of Japan, especially in the Edo period, so two years ago I was fascinated when I found this scroll on the corridor connecting the Tokyo Metro Mitsukoshimae Station with the Mitsukoshi department store. Called “Kidai Shoran, Excellent View of Our Prosperous Age in Edo", it was painted by an unknown artist in 1805 and it illustrates life scenes from the commercial area between the famous Nihonbashi and Kanda Imagawabashi. The scroll from Mitsukoshim [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Atsushi Sakurai - Taiji

Published on 2012-07-25 00:30:28

Atsushi Sakurai - Taiji:

Kyoto Fushimi Inari Main Gate

Published on 2012-07-24 19:01:40

Best known for Senbon torii, the over 5000 vermillion torii gates, the shrine Fushimi Inari Taisha from Kyoto is also famous for its large number of kitsune (foxes) statues. Messengers of Inari, the kami worshiped here, the kitsune are omnipresent in the shrine, starting right at the entrance, where the spectacular Main Gate (built by the famous Toyotomi Hideyoshi) is flanked by two large kitsune statues. In case you’re wondering, the kitsune from the left holds in his mouth the keys to th [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Coaltar of the Deepers - Siesta

Published on 2012-07-24 00:30:11

Coaltar of the Deepers - Siesta:

Old Japanese stories, Jizo with braided hats, Origami version

Published on 2012-07-23 19:01:46

Every time I left Japan, I went home via the Narita Airport and I always managed to have some spare time to revisit the beautiful Japan Origami Museum located in the Central building of the Terminal 1 (at the 3rd floor). And almost every time it was a pleasant surprise to discover new dioramas on display. Today, I just want to share with you this simple but beautifully made origami version of the old Japanese story Kasa Jizo, “Jizo with braided hats". And the story goes like this: On [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Chara - Swallowtail Butterfly (Ai no Uta)

Published on 2012-07-23 00:30:11

Chara - Swallowtail Butterfly (Ai no Uta):

Kobe Harborland

Published on 2012-07-22 19:01:26

One good place to spend a summer day in Kobe is the Kobe Harborland, a waterfront development located close to the JR Kobe Station. Besides several shopping malls, you can visit here the Kobe Mosaic, a complex of shopping streets including an amusement park with a large Ferris wheel. Also, this is the place where you can take a nice cruise around the port. I took this photo with the Harborland area from nearby the Kobe Port Tower. The green, old-looking tower on the left is the Mosaic Watch Tow [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Base Ball Bear - Short Hair

Published on 2012-07-22 00:30:02

Base Ball Bear - Short Hair:

Japanese spiritual architecture - Sorin

Published on 2012-07-21 19:01:30

If you admire the Japanese pagodas, you probably noticed the complex structures decorating the top. Called sōrin (which ca be translated as “alternate rings"), they are usually made of bronze, with a very complicated design and an impressive size. Because it’s on top of the pagoda, the sōrin is usually hard so see. But at the Todai-ji Temple from Nara, you can admire from up-close a dismantled sōrin, the one that decorated the replica of the Todai-ji seven-storied pag [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Baiser - Prism

Published on 2012-07-21 00:30:01

Baiser - Prism:

Osaka's high-rise

Published on 2012-07-20 19:01:01

I like modern cities and I enjoyed a lot Osaka and it’s skyscrapers. There are many notable skyscrapers in Osaka, like the Rinku Gate Tower Building, the second tallest building in Japan, or the Umeda Sky Building, witch is, in my opinion, the most beautiful skyscraper from Japan. Here is the Osaka’s high-rise as you can see it from the top of Umeda Sky Building. Most of them are hotels and office buildings, the brown cylinder on the left is the Dai-ichi Hotel, immediately to the ri [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Chaba - Parade

Published on 2012-07-20 00:30:11

Chaba - Parade:

Matsumoto Castle's hidden floor

Published on 2012-07-19 19:01:47

One of the National Treasures of Japan, the keep (tenshu) of the Matsumoto Castle is one of the only twelve Japanese castles in the original form and, although it underwent two renovations in the beginning and in the middle of the 20th century, its interior still looks like in the 16th century. Looking at the castle from outside, it clearly has 5 floors. However, the castle’s architecture manages to perfectly hide the fact that on the inside there are… 6 floors! Can you tell which [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Jin Akanishi - Aphrodisiac

Published on 2012-07-19 00:30:17

Jin Akanishi - Aphrodisiac:

Traditional Japanese house, Tokonoma

Published on 2012-07-18 19:01:43

The interior of a traditional Japanese house has a unique design, with many specific elements. One of these elements is tokonoma (from toko, “floor” and ma, “space” or “room") a slightly raised alcove with the size of one tatami mat, a place to display ikebana arrangements or hanging scrolls. Depending on the room size, the tokonoma can be smaller (one half of a tatami) and the content is usually changed according to seasons or to honor an important guest. In this p [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Cornelius - Moon Walk

Published on 2012-07-18 00:30:23

Cornelius - Moon Walk:

Studio Alta, a wide-angle street view

Published on 2012-07-17 19:01:35

The shopping district near the Shinjuku Station East Exit is one of the few areas in Tokyo without any old or traditional buildings, because the area was heavily bombed at the end of WWII. This is one of those colorful places I enjoy a lot, with many narrow buildings… The street is dominated by Studio Alta, an 8-story building that became famous 20 years ago because of its huge TV screen, which at the time, was a symbol of the Japanese electronics success. Today, the screen is no longer [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Aliene Ma'riage - Boku Shimobe

Published on 2012-07-17 00:30:01

Aliene Ma’riage - Boku Shimobe:

Japanese spiritual architecture - Shime, the simplest torii

Published on 2012-07-16 19:01:16

Torii, the well known Japanese gate that marks the entrance to the sacred grounds of the Shinto shrines, is usually made from two vertical pillars (hashira in Japanese) with a large horizontal beam on top (called kasagi) and connected by a second, smaller horizontal beam, nuki. Starting from this structure, a wide variety of torii styles appeared, depending on shrine’s architecture or enshrined deity. But, as usual, there are also exceptions: in a few shrines, you can encounter a much sim [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Alice Nine - Sleep Walker

Published on 2012-07-16 00:30:07

Alice Nine - Sleep Walker:

Japanese architecture - Tokyo Big Sight

Published on 2012-07-15 19:01:22

Tokyo Big Sight is the nickname of the Tokyo International Exhibition Center, the largest convention center from Japan, very popular among the anime fans because of the Comiket and the Tokyo International Anime Fair. But of course, many other important events take place here. Tokyo Big Sight is actually a 3 buildings complex, but the most striking and recognizable feature is its glass and titanium paneled Conference Tower, a spectacular construction made of 4 inverted-pyramids raised on pillar [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Angela Aki - Tegami

Published on 2012-07-15 01:31:25

Angela Aki - Tegami:

Japanese Garden technique, O-karikomi

Published on 2012-07-14 19:01:39

Visiting Japan, in traditional gardens or in areas with houses you will notice many trees, shrubs and bushes carefully trimmed in round shapes. This is a Japanese gardening technique called o-karikomi, similar to the European topiary. However, unlike topiary, where the plants are cut to create geometrical shapes or complex figures, the Japanese o-karikomi aims to create round, natural-looking shapes, integrating them with the untouched nature. For example, in this photo taken in Okayama Koraku [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Balzac - Yami No Hikari e

Published on 2012-07-14 00:30:34

Balzac - Yami No Hikari e:

Japanese spiritual architecture, Komyodo Hall

Published on 2012-07-13 19:01:56

Narita-san Shinshō-ji Temple is one of the best known temples in Kanto and at the same time one of the oldest. Like in many other Japanese temples, its buildings were reconstructed multiple times (for example the Great Main hall was last rebuilt in 1968), but if you’re looking for old, original Japanese architecture, the temple has a few surprises… The building from this photo, Komyodo Hall, is one of them - it was built in 1701, originally being the temple’s Main Hall. [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Cali Gari - Zoku, Tsumetai Ame

Published on 2012-07-13 00:30:33

Cali Gari - Zoku, Tsumetai Ame:

Japan's most scenic beauty, Miyajima island

Published on 2012-07-12 19:01:27

Ever since the medieval times, the Japanese were making top lists with the most beautiful places or events from Japan. One of these lists was the Three Views of Japan (日本三景 Nihon Sankei), made by a Confucian scholar, Shunsai Hayashi, in his book Nihon Kokujisekikou. Based on his own experience (he was an avid traveler), he selected the three most celebrated scenic sights from Japan: the pine-clad Matsushima islands from the Miyagi Prefecture, the pine-clad sandbar fr [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: The Brilliant Green - There will be love there

Published on 2012-07-12 00:30:18

The Brilliant Green - There will be love there:

Chochin, Japanese traditional lighting equipment

Published on 2012-07-11 19:01:45

Among the traditions which survived in Japan over the years, the Japanese traditional lighting is probably the most… visible. In temples or shrines, in front of the restaurants or simply on the streets, the traditional lighting equipments are still a part of the daily life. Probably the most common and at the same time the most famous of them is the chōchin, a lantern made of Japanese paper fixed on a frame of spiraled bamboo. Used in Japan ever since the old times, the chōchin [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: 9mm Parabellum Bullet - The world

Published on 2012-07-11 00:30:31

9mm Parabellum Bullet - The world:

Unique style tower at Hikone Castle

Published on 2012-07-10 19:01:41

Visiting the Japanese castles, you will notice that there are many types of castle towers - yagura, varying in shape, size and destination. The vast majority were built with military purposes, as watchtowers, but there are also yagura built as astronomy towers or just to admire the landscape… At the Hikone Castle you can admire a unique yagura style, a wide, symmetrical tower with a gate in the middle - a Tenbin Yagura (tenbin means “balance"). An interesting fact about this yagura, [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Bon Bon Blanco - Yura Yura Yureru

Published on 2012-07-10 00:30:09

Bon Bon Blanco - Yura Yura Yureru:

Old Japanese stories, Hozuki Ichi

Published on 2012-07-09 19:01:15

Hozuki, the “Chinese Lantern” plant, was cultivated in Japan ever since the Edo period as a medicinal plant, believed to relieve fever and ease the discomfort felt by pregnant women. The belief originates in a 200 years old story that took place in the Seisho-ji Temple from Shiba (Minato-ku, Tokyo): One day during the Meiwa era, a worker found a pot of Hozuki while working in the temple’s garden. Then, he remembered that the night before he dreamed about Atago Gongen, the avat [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Asian Kung-Fu Generation - Rewrite

Published on 2012-07-09 00:30:19

Asian Kung-Fu Generation - Rewrite:

Japanese Traditional Architecture, Chigi and Katsuogi

Published on 2012-07-08 19:01:51

Visiting the Shinto shrines in Japan, you will notice the different styles of architecture, with characteristics such as facade or roof elements. One particularly distinctive element is chigi, the roof termination shaped like an X. Originally, the chigi was just a structural element, but in time it became a symbol of the building’s sacredness. Made simply from wood or decorated with metal, they are always built in pairs, on both sides of the roof, as you can see in this photo taken at th [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Cherry Blossom - Dive To World

Published on 2012-07-08 00:30:00

Cherry Blossom - Dive To World:

Old Samurai House

Published on 2012-07-07 19:01:10

We are all fascinated by samurai stories, we read books and we watch movies about them… but to get a glimpse of their real life, one of the best things to do is to visit a museum. At the Boso no Mura Open Air Museum in Chiba, you can see a house, from the Edo Period, of a middle class samurai warrior from the Sakura clan. A large but simple courtyard and in the house there are several rooms used by the family, a guestroom and a kitchen. Click on photo for higher resolution: Samurai Ho [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: 175R - Melody

Published on 2012-07-07 00:30:08

175R - Melody:

Old Japanese stories, Tanabata

Published on 2012-07-06 19:01:19

Although the story of Tanabata was brought to Japan from China more than a thousand years ago, over time it was adapted by the Japanese storytellers and mixed with the local traditions, becoming a traditional Japanese story. Today, the celebration of Tanabata begins in Japan, so let us remember this beautiful story… Orihime, the daughter of the god Tentei, was weaving clothes (Orihime can be translated as “weaving princess”) on the shores of the Amanogawa river. Her father arra [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Cocco - Raining

Published on 2012-07-06 00:30:35

Cocco - Raining:

A shining Asakusa, Senso-ji Illuminations and a small travel tip

Published on 2012-07-05 19:01:45

If Senso-ji is one of the oldest temples in Japan, the nearby street, Nakamise-dori, is one of the oldest shopping centers, established around 1700. Since then, the temple and the shopping stalls were rebuilt countless times and, during the last repairs, the street and the shops were redesigned to look like the temple’s buildings, with vermillion pillars. In this photo you can see the the north end of Nakamise-dori, towards the temple’s Hozomon gate, late in the night, after all the [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Baroque - Nutty a hermit

Published on 2012-07-05 00:30:04

Baroque - Nutty a hermit:

Popular Japanese food, Yakitori

Published on 2012-07-04 19:01:37

Among the salary men, probably the most popular food in Japan is the yakitori. In the evening, after work, yakitori with hot sake is really delicious… (^_^) Yakitori is prepared with small pieces of chicken meat, skin (torikawa - that’s my favorite) or organs, which are prepared with salt or with a mirin, sake and soy sauce, stuck on a skewer and grilled. I usually eat yakitori during festivals - here’s a photo taken during the New Year celebrations at the Senso-ji Temple in [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Ai Otsuka - Planetarium

Published on 2012-07-04 00:30:22

Ai Otsuka - Planetarium:

Tallest railway station in the world, JR Central Towers

Published on 2012-07-03 19:01:28

The center of Nagoya is dominated by the JR Central Towers, a 245-meters tall twin skyscraper, housing the headquarters of the Central Japan Railway Company and the JR Nagoya Station. Since the skyscraper is actually the station’s building, the Nagoya Station is the tallest railway station building in the world. The asymmetrical towers are rising from a 20-story base which houses the Station and the Takashimaya department store. The taller and thicker tower is called the Office Tower, 245 [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: 12012 - Pistol

Published on 2012-07-03 00:30:01

12012 - Pistol:

The Shogun's will from the Yomeimon Gate

Published on 2012-07-02 19:01:42

There are more than 500 sculptures on the Yomeimon Gate from the Toshougu Shrine in Nikko, some representing imaginary animals, others illustrating old legends. For me, the most interesting of them is the group of over 20 sculptures titled “Children and Ieyasu", representing children playing. Searching for their meaning, I learned that the group represents an artistic representation of the will of the Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, his desire for a future peaceful society: “Go for the righ [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Nightmare - Ray of Light

Published on 2012-07-02 00:30:10

Nightmare - Ray of Light:

Big Box Takadanobaba night view

Published on 2012-07-01 19:01:46

The Takadanobaba neighborhood is renowned in Tokyo for its ramen restaurants and inexpensive izakaya, frequented by the many students accommodated in the area. When you come to Takadanobaba, the first thing you will notice is the huge Big Box, a commercial building looking exactly like the name suggests: a 9-story tall box, beautifully lit at night time. I stayed in Takadanobaba for almost two weeks, so I visited it as soon as I arrived: shops, restaurants, bowling and gaming arcades… Bu [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Garnet Crow - Yume no Hitotsu

Published on 2012-07-01 00:30:45

Garnet Crow - Yume no Hitotsu:

Oni-gawara, traditional Japanese decorative roof tiles

Published on 2012-06-30 19:01:22

If you look closely at the roofs of the Japanese Buddhist temples, on some of them you will notice a very unusual ornament for a temple: the scary head of an oni, a kind of demon from the Japanese folklore. The decorations are called Oni-gawara (”oni roof-tile") and the oni are, like the Nio guardians, protectors of the temples. So, the fierce look, with horns and sharp teeth, is designed just to scare away the evil spirits… (^_^) Click on photo for higher resolution: Hasedera [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: angela - Gravitation

Published on 2012-06-30 00:30:33

angela - Gravitation:

Kyoto Shirakawa Tea-houses

Published on 2012-06-29 19:01:49

An inspired law that was passed in 1976 by the Kyoto City government prevented the destruction of the old tea-houses (ochaya) and managed to preserve the old look of several streets from Kyoto. Some of these wonderful streets are located in the Gion district, like the Shirakawa-minami-dori, a street running alongside the canal with the same name (Shirakawa means “white river” and minami means “south"). Here’s an image taken from across the Shirakawa channel, with a few [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Savage Genius - Hikari no Yukue

Published on 2012-06-29 00:30:56

Savage Genius - Hikari no Yukue:

Takimi-Koji gourmet street

Published on 2012-06-28 19:01:55

Osaka is well renowned for its cuisine, specialties such as okonomiyaki, takoyaki (octopus dumplings), udon (Japanese noodles) or oshizushi (pressed sushi) being very appreciated by Japanese and foreign visitors alike. An old Japanese saying states that people from Kyoto are overspending on clothing and people from Osaka are overspending on food… So obviously, you will find a lot of great places to eat in Osaka. Until now, my favorite is the Takimi-Koji gourmet street, an interesting R [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Versailles - Ascendead Master

Published on 2012-06-28 00:30:49

Versailles - Ascendead Master:

Japanese Garden technique, Yukitsuri

Published on 2012-06-27 19:01:18

If you visit the Japanese gardens during winter, you will surely notice big conical structures raised around some of the pine-trees, like in this photo taken last winter in the Kenrokuen Garden in Tokyo. The pine in the photo - a Hitotsu-matsu pine, is a special tree, shaped over decades with great care, until it reaches perfection. Since the snow could bend its branches, the tree is protected with this technique called Yukitsuri ("snow hanging"). Click on photo for higher resolution: Kenro [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Kodo - Lion

Published on 2012-06-27 00:30:26

Kodo - Lion:

Joyful Taiko Drummers

Published on 2012-06-26 19:01:54

The oldest historical evidence of Taiko in Japan is a 6th or 7th century haniwa clay figure representing a drummer. It is not clear, but because of the resemblance of the drums, it is believed that Taiko was brought to Japan from China and Korea, during the period 300-900 AD, together with Buddhism. Anyway, after that period the instruments were modified, receiving a typical Japanese shape. Today, Taiko concerts take place both during Buddhist and Shinto festivals, and many groups, composed man [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: C-ute - Massara Blue Jeans

Published on 2012-06-26 00:30:40

C-ute - Massara Blue Jeans:

Japanese Traditional Architecture, Mokoshi

Published on 2012-06-25 19:01:09

Visiting the Japanese temples and shrines, you will surely notice their various architectural styles. I was always fascinated by their unique traits and every time I saw something interesting, I searched for details… For example, if you look at the building in this photo, you will quickly notice that it’s a two-stories building… But that not true! The lower roof doesn’t correspond to a floor, it’s in fact purely decorative - an architectural technique called mokos [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Shoko Nakagawa - Sorairo Days

Published on 2012-06-25 00:30:49

Shoko Nakagawa - Sorairo Days:

Mimi, the nuclear-free Kobe symbol

Published on 2012-06-24 19:01:57

Among the many interesting monuments I saw in Japan, I was mostly impressed by those related to World War II events, dedicated to keep alive the memory of that dark period. Visiting the Kobe port, I found the memorial from this photo, the Kobe Port Peace Memorial, built in July 2008 to honor the Chinese and Korean workers and the Allied prisoners of war which, during the World War II, where brought and forced to work here in harsh conditions. Next to this stone memorial, my attention was drawn [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Hitomi - Boku wa, Tori ni Naru

Published on 2012-06-24 00:30:44

Hitomi - Boku wa, Tori ni Naru:

Hello Kitty Miyajima store

Published on 2012-06-23 19:01:45

From little children, like the girl in this photo, to grown-ups, a lot of people love Hello Kitty… and I know a few who even have Hello Kitty collections. So I learned that there are Hello Kitty dolls that can be found only in a certain country. My first Hello Kitty doll was marked “for sale in Japan only", and since then I became attentive to Hello Kitty stores, looking for the Japan-only dolls, especially those dressed in yukata or kimono… Surprisingly, the best store I foun [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Itou Kanako - Hacking to the Gate

Published on 2012-06-23 00:30:13

Itou Kanako - Hacking to the Gate:

Tokyo's little houses, a bird's-eye view

Published on 2012-06-22 19:01:02

With a over 2600 people per square kilometer, Tokyo is one of the most densely populated areas in the world. And by looking at these statistics, you would believe that the vast majority of its citizens are living in huge residential buildings. But if you travel farther away from the commercial centers, you will discover that a large part of Tokyo is actually made of cute narrow streets and little houses with colorful roofs… generally very quiet neighborhoods, pleasant places for living [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Lia - Toki o Kizamu Uta

Published on 2012-06-22 00:30:48

Lia - Toki o Kizamu Uta:

Forty-seven Ronin Graves

Published on 2012-06-21 19:01:25

If you enjoy samurai stories and Japanese history, the Sengaku-ji Temple from Tokyo is a must visit! Here are the graves of Asano Takumi no Kami Naganori and the forty-seven samurai, the heroes of an impressive historical moment emphasizing the traditional Japanese view of loyalty, sacrifice and honor. Chatting a little bit with other foreign visitors, I noticed that almost everyone knew very well the story of the Forty-seven Ronin. But a thoughtful souvenirs seller was ready to retell the stor [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Eiko Shimamiya - Higurashi no Naku Koro ni

Published on 2012-06-21 00:30:15

Eiko Shimamiya - Higurashi no Naku Koro ni:

Incense burning at Senso-ji

Published on 2012-06-20 19:01:52

Burning incense is used by many cultures throughout the world, for reasons varying from removal of unpleasant smells to sacrificial offerings or warding off bad spirits. In Japan, the custom came with Buddhism, the lighting of incense incense sticks symbolizing a sacred offering and a way to honor Buddha. In front of the big temples you will always find large censers - vessels especially made for incense burning, where the incense sticks can be placed to burn vertically. Here is one of the mos [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: ON/OFF - Futatsu no Kodou to Akai Tsumi

Published on 2012-06-20 00:30:54

ON/OFF - Futatsu no Kodou to Akai Tsumi:

The unusual guardian of Kurama-dera

Published on 2012-06-19 19:01:35

Visiting the Kurama-dera temple from Kyoto, you will surely notice the statues located in front of the main hall. Usually, this kind of statues can be found in front of the Shinto shrines. They represent guardians, protecting the shrine against evil spirits, can represent various creatures like lions, monkeys or foxes and the rule is that there’s always a male and a female. What is unusual here is that Kurama-dera is a Buddhist temple - and the animal represented by this statue is also u [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Kagrra - Shiki

Published on 2012-06-19 00:30:20

Kagrra - Shiki:

Second-tallest educational building in the world, Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower

Published on 2012-06-18 19:01:59

Built in a country frequently hit by powerful earthquakes, the Japanese skyscrapers aren’t record breakers and very few of them can be counted in the “tallest in the world” rankings. One of the most spectacular skyscrapers from Shinjuku, Tokyo, the Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower houses three schools: Tokyo Mode Gakuen (fashion school), HAL Tokyo (IT school) and Shuto Iko (medical care school). So, even if it is just the 17th tallest from Tokyo, with its height of only 204 meters the [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Field of View - DAN DAN Kokoro Hikareteku

Published on 2012-06-18 00:30:20

Field of View - DAN DAN Kokoro Hikareteku:

Japanese Shrine Etiquette, How to do a Hairei

Published on 2012-06-17 19:01:15

Visiting a Shinto shrine, after the temizu purification presented yesterday, the next step is to go to the haiden (the shrine’s hall of worship) and perform the typical Shinto prayer, the hairei. How to properly perform a hairei: In front of the haiden, there’s always an offering box and a bell with a rope attached. Shake the rope to make the bell ring and throw some coins in the offering box (this is not mandatory, but it is customary). Bow two times, clap your hands twice and re [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Siam Shade - Dreams

Published on 2012-06-17 00:30:36

Siam Shade - Dreams:

Japanese Shrine Etiquette, How to do a Temizu

Published on 2012-06-16 19:01:14

The customs of Shinto, the indigenous religion of Japan, are little known in the world, and since a visit to Japan cannot be complete without a visit to important Shinto shrines, it is good to know a few rules of etiquette applying to shrine visits. When entering inside a Shinto shrine, the visitor should perform a symbolic cleansing called temizu (from te “hand” and mizu “water” - water to purify the hands). This purification is considered indispensable before visiting [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: T-BOLAN - Bye For Now

Published on 2012-06-16 00:30:34

T-BOLAN - Bye For Now:

The Treasure from Hie Shrine

Published on 2012-06-15 19:01:15

Traveling through Japan, you will certainly encounter the National Treasure (国宝 kokuhō) designation for Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, castles or even residences. The list of the National Treasures of Japan was started in 1968, when the Agency for Cultural Affairs was established to protect the Japanese cultural heritage. Besides constructions, the list also includes thousands of art objects , archaeological or historical artifacts and even certain crafts. The list includ [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Luna sea - Rosier

Published on 2012-06-15 00:30:51

Luna sea - Rosier:

Japanese garden Akadama stones

Published on 2012-06-14 19:01:36

The stones are a customary decoration in the Japanese gardens, regardless of the type of the garden. In the Zen rock gardens, the rocks are objects of contemplation and have clear meanings, like mountains or islands, and groups of stones can even represent various religious symbols, like cranes and turtles… In a strolling type garden, the usage of the stones is less symbolic, they can still represent miniature mountains, but often they are just simple stepping stones or even ornaments. Ho [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Buck-Tick - Kagerou

Published on 2012-06-14 00:30:46

Buck-Tick - Kagerou:

Japanese mascots - the controversial Sento-kun from Nara

Published on 2012-06-13 19:01:46

There are hundreds, maybe thousands of mascots in Japan and generally they are really good. But… there are also exceptions. Here’s Sento-kun, a mascot launched 2 years ago, which became famous not only because of the intense promotion but because of the controversy created immediately after it was presented. The Nara City Office wanted a mascot to commemorate the 1300th anniversary of the ancient capital of Japan, Nara Heijo-kyo. So twelve guest designers were each invited to creat [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Glay - Beloved

Published on 2012-06-13 00:30:15

Glay - Beloved:

Odawara Castle's Tokiwagi Gate

Published on 2012-06-12 19:01:13

The Odawara Castle is one of the many Japanese castles that were rebuilt during the 1960s. The disadvantage of the reconstruction is that it is not historically accurate, both inside and outside - the great loss is the interior, but the exterior was changed too with the added observation deck… However, one advantage of this reconstruction is that the castle’s gates, moats, bridges and defense walls were also rebuilt, thus providing a complete image of how the castle’s surround [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: The Yellow Monkey - Tactics

Published on 2012-06-12 00:30:23

The Yellow Monkey - Tactics:

Hiroshima Peace Clock Tower

Published on 2012-06-11 19:01:36

Inside the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park there are many monuments, most of them famous, but a few of them less known but still impressive and beautiful… One that particularly impressed me is the clock marking the time when the nuclear explosion happened. Every day at precisely 8:15, the chime of the Peace Clock Tower can be heard in the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and in 1996 this sound was selected as one of the 100 Soundscapes of Japan. Located close to the A-Bomb Dome, the Peace Clo [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Atari Kousuke - Hana

Published on 2012-06-11 00:30:45

Atari Kousuke - Hana:

Population density, Shibuya scramble crossing crowd

Published on 2012-06-10 19:01:45

The population density in Tokyo is a little over 6000 people per square kilometer, and it is obviously the most densely populated area in Japan. But what does this mean? I think that the best way to sample such density is to visit the famous scramble crossing from Shibuya during rush-hour… it’s an experience in itself… Click on photo for higher resolution: Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Tokyo Info:Nikon D80 Lens: VR 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6G Focal Lenght 28mm Aperture: F/5.6 Shutter [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Suga Shikao - Affair

Published on 2012-06-10 00:30:15

Suga Shikao - Affair:

Ueno Lotus Pond

Published on 2012-06-09 19:01:56

During the Edo period, the place of today’s Ueno Park and Shinobazu Pond belonged to the Kan’ei-ji Temple. After the Meiji Restoration, the area became Imperial property and in 1924 was conferred to the city of Tokyo, on the occasion of the wedding of prince Hirohito. With a length of 2 kilometers, the lake is divided in 3 sections, the Boat Pond (Boto no Ike), where boat rides are possible, the Cormorant Pond (U no Ike), which belongs to the Ueno Zoo and the Lotus Pond (Hasu no Ik [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Fairies - More Kiss

Published on 2012-06-09 00:30:02

Fairies - More Kiss:

The Gion-san from Kamakura

Published on 2012-06-08 19:01:32

About 600 meters south-east of Kamakura Station, you can visit one of the oldest shrines from Kamakura - even older than Tsurugaoka Hachimangu - established in 1082 by Yoshimitsu Minamoto, the great-great grandfather of Yoritomo Minamoto, the founder of the Kamakura Shogunate. Locally known as the shrine to prevent sickness, this little shrine was established as a sub-shrine of the famous Gion-sha from Kyoto and it was named Kamakura Gion-sha. But after the Meiji Restoration from 1868, the Gion [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: The Boom - Shima Uta

Published on 2012-06-08 00:30:11

The Boom - Shima Uta:

Tokaido ancient cedars

Published on 2012-06-07 19:02:58

During the Edo period, Japan was crossed by several roads (kaido) connecting the most important parts of the country. Most significant were the Edo Five Routes, connecting Edo with several large cities and amongst them, the most important was Tōkaidō, connecting Edo with Kyoto. The construction of the Edo Five Routes was ordered by the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1601, its successors continuing the work and adding post stations, places where travelers were able to rest and buy supplies [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Chatmonchy - Koko Dake no Hanashi

Published on 2012-06-07 00:30:57

Chatmonchy - Koko Dake no Hanashi:

Zen Temple Panorama

Published on 2012-06-06 19:01:02

Kencho-ji is the top temple amongst the Kamakura Five Great Zen Temples (Kamakura Gozan in Japanese) and is also the oldest monastery from Japan where Zen was taught and practiced. Over the history, Kencho-ji became one of the largest temples in Japan, with 49 sub-temples and 7 main buildings! Today, the temple still impresses with its large number of buildings, even though the history was brutal and, after the Kamakura Period, Kencho-ji was hit by numerous disasters, including earthquakes and [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Rina Aiuchi - Magic

Published on 2012-06-06 13:40:56

Rina Aiuchi - Magic:

Thousands of heart locks

Published on 2012-06-05 19:01:35

Many observatories in Japan feature a special place for lovers… And each one has its own particular custom, with a small ceremony or just a simple gesture that will bring protection and good luck in love for the visiting couple. There are many beautiful customs, some coming from old local traditions, others more recently imported… One of my favorites is located in the Umeda Sky Building observatory from Osaka, at the Lumi Deck, a place reserved for lovers where you hold your partner [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Kobukuro - Tsubomi

Published on 2012-06-05 13:32:40

Kobukuro - Tsubomi:

See no evil, Hear no evil, Speak no evil

Published on 2012-06-04 19:01:16

See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil… Three little monkeys illustrating a very old proverb, known and valued throughout the world, by people from all cultures, from Mahatma Gandhi (who, amongst his very few possessions, had a statue with the three wise monkeys), to the Italian Mafia (although the meaning is different…). And two years ago, the three monkeys were even introduced in the Unicode standard, as emoticons… Where did the proverb originate from? It is not clear̷ [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Do As Infinity - Fukai Mori

Published on 2012-06-04 14:34:11

Do As Infinity - Fukai Mori:

Kamakura Daibutsu close-up

Published on 2012-06-03 19:24:12

The Great Buddha (Daibutsu in Japanese) from Kamakura represents the Amida Buddha (Amida Nyorai in Japanese), also known as the Buddha of the Infinite Light, the main Deity of the Buddhist Sect Jodo (Pure Land). Actually, Buddha is not a name, it’s a honorific term originating from the past participle of the Sanskrit verb Buddh, meaning “to awaken". So Buddha can be translated in English as “one who has awakened". In Japanese, Buddha is also referred as Butsu (written 仏 [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Blood Stain Child - Freedom

Published on 2012-06-03 14:02:50

Blood Stain Child - Freedom:

Koukamon, the very white gate

Published on 2012-06-02 19:01:47

The most important complex of temples and shrines from Nikko is presented on the maps with a visiting route and, after several experiences, I recommend you to use it. It takes a few hours at strolling speed, starting at the Rinno-ji Temple, then going to Toshougu, to Futarasan Shrine and finally to Taiyuin Mausoleum. Each building has its own story and charm… And as you advance on the route, the stories and impressions keep coming, until the route ends… and since the end is always i [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Ali Project - Kyomu Densen

Published on 2012-06-02 13:55:09

Ali Project - Kyomu Densen:

World's tallest statue of Confucius

Published on 2012-06-01 19:01:05

With a somber construction and painted in black, the Yushima Seidō Temple from Ochanomizu, Tokyo, is known as the birthplace of scholar education in Japan. The solemn look, so different from other Japanese temples, can be explained because it was built as one of the few temples from Japan dedicated to Confucius and the style was preserved when it was rebuilt. Today, the Yushima Seidō is popularly known as the place to go if you want to pray to pass an exam. And every time I visited, t [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Megumi Hayashibara - Brave Heart

Published on 2012-06-01 14:08:27

Megumi Hayashibara - Brave Heart:

Masterpieces of Japanese architecture, Tokyo International Forum, interior wide-angle view

Published on 2012-05-31 19:01:04

Made of curved steel and glass, the Tokyo International Forum 「東京国際フォーラム」 features one of the most spectacular interiors I have seen, a monumental glass hall traversed by genially assembled walkways and ramps and covered by a breathtaking ceiling shaped like the skeleton of a ship. Inaugurated in 1996, the building was planned from 1989, when the dedicated international design competition was won by the famous Uruguay [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Masayoshi Yamazaki - One More Time, One More Chance

Published on 2012-05-31 14:27:53

Masayoshi Yamazaki - One More Time, One More Chance:

Cutest Jizo statues

Published on 2012-05-30 19:01:53

I wrote many times about the statues of Jizo, the Japanese deity, guardian of children and patron of deceased children. Represented as a Buddhist monk, with a simple robe and a shaved head, its face is always idealized, with a third eye and elongated ears, traditional attributes of an enlightened being. Since in the Japanese folklore Jizo is hiding children under his robe, to protect them against evil spirits, he is often represented in a friendly and attractive form, as a chibi 「Ӗ [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku - Chime!

Published on 2012-05-30 14:00:04

Shiritsu Ebisu Chūgaku - Chime!

Shinjuku I-Land Astronomical Clock

Published on 2012-05-29 19:01:15

In many European cities you can admire astronomical clocks, built during the Middle Ages, impressive works of old European masters. But I was delighted to find an astronomical clock also in Tokyo, in one of its most modern areas, in Shinjuku. Designed by the Italian artist Giulio Paolini, this clock can be found near the I-Land skyscraper from Nishi-Shunjuku. It can be quite hard to fully interpret an astronomical clock (with positions of the moon, the sun and the planets), but the basic inform [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Yazumi Kana @ Joe Rinoie - Like the wind

Published on 2012-05-29 00:30:32

Yazumi Kana @ Joe Rinoie - Like the wind:

Japanese Architecture, Maison Hermes Ginza

Published on 2012-05-28 19:01:26

Strolling through Ginza, you can’t help but notice quite a few buildings standing out through design, like the De Beers Ginza Building, the Mikimoto Ginza 2 or the Swarovski Ginza. Today, I would like to show you another interesting building, that captured my attention not only with its design but also with its anti-seismic technology, inspired by old Japanese earthquake protection techniques. This is Maison Hermes, flagship store and headquarters of Hermes Japan, a building designed by [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Melocure - Agape

Published on 2012-05-28 12:50:45

Melocure - Agape:

Simply beautiful Japanese scenes, floating Torii from Lake Ashi

Published on 2012-05-27 19:01:59

Today, I would like to show you just another photo from what I call simply beautiful places in Japan. Here is the giant floating torii of the Hakone Shrine, as seen looking from the shrine to the Lake Ashi. And yes, that’s me under that big umbrella… Click on photo for higher resolution: Torii on Lake Ashi, Hakone Shrine, Hakone Info:Nikon D300 Lens: 18-70mm F/3.5-4.5G Focal Length: 18mm Aperture: F/5.6 Shutter Speed: 1/80s ISO Sensitivity: ISO 500 Yesterday’s Japan Pho [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Amii Ozaki - Foggy Night

Published on 2012-05-27 13:59:08

Amii Ozaki - Foggy Night:

Friendly Geisha in Tokyo

Published on 2012-05-26 19:01:01

Undoubtedly, the traditional Geisha is a continuous source of interest for any foreign visitor to Japan and as their numbers decrease (it is reported that today there are no more than one or two thousand geisha), the foreign interest into their world increases… Actually, there are just a few places today where you can still meet a geisha on the street, the best known being, of course, the old Kyoto district of Gion. In Tokyo, I saw geisha inside the Senso-ji Temple from Asakusa and I know [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Mikuni Shimokawa - Minami Kaze

Published on 2012-05-26 13:52:56

Mikuni Shimokawa - Minami Kaze

Narita Monzen-machi and a travel tip

Published on 2012-05-25 19:01:46

For many of the foreign tourists, Narita is just the town that gives its name to the Tokyo’s international airport. And for a few years, I was one of them too… of course I knew about Naritasan, the temple with the Great Pagoda of Peace that can be seen from the airport-bound trains, I knew about the yearly Narita Gion and Narita Taiko festivals… But since there are so many attractions in Tokyo, I postponed the visit to Narita. When I finally visited Narita, during the crowded [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Tsunematsu Ayumi - Tomorrow

Published on 2012-05-25 14:07:27

Tsunematsu Ayumi - Tomorrow:

Japanese trains, Tsukuba Express

Published on 2012-05-24 19:01:53

One of the less known train lines from Tokyo is the Tsukuba Express - abbreviated TX, which runs from the famous Akihabara Station towards North-East, to the Tsukuba city from Ibaraki. Although it has a fair amount of advertising, since it leaves from Akihabara, for many years I almost ignored it - when I wanted to travel in the area serviced by Tsukuba Express I used other trains, like the JR Jōban line. So, it was almost accidentally when I took my first ride with this train - I was in [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Galneryus - Alsatia

Published on 2012-05-24 10:33:47

Galneryus - Alsatia:

Hiroshima Castle's Ninomaru Gate

Published on 2012-05-23 19:01:57

Built on a plain, the Hiroshima Castle is a hirajiro (flatland) castle, using for defense rivers, swamps or specially made moats. During the Edo Period, the castle featured complex fortifications, including interior moats and three exterior, concentric moats, plus the nearby Hongawa river. However, during the Meiji and Showa periods, two exterior moats were filled in and the urban area started developing right over the castle’s former defenses. Destroyed in 1945 by the atomic bombing, th [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: La'cryma Christi - With You

Published on 2012-05-23 08:16:33

La’cryma Christi - With You:

The first zoo monorail in the world

Published on 2012-05-22 19:01:01

Inaugurated in 1958 as an experiment for new ways to improve urban traffic, the ultra-short Ueno Zoo Monorail Line - by its full name Tōkyō-to Kōtsū-kyoku Ueno Kensui-sen 「東京都交通局上野懸垂線」 - was the first monorail in Japan and, since it was built inside the Ueno Zoo, it became the first zoo monorail in the world. Although it was only 300 meters long, the monorail proved very successful, d [..]

Visiting Kyoto, Kaiso-do Zen Hall

Published on 2012-05-21 19:01:01

Ryogen-in is a sub-temple of the larger Daitoku-ji, one of my favorite spiritual locations in Kyoto, probably because it features the best visiting path I have experienced until now. The path follows the 5 Zen gardens of the temple, alternating them with various temple interiors and halls. Of course, the main attractions are the Zen gardens like Totekiko, the smallest Japanese Zen rock garden, Isshidan, Koda-tei and Ryogin-tei. However, while visiting these breathtaking gardens, don’t o [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Exile - Rising Sun

Published on 2012-05-21 09:21:27

Exile - Rising Sun:

Japanese stories, Nanairo-no-yadorigi, Kasuga Taisha's magical tree

Published on 2012-05-20 19:01:42

If you enjoy myths and legends, when you visit the Kasuga Taisha Shrine from Nara, reserve yourself a couple of hours to look around, because besides the beauty of the shrine or the playful deer, you can also savor some beautiful stories. Here is an unusual one: It is said that the wind brought here seeds from seven different tree species and all these seeds combined in the tree from this picture (Kagonoki, a Litsea tree - a kind of Laurel). So, the tree was named Nanairo-no-yadorigi 「 [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Kashiwa Daisuke - Coto

Published on 2012-05-20 11:33:07

Kashiwa Daisuke - Coto:

Takasaki Kannon contre-jour photo

Published on 2012-05-19 19:01:00

Taking photos contre-jour (i.e. against daylight) is a sparingly used photography technique, usually for special portraits or silhouette photos. Since the back light creates a strong contrast, taking outdoor contre-jour photos will generally lead to loss of color and details, not to mention the lens flare… However, I always felt that in special occasions, even outdoor subjects may benefit from such an exposure and I tried it on several times. Until now, the best opportunity presented itse [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Marina Inoue - Watashi no Kimochi:

Published on 2012-05-19 12:55:58

Marina Inoue - Watashi no Kimochi:

Japanese Architecture, Kobe Port Tower

Published on 2012-05-18 19:01:42

Arguably one of the most beautiful towers from Japan, the hyperboloid Kobe Port Tower is the receiver of multiple awards for architecture. Built in 1963, this Kobe landmark was designed to imitate, with its lattice structure, the shape of a traditional Japanese drum used in Kabuki and Noh theaters, the tsuzumi. Located in the Meriken Park, the Kobe Port Tower is 108 meters tall and features an observation deck located 90 meters above ground, including a coffee shop and a souvenir shop and offe [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Kalafina - Lacrimosa

Published on 2012-05-18 11:54:53

Kalafina - Lacrimosa:

View from the top of the Osaka Castle

Published on 2012-05-17 19:01:01

With its main tower rising more than 50 meters above ground, the Osaka Castle is a surprisingly good observation tower. Actually, its top floor is equipped now as an observation deck, offering a nice view of the surrounding city. Here’s a view towards South, where you can see a part of the Osaka Castle Park, with several landmarks: the red building on the left of the photo is the Former Osaka City Museum, then moving towards right, where you see the small green roofs, there’s a glim [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Tomoyasu Hotei - Russian Roulette

Published on 2012-05-17 00:30:33

Tomoyasu Hotei - Russian Roulette:

Only in Nara

Published on 2012-05-16 19:01:12

Rickshaws are definitely a traditional tourist attraction in Japan… but today you can experience rickshaws in many other cities of the world. The wild shika deer are a major attraction in Nara, but then again, you can enjoy wild deer in other places too (e.g. Miyajima)… However, a scene like the one in this photo can be seen (and enjoyed) only in Nara! Unlike Miyajima, where the deer are located only on the strictly controlled island, grouped around shrines or on small backstreets, [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Sayuri Sugawara - Kimi Ni Okuru Uta

Published on 2012-05-16 00:30:57

Sayuri Sugawara - Kimi Ni Okuru Uta:

Kanda Shrine's Fireproof Gate

Published on 2012-05-15 19:01:40

The Kanda Shrine, known also as Kanda Myojin, is one of the must-see shrines in Tokyo. Even if you’re not interested in the Japanese religion, if you visit Akihabara for electronics or for anime related merchandise, it would be worth to take a small detour and relax by visiting this beautiful place. Here’s an image with the shrine’s first torii gate, located outside the shrine, on the street going towards the shrine’s two-story main gate, Zuishin-mon (visible just a bit [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Ishikawa Chiaki - Simoun

Published on 2012-05-15 07:20:36

Ishikawa Chiaki - Simoun:

Minato Mirai Pukari Pier during golden hour

Published on 2012-05-14 19:01:54

I like taking photos during sunset, especially photos with buildings. When the sun sets, there is a “magic” moment when the light is changing its color and everything around seems warmer - this is called the “golden hour". The most noticeable advantage of the golden hour is that there are almost no shadows - I hate shadows in my photos, although sometimes I have to accept them… Another, more subtle change is that the contrast is lower, which can be an advantage when photo [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Tae Urakabe - Azurite

Published on 2012-05-14 09:26:32

Tae Urakabe - Azurite:

Old Japanese stories, the Goddess from Matsumoto Castle's ceiling

Published on 2012-05-13 19:01:12

Many places in Japan have their own fantasy stories and folktales, with ghosts, gods and supernatural beings, passed from generation to generation by word of mouth… Usually, I learn such old Japanese stories in temples or shrines, but recently I was delighted to find one right in a famous castle… Visiting the Matsumoto Castle, I was surprised to discover on the last floor’s ceiling a… shrine. Of course, I searched for an explanation and here’s what I learned: In a [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Malice Mizer - Baroque

Published on 2012-05-13 01:28:34

Malice Mizer - Baroque:

Travel destinations for kids, Saitama Railway Museum Park Zone

Published on 2012-05-12 19:01:30

I was always amazed about the great interest of Japanese people in everything related to trains. And it’s an interest that appeals to all ages: if you visit the Railway Museum from Saitama, you will find it bustling with children, some of them too young to understand but brought there by their grandmother, some running around and pressing every possible button and some with notebooks in their hands, studying every item… probably the future railway professionals… Besides its hi [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Rie Fu - Tsukiakari

Published on 2012-05-12 00:30:29

Rie Fu - Tsukiakari:

What to see in Tokyo - Life-size Gundam is back for good in Odaiba

Published on 2012-05-11 19:01:34

After the huge success from 2009, when the life-size statue of the iconic RX-78-2 Gundam was first built in the Shiokaze Park in Odaiba, Tokyo - then the statue attracted over 4 million visitors in only 52 days - the Gundam was dismantled and many of my readers were hoping that the giant robot will be reinstalled again somewhere. One year later, the statue briefly reappeared in Shizuoka, but then it was again dismantled and disappeared from public attention. However, the last winter, the great [..]

A Japan Photo per Day - Onmyouza - Rasetsu

Published on 2012-05-11 00:30:21

Onmyouza - Rasetsu:

Old and New at Tokyo Station

Published on 2012-05-10 19:01:39

Usually, I like my photos to be simple and to the point, capturing the viewer’s attention to a panorama, to a specific detail or to an element with a particular story. Complex photos, with multiple components, are not in my usual style. However, today I’ll make an exception, with a picture I enjoyed especially because, while it is quite crowded and noisy, it also focuses on several interesting aspects. Taken inside the Tokyo Station, you can see the roof of one of the recently renov [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Shikao Suga - Hachigatsu no Serenade

Published on 2012-05-10 00:30:44

Shikao Suga - Hachigatsu no Serenade:

Masterpieces of Japanese architecture, Iidabashi Station

Published on 2012-05-09 19:01:11

For architecture lovers, Japan offers many “must-see” sights. Besides many well known architectural landmarks, over time I discovered a lot of hidden gems, architectural jewels lost in the backstreets, like the one in this photo, the Iidabashi Station of the Tokyo Oedo Line. This spectacular creation is the result of the artistic vision of Makoto Sei Watanabe, a well known Japanese architect, who also designed the Aoyama Technical College, the so called “Gundam Building” [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Abingdon Boys School - JAP

Published on 2012-05-09 01:06:34

Abingdon Boys School - JAP:

A Japan Photo per Day - Ryogoku Bridge

Published on 2012-05-08 19:01:38

Probably the most famous bridge over the Sumida River is Ryōgoku: first built in 1659, it even has its own song and was painted multiple times by the ukiyo-e master Hiroshige and by many other artists (I must also mention Hokusai). Its name has an interesting genesis - Ryōgoku means “two provinces” - because when it was first built, it was joining Edo (on the right shore of Sumida) with Shimōsa (on the left shore). Today, the area on the left shore, famous for its Su [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Kasuga Hachiro - Otomi san

Published on 2012-05-08 00:30:34

Kasuga Hachiro - Otomi san:

Asakusa Sanja-sama

Published on 2012-05-07 19:01:07

One of the main tourist attractions from Tokyo, the Senso-ji complex draws many visitors who come to admire the spectacular Five-story Pagoda and the majestic Main Hall, which enshrines a legendary Bodhisattva Kannon statue, found by two fishermen in the Sumida River in the year 628. Inside the same complex, to the right of the Main Hall and marked with stone torii, is located one of the most famous Shinto shrines from Tokyo, the Asakusa Shrine. Over the years, I noticed that many foreign touri [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Romi Paku - Naked Flower

Published on 2012-05-07 00:30:19

Romi Paku - Naked Flower:

Popular Japanese treats, Kakigori

Published on 2012-05-06 19:01:02

For me, the best way to cool off during a hot summer day in Japan is kakigōri 「かき氷」, a Japanese dessert made of shaved ice flavored with various syrups. If the ice cream does cool you off for a few minutes, a serving of kakigōri will help you fight the heat for a lot more time. Also compared to the ice cream, the feeling of “coolness” will be a lot more intense when you return outside, in the heat. Considered a delicacy at the Imperial [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Mari Iijima - Ai Oboete Imasu ka

Published on 2012-05-06 00:30:32

Mari Iijima - Ai Oboete Imasu ka:

Shinto torii, Buddhist temple

Published on 2012-05-05 19:01:40

Discussing these days with a group of people preparing to visit Japan, I realized that while everybody knows about the two important religions of Japan, Buddhism and Shinto, few people know how to distinguish their specific characteristics, especially when it comes to architecture - the most important part for a foreign traveler. Since the two religions were officially separated only at the end of the 19th century, many important sites include both Shinto and Buddhist structures. However, spiri [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Origa - Mizu no Madoromi

Published on 2012-05-05 00:30:00

Origa - Mizu no Madoromi:

Tango no Sekku Koinobori, Boy's Day in Japan

Published on 2012-05-04 19:01:38

If you travel to Japan during end April and beginning of May, you will surely notice a lot of carp-like streamers made of cloth or paper, waving in the wind. These are koinobori, decorations displayed for Tango no Sekku, the Boy’s Day, which is celebrated today, on May 5th. Why the carp? In the Japanese tradition, because the carp swims against the current, it is a symbol for courage and ability to overcome obstacles and difficulties, a symbol for success, perfect qualities for a man̷ [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: FictionJunction YUUKA - Nowhere

Published on 2012-05-04 00:30:25

FictionJunction YUUKA - Nowhere:

Japanese traditional houses in Nara and a travel tip

Published on 2012-05-03 19:01:21

In many of the traditional cities from Japan, the old merchant districts are amongst the most important tourist attractions. Unfortunately, that’s not the case with the old merchant district of Nara, Naramachi ("Nara town"), an area not very popular with tourists, although it deserves better… Truth is, the Naramachi district is not as spectacular as a traditional district from Kyoto, because it doesn’t preserves streets made entirely of traditional houses - a lot of new, moder [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Kalafina - Lacrimosa

Published on 2012-05-03 00:30:13

Kalafina - Lacrimosa:

Japanese traditions - Dashi parade, plus a travel tip

Published on 2012-05-02 19:01:51

Some of the best Japanese festivals (matsuri) are the dashi parades, processions of 3-level wooden floats, about 8 meters tall, lavishly ornate with complicated carvings. While the taiko drummers are sitting on the first floor, on the top of the float is usually displayed a large, life-size doll of a legendary hero (on the dashi from this photo you can see Yamato Takeru). The statue is installed with a trapdoor elevator, being raised during the parade or hidden inside the dashi when the tall f [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Malice Mizer - Illuminati

Published on 2012-05-02 00:30:39

Malice Mizer - Illuminati

Narita Shoutendo

Published on 2012-05-01 19:01:36

Today, I would just like to show you a small building discovered inside the complex of the Narita-san Shinshō-ji Temple. It drew my attention because it was standing out, differently colored from the rest of the temple’s buildings. Its walls, painted all white, with black and golden decorations, are in full contrast with the red-vermillion dominant color of the surroundings… Obviously, I wanted to know why it was so different and I’ve been told that this is a modern, new [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Gackt - Leeca

Published on 2012-05-01 02:44:39

Gackt - Leeca:

Japanese Companies, Circle K Sunkus

Published on 2012-04-30 19:01:56

Traveling through Japan, I frequently buy food from convenience stores (konbini) and I often met konbini branded with a Circle K or Sunkus mark… and since it looked to be the same chain, I became curious about this network which, together with 7-Eleven, Lawson or Family Mart, seems to be amongst the largest ones… What I learned is that Circle K was established in 1979 as an alliance between a Japanese company (Yunii Kabushiki Kaisha, a supermarkets chain) and an American corporatio [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Yuna Ito - Precious

Published on 2012-04-30 00:30:08

Yuna Ito - Precious:

Tokyo Architecture, Asakusa Station

Published on 2012-04-29 19:01:04

The first metro line from Asia was opened in 1927 in Tokyo, connecting Ueno to Asakusa. It was the project of a visionary businessman called Noritsugu Hayakawa, known in Japan as “the father of the subway", who after visiting London during 1910s, was inspired by the London Underground and established in Tokyo the Tokyo Underground Railway Company. So, the Ginza line’s Asakusa Station is one of the oldest metro stations from Tokyo (and from Asia) and fortunately its architecture st [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Scandal - Harukaze

Published on 2012-04-29 00:30:44

Scandal - Harukaze:

Story of a Haiku, Matsuo Basho's frog

Published on 2012-04-28 19:01:29

Last year, I started following the trails of the haiku master Matsuo Bashō in Tokyo, Fukagawa, near the Umibe-bashi bridge, the place from where Matsuo Bashō started in 1689 his journey to Northern Honshū. South of Fukagawa, in Morishita, also nearby a bridge - Takabashi - is the place where once was the home of the poet, where he wrote, in 1686, his famous frog haiku: furu ike ya kawazu tobikomu mizu no oto an ancient pond a frog jumps in the splash of water The story [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: High and Mighty Colors - Enrai ~Tooku Ni Aru Akari~

Published on 2012-04-28 00:30:37

High and Mighty Colors - Enrai ~Tooku Ni Aru Akari~:

Genkyu-en Garden Wooden Bridges

Published on 2012-04-27 19:01:00

Bridges are one of the main traits of a promenade type Japanese garden, graciously connecting islands with pavilions or tea houses. The variety of bridge styles is delightful and there are many spectacular bridges, made to stand out through color, like the red Taiko Bridge from the New Otani Hotel, or through shape, like the Yatsuhashi Bridge from Okayama Korakuen… But other Japanese gardens are featuring bridges made to pass almost unnoticed, like the ones I want to show today. As you c [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: F.T. Island - Distance

Published on 2012-04-27 00:30:52

F.T. Island - Distance:

Ueno colors - Hot summer night

Published on 2012-04-26 19:01:03

While going through some summer photos, I stumbled over this night view of the Ueno elevated pedestrian walkway, taken on a hot summer night… What stroke me was that, probably due to its colors, when I looked at it, it made me remember exactly the overwhelming wet heat I was feeling that night! With those orange lights and that well known urban sculpture colored in red and purple, I think this image is a good representation of the heat you can feel in Japan during summer, an atmosphere li [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Alice Nine - Cross game

Published on 2012-04-26 00:30:44

Alice Nine - Cross game:

Japanese castle interior, warriors running passage

Published on 2012-04-25 19:01:16

A thought that crossed my mind while visiting several of the Japanese castles with original interior, was that although impressive on the outside, the castles were built with the same philosophy as the houses, with a small and minimalist interior. Since many Japanese castles are today rebuilt with a modern arrangement, you may get the feeling that inside the space was generous. But the truth is that the original interior was thoroughly planned and like in traditional Japanese houses, designed [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: BOYSTYLE - Kokoro No Chizu

Published on 2012-04-25 00:30:45

BOYSTYLE - Kokoro No Chizu:

Yokohama Minato Mirai 21 aerial panorama

Published on 2012-04-24 19:01:52

A great travel destination, Minato Mirai 21 from Yokohama should be one of the must see Japanese places… And not only because here you can visit the tallest building from Japan, the spectacular the Yokohama Landmark Tower, but also because it’s a place of great beauty and an excellent example of a perfect modern urban development. It is less known that Minato Mirai 21 is now completely different from what it was 30 years ago… At the time, here was just an industrial zone owned [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: SID - Natsukoi

Published on 2012-04-24 01:59:31

SID - Natsukoi:

Miyajima Beauty - Pagoda and Senjokaku

Published on 2012-04-23 19:01:42

Renowned for its spectacular Itsukushima Shrine, whose Otorii is one of Japan’s symbols, the Miyajima Island is a place full of beautiful sights, that deserves to be thoroughly explored… Very close to the Itsukushima Shrine, after climbing a small hill covered with greenery, you will find two contrasting but equally spectacular structures: the 27.6 meters tall Five-Story Pagoda (Gojunoto), built in 1407, and the impressive Senjokaku, the Hall of One Thousand Tatami Mats, dating sin [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Universe - Echoes

Published on 2012-04-23 00:30:19

Universe - Echoes:

Japanese Sento Art, Mount Fuji

Published on 2012-04-22 19:01:38

Many of the Japanese sentō baths have painted walls, with various motifs, especially landscapes. However, not any landscape can be selected as a sentō decoration… only those that bring good luck! A mountain or a waterfall are lucky images, while a sunset or an autumn landscape, with fallen leafs, are considered to bring bad luck for a sentō… But which image would be the most auspicious? That, of course, is the Mount Fuji… painted with a blue sky, with fluffy clo [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Sowelu - Rainbow

Published on 2012-04-22 00:30:38

Sowelu - Rainbow:

Traditional Japanese clothing - Fundoshi

Published on 2012-04-21 19:01:04

Visiting Japan, one thing you’ll notice everywhere are people wearing traditional clothing. Ladies in stylish kimono and girls in colorful yukata are common sight on the streets of the city, while miko or priests wearing the traditional hakama can be seen in any large Shinto shrine… During festivals, the number of people wearing traditional clothes increases substantially, the boys get dressed up in yukata too, plus the teams of people wearing happi coats… But probably the mo [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: May'n - Brain Diver

Published on 2012-04-21 00:30:32

May’n - Brain Diver:

A glimpse of old Japan, Tsukishima streets

Published on 2012-04-20 19:01:00

Visiting Japan, you will be fascinated by many attractions, but you will certainly want to experience even a glimpse of the old Japan… And fortunately, there are quite a few places where you can do that… and not only on the traditional streets from Kyoto, but also in a few neighborhoods from Tokyo… where if I have to pick one, I would recommend Tsukishima, the artificial island from Chūō… A truly blessed area, that escaped undamaged by the two great disasters t [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Nightmare - Sleeper

Published on 2012-04-20 00:30:34

Nightmare - Sleeper:

Tallest Clock Tower in the World, night view

Published on 2012-04-19 19:01:38

One of the best known skyscrapers in Tokyo is the NTT DoCoMo Yoyogi Building, the building ranked 3rd place in the top of Tokyo’s tallest skyscrapers. But this building also holds a world record: with a height of 240 meters, the NTT DoCoMo skyscraper is the tallest clock tower in the world. Interesting though, the record wasn’t established at the time of inauguration, because the 15 meters diameter clock was installed 2 years later, in June 2002, when the NTT DoCoMo company (which [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: L'Arc~en~Ciel - I'm so happy

Published on 2012-04-19 00:30:33

L’Arc~en~Ciel - I’m so happy:

Karamon, gate with Dragons and Legends

Published on 2012-04-18 19:01:44

Many of the temples built by the Tokugawa family were built with gates adorned with karahafu roofs, called karamon gates. Like their name indicates,(kara means “noble” or “elegant” and mon means “gate"), these gates are true works of art, symbols of the shogunate power. Among them, there’s a very special karamon gate that can be visited right in Tokyo, inside the Toshougu Shrine from Ueno. Here, the decorations were made by one of the greatest Japanese artist [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Shinohara Tomoe - Happy Point

Published on 2012-04-18 00:30:03

Shinohara Tomoe - Happy Point:

Spectacular Japanese landscape from Chuo line

Published on 2012-04-17 19:01:59

Three months ago I was telling you about my trip on the Chūō Line that offered me the chance to capture a perfect view of Mount Fuji. Actually, the whole trip to Matsumoto was full of delightful views… Here’s another photo taken from the train window, a spectacular landscape of Japan’s snow covered Minami (Southern) Alps. The name of this mountain range, Minami Alps, actually Minami Arupusu 「南アルプス」, is a reference to [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: The Back Horn - Happy End ni Akogarete

Published on 2012-04-17 00:30:14

The Back Horn - Happy End ni Akogarete:

Simply beautiful Japanese scenes, Hakone

Published on 2012-04-16 19:01:10

When I published, 10 days ago, the photo titled Simply beautiful in Meiji Jingu, I thought it would be a one time only type of article. But there are a lot of “simply beautiful” places in Japan and your encouraging reaction convinced me that I should share more “magical moments” like this… So here’s another “simply beautiful” moment, captured on a rainy summer afternoon, near the entrance of the Hakone Shrine: a magical light, the glow of the wet [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Hashimoto Yukari - Happy Monday

Published on 2012-04-16 00:30:46

Hashimoto Yukari - Happy Monday:

Searching for the Tengu, Izuna Gongen-do

Published on 2012-04-15 19:01:11

Tengu are supernatural creatures from the Japanese traditional mythology, said to live in some of Japan’s sacred mountains. Tradition says that they are messengers of gods, punishing the villains and protecting the good people… When I was a child, I read a book of Japanese traditional stories and I became interested in tengu legends so, naturally, when I visited Japan I added to the destination list the places closely associated with tengu, and until now I visited two such areas, t [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Koharu Kusumi - Happy Happy Sunday

Published on 2012-04-15 00:30:23

Koharu Kusumi - Happy Happy Sunday:

Popular Japanese treats, Ringo Ame

Published on 2012-04-14 19:01:17

Candied fruits and especially candied apples, ringo ame 「りんご飴」 in Japanese, are a very popular treat in Japan, you will always find at least one ringo ame stall at a Japanese festival. Thinking about Japanese festivals, one image that always comes into my mind is with girls dressed in yukata, elegantly holding a ringo ame. The origin of the candy apple in the Western world was traced back to 1908, when a candy maker from Newark, William W. Kolb, produce [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Pink Sapphire - Happy no Jouken

Published on 2012-04-14 00:30:11

Pink Sapphire - Happy no Jouken:

Nagoya Castle, the Wall of Swords

Published on 2012-04-13 19:01:16

Besides its imposing, 5-storey main donjon, the Nagoya Castle also features a closely located, smaller donjon (just 2-storey tall), connected with the main tower with a roofless corridor visible in the center of this photo (the small donjon is to the right, just behind the pine trees). An interesting construction detail is that this corridor is equipped on its exterior wall with a large number of 30-centimeters spears, and because of these blades the wall is known as the “Wall of Swords" [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Tanpopo - Be Happy Koi no Yajirobee

Published on 2012-04-13 00:30:34

Tanpopo - Be Happy Koi no Yajirobee:

Buying Souvenirs in Kyoto

Published on 2012-04-12 19:01:05

Right from my first visit to Japan, I was surprised and delighted by the quantity and variety of souvenirs you can buy in Japan. Practically in any commercial area you can find something interesting, but the truth is that a souvenir has a lot more charm if it was bought in a beautiful area… Since Kyoto is the place with the highest tourist density in Japan, the wealth of souvenirs available here is astonishing… And my favorite area for souvenir shopping in Kyoto is in Higashiyama, o [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: An Cafe - Aroma

Published on 2012-04-12 00:30:17

An Cafe - Aroma:

Old Japanese stories, Haunted Jizo

Published on 2012-04-11 19:01:57

Since Jizo is one of the most loved and popular deities, Jizo statues are a common sighting in Japan. But among them, there are a few really special statues, like the one from the Shogin-ji Temple in Taito-ku, Tokyo. Sculpted in 1721, the Jizo from Shogin-ji is 3 meters tall stone statue representing Jizo as a simple monk with a shaved head. Because he is the protector of the dead children, there is a custom according to which parents are bringing small hats, placing them on the head of the Jiz [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Masami Okui - Happy place

Published on 2012-04-11 00:30:42

Masami Okui - Happy place:

Snapshooting Tokyo Sky Tree

Published on 2012-04-10 19:01:45

With only six weeks until the grand opening of Tokyo Sky Tree (on May 22), I noticed on the Internet a growing interest in this new symbol of Tokyo, which is now the tallest self supporting tower and the second tallest structure in the world. I visited the tower twice a year since it started to rise, writing a couple of photo reports from the Tokyo Sky Tree construction site and I was always impressed by the enthusiasm of the people from Tokyo, attracted by the new tower ever since the beginni [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Noriko Sakai - Happy Again

Published on 2012-04-10 00:30:33

Noriko Sakai - Happy Again:

Tokyo Architecture, Riverside Yomiuri Building

Published on 2012-04-09 19:01:40

On the shores of the Sumida river, close to Kiyosu Bridge, you will notice a slightly unusual building, shaped like a giant square archway: the Riverside Yomiuri Building. Finished in 1994, Riverside Yomiuri is a high-rise building, approx. 100 meters tall (20 floors). Besides offices, the building also hosts luxury apartments (and I learned that they are mostly used by the expat community). It is indeed a very nice place to live, especially if the apartment has a view towards Sumida River̷ [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Aya Kamiki - Are You Happy Now?

Published on 2012-04-09 00:30:58

Aya Kamiki - Are You Happy Now?

Japanese spiritual architecture, Yashamon Gate

Published on 2012-04-08 19:01:29

The complex of temples and shrines from Nikko constitutes one of the most representative places of Japanese spiritual architecture and a testimony of Tokugawa family’s power. Several dozens of buildings, scattered in a lush forest, are creating a place where you can enjoy the fine architecture in communion with the nature. And all was carefully planned - even the hundreds Japanese cedars (cryptomeria) were planted here when the construction started. Each construction from this complex is [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Rie Tanaka - Happy-go-lucky

Published on 2012-04-08 00:30:48

Rie Tanaka - Happy-go-lucky:

Roppongi Hills Arena wide-angle and some musings on photography

Published on 2012-04-07 19:01:48

As you know, I love photographing buildings and architecture. But many times during my first trips to Japan, I visited beautiful architectural complexes without being able to take the photos I wanted, because of the small space available around them. When photographing regular buildings, with a little imagination and experience, I often managed to take the desired shots with my small “all around” lens. However, with a large skyscraper complex, there’s nothing to do without a go [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Ai Otsuka - Happy Days

Published on 2012-04-07 00:30:20

Ai Otsuka - Happy Days:

The torii that survived the atomic bomb

Published on 2012-04-06 19:01:32

After you visit the Hiroshima Castle, you can also visit the Gokoku Shrine, located right on the castle grounds. In 1945, when the atomic blast struck Hiroshima, the Gokoku Shrine was located less that 1 kilometer away from the explosion hypocenter. Because it was so close and the blast came almost vertically, one of the shrine’s 3 torii gates, the one from the main entrance, survived almost undamaged. A photo famous all over the world, taken by Shigeo Hayashi in the aftermath of the atomi [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Himitsu Kessha Codomo A - Sakura Techou

Published on 2012-04-06 00:30:32

Himitsu Kessha Codomo A - Sakura Techou:

Simply beautiful in Meiji Jingu

Published on 2012-04-05 19:01:37

Ever since I started this series, 30 months ago, I always selected the photos to convey the spirit of the places or the feeling I got at the time. And I wanted to include some explanations about the place, the event or the object presented… Today, I’ll make an exception and I’ll propose a different kind of photo… and all I can say about it is that I made it in Tokyo, inside the Meiji-jingu Shrine… and I just want to show it to you because I like it. I think it̵ [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Deathgaze - Shi Sakura

Published on 2012-04-05 00:30:57

Deathgaze - Shi Sakura:

Japanese traditions - Fujin, The God of Wind

Published on 2012-04-04 19:01:53

An old Buddhist legend tells the story of two demons who once opposed Buddha. One of them is Raijin, the Japanese god of thunder and lightning, while the other is Fujin, the Japanese god of wind. The story goes that Buddha ordered the capturing of those two demons and, after being defeated, Raijin and Fujin are working now for the heaven. That’s why, in some Japanese temples, you will see large statues representing this pair of gods. In this photo you can see the Fujin statue from the Nit [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Ayabie - Sakura Mau Kisetsu ni

Published on 2012-04-04 00:30:23

Ayabie - Sakura Mau Kisetsu ni :

Okayama Koraku-en, Japanese garden panoramic view

Published on 2012-04-03 19:01:44

Okayama Koraku-en is one of the most beautiful strolling gardens from Japan and I loved it because of its wide spaces. The garden’s elements are spaced from each other, so on a green meadow you will relax your gaze on a group of rocks or shrubs, on a stone lantern or a little bridge, with wide alleys and… even a rice pad (on the right side of the photo). Because of the wide-angle lens, in this panoramic view you can admire a lot more than the naked eye can perceive at a single glanc [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Yuumu Hamaguchi - Sakura

Published on 2012-04-03 00:30:48

Yuumu Hamaguchi - Sakura:

Defining Images of Japan - Torii

Published on 2012-04-02 19:01:30

I was recently asked by a friend to select a defining image of Japan. My first thought was that this is a difficult question to answer - Japan is such a complex country, with a unique culture, with traditions either preserved since ancient times or in constant change. But then I realized that the answer must be in multiple parts - and for the first defining image I would choose the torii. What is a torii? Torii are the gates you encounter almost everywhere in Japan - according to Shinto religi [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: xTRiPx - Sakura Iro

Published on 2012-04-02 00:30:48

xTRiPx - Sakura Iro:

Japanese traditions - the origin of Kappabashi

Published on 2012-04-01 19:01:38

Kappabashi is an old street from Asakusa, which once was connecting the two important local temples, the Senso-ji and the Kan’ei-ji from Ueno. Today, Kappabashi is famous for its stores specialized in kitchenware. Its story starts during the Edo period, when the area was frequently flooded during the rain season, so Kiihachi, a local raincoat merchant, decided to build a channel to drain the water to the nearby Sumida River. The legend says that he wouldn’t have been able to finish [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Yoshida Brothers - Fuyu no Sakura

Published on 2012-04-01 00:30:57

Yoshida Brothers - Fuyu no Sakura:

Japanese architecture, Castle style bookstore

Published on 2012-03-31 19:01:08

There are many types of travelers, some like exploring wild areas, mountains or natural reservations, others enjoy exploring the gastronomy, or the fashion, etc. I am a “city explorer” and one of my preferred subjects is the architecture… I love wandering up and down the streets, observing the constructions and I must say that in Japan I’m very often rewarded by finding unusual buildings. My favorites are the narrow buildings and the buildings with a traditional style a [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Kawabe Chieco - Sakura Kiss

Published on 2012-03-31 00:30:27

Kawabe Chieco - Sakura Kiss:

Visiting Japan, Omiya Hachiman Shrine

Published on 2012-03-30 19:01:04

If you’re looking for a typical Japanese experience, but something a little less common that the usual must see in Japan list, and if you enjoy exploring the Japanese spirituality, you may like a day of “circuit pilgrimage". A circuit pilgrimage in Japan (junrei or junpai) is a worshiping journey that includes several shrines and temples, planned for a single day or for longer trips. There are countless of such circuits, many of them just of local importance, but a few are really i [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Kagrra - Sakura Zukiyo

Published on 2012-03-30 00:30:04

Kagrra - Sakura Zukiyo:

Harajuku Station Long Exposure Night Photo

Published on 2012-03-29 19:01:57

I like taking long exposure photos and when the area is in perpetual motion, taking such a photo is quite challenging. Basically, you never know what will happen and how the picture will turn out… It takes luck and patience and also ability to evaluate the combination between the desired aperture, sensitivity and necessary exposure time, depending on what the people (or the cars) will do. If they’re moving too fast for the shutter speed, they will become “ghosts” and thes [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: An Cafe - Cherry Saku Yuki

Published on 2012-03-29 00:30:54

An Cafe - Cherry Saku Yūki:

Kaguraden at Yasaka Shrine, Kyoto

Published on 2012-03-28 19:01:33

A stage like this, a kaguraden, can be found only in the most important, large and old Shinto shrines. They are used for kagura dances, a type of Shinto rituals performed by shrine maidens (miko). The kaguraden stages first appeared at the end of the Heian period and for a while they were very popular, but today the shrines without a dedicated structure are usually performing kagura in the main hall. The architecture of kaguraden was inspired by the stages of the ancient Japanese court dances [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Hime Ichigo - Haru no Koi Sakura

Published on 2012-03-28 00:30:27

Hime Ichigo - Haru no Koi Sakura:

Japanese traditions - Raijin, the Thunder God

Published on 2012-03-27 19:01:25

Visiting Japanese temples, eventually you will wonder who are the characters represented so often by larger-than-life sculptures placed inside many temple gates… One of them is Raijin, the Japanese god of thunder and lightning (his name comes from rai “thunder” and shin “god"). One of the oldest Japanese deities, Raijin is an original Shinto god, also known as kaminari (from kami “spirit” or “deity” and nari “thunder") . Represented as a re [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Unsraw - Sakura no Namida

Published on 2012-03-27 00:30:00

Unsraw - Sakura no Namida:

The charm of Ikebukuro

Published on 2012-03-26 19:01:59

Right on the place where I was standing when I took this photo, 30 years ago was located the infamous Sugamo Prison, built during the 1920s for political prisoners… But the whole neighborhood changed drastically in 1978, when on this place was built the Sunshine 60 skyscraper, which at the time was the tallest skyscraper in Asia, with a height of 239.7 meters. Later, the panorama was completed by the beautiful Toyota Amlux building, housing the Toyota showroom (the blue building in this [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Rythem - Sakura Uta

Published on 2012-03-26 00:30:39

Rythem - Sakura Uta:

Tokyo Tocho travel tip

Published on 2012-03-25 19:01:27

I was writing in 2010 that after visiting Tokyo for 4 years in a row, strolling through Nishi-Shinjuku was one of my favorite activities. Now, after 2 years and 4 more visits to Tokyo, I have to say that Nishi-Shinjuku is still a place where I return on every trip. And the main attraction here is the Tokyo City Hall complex, also known as the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building - or Tochō, a short of the official Japanese name Tōkyō-to Chōsha 「東京๿ [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Mai Hoshimura - Sakura Biyori

Published on 2012-03-25 00:30:08

Mai Hoshimura - Sakura Biyori:

Yume-Kyobashi Castle Road and a travel tip

Published on 2012-03-24 19:01:16

There are many areas in Japan where you can experience the traditional Japan, streets “conserved” to look like in the old times. But besides them, there are also streets especially rebuilt to look like the old ones… That’s the case of a splendid street from Hikone, the Yume-Kyobashi Castle Road. The story of this street starts in 1603, with the construction of the Hikone Castle and its castle town (Honmachi). It is the street starting right near the castle’s walls [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Remioromen - Sakura

Published on 2012-03-24 01:30:13

Remioromen - Sakura:

The story of Yogodo Hall

Published on 2012-03-23 20:01:12

The story says that in 628, on March 18, two men fishing in the Sumida river caught in their net a statue of Bodhisattva Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. Realizing the importance of the statue, the head of their village made a shrine dedicated to Kannon in his own house, where he displayed the statue. After 7 years, the priest Shokai Shonin enshrined the statue in the newly built Kannon-do Hall, which later became the Senso-ji Temple from Asakusa. An interesting fact is that, after a revelation, [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Houko Kuwashima - Shinkai No Kodoku

Published on 2012-03-14 01:30:06

Houko Kuwashima - Shinkai No Kodoku:

Japanese Seismic Design, Chiba Port Tower

Published on 2012-03-13 20:01:15

The population of the Chiba Prefecture reached 5 millions in 1983 and, to celebrate this event, the Chiba Port Tower was inaugurated 3 years later. The tower is a splendid “needle” covered in mirrored glass and when the weather is fine it seems completely blue, like in this photo. I said “needle", because with a height of 125 meters and a narrow rhomboidal section (the length of a side is only 15 meters), Chiba Port Tower seems extremely thin. A structure so tall and narrow ne [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Aiko Nakano - Camellia no Hitomi

Published on 2012-03-13 01:30:55

Aiko Nakano - Camellia no Hitomi:

Daruma dolls and a travel tip

Published on 2012-03-12 20:01:39

I wrote before about Daruma dolls, the good luck charms representing, in a very stylized form, Bodhidharma, the legendary founder of Zen Buddhism. The legend says that Bodhidharma traveled to China, where he went to a Shaolin Monastery, but he wasn’t allowed to enter. Then he went to a nearby cave where he started meditating, but during meditation he fell asleep and, furious about his weakness, he cut off his eyelids (that’s why the Daruma dolls are represented with large eyes, wit [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Megumi Hayashibara - Don't Be Discouraged

Published on 2012-03-12 01:30:59

Megumi Hayashibara - Don’t Be Discouraged:

Shukkeien, Japanese garden panorama

Published on 2012-03-11 20:01:50

The Shukkeien Garden from Hiroshima is one of the most beautiful circular-tour Japanese gardens I have visited. In the middle of the garden is the Takuei pond, with over 10 decorative islands, like the one on the left of the photo. Around the pond, the builders designed an impressive collection of miniature scenic views, mountains, valleys, bridges and forests, views that give the garden its name: Shukkeien can be translated as “shrink-scenery garden". The stone arched bridge in the back [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Sayuri Ishikawa - Meoto Zanzai

Published on 2012-03-11 00:30:50

Sayuri Ishikawa - Meoto Zanzai:

Tokyo Memorial Hall, memorial to the earthquake victims

Published on 2012-03-10 19:01:06

Today we commemorate one year since the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, the most powerful earthquake in the history of Japan. Today, I think that the most appropriate photo from Japan would be a monument dedicated to the victims of earthquake… an earthquake that caused another great tragedy, the deadliest earthquake in the Japanese history, the Great Kanto Earthquake. The earthquake hit on September 1, 1923, at 11:58, when many people were preparing for lunch. That’s why the earth [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Saeko Chiba - Sayonara Solitaire

Published on 2012-03-10 00:30:00

Saeko Chiba - Sayonara Solitaire:

Shopping arcades in Osaka

Published on 2012-03-09 19:01:06

When I’m in Japan, I don’t want to “waste” any moment, not even during bad weather. So, the shopping arcades are always a choice reserved for rainy or freezing days… or for a late evening walk, when other attractions are closing. Many Japanese cities have attractive shopping arcades, some of them very extensive, measured in kilometers. It is said that the longest covered shopping arcade in Japan is in Takamatsu city, measuring 2.7 km! Therefore, I spent a lot of ti [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Origa - Moon

Published on 2012-03-09 00:30:16

Origa - Moon:

Quiet summer night at Senso-ji Temple

Published on 2012-03-08 19:01:21

The Senso-ji Temple from Asakusa was the first temple I visited in Japan and I enjoyed it so much that it remained my favorite place. Since then, during every visit to Tokyo, I visit Senso-ji, at least once. So, I saw it during festivals, like Hozuki Ichi, the Chinese lantern plant fair (when it’s crowded), during the New Year’s night or during the first days of the year (when the nearby Nakamise Dori is extremely crowded). But the best time to enjoy Senso-ji is after dark, when th [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Ayako Ikeda - Prism

Published on 2012-03-08 00:30:44

Ayako Ikeda - Prism

Japanese spiritual architecture, rare wheel repository at Naritasan

Published on 2012-03-07 19:01:14

Ever wondered how the important documents are stored in a Japanese Buddhist temple? There is often a dedicated building, with interior shelves, where the important sutras and the historical documents are stored. However, in some temples, the sutras are stored in a special construction, a revolving, circular repository called rinzō ("wheel repository"). Invented by the Great Teacher Fu (FuDaishi), a Chinese Buddhist monk who lived in the 6th century, rinzō is an ingenious device, an oc [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Akino Arai - Kirei na Kanjo

Published on 2012-03-07 00:30:41

Akino Arai - Kirei na Kanjo:

Sightseeing Nara, Sunset at Nandaimon Gate

Published on 2012-03-06 19:01:30

The Tōdai-ji Temple from Nara was established in 728 and, like many other Japanese temples, suffered a lot of changes during its history, with buildings destroyed and rebuilt several times. Its main gate, Nandaimon (meaning “Great South Gate"), was destroyed during the Heian period (794–1185), but after it was rebuilt at the end of the Kamakura period (1185–1333), it managed to survive until today. Nandaimon is a sanmon type gate or sangedatsumon, which can be translated [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Arashi - Love so Sweet

Published on 2012-03-06 00:30:29

Arashi - Love so Sweet:

Mekura-ishi, the Blind stone

Published on 2012-03-05 19:01:52

Many shrines in Japan are dedicated to gods of love, marriage and matchmaking. But some of them, besides the usual ema and omamori, have some special customs. At the Jishu Shrine, the shrine near the famous Kiyomizu-dera from Kyoto, you can enjoy playing between the “blind stones” (or the “love stones"). The custom goes like this: the two stones are located 6 meters away from each other and the visitor starts from the first stone, walking towards the second with the eyes clos [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Sayuri Kokusho - Valentine kiss

Published on 2012-03-05 00:30:53

Sayuri Kokusho - Valentine kiss:

Matsumoto Castle's red bridge panorama

Published on 2012-03-04 19:01:08

Matsumoto Castle, the main attraction of Matsumoto city, is a hirajiro - a castle built on flatland. Unlike the Japanese castles built on hills or mountains, with the advantage of the higher ground, for protection against attacks a flatland castle was usually surrounded by water moats or swamps. Here’s a photo of the moat and the surroundings of Matsumoto Castle, taken from one of the small windows of the main donjon. I love that bridge painted in vermillion, perfectly harmonized with the [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Supercell - Love & Roll

Published on 2012-03-04 00:30:01

Supercell - Love & Roll:

Japanese architecture - Shizuoka Press and Broadcasting Center

Published on 2012-03-03 19:01:24

At the end of the 1950s, a group of young Japanese architects founded the architectural movement called Metabolism. The name of the movement comes from a term used in biology, referring to the chemical reactions occurring in a living body. These processes are sustaining life, allowing organisms to grow and adapt - and that was the concept behind the metabolist architecture: buildings and cities living like organisms, growing, reproducing and adapting to the surrounding environment… These [..]

Today Japan celebrates Hina Matsuri: Megumi Hayashibara - Ureshii Hina Matsuri

Published on 2012-03-03 00:30:43

Megumi Hayashibara - Ureshii Hina Matsuri:

Hina Matsuri Dolls and a travel tip

Published on 2012-03-02 19:01:12

Today in Japan takes place one of my favorite celebrations, Hina Matsuri - the Doll Festival. Today, the families with young daughters are displaying a very special set of dolls (hina-ningyō), praying for their daughters to be healthy and happy. The Hina Matsuri doll set can be displayed starting at the middle of February, but according to the tradition, if the set is not wrapped at the end of the festival, the girls will marry late… The Hina Matsuri dolls are exquisite works of art [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Kajiura Yuki - Ensei

Published on 2012-03-02 00:30:42

Kajiura Yuki - Ensei:

Beautiful Inari Shrine in Matsumoto

Published on 2012-03-01 19:01:47

One of the most important shrines from Matsumoto, the Jorinji Shrine, is located just 5 minutes walking distance from the JR Matsumoto train station. But when I visited, right next to it, my attention was drawn by a smaller, but really beautiful Inari Shrine, one of the most beautiful I’ve seen until now. Inari Ōkami is one of the most important kami in the Shinto religion, the god of rice, fertility, agriculture, foxes, industry and success. On each side of the entrance, you can s [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Marina Inoue - Houseki

Published on 2012-03-01 00:30:47

Marina Inoue - Houseki:

The daily Japan photo is returning - Okayama Castle before the storm

Published on 2012-02-29 19:01:01

Dear friends, Today, after a hiatus of more than two weeks, I’m restarting the daily Japan photo series and I’m returning to my normal life. What happened? Two weeks ago, on Monday, I woke up feeling weak and dehydrated, with nausea and breathing difficulty. To me, it felt like a flu… But soon it became worse and all I remember now is that I woke up in the emergency room, after about 20 hours. I learned that I have type 1 diabetes and the crisis was a diabetic coma…Anywa [..]

Preparing to return

Published on 2012-02-21 13:25:28

Dear friends, thank you so much for the many encouraging messages! I’m out of words to thank you enough… I’m feeling a lot better now, my recovery is going well and I’m preparing to return home, but it will take me a few more days to return to my usual routine. …It’s hard to work with photos with a blurry vision… Muza-chan Post related to: Temporary interruption

Good news

Published on 2012-02-15 12:12:59

Dear friends, We have good news, Muza-chan is now out of danger and her condition is improving. She is in great hands, receiving the best treatment possible. We were overwhelmed to tears by your wonderful response. We received hundreds of messages by email, website comments, Google+ and Twitter. We want to thank you all so much for your prayers, compassion, encouragement and support. Her family Post related to: Temporary interruption

Temporary interruption

Published on 2012-02-13 12:55:24

Dear all, Instead of today’s Daily Photo from Japan, we are sadly announcing that our beloved Muza-chan has just been admitted to emergency room, due to sudden diabetes. Since she started the Daily Photo series, she never missed a day! She asked us to continue her work, but we think you will agree with us, that she’s simply irreplaceable… Hoping that she’ll return soon, we are praying for her health and recovery, Her family Feb 15 update: Good news

A Japanese Song per Day: French Kiss - Kakko warui I love you

Published on 2012-02-13 00:30:15

French Kiss - Kakko warui I love you:

Japanese architecture, Osaka Broadcasting Station, History Museum and a travel tip

Published on 2012-02-12 19:01:05

If you like modern architecture, one of the most interesting cities to visit in Japan is Osaka. I already presented a few very interesting skyscrapers like the Gate Tower Building, the Rinku Gate Tower Building (second tallest building in Japan) and the spectacular Umeda Sky Building. Today, I would like to show you a complex built in 1991 near the Osaka Castle, including the NHK Osaka Broadcasting Station and the Osaka Museum of History. The two buildings are independent, but they were designe [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: sifow - Clover

Published on 2012-02-12 00:30:34

sifow - Clover:

Popular Japanese food, salt grilled Ayu

Published on 2012-02-11 19:01:35

If you’re browsing the stalls (yatai) from a Japanese festival (matsuri) and feel the appetizing smell of grilled fish, chances are that you found grilled ayu… a popular delicacy in Japan. Ayu is a fresh water fish and, like the koi, a symbol of courage and perseverance, because it swims against the current. It is a hard to catch fish and, besides fly fishing, old traditional methods, like cormorant fishing, are still used in some places in Japan. Ayu is also known as sweet-fish, b [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: My Little Lover - Blue Sky

Published on 2012-02-11 00:30:40

My Little Lover - Blue Sky:

A Shrine that protects... Information Technology

Published on 2012-02-10 19:01:22

Located on a small hill near Akihabara, Kanda Myojin is one of the oldest shrines in Tokyo, being originally established in 720. It enshrines the famous samurai Taira no Masakado and two of the Seven Gods of Luck, Ebisu and Daikoku. That’s why, from the old times, the shrine was a place where people were coming to pray for happiness, recovery from illness, for prosperity and business success. But the times are changing and today, people can go to Kanda Myojin to pray for their… IT s [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Loveholic - Shinkirou

Published on 2012-02-10 00:30:36

Loveholic - Shinkirou:

Harumi Passenger Ship Terminal Night View

Published on 2012-02-09 19:01:46

Tokyo is one of largest ports in Pacific and it is well known for its multiple cargo and container terminals, but the Port of Tokyo also includes passenger terminals. The newest Tokyo passenger ship terminal, Harumi, opened in 1991, features an observatory and restaurants, from where the passengers can admire Tokyo, Rainbow Bridge and even the Tokyo Tower. But not only the passengers can admire the scenery, from the promenade near the Harumi terminal the view is also spectacular and this is actu [..]

A Japanese Song per Day: Hearts Grow - Yura Yura

Published on 2011-07-06 01:12:40

Hearts Grow - Yura Yura:

A Japan Photo per Day - Japanese traditions, Tanabata Decorations

Published on 2011-07-05 19:01:09

Probably the most romantic festival in Japan is the Tanabata ("Evening of the seventh"), which celebrates the meeting of two lovers, Orihime (the star Vega) and Hikoboshi (the star Altair), which, the legend says, takes place one day a year, on the 7

A Japanese Song per Day: Masami Mitsuoka - Hana

Published on 2011-07-05 00:57:20

Masami Mitsuoka - Hana:

A Japan Photo per Day - Tokyo Sea Life Park Glass Dome

Published on 2011-07-04 19:01:04

The first Japanese public aquarium was opened in Tokyo in 1882, at the Ueno Zoological Garden. So, the Tokyo Sea Life Park, located in the Kasai Rinkai Park, was built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Ueno Zoo and was opened on October 198

A Japanese Song per Day: My Little Lover - Blue Sky

Published on 2011-07-04 01:03:24

My Little Lover - Blue Sky:

A Japan Photo per Day - Reflections, Hakone Shrine Torii

Published on 2011-07-03 19:01:57

The entrance to the Hakone Shrine is marked from a distance by the traditional torii gates. Besides the best known torii from the Lake Ashi, in Moto-Hakone there are 3 more torii. I visited Hakone three times, and the last time, about one year ago,

A Japanese Song per Day: Ali Project - Bokoku Kakusei Catharsis

Published on 2011-07-03 01:46:15

Ali Project - Bokoku Kakusei Catharsis:

A Japan Photo per Day - Suica Mascot and a Travel Tip

Published on 2011-07-02 19:01:11

One of the most often seen Japanese mascots is the Suica mascot, a cute penguin designed by a well known artist, Sakazaki Chiharu. Suica 「スイカ」 means “watermelon” in Japanese, but is actually an acronym f

A Japanese Song per Day: Anna Tsuchiya - Kuroi Namida

Published on 2011-07-02 01:12:38

Anna Tsuchiya - Kuroi Namida:

A Japan Photo per Day - Sightseeing Tokyo, Gokoku-ji Furo-mon Gate

Published on 2011-07-01 19:01:20

Established in 1681, the Gokoku-ji Temple from Bunkyo is one of the very few places in Tokyo which have been preserved in their original form. There is a lot of sightseeing to be done here and I already wrote about the Gokoku-ji Kannon-do and about

A Japanese Song per Day: Nami Tamaki - Brightdown

Published on 2011-07-01 00:47:36

Nami Tamaki - Brightdown:

A Japan Photo per Day - Japanese Companies, 7-Eleven

Published on 2011-06-30 19:01:27

7-Eleven was established in 1927 in Dallas, Texas, by Joe C. Thompson, an employee of an ice company. He started by selling bread and milk, which were kept fresh in the ice. The 7-Eleven name was adopted in 1946 (it comes from the working hours, from

A Japanese Song per Day: Savage Genius - Omoi wo Kanadete

Published on 2011-06-30 00:27:46

Savage Genius - Omoi wo Kanadete:

A Japan Photo per Day - The Black Teeth Lion from Tsukiji

Published on 2011-06-29 19:01:18

The area where today’s Tsukiji Fish Market is located, was during the Edo period a swamp, part of the delta formed by the Sumida River. Over time, there were multiple attempts to fill in the swamp, but often the buildings built on reclaimed lan

A Japanese Song per Day: Isao Tomita - Infernal Dance of King Kastchei

Published on 2011-06-29 01:00:35

Isao Tomita - Infernal Dance of King Kastchei:

A Japan Photo per Day - Asakusa Bell of Time

Published on 2011-06-28 19:01:34

During the Edo period, the time in Japan was announced with bell chimes. Obviously, there was a need for some “official” time bells - these were the toki no kane 「時の鐘」, “Bells of Time". The most fa

A Japanese Song per Day: Loveholic - Shinkirou

Published on 2011-06-28 00:56:29

Loveholic - Shinkirou:

A Japan Photo per Day - Tokyo Architecture, Edo-Tokyo Museum

Published on 2011-06-27 19:01:21

Close to the JR Ryogoku Station, between the train lines and the Ryogoku Kokugikan sumo arena, you can visit one of the most intriguing buildings from Tokyo, the Edo-Tokyo Museum. Although quite a tall construction (62.2 meters), if you don’t k

Akihabara Maids, Let's Uchimizu!

Published on 2011-06-27 14:11:56

In the old times, before the air conditioning, the Japanese people developed traditional ways to help cooling off during hot summer days… One very interesting technique, still largely practiced, is the use of the traditional furin. Another on

A Japanese Song per Day: Steve Conte - Rain

Published on 2011-06-27 00:49:30

Steve Conte - Rain:

A Japan Photo per Day - Maneki neko, Gotokuji Temple version

Published on 2011-06-26 19:01:04

One of the most popular Japanese souvenirs is Maneki Neko, the “beckoning cat", a ceramic cat sculpture used as charm for good luck and prosperity. You can buy them almost anywhere in Japan, in hundreds of versions, sizes and colors. However,

A Japanese Song per Day: Rekka Katakiri - Touen Ketsugi - Touen no Chikai

Published on 2011-06-26 01:59:28

Rekka Katakiri - Toen Ketsugi - Touen no Chikai:

A Japan Photo per Day - Japanese Traditional Architecture, Karahafu

Published on 2011-06-25 19:01:02

Frequently encountered on Japanese castles, temples and shrines, karahafu is one of the specific elements of traditional Japanese architecture that makes you say “this building must be from Japan". Karahafu 「唐破風

A Japanese Song per Day: Maaya Sakamoto - Magic Number

Published on 2011-06-25 01:45:17

Maaya Sakamoto - Magic Number:

A Japan Photo per Day - Anpanman Terrace Shiodome

Published on 2011-06-24 19:01:34

One of the most popular manga and anime characters in Japan, Anpanman is also one of the longest running series. The Soreike! Anpanman (それいけ!アンパンマン Go! Anpanman) television series

A Japanese Song per Day: Mami Kawada - Prophecy

Published on 2011-06-24 00:59:13

Mami Kawada - Prophecy:

A Japan Photo per Day - Japan Energy Champions, Tokyo Sky Tree

Published on 2011-06-23 19:01:47

I was writing two weeks ago about the Japanese companies making efforts to alleviate the current energy crisis… But efforts to reduce power consumption and to use environmental friendly systems started even before the crisis. Tobu Railways, th

A Japanese Song per Day: Kanako Ito - Hacking to the Gate

Published on 2011-06-23 00:48:43

Kanako Ito - Hacking to the Gate:

A Japan Photo per Day - Shoyo-en Japanese Garden

Published on 2011-06-22 19:01:30

The renowned Rinno-ji Temple from Nikko is also famous for its spectacular Japanese garden, created in the Chisen-kaiyushiki garden style (garden with a pond in the center). This Japanese garden style was very popular in Japan during the 18 and 19 ce

A Japanese Song per Day: Stereopony - Tsukiakari no Michishirube

Published on 2011-06-22 00:55:44

Stereopony - Tsukiakari no Michishirube:

A Japan Photo per Day - Shiba Aerial view

Published on 2011-06-21 19:01:55

At the beginning of the Edo period, Zojo-ji was the temple of the Tokugawa family. Occupying a much larger area than today, Zojo-ji was also including 48 smaller temples and an astonishing number of grammar schools: 150! A few of the smaller temples

A Japanese Song per Day: BUCK-TICK - Dress

Published on 2011-06-21 00:58:31

BUCK-TICK - Dress:

A Japan Photo per Day - The beauty of the Tokyo Station

Published on 2011-06-20 19:01:23

Inaugurated in 1914, the Tokyo Station was designed by the famous architect Tatsuno Kingo and at the time was servicing only two train lines. Unfortunately, most of the building was destroyed by the bombings from 1945 and the reconstruction was less

A Japanese Song per Day: Hajime Chitose - Anata ga Koko ni Ite Hoshii

Published on 2011-06-20 01:00:37

Hajime Chitose - Anata ga Koko ni Ite Hoshii:

A Japan Photo per Day - The story of the Sleeping Neko

Published on 2011-06-19 19:01:38

In Nikko, at the entrance to the Okusha Inner Shrine, the tomb of Ieyasu Tokugawa from the Toshougu Shrine, you’ll find a small sculpture designated as national treasure. Named in Japanese Nemuri neko 「眠猫」 - nemuri

A Japanese Song per Day: The Gazette - Cassis

Published on 2011-06-19 01:28:25

The Gazette - Cassis:

A Japan Photo per Day - Rickshaw Drivers

Published on 2011-06-18 19:01:18

Many of the traditional tourist areas in Japan can be visited using a mode of transportation from the Meiji period - the rickshaw. The word rickshaw, which is used today all over the world, comes from the Japanese words jin riki sha 「人

A Japanese Song per Day: Akiko Shikata - Inori no Kanata

Published on 2011-06-18 01:07:10

Akiko Shikata - Inori no Kanata:

A Japan Photo per Day - Tokyo Sky Tree's mascot, Sorakara-chan

Published on 2011-06-17 19:01:50

The inauguration of the world’s tallest self-standing tower, Tokyo Sky Tree, will take place on May 22, 2012. For months or even years, the new tower will become the main tourist attraction in Tokyo and huge crowds are expected to visit it, so

A Japanese Song per Day: Yoshida Brothers - Kodo

Published on 2011-06-17 00:52:17

Yoshida Brothers - Kodo:

A Japan Photo per Day - Old Temple, Titanium Roof

Published on 2011-06-16 19:01:35

I was writing some time ago that one of the best traits of Japan is the combination of old and new… in many areas. Here’s an example of architecture and materials. Established in 628, the Senso-ji Temple from Asakusa is the oldest temple

A Japanese Song per Day: Aiko Nakano - Camellia no Hitomi

Published on 2011-06-16 00:55:07

Aiko Nakano - Camellia no Hitomi:

A Japan Photo per Day - The Dance of Fools

Published on 2011-06-15 19:01:50

400 years ago, Hachisuka Iemasa, the daimyo of the Awa Province in Shikoku Island, threw a big party for the Tokushima Castle inauguration. After consuming a respectable amount of sake, the townsmen started dancing happily, on a rhythmic tune. And t

A Japanese Song per Day: May'n and Megumi Nakajima - Lion

Published on 2011-06-15 01:02:39

May’n & Megumi Nakajima - Lion:

A Japan Photo per Day - Fudo Myo-o, the Wisdom King

Published on 2011-06-14 19:01:59

One of the most often encountered statues in the Japanese temples is Fudo Myo-o, an angry god represented with a sword and a rope in its hands and surrounded by flames… But don’t be deceived by its fierce appearance, because Fudo Myo-o is

A Japanese Song per Day: Fukuyama Yoshiki - My Soul For You

Published on 2011-06-14 01:00:10

Fukuyama Yoshiki - My Soul For You:

A Japan Photo per Day - Japanese Companies, Mitsubishi UFJ

Published on 2011-06-13 19:01:58

In 1870, a former samurai named Yatarō Iwasaki established a shipping firm called Mitsubishi (meaning “three diamonds” - a description of the well known logo, from mitsu “three” and hishi “water chestnut", term used

A Japanese Song per Day: ON/OFF - Hajimaru no wa, Sayonara

Published on 2011-06-13 01:57:49

ON/OFF - Hajimaru no wa, Sayonara:

A Japan Photo per Day - 400 years old Japanese Cedars in Nikko

Published on 2011-06-12 19:01:13

Almost 400 years ago, Matsudaira Masatsuna, a daimyo serving the Tokugawa Shogun, started a project that took him 20 years: he planted in Nikko over 200000 Sugi 「杉」 - Japanese cedars - trees donated afterwards to the Toshougu Shr

A Japanese Song per Day: Kalafina - Magia

Published on 2011-06-12 00:50:01

Kalafina - Magia:

A Japan Photo per Day - Eating in Japan, Sukiya in Shibuya

Published on 2011-06-11 19:01:47

One of the most popular dishes in Japan is gyūdon and if you wish to try it, the simplest way is to go to the two big restaurant chains serving gyūdon, Yoshinoya and Sukiya. Gyūdon (beef bowl) is a bowl of rice covered with beef and o

A Japanese Song per Day: Daisy x Daisy - Evidence

Published on 2011-06-11 01:00:03

Daisy x Daisy - Evidence:

A Japan Photo per Day - Sightseeing Tokyo, Hie Jinja Roumon Gate

Published on 2011-06-10 19:01:59

Hie Jinja from Chiyoda, Tokyo, is one of the most important (and most visited) shrines in Tokyo, mainly because of the amazing torii path. A less known fact about Hie Jinja is that the priest from this shrine is the only Shinto priest in Japan who is

A Japanese Song per Day: Nirgilis - Shiny Shiny

Published on 2011-06-10 00:59:16

Nirgilis - Shiny Shiny:

A Japan Photo per Day - Japan Energy Champions, Roppongi Hills

Published on 2011-06-09 19:01:38

I think that you all know that Japan faces the worst energy crisis in history… I was reading a few days ago about the big companies starting to use their own electricity generators, hoping to contribute to the effort to reduce electricity consu

A Japanese Song per Day: Afilia Saga East - Knee High Egoist

Published on 2011-06-09 00:53:43

Afilia Saga East - Knee High Egoist:

A Japan Photo per Day - Little Taiko Drummers

Published on 2011-06-08 19:01:08

The first historical evidence of taiko drums in Japan is a clay figure from the 7th century, but it is believed that the first drums were brought to Japan from China during the Yayoi period (500 BC - 300 AD). In time, both the music and the instrumen

A Japanese Song per Day: Yui Sakakibara - Koi no Honoo

Published on 2011-06-08 00:55:48

Yui Sakakibara - Koi no Honoo:

A Japan Photo per Day - Shinjuku Shopping District

Published on 2011-06-07 19:01:55

In 1698, the place surrounding the today’s Shinjuku Station (including the Shinjuku Gyoen park) was owned by a daimyo named Naitō. One of the 5 major roads from Nihonbashi, connecting Edo to Kofu, was passing right through this area and si

A Japanese Song per Day: Kanako Ito - Aqua Venus

Published on 2011-06-07 00:56:41

Kanako Ito - Aqua Venus:

A Japan Photo per Day - Kannon from Ofuna, Travel Tip

Published on 2011-06-06 19:01:31

I wrote before about the great Kannon statue from Ōfuna. Representing the White-Robed Kannon (Byakue Kannon), the statue was built over a span of 32 years and it made a huge impression on me, especially because of its very delicate features, ama

A Japanese Song per Day: T.M.Revolution - Heart of Sword

Published on 2011-06-06 00:55:13

T.M.Revolution - Heart of Sword:

A Japan Photo per Day - Tokyo places, Ikebukuro Aerial View

Published on 2011-06-05 19:01:25

There are two structures over 200 meters tall in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, the Sunshine 60 skyscraper and the Toshima Incineration Plant and both of them holds a record. In 1978 when it was inaugurated, the Sunshine 60 was the tallest building in East Asia

A Japanese Song per Day: Angela - Shangri-La

Published on 2011-06-05 01:54:49

Angela - Shangri-La:

A Japan Photo per Day - Tokyo Architecture, Mikimoto Ginza 2

Published on 2011-06-04 19:01:34

Close to the De Beers Ginza building, the flagship store of the most important diamonds company, you ca admire another great piece of architecture, the Mikimoto Ginza 2 building, owned by the company producing the finest pearls in the world. The Mi

A Japanese Song per Day: YUI - Winter Hot Music

Published on 2011-06-04 01:43:16

YUI - Winter Hot Music:

A Japan Photo per Day - The Temple of the Chiba Clan

Published on 2011-06-03 19:01:16

The Myoryuji Temple from Kamakura was established in 1385 by Tanesada Chibade, a member of the Chiba clan - Chiba-shi 「千葉氏」. Descendants of the powerful Taira clan, Chiba-shi were the rulers of the today’s Ch

A Japanese Song per Day: Yaida Hitomi - Over The Distance

Published on 2011-06-03 00:46:54

Yaida Hitomi - Over The Distance:

A Japan Photo per Day - Kaminarimon Gate Night View

Published on 2011-06-02 19:01:22

The Kaminarimon Gate (officially known as Furaijinmon Gate) from the Senso-ji Temple is one of the symbols of the Asakusa district, one of the most visited places in Japan. But even if the gate is so famous, there are several things known by very few

A Japanese Song per Day: Globe - Perfume of love

Published on 2011-06-02 00:55:35

Globe - Perfume of love:

A Japan Photo per Day - Inokashira Pond

Published on 2011-06-01 19:01:33

The Inokashira name was given by the Shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu and it translates as “source of the water supply” or “well that supplies delicious water". At the time, the Inokashira Pond was famous for its 7 springs so it was also cal

A Japanese Song per Day: Southern All Stars - Manatsu no Kajitsu

Published on 2011-06-01 01:00:48

Southern All Stars - Manatsu no Kajitsu:

A Japan Photo per Day - Tokyo places, Shiodome SIO-SITE

Published on 2011-05-31 19:01:59

I generally love modern cities and I like a lot all Tokyo’s skyscraper areas, but probably my all time favorite is Shiodome. Being a science-fiction fan, when strolling on Shiodome’s esplanade, with the Yurikamome passing above, I can eas

A Japanese Song per Day: Alice Nine - Tsubasa

Published on 2011-05-31 01:09:08

Alice Nine - Tsubasa:

A Japan Photo per Day - Rinno-ji Temple Sanbutsudo Hall

Published on 2011-05-30 19:01:58

The most important building of the Rinno-ji Temple from Nikko is the Sanbutsudo　「三仏堂」, “Three Buddha” Hall. Its name comes from the three giant sculptures of Buddha enshrined inside: Amida Nyorai,

A Japanese Song per Day: Galneryus - Alsatia

Published on 2011-05-30 00:58:58

Galneryus - Alsatia:

A Japan Photo per Day - Minato Mirai 21, Travel Tip

Published on 2011-05-29 19:01:09

At the end of the Edo period, Yokohama was a small fishermen’s village, with just 100 inhabitants… Now there are 3.6 million people living in Yokohama, and it is the second biggest city in Japan. The construction of Minato Mirai 21, built

A Japanese Song per Day: Kanjani Eight - My Home

Published on 2011-05-29 01:40:21

Kanjani Eight - My Home:

A Japan Photo per Day - Anpanman Suitcase

Published on 2011-05-28 19:01:48

Anpanman is one of the most popular and beloved anime cartoon characters in Japan. According to a study published by Bandai in 2005, Anpanman is the most popular character for children under 12 years old. And that popularity can be seen: I visited

A Japanese Song per Day: B'z - Sayonara Nankawa Iwasenai

Published on 2011-05-28 01:10:04

B’z - Sayonara Nankawa Iwasenai:

A Japan Photo per Day - The God of Longevity

Published on 2011-05-27 19:01:59

Many Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples in Japan include in their premises small shrines dedicated to one of the Seven Gods of Luck, Shichi Fukujin. The small shrine from this photo, one of the most beautiful of those I visited, is dedicated to Fuku

A Japanese Song per Day: AKB48 - Sakura no Ki ni Narou

Published on 2011-05-27 00:59:09

AKB48 - Sakura no Ki ni Narou:

A Japan Photo per Day - Harajuku Street Scene, Tama Depa

Published on 2011-05-26 19:01:43

Strolling through Harajuku, right near the Takeshita Dori, I noticed these two stores belonging to a couple of very successful Japanese companies, well known not only in Japan but in the Western world too. One of them is the FANCL Harajuku, one of th

A Japanese Song per Day: Naoya Urata feat. Ayumi Hamasaki - Dream on

Published on 2011-05-26 00:57:06

Naoya Urata feat. Ayumi Hamasaki - Dream on:

A Japan Photo per Day - The Shrine of the Edo Clan

Published on 2011-05-25 19:01:44

Inside the Kanda Myojin complex there are several small shrines, real architectonic jewels, from which I already presented the Suehiro Inari Shrine. This time I would like to show you the Edo Jinja, a shrine dedicated to the Edo clan. Originating fr

A Japanese Song per Day: Fade - One Reason

Published on 2011-05-25 00:36:08

Fade - One Reason:

A Japan Photo per Day - Ushigafuchi Moat

Published on 2011-05-24 19:01:28

The grounds surrounding the Tokyo Imperial Palace are very pleasant for a stroll, lots of green areas and many opportunities for photos. Sometimes I photograph birds, other times the reflections appearing on the water surface of the moat. One of my

A Japanese Song per Day: Tae Urakabe - Azurite

Published on 2011-05-24 00:33:25

Tae Urakabe - Azurite:

A Japan Photo per Day - Temizuya at Rinno-ji, Nikko

Published on 2011-05-23 19:01:45

Temizuya is a fountain located near the entrance of the Shinto shrines, used by visitors to cleanse their hands and mouths when entering the sacred area. At large shrines, the temizuya is often built as a decorated pavilion, and the one from the Rinn

A Japanese Song per Day: SNoW - Sakasama no Chou

Published on 2011-05-23 00:41:49

SNoW - Sakasama no Chou:

A Japan Photo per Day - Akihabara Street Scene at Sunset

Published on 2011-05-22 19:01:02

For me Akihabara, the Tokyo’s Electric Town, was always a friendly place. But after sunset, when the omnipresent colorful ads shine, the place is even friendlier. Here is the area between the exit from the Japan Rail Akihabara Station, with a

A Japanese Song per Day: Skoop on Somebody - Happy People

Published on 2011-05-22 01:04:05

Skoop on Somebody - Happy People:

A Japan Photo per Day - Old Japanese Streetcar Diorama

Published on 2011-05-21 19:01:43

I love dioramas and every time I have the opportunity to visit a museum or an exposition featuring dioramas, I don’t hesitate. I saw a lot of great Japanese dioramas in the large museums, but I also had the chance to discover a very interesting

A Japanese Song per Day: SiLC - Himegoto

Published on 2011-05-21 01:35:17

SiLC - Himegoto:

A Japan Photo per Day - Meiji Jingu Minami-Shinmon

Published on 2011-05-20 19:01:10

There are 3 entrances into the sacred area of the Meiji Jingu Shrine from Tokyo, each with its own gate. The main entrance, from south, is through the Minami-Shinmon gate. Built in 1921, the Minami-Shinmon and one of the amulet offices (shukueisha),

A Japanese Song per Day: Saeko Chiba - Sayonara Solitaire

Published on 2011-05-20 00:52:43

Saeko Chiba - Sayonara Solitaire:

A Japan Photo per Day - Japanese superlatives, Shinkyo Bridge

Published on 2011-05-19 19:01:22

About Shinkyo 「神橋」, the sacred bridge from Futarasan, there is a beautiful old Japanese legend telling the story of its origins. The first bridge was built here in 766 and it is unknown how it looked like, it was probably

A Japanese Song per Day: Seira Kagami - Never

Published on 2011-05-19 01:13:02

Seira Kagami - Never:

A Japan Photo per Day - The Owl Police Box

Published on 2011-05-18 19:01:02

There are over 6000 police boxes - koban - in Japan and, as I wrote before, the architecture varies greatly, no two of them alike. Most koban buildings have a simple architecture, but there are also many with very interesting designs… and some

A Japanese Song per Day: Sachi Tainaka - Disillusion

Published on 2011-05-18 00:47:47

Sachi Tainaka - Disillusion:

A Japan Photo per Day - Traditional Japan, Fukagawa Row House Interior

Published on 2011-05-17 19:01:38

For someone interested in the history of Japan (like me…), the Fukagawa Edo Museum is a must visit place in Tokyo. Here, inside the museum’s building, you will find an accurate reproduction of a street from Fukagawa, like it used to be ar

A Japanese Song per Day: TASO - Que Sera Sera

Published on 2011-05-17 00:48:34

TASO - Que Sera Sera:

A Japan Photo per Day - Security Guards in Japan

Published on 2011-05-16 19:01:18

During festivals or holidays, the shrines, temples or streets are often stormed by crowds of people. Of course, to ensure the safety, many policemen and security guards are employed… Always wearing uniforms, they manage somehow to distance them

A Japanese Song per Day: Mikuni Shimokawa - Karenai Hana

Published on 2011-05-16 00:31:09

Mikuni Shimokawa - Karenai Hana:

A Japan Photo per Day - Colorful Houses in Japan

Published on 2011-05-15 19:01:41

I’m a city traveler, I like wondering through big cities, filled with people, buildings and history. I spend a lot of time strolling through the streets, but I always search for places from where I can see the city from above. And I discovered

A Japanese Song per Day: Mayumi Kojima - Poltergeist

Published on 2011-05-15 01:11:49

Mayumi Kojima - Poltergeist:

A Japan Photo per Day - Iliad Japan

Published on 2011-05-14 19:01:27

Alexander Semeonovitch Liberman was a complete artist. He was a painter, a sculptor, a photographer and an editor. His abstract sculptures are featured in many museums in the world. Made from ingeniously assembled industrial objects (steel beams, tan

A Japanese Song per Day: Maaya Sakamoto - Yakusoku Wa Iranai

Published on 2011-05-14 00:51:51

Maaya Sakamoto - Yakusoku Wa Iranai:

A Japan Photo per Day - Nogakudo from Yasukuni Shrine

Published on 2011-05-13 19:01:50

Noh 「能」 - also called Nogaku 「能楽」 - is the oldest form of classical Japanese musical drama. Noh was traditionally played only on special stages, made from hinoki wood (Japanese cypress), derived from t

A Japanese Song per Day: Every Little Thing - Grip!

Published on 2011-05-13 00:53:24

Every Little Thing - Grip!:

A Japan Photo per Day - Stairs at Hakone Shrine

Published on 2011-05-12 19:01:42

The Hakone Shrine is located in a dense forest, with hundreds of years old trees, on the shores of the Lake Ashi in Hakone. I visited the shrine many times, but only once I was lucky to visit it on rain… Why lucky? Because, while it is indeed

On Friday 13, an old Japanese horror story: The Masakado-zuka

Published on 2011-05-12 16:01:01

It’s Friday 13… a good day for an old Japanese horror story… and what can be better than a beheaded samurai heads flying all across Japan. Here’s the story: Taira no Masakado was a powerful samurai living in the Kantō

A Japanese Song per Day: FictionJunction Yuuka - Kouya Ruten

Published on 2011-05-12 00:55:47

FictionJunction Yuuka - Kouya Ruten:

A Japan Photo per Day - Tokyo Tower, Travel Tip

Published on 2011-05-11 19:01:32

We all enjoy Tokyo Tower for the great landscape views from its two observatories. But there are several other attractions to enjoy. In the Foot Town, the 4 storied building located right under the tower, there is a Wax Museum, galleries, shops and r

A Japanese Song per Day: Hitomi Shimatani - Viola

Published on 2011-05-11 00:38:47

Hitomi Shimatani - Viola:

A Japan Photo per Day - Nakamise-dori Night Scene

Published on 2011-05-10 19:01:18

Nakamise-dori is one of the oldest commercial venues in Japan, established between 1688 - 1735, with the permission of the Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. During the Edo Period, the area from this picture, called at the time “Yakudana” (between t

A Japanese Song per Day: Kome Kome Club - Roman Hiko

Published on 2011-05-10 00:51:43

Kome Kome Club - Roman Hiko:

A Japan Photo per Day - Tokyo Architecture, Tokyo Baycourt Club

Published on 2011-05-09 19:01:35

There are many interesting buildings in Tokyo, but some of them are located in quite crowded places, so they can be admired just from a single point. That’s why I’m often preferring wider spaces and for that, Odaiba is one of the best. Bu

A Japanese Song per Day: X Japan - Rusty Nail

Published on 2011-05-09 01:07:13

X Japan - Rusty Nail:

A Japan Photo per Day - Bicycles in Japan

Published on 2011-05-08 19:01:43

In Japan everyone uses bicycles - jitensha, young and elders, women and men, school children and salarymen, mothers with small babies and policemen… Not even the bad weather would stop them, I’ve seen cyclists in heavy rain, dressed in so

A Japanese Mother's Day Song: Ikimonogakari - Arigatou

Published on 2011-05-08 02:16:43

Today, on the second Sunday of May, Japan celebrates Mother’s Day (母の日). According to a recent survey, the best song for the Mother’s Day is Ikimonogakari - Arigatou:

A Japan Photo per Day - O-Tanuki Sama Jinja

Published on 2011-05-07 19:01:30

Strolling through the backstreets of Akihabara, passing by the Mansei-bashi Police Station and then crossing the Kanda Fureai-bashi pedestrian bridge, I noticed a small shrine. It is called Yanagimori Shrine and is dedicated to Tanuki. Tanuki is th

A Japanese Song per Day: Kobukuro - Kazamidori

Published on 2011-05-07 01:35:15

Kobukuro - Kazamidori:

A Japan Photo per Day - Japanese Garden Waterfall, New Otani

Published on 2011-05-06 19:01:38

One of the oldest Japanese gardens in Tokyo is the garden near the New Otani Hotel. Established 400 years ago, the garden belonged to a samurai lord, Kiyomasa Kato (1562-1611) and at the end of the World War II, the garden was bought and renovated by

A Japanese Song per Day: Akina Nakamori - Jukkai

Published on 2011-05-06 00:55:38

Akina Nakamori - Jukkai:

A Japan Photo per Day - Yokohama Cross Gate Night Photo

Published on 2011-05-05 19:01:53

One of my favorite places for night photos in Yokohama is the spot in front of the Sakuragicho Station. It is quite rare to catch the area relatively free of passers-by, in order to use a reasonably long exposure, but in a freezing January night I ma

A Japanese Song per Day: Koinobori song

Published on 2011-05-05 03:09:59

Today Japan celebrates Tango no sekku. For this occasion, there is a famous short Koinobori Song often sung by kids and their families:

A Japanese Song per Day: Akikawa Masafumi - Ai no yume

Published on 2011-05-05 01:00:36

Akikawa Masafumi - Ai no yume:

A Japan Photo per Day - Tango no Sekku Koinobori

Published on 2011-05-04 19:01:46

The carp is an old Chinese symbol of courage, perseverance and self-control, and the fact that it can swim against the stream symbolizes determination to overcome obstacles. There is also an old Chinese legend about a carp who, swimming up a waterfal

A Japanese Song per Day: Gackt - Redemption

Published on 2011-05-04 01:00:35

Gackt - Redemption:

A Japan Photo per Day - Tokyo places, Ueno

Published on 2011-05-03 19:01:24

A city with mostly grey buildings (like some parts of my hometown) sends a subtle feeling of sadness. On the contrary, a city full of vivid colors provokes a feeling of optimism and inspiration. This is probably one of the reasons I like Tokyo so muc

A Japanese Song per Day: Luna sea - Storm

Published on 2011-05-03 01:07:51

Luna sea - Storm:

A Japan Photo per Day - Tokyo Architecture, Izumi Garden Tower

Published on 2011-05-02 19:01:40

If you enjoyed Inception you probably remember a scene with the green building from the center of this photo… Named Izumi Garden Tower (Spring Garden Tower), this massive skyscraper is located in Roppongi, Tokyo and it hosts a high-end hotel,

A Japanese Song per Day: Masaki Ueda - Tokyo Express

Published on 2011-05-02 01:02:19

Masaki Ueda - Tokyo Express:

A Japan Photo per Day - Japanese superlatives, Kencho-ji Dharma Hall

Published on 2011-05-01 19:01:03

One of the most famous wooden buildings I visited in Kamakura is the Hatto (Dharma Hall) from Kencho-ji Temple. Belonging to the Rinzai (Zen) Buddhism sect, the hall was built in 1814 and it is the largest Buddhist wooden structure in Eastern Japan.

A Japanese Song per Day: Orange Range - One

Published on 2011-05-01 02:22:55

Orange Range - One:

A Japan Photo per Day - Akihabara Backstreet Shops

Published on 2011-04-30 19:01:04

I like a lot the atmosphere on Chuo dori, where many of the most famous Akihabara buildings are located, but after a while the crowd and the noise becomes tiresome… so I usually withdraw to the quieter backstreets. Even in the busiest days, the

A Japanese Song per Day: Nana Mizuki - Dancing in the Velvet Moon

Published on 2011-04-30 01:25:59

Nana Mizuki - Dancing in the Velvet Moon:

A Japan Photo per Day - Popular Food, Yaki Tomorokoshi

Published on 2011-04-29 19:01:35

I like a lot all kinds of boiled or grilled corn on the cob, but my favorite is the Japanese version: yaki tomorokoshi ("roasted corn"), corn on the cob grilled, brushed with a soy based sauce. Often sold at mobile stalls (yatai) during fairs and fe

A Japanese Song per Day: Koda Kumi - Rejimae no Cinderella

Published on 2011-04-29 00:58:02

Koda Kumi - Rejimae no Cinderella:

A Japan Photo per Day - Hello Kitty Daruma Doll

Published on 2011-04-28 19:01:02

The Daruma doll is one of the best known lucky charms from Japan. Usually made of papier-mâché, the Daruma doll is a round doll, a type known in English as “tumbler doll” and in Japanese okiagari, meaning to get up (oki) and ri

A Japanese Song per Day: Ryuichi Sakamoto - Rain

Published on 2011-04-28 01:06:44

Ryuichi Sakamoto - Rain:

A Japan Photo per Day - Iso-watari at Kiyosumi Teien Japanese Garden

Published on 2011-04-27 19:01:29

One of the attractions in Kiyosumi Teien, the Japanese garden from Fukagawa, Tokyo, is the collection of rocks. Collected from many places in Japan, a part of these rocks was used to decorate the shores of the lake, while another part was used to cr

A Japanese Song per Day: Kreva - EGAO

Published on 2011-04-27 00:54:39

Kreva - EGAO:

A Japan Photo per Day - Tokyo old-and-new, Ishikawajima Lighthouse

Published on 2011-04-26 19:01:27

One of my dearest old and new views from Tokyo is this area from Tsukishima, with the Ishikawajima Lighthouse in the forefront and the huge apartment buildings in the background. There are actually three high-rise residential complexes near the water

A Japanese Song per Day: Vividblaze - Marin

Published on 2011-04-26 00:56:03

Vividblaze - Marin:

A Japan Photo per Day - Yakumo Shrine, the Shrine to Prevent Sickness

Published on 2011-04-25 19:01:39

In the year of 869, Kyoto was hit by an epidemic disease. In the hope of stopping the epidemy, a mikoshi parade was organized at the Yasaka Shrine (which at the time was called Gion-sha). Shortly after the parade the epidemy stopped and this was the

A Japanese Song per Day: Superfly - You & Me

Published on 2011-04-25 01:16:32

Superfly - You & Me:

A Japan Photo per Day - Tokyo Architecture, Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower

Published on 2011-04-24 19:01:30

Surrounded by the older, rectangular skyscrapers from Shinjuku, the now 3 years old “Giant Cocoon", with its blue glass and aluminum facade, stands out from any angle. The Cocoon Tower name is directly related to the skyscraper’s exterior

A Japanese Song per Day: Kaori Uesugi - Okesa Kaikyo

Published on 2011-04-24 01:49:45

Kaori Uesugi - Okesa Kaikyo:

A Japan Photo per Day - Nikorai-do, Japanese Orthodox Church

Published on 2011-04-23 19:01:36

Christianity is a minority religion in Japan, less than 1 percent of Japanese being Christians. Obviously, there are not many churches in Japan, but to my surprise, during my travels I encountered quite a few Christian churches and even cathedrals

A Japanese Song per Day: PSY・S - Another Diary

Published on 2011-04-23 00:37:47

PSY・S - Another Diary:

A Japan Photo per Day - Kamakura Ni no Torii

Published on 2011-04-22 19:01:42

The way from the Kamakura Station to the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is marked by three torii gates: Ichi no Torii (first gate), Ni no Torii (second gate, the one from this picture) and San no Torii (third gate). Between the second and the third to

A Japanese Song per Day: Ruriko Ohgami - Sexy Woman

Published on 2011-04-22 00:53:36

Ruriko Ohgami - Sexy Woman:

A Japan Photo per Day - Origami Museum, Travel Tip

Published on 2011-04-21 19:01:21

The first book in the world about origami appeared in Japan in 1797: Hidden Senbazuru Orikata (The secret of one thousand paper crane origami). The art of paper folding is however much older, having its roots in religious rituals like the paper butte

A Japanese Song per Day: Aya Hirano - Lost My Music

Published on 2011-04-21 00:59:08

Aya Hirano - Lost My Music:

A Japan Photo per Day - Fear of exams? Go to Tenjin, God of Learning

Published on 2011-04-20 19:01:04

Unlike many other countries, in Japan the school year starts in April. And with the start of the new school year, the pilgrimages to the shrines dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane are starting too. Sugawara Michizane was a well known scholar, poet an

A Japanese Song per Day: Nujabes - Counting Stars

Published on 2011-04-20 01:00:55

Nujabes - Counting Stars:

A Japan Photo per Day - Asakusabashi Station Ginkgo tree

Published on 2011-04-19 19:01:48

The Ginkgo tree was brought to Japan from China, at the same time with Buddhism and the trees were planted near the Buddhist temples. The Japanese people were impressed by the tree’s beauty and by its beautiful leafs, so they started using the

A Japanese Song per Day: Char - Cross Road

Published on 2011-04-19 01:15:10

Char - Cross Road:

A Japan Photo per Day - Horagai, the dragon god conch shell

Published on 2011-04-18 19:01:12

Since the oldest times, a strange instrument was used in Japan, made from a large conch shell, with bronze (or wooden) mouthpiece at the apex of the shell’s spire. The Buddhist monks used this instrument, called horagai in various religious act

A Japanese Song per Day: Suguru Ikeda - Shimanoh Hotoyo

Published on 2011-04-18 01:23:12

Suguru Ikeda - Shimanoh Hotoyo:

A Japan Photo per Day - Suginami Animation Museum Anime Timeline

Published on 2011-04-17 19:01:00

Located in Suginami-ku, a Tokyo ward known as “the anime town” because 70 of the ~400 companies working in the Japanese anime industry are concentrated here, Suginami Animation Museum is a real museum (unlike the better known Tokyo Anime

A Japanese Song per Day: Kana Uemura - Toillet no Kamisama

Published on 2011-04-17 01:47:31

Kana Uemura - Toillet no Kamisama:

A Japan Photo per Day - My favorite Ginza view... and a travel tip

Published on 2011-04-16 19:01:24

A stroll through Ginza, one of the most expensive and luxurious venues in the world, is always a pleasure for me. I haven’t visited too many shops and I don’t remember having bought anything big, I simply like walking down the streetsR

A Japanese Song per Day: Ayumi Hamasaki - A song for XX

Published on 2011-04-16 00:40:59

Ayumi Hamasaki - A song for XX:

A Japan Photo per Day - Old Japanese Coffee Shop in Yanaka

Published on 2011-04-15 19:01:25

There are few neighborhoods in Tokyo with really old buildings that survived both the Great Kanto Earthquake (in 1923) and the bombings of the WWII. One of them is the Yanaka neighborhood, located in Taito-ku, on the hill between Ueno and Nippori Sta

It's Sakura time!

Published on 2011-04-15 13:57:06

I won’t have time this year to properly enjoy Sakura, but I cannot let the sakura time pass without marking it in some way. So I went through my photo archives and prepared a little collection of high-res sakura photos, so we can enjoy together

A Japanese Song per Day: Pink Lady - UFO

Published on 2011-04-15 00:58:34

Pink Lady - UFO:

A Japan Photo per Day - Reflections nr.22, Odawara Castle Akagane Gate

Published on 2011-04-14 19:01:44

The reconstruction of the Odawara Castle started in 1960, with the works on the five-storied donjon. The first defense wall followed in 1971, with the Tokiwagi Gate and the Tokiwa Wooden Bridge (visible here as a small dot of red on the left). The se

A Japanese Song per Day: Bonnie Pink - The Sun Will Rise Again

Published on 2011-04-14 01:03:08

Bonnie Pink - The Sun Will Rise Again:

A Japan Photo per Day - Trains, Love Hotels and Shinto Shrine

Published on 2011-04-13 19:01:59

The Japan Rail Uguisudani Station from Taito-ku is one of the oldest train stations in Tokyo, built in 1912. The name of the station comes from a bird that once lived in this area, uguisu (bush warbler). Close to the southern exit of the station, you

A Japanese Song per Day: Yuki Katsuragi - Bohemian

Published on 2011-04-13 00:56:37

Yuki Katsuragi - Bohemian:

A Japan Photo per Day - Old Japanese stories, the Octopus Cedar

Published on 2011-04-12 19:01:04

On Mount Takao 「高尾山」, near the Monkey Park, there is an old cedar, over 500 years old, whose roots resemble the tentacles of an octopus. Hence, it bears the name tako-sugi, octopus cedar. The tree is considered sacr

A Japanese Song per Day: Shinji Tanimura - Subaru

Published on 2011-04-12 01:03:21

Shinji Tanimura - Subaru:

A Japan Photo per Day - Hachioji Junction

Published on 2011-04-11 19:01:13

Opened in 2007, Hachiōji Junction is an interchange between the Chūō Expressway, a major roadway connecting Tokyo and Nagoya, and Ken-Ō Expressway (Route 468), a metropolitan expressway, part of a future outer ring road of Tokyo.

Google Street View now on Water, Sumida River

Published on 2011-04-11 14:01:38

I frequently use Google Maps, especially Google Street View, it has become an indispensable tool for planning my trips… I often prepare maps for the places I’m visiting and I check with Google Street View to see if the directions are corr

A Japanese Song per Day: Sayuri Yoshinaga - Koi no yorokobi

Published on 2011-04-11 00:42:39

Sayuri Yoshinaga - Koi no yorokobi:

A Japan Photo per Day - Traditional Japan, Yukata couple in Nikko

Published on 2011-04-10 19:01:23

Japan is one of the most modern countries and, at the same time, one of the most conservative. We can see this in transportation, architecture… and one of the areas in which it is easiest to see this is the style of dressing. Between the fast

A Japanese Song per Day: An Cafe - Cherry Saku Yuki!!

Published on 2011-04-10 02:07:02

An Cafe - Cherry Saku Yūki!!:

A Japan Photo per Day - Toyosu Skyscrapers

Published on 2011-04-09 19:01:28

The Toyosu area from Koto-ku, Tokyo, was created about 75 years ago on reclaimed land. Over the last years, Toyosu has become one of the most modern and quiet residential areas from Tokyo. In this picture taken from Yurikamome, the arched roof is th

A Japanese Song per Day: Utada Hikaru - Sakura Drops

Published on 2011-04-09 01:03:12

Utada Hikaru - Sakura Drops:

A Japan Photo per Day - Tsukiji Outside Market

Published on 2011-04-08 19:01:02

The Tsukiji fish market is the biggest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world and obviously, it is a main attraction for foreign tourists… Not for me though, I don’t find the fish market activity very appealing… But outside

A Japanese Song per Day: Rin’ - Sakura Sakura

Published on 2011-04-08 00:45:44

Rin’ - Sakura Sakura:

A Japan Photo per Day - Red Lotus

Published on 2011-04-07 19:01:47

Today in Japan it is Buddha’s Birthday and Hana Matsuri (花祭り - the Flower Festival). According to the legend, Gautama Buddha was born in the Lumbini garden in Nepal, a garden full of flowers. That’s why the statue of

A Japanese Song per Day: Takashi Kondo & Toshinobu Iida - Sakura Addiction

Published on 2011-04-07 00:28:27

Takashi Kondo & Toshinobu Iida - Sakura Addiction:

A Japan Photo per Day - Crape myrtle and Skyscrapers

Published on 2011-04-06 19:01:56

When you see the group of skyscrapers from Shiodome, it is hard to believe that a few centuries ago this place was a… swamp. The whole Shiodome area was filled in at the orders of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, who wanted to put a barrier between Toky

A Japanese Song per Day: NEWS - Sakura Girl

Published on 2011-04-06 00:56:01

NEWS - Sakura Girl:

A Japan Photo per Day - Snapshotting at Yasukuni, Shinmon Gate

Published on 2011-04-05 19:01:17

There are 4 torii gates at the Yasukuni Shrine from Chiyoda, Tokyo and a huge wooden gate, Shinmon (main gate), located between the second and the third torii. Shinmon is a massive structure, 6 meters tall, built in 1934. The doors are decorated with

A Japanese Song per Day: Kagrra - Sakura Zukiyo

Published on 2011-04-05 00:59:14

Kagrra - Sakura Zukiyo:

A Japan Photo per Day - Tokyo Architecture, Showa-Kan

Published on 2011-04-04 19:01:42

Near the Kudanshita Station from Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, I found one of the most unusual buildings I’ve seen in Japan. It looks like a huge archway clad in titanium panels, with no visible windows, creating the impression of a building from a dystop

A Japanese Song per Day: Morning Musume Sakuragumi - Sakura Mankai

Published on 2011-04-04 01:00:11

Morning Musume Sakuragumi - Sakura Mankai:

A Japan Photo per Day - Tamago-zuka, the monument for... Eggs

Published on 2011-04-03 19:01:05

Located close to the Tsukiji Fish Market, Namiyoke Inari Shrine is the unofficial guardian shrine for the marketplace and its traders. Inside the shrine courtyard, a huge stone egg drew my attention. It is called Tamago-zuka, the monument of the egg,

A Song for Japan: 311 Love Beyond Borders concert in Hong Kong

Published on 2011-04-03 01:17:36

Two days ago, on the evening of April 1st, in the Victoria Park from Hong Kong, Jackie Chan and over 170 artists participated to the 311 Love Beyond Borders concert, raising more than 3 million US dollars for the victims of Japan’s earthquake

A Japan Photo per Day - Sakura Tea

Published on 2011-04-02 19:01:15

These days, sakura started to blossom in Japan… In the old days, the Japanese women use to gather sakura flowers (especially the sakura kanzan type), preserving them in salt. From these flowers, kept fresh, a special tea was prepared, served a

A Japanese Song per Day: Nirgilis - Sakura

Published on 2011-04-02 01:26:37

Nirgilis - Sakura:

A Japan Photo per Day - Tokyo's Survivor Buildings, Gokoku-ji Temple

Published on 2011-04-01 19:01:53

The Gokoku-ji Temple from Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, was built in 1681 by the shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, the fifth shogun of the Tokugawa dynasty. Located on the top of a hill, Gokoku-ji Temple is one of the very few buildings in Tokyo having survived to al

A Japanese Song per Day: Himitsu Kessha Codomo A - Sakura Techou

Published on 2011-04-01 01:07:36

Himitsu Kessha Codomo A - Sakura Techou:

A Japan Photo per Day - Tokyo travel tips, the Kawagoe Bell of Time

Published on 2011-03-31 19:01:38

Located just 30 minutes by train from the Ikebukuro Station, the Kawagoe city from Saitama offers, with its traditional buildings, a wonderful glimpse of life during the Edo period. Since it was built, over 350 years ago, Toki-no-Kane, the Bell of Ti

A Japanese Song per Day: Naotarou Moriyama - Sakura

Published on 2011-03-31 00:52:09

Naotarou Moriyama - Sakura:

A Japan Photo per Day - Narrow Buildings Photo 16, Cafe de Bore

Published on 2011-03-30 19:01:59

I’m a big coffee fan, so it’s only natural for me to be always looking for a place to rest while savoring a good, hot coffee (even on hot summer days!). That’s how I found this lovely café located in a quite narrow building in

A Japanese Song per Day: Unsraw - Sakura no Namida

Published on 2011-03-30 00:41:12

Unsraw - Sakura no Namida:

A Japan Photo per Day - One Thousand Origami Cranes

Published on 2011-03-29 19:01:01

In the Japanese tradition, the crane is a mythological being living one thousand years. That’s why there is a Japanese custom of giving Senbazuru 「千羽鶴」, a group of one thousand origami paper cranes tied togeth

A Japanese Song per Day: Ikimono-gakari - Sakura

Published on 2011-03-29 00:53:35

Ikimono-gakari - Sakura:

A Japan Photo per Day - Old Japanese stories, Futarasan Ghost Lantern

Published on 2011-03-28 19:01:08

A copper lantern from the Futarasan Shrine in Nikko has the odd name of Bake-doro, the Ghost Lantern. And of course, there’s an interesting story about it… It is said that in the old times, the samurai standing guard next to this lantern

A Japanese Song per Day: Alice Nine - Yami ni Chiru Sakura

Published on 2011-03-28 01:03:30

Alice Nine - Yami ni Chiru Sakura:

A Japan Photo per Day - Imperial Palace, aerial glimpse and travel tips

Published on 2011-03-27 19:01:03

The Tokyo Imperial Palace is the official residence of the Emperor of Japan since 1868. Located inside a beautiful tree covered park, surrounded by moats and traditional walls, it includes the palace, private residences of the Imperial family and adm

How to Help Japan's Earthquake and Tsunami Survivors by giving to Japanese Organizations

Published on 2011-03-27 15:12:38

The following article is part of the Blog for Japan event, initiated by my friend Todd Wassel, a wonderful travel blogger and an experienced development and relief specialist. It is wonderful that a lot of people want to help Japan’s earthqu

A Japanese Song per Day: Hiromi Uehara - Sakura Sakura

Published on 2011-03-27 01:36:53

Hiromi Uehara - Sakura Sakura:

A Japan Photo per Day - Saved from old earthquakes, Kyu-okusha Gate

Published on 2011-03-26 19:01:36

Nearby the Treasure House from the Tōshōgū Shrine in Nikko, there is an old stone gate, covered in moss, passing almost unnoticed among the spectacular structures around. The stone gate was built in 1640 and it’s an important mon

A Japanese Song per Day: Kobukuro - Sakura

Published on 2011-03-26 02:03:40

Kobukuro - Sakura:

A Japan Photo per Day - Thai Architecture in Tokyo, Sala Thai

Published on 2011-03-25 20:01:53

Inside the Ueno Zoological Garden there are two interesting architectural structures: the old Japanese pagoda that belonged to the Kan’ei-ji Temple and a recently built pavilion, Sala Thai. The sala is an example of typical Thai architecture, m

A Japanese Song per Day: Dir en Grey - 304 Goushitsu, Hakushi no Sakura

Published on 2011-03-25 02:04:56

Dir en Grey - 304 Goushitsu, Hakushi no Sakura:

A Japan Photo per Day - Tallest Lighthouse in Japan

Published on 2011-03-24 20:01:34

Yokohama Marine Tower was built in 1961, at the anniversary of 100 years since the opening of the Yokohama Harbor. The tower was the symbol of Yokohama for over 30 years, until the tallest building in Japan, Yokohama Landmark Tower was inaugurated in

A Japanese Song per Day: Irokui - Sakura Seven

Published on 2011-03-24 02:02:56

Irokui - Sakura Seven:

A Japan Photo per Day - Old Japanese stories, the Ghost from Kencho-ji

Published on 2011-03-23 20:01:28

During Obon, all Buddhist temples in Japan perform segaki ("feeding the hungry ghosts"), a ritual for helping gaki, the ghosts suffering by “insatiable hunger". But at the Kencho-ji Temple in Kamakura, after segaki there is a second ritual̷

A Japanese Song per Day: Mai Hoshimura - Sakura Biyori

Published on 2011-03-23 01:38:43

Mai Hoshimura - Sakura Biyori:

A Japan Photo per Day - Japanese Garden in Winter, Hotoku Ninomiya

Published on 2011-03-22 20:01:56

Close to the Odawara Castle there’s Hotoku Ninomiya Jinja, a shrine dedicated to Sontoku Ninomiya, a Japanese agronomist, philosopher and economist who lived in the 19th century. Near the shrine there’s a beautiful Japanese Garden, with

A Japanese Song per Day: Rythem - Sakura Uta

Published on 2011-03-22 01:55:07

Rythem - Sakura Uta:

A Japan Photo per Day - The Dog Statue from Yasukuni Shrine

Published on 2011-03-21 20:01:24

Not only people suffer because of calamities and wars, the animals are suffering too… That’s why in Tokyo, at the Yasukuni Shrine, there is a statue representing a dog, a German shepherd, statue dedicated to honoring the dogs that died du

A Japanese Song per Day: Remioromen - Sakura

Published on 2011-03-21 01:58:30

Remioromen - Sakura:

A Japan Photo per Day - The oldest Koban in Tokyo

Published on 2011-03-20 20:01:34

Tsukishima is an artificial island built in 1892 by using the earth removed during the dredging works for the Tokyo Bay’s navigational channel. The Monja Street from Tsukishima is famous for its small restaurants serving monjayaki, a local deli

A Japanese Song per Day: Kasuga Hachiro - Otomi san

Published on 2011-03-20 02:19:54

Kasuga Hachiro - Otomi san:

A Japan Photo per Day - Tokyo Architecture, "Gundam" Building

Published on 2011-03-19 20:01:42

One of the most interesting buildings I’ve encountered in Tokyo is the Aoyama Technical College, a great example of post-modern architecture, created in 1990 by the architect Makoto Sei Watanabe. “Architecture ought to be something capabl

A Japanese Song per Day: Rimi Natsukawa & Oe Senri - Boku no Mune de Oyasumi

Published on 2011-03-19 01:53:14

Rimi Natsukawa & Oe Senri - Boku no Mune de Oyasumi:

A Japan Photo per Day - Remembering the Normality, Shibuya Street

Published on 2011-03-18 20:01:11

With all the nuclear panic and the “leaving Tokyo” rumors spread by the press outside Japan, I checked with some of my friends currently living in Japan… and what they are saying is that Tokyo is pretty much the same as it was when

Tokyo Returning to Normality - The Two Towers

Published on 2011-03-18 15:57:29

Daily Yomiuri, an English language publication of Japan’s largest daily newspaper, The Yomiuri Shimbun, reported today two events I find significant from the point of view of the real life in Japan’s capital: Tokyo Sky Tree reached its f

A Japanese Song per Day: Misako Koja - Warabi gami

Published on 2011-03-18 01:58:50

Misako Koja - Warabi gami:

A Japan Photo per Day - Daitoku-in Mausoleum Somon Gate Night View

Published on 2011-03-17 20:01:56

In the Shiba neighborhood of Minato, Tokyo, between the Zōjō-ji Temple and the Prince Park Tower, an impressive gate is the soul survivor of a mausoleum destroyed during the WWII bombings. Fortunately, the gate also survived to the recent

A Japanese Song per Day: Hibari Misora - Sakewa Otokono Komori Uta

Published on 2011-03-17 01:41:15

Hibari Misora - Sakewa Otokono Komori Uta:

A Japan Photo per Day - Hakone Shrine Torii at Moto-Hakone

Published on 2011-03-16 20:01:35

1200 tears ago, a yamabushi (Japanese mountain hermit) named Mangan established the Hakone Shrine, dedicated to a group of kami named Hakone Gongen. The shrine is located near the shores of the Lake Ashi, hidden in a dense cedar forest. Its presence

Miso, a Radiation Treatment?

Published on 2011-03-16 15:41:57

Because of the recent unfortunate events, the radiation becomes more and more a concern for everybody. In the wake of these events, Anne, a friend from Canada, sent me a very, very interesting piece of advice, in the hope that it might help some peop

A Japanese Song per Day: Ohkawa Eisaku - Sazanka No Yado

Published on 2011-03-16 01:52:49

Ohkawa Eisaku - Sazanka No Yado:

A Japan Photo per Day - Chokozan Myohonji Soshi-do

Published on 2011-03-15 20:01:59

Ten minutes walk from the Kamakura Station, in a beautiful remote area surrounded by greenery, stands the Chokozan Myohonji Temple, one of the most tranquil temples from Kamakura. This is one of the oldest Nichiren temples, established in 1260. The

A Japanese Song per Day: Shimakura Chiyoko - Hoursenka

Published on 2011-03-15 02:04:13

Shimakura Chiyoko - Hoursenka:

A Japan Photo per Day - Old Japanese stories, Jizo and Prayer Stones

Published on 2011-03-14 20:01:01

O-Jizo-Sama or Jizo-san is one of the the most loved and respected deities in Japan, a protector of children, expectant mothers, firemen, travelers, pilgrims and also a guardian of children who died before their parents and aborted or miscarried babi

A Sad Japanese Song Today: Fuyumi Sakamoto - Yozakura Oshichi

Published on 2011-03-14 01:55:06

Fuyumi Sakamoto - Yozakura Oshichi:

A Japan Photo per Day - Japanese Earthquake Resistant History at Nikko

Published on 2011-03-13 20:01:54

The first recorded earthquake in the history of Japan was the Hakuko Nankai earthquake, in the year 684, with an estimated magnitude of 8.0–8.4. Having to face frequent powerful earthquakes, the Japanese researched and experimented various tech

A Sad Japanese Song Today: Sayuri Ishikawa - Meoto Zanzai

Published on 2011-03-13 01:12:58

Sayuri Ishikawa - Meoto Zanzai:

A Japan Photo per Day - Japanese Seismic Design, Tokyo Sky Tree

Published on 2011-03-12 19:01:16

The huge Sendai earthquake that struck Japan two days ago caused, especially through the tsunami that followed, a big amount of casualties and devastation. However, considering the enormous magnitude of the earthquake (700 times stronger than the ear

A Sad Japanese Song Today: Itsuki Hiroshi - Nagara Gawa Enka

Published on 2011-03-12 01:53:25

Itsuki Hiroshi - Nagara Gawa Enka:

A Japan Photo per Day - Memorial for the Victims of the Earthquake

Published on 2011-03-11 19:01:36

After watching the news of the terrible earthquake that hit Japan yesterday, which was the strongest earthquake in the recorded history of Japan, I felt a strong desire to share with you this somber monument to the victims of the Great Kanto Earthqua

The largest earthquake to hit Japan in recorded history

Published on 2011-03-11 14:03:24

The 8.8 earthquake that struck Japan today and the tsunami that followed caused many victims (estimated at over 1000 at the time of this writing) and widespread destruction. Even if Japan is certainly the country with the best building codes and ear

A Japanese Song per Day: Yuumu Hamaguchi - Sakura

Published on 2011-03-11 00:43:00

Yuumu Hamaguchi - Sakura:

A Japan Photo per Day - Sunset at Hijiri Bashi

Published on 2011-03-10 19:01:22

One of my favorite places for sunset photography in Tokyo is the Hijiri bridge (Hijiri-bashi), near the Ochanomizu Station. This is a view towards Akihabara, with old buildings bathed in the golden sunset light, Kanda River, the green railway bridge

A Japanese Song per Day: Ayumi Hamasaki - Fairyland

Published on 2011-03-10 00:38:22

Ayumi Hamasaki - Fairyland:

A Japan Photo per Day - Zojo-ji Temple, Aerial View

Published on 2011-03-09 19:01:21

At the feet of the Tokyo Tower, you can visit Zōjō-ji, one of the best known temples from Tokyo, the main temple of the Jodo shu (Pure Land) sect of Buddhism. The main building (Hondo), here in the center of the picture, was rebuilt in 1974

A Japanese Song per Day: Bon-Bon Blanco - Changing

Published on 2011-03-09 00:55:34

Bon-Bon Blanco - Changing:

A Japan Photo per Day - The Ginkgo from Kamakura

Published on 2011-03-08 19:01:21

The Ginkgo trees were brought to Japan by the Buddhist monks coming from China, so they were initially planted nearby temples. Ginkgo is one of the oldest and most resilient plants (it is considered a “living fossil") and is also one of the lon

A Japanese Song per Day: Oku Hanako - Garnet

Published on 2011-03-08 00:59:09

Oku Hanako - Garnet:

A Japan Photo per Day - Rare and odd statue, Fasting Buddha

Published on 2011-03-07 19:01:23

In Kawagoe, at the Choki-in Temple, near a small pond with lotuses, I discovered a statue that made me shiver. I searched for information about it and I found that this is a Gandhara-style statue called Deep Meditation Buddha or popularly Fasting Bud

A Japanese Song per Day: Hitomi Kuroishi - Stories

Published on 2011-03-07 00:57:59

Hitomi Kuroishi - Stories:

A Japan Photo per Day - Japanese Garden Stone Lantern

Published on 2011-03-06 19:01:16

Established in 1880, the Kiyosumi Teien Garden belonged to Iwasaki Yataro, the founder of Mitsubishi and was initially used for for employees’ relaxation and for business guests. Opened to the public in 1932, it is now one of the most beautifu

A Japanese Song per Day: Saeko Chiba - Sayonara Solitaire

Published on 2011-03-06 01:39:51

Saeko Chiba - Sayonara Solitaire:

A Japan Photo per Day - Sightseeing Tokyo, the most beautiful Torii path

Published on 2011-03-05 19:01:24

The Hie Shrine from Tokyo is dedicated to Oyamakui-no-kami, the god of the Mount Hie from the Shiga prefecture, also known as Hie-no-kami (hence the name of the shrine). This is one of the main Shintō shrines in Tokyo, with a very important thes

A Japanese Song per Day: Meiko Kaji - Yadokari

Published on 2011-03-05 01:28:42

Meiko Kaji - Yadokari:

A Japan Photo per Day - Otome Road Shops

Published on 2011-03-04 19:01:17

If Akihabara is the definitive destination for otaku boys, the Otome Road, a street in Ikebukuro located nearby Sunshine City, is the definitive otaku destination for girls. Obviously, it is also one of my favorite destinations in Tokyo, I always fo

A Japanese Song per Day: T-Bolan - Just Illusion

Published on 2011-03-04 00:56:42

T-Bolan - Just Illusion:

A Japan Photo per Day - Hello Kitty Hina Matsuri Dolls

Published on 2011-03-03 19:01:58

If you wish to follow the Japanese tradition and at the same time to enjoy the kawaii culture, instead of the traditional hina-ningyo dolls, on Hina Matsuri you can buy a set of… Hello Kitty Hina Matsuri Dolls! In this set, the two Hello Kitty

A Japanese Song per Day: Minimoni - Hinamatsuri!

Published on 2011-03-03 01:01:20

Minimoni - Hinamatsuri!

A Japan Photo per Day - Hina Matsuri Dolls Travel Tip

Published on 2011-03-02 19:01:19

On March 3rd, on Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival), the families with daughters exhibit gorgeous sets of dolls dressed in the Heian period style, the Hina Matsuri dolls (hina-ningyo). The Hina Matsuri sets (new or passed from generation to generation) ar

A Japanese Song per Day: Maki Ohguro - I Can't Stop the Rain

Published on 2011-03-02 00:56:04

Maki Ohguro - I Can’t Stop the Rain:

A Japan Photo per Day - Sightseeing Tokyo, Inside the Fuji-TV Sphere

Published on 2011-03-01 19:01:55

From the several areas opened for visitors inside the Fuji-TV building, my favorite is the Observation Deck located inside the sphere, at the height of 123 meters (25th floor). When I first entered, I was surprised how big it looks from the inside. I

A Japanese Song per Day: Field of View - Totsuzen

Published on 2011-03-01 00:55:44

Field of View - Totsuzen:

A Japan Photo per Day - Traffic Safety Temple, plus a Travel Tip

Published on 2011-02-28 19:01:51

Fukagawa Fudōson is a temple located in Kōtō-ku, Tokyo, holding a very special ritual: You may notice one or more cars parked inside the temple’s courtyard, right in front of the main building. The reason is that there is a custo

A Japanese Song per Day: B'z - Love Phantom

Published on 2011-02-28 00:28:02

B’z - Love Phantom:

A Japan Photo per Day - Shin Ohashi Bridge

Published on 2011-02-27 19:01:03

The Sumida river passes through Tokyo over a distance of 27 kilometers, and there are 26 bridges crossing the river. I think that one of the best looking ones (probably because of the bright yellow pillars) is the Shin Ohashi (New Bridge), built in 1

A Japanese Song per Day: Yen Town Band - Swallowtail Butterfly (Ai no Uta)

Published on 2011-02-27 01:15:37

Yen Town Band (Chara) - Swallowtail Butterfly (Ai no Uta):

A Japan Photo per Day - Hojo Clan Kamon

Published on 2011-02-26 19:01:01

Hōjō Tokimune, the 8th Hojo Regent of the Kamakura Shogunate, remained known in the Japanese history as the commander who led the Japanese forces against the invasion of the Mongols, but he is also remembered for spreading Zen Buddhism and

A Japanese Song per Day: Malice Mizer - Shiroi

Published on 2011-02-26 00:52:52

Malice Mizer - Shiroi:

A Japan Photo per Day - Shinto Ema and Sacred Camphor Tree

Published on 2011-02-25 19:01:37

In the old times, people used to donate horses to Shinto shrines, as part of their prayers to the gods (kami). In time, the horses were replaced by statues of horses and then by ema 「絵馬」, plaques of wood decorated with hor

A Japanese Song per Day: GReeeeN - Kiseki

Published on 2011-02-25 00:48:58

GReeeeN - Kiseki:

A Japan Photo per Day - Airex, Unusual Shrine Building

Published on 2011-02-24 19:01:16

If you’re looking for unusual places to visit, very close to the Kudanshita Station in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, you can visit the Airex Building. The building itself has a great design (and it received a prize for architecture in 1994), but what is u

A Japanese Song per Day: Thelma Aoyama - Wasurenai yo

Published on 2011-02-24 00:48:42

Thelma Aoyama - Wasurenai yo:

A Japan Photo per Day - Sightseeing Tokyo, Genku-ji Temple

Published on 2011-02-23 19:01:28

A big part of the tourist attractions in Japan are its temples and shrines. Same of them are amazingly famous, but there are so many other great looking places, often overlooked by tourists (and probably by locals too). This is Genku-ji Temple, loca

A Japanese Song per Day: GLAY - Winter, again

Published on 2011-02-23 00:30:57

GLAY - Winter, again:

A Japan Photo per Day - Sunshine 60, Haunted Skyscraper?

Published on 2011-02-22 19:01:32

It is said about the Sunshine 60 skyscraper from Ikebukuro, Tokyo, that it is haunted, because it was built over the site of the old Sugamo Prison, where numerous executions took place. Also, this was the prison where several Japanese personalities f

A Japanese Song per Day: Mr.Children - Gift

Published on 2011-02-22 00:55:40

Mr.Children - Gift:

A Japan Photo per Day - Koban, Travel Tip

Published on 2011-02-21 19:01:03

What to do when you get lost in Tokyo? If you’re a tourist in Japan, it is often advised that if you need directions, just go to a police station, a kōban 「交番」. It’s a good advice, but… because the k

A Japanese Song per Day: Kome Kome Club - Kimi ga Iru Dake de

Published on 2011-02-21 00:52:16

Kome Kome Club - Kimi ga Iru Dake de:

A Japan Photo per Day - Kamakura Buddha

Published on 2011-02-20 19:01:55

In 1616, Richard Cocks, the head of the British East India Company trading post, said about the Kamakura Buddha that “it must be larger than the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World”. That way, the Kamakura Gr

A Japanese Song per Day: Keiko Fuji - Omokage Heiya

Published on 2011-02-20 00:50:07

Keiko Fuji - Omokage Heiya:

A Japan Photo per Day - Toshougu Tourist Crowd, Travel Photo Tip

Published on 2011-02-19 19:01:00

The Toshougu Shrine from Nikko is one of the most crowded tourist attractions I have seen in Japan, so I have a small tip for you: if you plan to take photos, go there as early as possible. Since the shrine opens at 8AM, if you come from Tokyo, the f

A Japanese Song per Day: Ringo Shiina - Kabuki no Joou

Published on 2011-02-19 02:33:32

Ringo Shiina - Kabuki no Joou:

A Japan Photo per Day - Himiko, the Ship designed by an Artist

Published on 2011-02-18 19:01:48

Leiji Matsumoto is a known mangaka (comic book artist), author of several famous stories, like Space Battleship Yamato, Galaxy Express 999 and Captain Harlock. When he was asked to draw the design for the ship Himiko, he wanted to create something f

A Japanese Song per Day: Nightmare - Varuna

Published on 2011-02-18 00:59:49

Nightmare - Varuna:

A Japan Photo per Day - Benten-do, Night Illumination

Published on 2011-02-17 19:01:02

One of the best known temples dedicated to Benzaiten, the goddess of knowledge, art and music, is located in Tokyo, Ueno Park. The Benten-do Temple was built at the beginning of the 17th century, on an artificial island in the Shinobazu pond. Origin

A Japanese Song per Day: D'erlanger - Lullaby

Published on 2011-02-17 00:59:00

D’erlanger - Lullaby:

A Japan Photo per Day - Typical Japanese street, Chuo-dori

Published on 2011-02-16 19:01:30

One of my favorite streets in Tokyo is Chūō-dori, especially the part from Keisei Ueno Station to Ueno-Hirokōji. Why? Maybe just because I stayed nearby for some time… It’s a typical Japanese commercial street, filled with

A Japanese Song per Day: Kyu Sakamoto - Sukiyaki

Published on 2011-02-16 01:02:03

Kyu Sakamoto - Sukiyaki:

A Japan Photo per Day - Robocue, the Firemen's Robot

Published on 2011-02-15 19:01:53

I’m a big fan of robots, so I was delighted when I had the chance to see Robocue in action, at the Dezome-shiki (New Year’s Firefighters Parade). Robocue is a remote-controlled rescue robot, used by Tokyo Fire Department since 2009. Rob

A Japanese Song per Day: Thelma Aoyama feat. SoulJa - Soba ni Iru ne

Published on 2011-02-15 00:56:02

Thelma Aoyama feat. SoulJa - Soba ni Iru ne:

A Japan Photo per Day - Small Shrine at Yanagibashi

Published on 2011-02-14 19:01:28

There are so many shrines and temples in Ueno and Asakusa, that every time I stayed there, I always found one very close to the hotel. Since I usually have long stays, passing nearby several times a day always makes me growing accustomed to these sm

J-Links Digest nr.69 - Interesting Japan Articles of the Week

Published on 2011-02-14 14:11:12

It’s Valentine’s Day, so this week’s main topic is rich in Japan style Valentine’s Day articles (soo much better than the Sumo scandal topic from the last week…). What else? Well we have something about Japanese mermai

Top 5 Valentine's Day Songs, 1: Sayuri Kokusho - Valentine Kiss

Published on 2011-02-14 01:07:22

Sayuri Kokusho - Valentine Kiss:

A Japan Photo per Day - Saint Valentine's Day Heart-shaped Photo

Published on 2011-02-13 19:01:45

The Saint Valentine’s Day has been celebrated in Europa since the year 500, when it was established by Pope Gelasius I. In Japan, the celebration was introduced in 1936, when the company Morozoff Ltd. run an advertising campaign (that was actu

Top 5 Valentine's Day Songs, 2: Dreams Come True - Love Love Love

Published on 2011-02-13 02:22:41

Dreams Come True - Love Love Love:

A Japan Photo per Day - Narrow Buildings Photo 15, Nishi-Asakusa

Published on 2011-02-12 19:01:56

One of the most beautiful narrow buildings I’ve seen in Japan is this flower shop from Asakusa (more exactly in Nishi-Asakusa, on a street south of Asakusa View Hotel). I particularly like yellow houses… Click on photo for higher resolut

Top 5 Valentine's Day Songs, 3: Yumi Matsutoya - Valentine's Radio

Published on 2011-02-12 01:22:45

Yumi Matsutoya - Valentine’s Radio:

A Japan Photo per Day - The Legend of the Yushima Tenjin Bull

Published on 2011-02-11 19:01:52

There are many shrines in Japan dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, a famous poet, scholar and politician from the Heian Period, who after death was deified, becoming Tenjin, the kami of scholarship, literature and calligraphy. The legend says that

Top 5 Valentine's Day Songs, 4: Kinki Kids - Happy Happy Greeting

Published on 2011-02-11 00:49:00

Kinki Kids - Happy Happy Greeting:

A Japan Photo per Day - Rokkakudo, the oldest building in Senso-ji

Published on 2011-02-10 19:01:37

Established in the year 645, Senso-ji Temple is the oldest temple in Tokyo. Since then the temple and its buildings were rebuilt countless times, last time after the World War II, when the temple was almost completely destroyed… But inside the

Top 5 Valentine's Day Songs, 5: Perfume – Chocolate Disco

Published on 2011-02-10 00:44:24

Perfume – Chocolate Disco:

A Japan Photo per Day - Shinagawa Kumin Park Landscape

Published on 2011-02-09 19:01:13

Shinagawa Kumin Park is one of the most beautiful parks in Tokyo. The park was landscaped in 1987, by filling a part of the Katsushima canal (which, connected to Tokyo Bay, still supplies the water for the park salt water lake, Katsushima-no Umi). F

Japanese Advertising, a Pokemon Egg

Published on 2011-02-09 14:25:32

Last summer, one morning, while passing through the Japan Rail Ueno Station, I discovered on the side of the main hall, a huge… egg: Pokemon Egg It was a Pokemon egg, part of the promotional campaign for the last Pokemon anime film, like the

A Japanese Song per Day: Rimi Natsukawa - Tinsagu nu Hana

Published on 2011-02-09 01:51:04

Rimi Natsukawa - Tinsagu nu Hana:

A Japan Photo per Day - Maneki Neko, Imado Shrine version

Published on 2011-02-08 19:01:34

There are more legends about the Maneki Neko. The best known is the one from the Gotokuji Temple. Another legend, from the Imado Shrine, Asakusa, tells the story of an old woman who, being very poor, was forced to sell her cat. Afterwards, she dream

3 Years of 'A Japanese Song per Day': Country Musume - Hajimete no Happy Birthday

Published on 2011-02-08 00:48:06

Exactly 3 years ago, on February 8th, I started what in time became the ‘A Japanese Song per Day’ series. I listen to a lot of music, a big part of it being Japanese, so this daily dose of Japanese songs is one of my favorite subjects. A

A Japan Photo per Day - The Red Bridge of Tokiwagi Gate

Published on 2011-02-07 19:01:41

The five-storied donjon of the Odawara Castle (Odawara-jo) was rebuilt in 1960, at the anniversary of 20 years since Odawara was proclaimed city. The castle was originally built by Hojo Soun in 1495, but was demolished in 1872, by the Meiji governmen

J-Links Digest nr.68 - Interesting Japan Articles of the Week

Published on 2011-02-07 14:14:28

Obviously, the main topic this week was the Sumo match-fixing scandal, and the canceling of the next Sumo tournament. As a Sumo fan, I also selected a few articles covering various aspects of this big disappointment. But there were many other interes

A Japanese Song per Day: Akiko Yano & Hiromi Uehara - Children In The Summer

Published on 2011-02-07 00:46:43

Akiko Yano & Hiromi Uehara - Children In The Summer:

A Japan Photo per Day - 700 Series Shinkansen at Shiodome

Published on 2011-02-06 19:01:46

There are just a few cities in the world with high-speed trains passing right through the city center. And taking into account the huge traffic density over these high-speed rails, it seems natural that many representative images of Tokyo feature Shi

A Japanese Song per Day: Nakahara Meiko - Actress In The Mirror

Published on 2011-02-06 01:18:52

Nakahara Meiko - Actress In The Mirror:

A Japan Photo per Day - Tokyo places, reflections in Shibuya

Published on 2011-02-05 19:01:18

One of the most glamorous places in Tokyo is the intersection from Shibuya between the two Marui department stores (OIOI), renowned for their collections of clothing, accessories, shoes and bags for women. I caught this reflection on a building acro

A Japanese Song per Day: Salia - Trust

Published on 2011-02-05 01:14:52

Salia - Trust:

A Japan Photo per Day - Sumida Old and New

Published on 2011-02-04 19:01:26

Since the start of the construction works for Tokyo Sky Tree and the associated mall, the Narihirabashi/Oshiage area from Sumida Ward became a place of contrasts: the futuristic white tower versus the old Shitamachi [下町] ("low city") ho

A Japanese Song per Day: Scandal - Pride

Published on 2011-02-04 01:03:55

Scandal - Pride:

A Japan Photo per Day - Shinjuku Southern Terrace Winter Illumination

Published on 2011-02-03 19:01:20

There are many places in Tokyo where to spend a great Valentine’s day, but for a romantic evening stroll, I think I would choose Shinjuku Southern Terrace. Since November, and lasting exactly until the Valentine’s day, on February 14th,

A Japanese Song per Day: Ketsumeishi - Ballad

Published on 2011-02-03 00:57:45

Ketsumeishi - Ballad:

A Japan Photo per Day - Astro Boy from Takadanobaba

Published on 2011-02-02 19:01:07

For the manga fans, Takadanobaba, a neighborhood in Shinjuku Tokyo, is the birthplace of Astro Boy, a fictional character created by the “father of manga", Osamu Tezuka. That’s why, right in front of the Mejiro exit of the JR Station Tak

A Japanese Song per Day: Shikao Suga - Hachigatsu no Serenade

Published on 2011-02-02 01:11:05

Shikao Suga - Hachigatsu no Serenade:

A Japan Photo per Day - De Beers Ginza Building

Published on 2011-02-01 19:01:31

Designed by Jun Mitsui Architects and finished in 2007, De Beers Ginza Building, the flagship store of the diamonds company, is one of the most interesting constructions from Tokyo. With a cutting-edge architectural design, the sleek tower made of st

A Japanese Song per Day: Susumu Hirasawa - Parade

Published on 2011-02-01 01:36:35

Susumu Hirasawa - Parade:

A Japan Photo per Day - Hata-age Benzaiten Shrine

Published on 2011-01-31 19:01:49

Inside the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu complex from Kamakura, on an island on the Minamoto lake, you can find a beautiful sub-shrine dedicated to Benzaiten, Hata-age Benzaiten Shrine. Benzaiten is the Japanese name for the Hindu goddess Saraswati, the godd

J-Links Digest nr.67 - Interesting Japan Articles of the Week

Published on 2011-01-31 14:15:38

It’s time to review this weeks collection of Japan articles. The highlights of this week? A gold vending machine, antique Japanese postcards, weird Japanese ice-cream flavors and… a false Japanese style trend that became an Internet meme.

A Japanese Song per Day: Bonnie Pink - Last Kiss

Published on 2011-01-31 00:44:21

Bonnie Pink - Last Kiss:

A Japan Photo per Day - A Tengu from Mount Takao

Published on 2011-01-30 19:01:17

There are many statues of Tengu at Takaosan Yakuoin Yukiji Temple. Tengu are magical beings from the Japanese folklore (youkai), described by both the Buddhist and by the Shinto religion (as minor kami). This statue is located nearby the Main Hall,

A Japanese Song per Day: Rin - Fuhen

Published on 2011-01-30 01:33:01

Rin - Fuhen:

A Japan Photo per Day - Odd buildings in Tokyo: a Samurai helmet?

Published on 2011-01-29 19:01:47

I love watching Tokyo from above, searching for known places. And sometimes, I get to discover some unusual constructions. I noticed this odd looking structure on a roof from Roppongi… Seen from above, it kind of looks like a giant Samurai hel

A Japanese Song per Day: See Saw - Yasashii Yoake

Published on 2011-01-29 00:40:59

See Saw - Yasashii Yoake:

A Japan Photo per Day - Kanda Myojin Shrine Zuishin-mon

Published on 2011-01-28 19:01:10

Kanda Myojin Shrine is one of the oldest and one of the most important shrines in Tokyo. Destroyed during the Great Kantō Earthquake, it was rebuilt in 1934. The Shrine’s main gate, Zuishin-mon, was rebuilt recently, in 1995. Made of cyp

A Japanese Song per Day: Kalafina - Sprinter

Published on 2011-01-28 00:32:41

Kalafina - Sprinter:

A Japan Photo per Day - Shopping in Harajuku

Published on 2011-01-27 19:01:02

Takeshita-dori is an always crowded street, but when the New Year bargains are taking place, it is so compacted that you really need courage to adventure on the street. Here’s the exit towards Meiji-dori, during the first days of the year, whe

A Japanese Song per Day: Shikata Akiko - Kata Tsubasa no Tori

Published on 2011-01-27 00:53:54

Shikata Akiko - Kata Tsubasa no Tori:

A Japan Photo per Day - Kaiwo Maru

Published on 2011-01-26 19:01:51

Kaiwo Maru was a Japanese ship built in 1930, the sister ship of the famous Nippon Maru, currently opened as a museum in Yokohama. It was replaced in 1989 by Kaiwo Maru II, which is currently a sail training ship. Kaiwo Maru II won multiple times The

12 Views of Rainbow Bridge

Published on 2011-01-26 14:23:25

Crossing Tokyo Bay and connecting the Odaiba artificial island to the Shibaura Pier, Rainbow Bridge is the largest bridge in Tokyo. Rainbow Bridge, View from Odaiba The construction started in 1987 and was completed 6 years later. Rainbow Bridg

A Japanese Song per Day: Buck-Tick - Kuchizuke

Published on 2011-01-26 00:38:03

Buck-Tick - Kuchizuke:

A Japan Photo per Day - A little rest at Toshougu Shrine

Published on 2011-01-25 19:01:23

The Toshougu Shrine from Ueno is one of the few shrines in Tokyo having survived to all the great calamities: fires, earthquakes and air raids. It was established by Todo Takatora, a feudal lord, in 1627 and reconstructed by the third Tokugawa Shogu

A Japanese Song per Day: Hajime Chitose - Hotaru Boshi

Published on 2011-01-25 01:34:45

Hajime Chitose - Hotaru Boshi:

A Japan Photo per Day - Awa Odori Dancers

Published on 2011-01-24 19:01:27

Awa Odori is a folk dance festival originating in the Tokushima Prefecture (Shikoku Island). Groups of dancers and musicians are parading through the streets, wearing traditional dance costumes, chanting and singing. Each group has two types of danc

J-Links Digest nr.66 - Interesting Japan Articles of the Week

Published on 2011-01-24 14:30:43

As usual, here’s the collection of miscellaneous Japan related articles that caught my eye this week. And yes, there’s no mistake, the Cherry blossom festival is already starting in Okinawa. Enjoy! :) Tokyo Sky Tree Life and soc

A Japanese Song per Day: Tsunematsu Ayumi - Tomorrow

Published on 2011-01-24 00:07:46

Tsunematsu Ayumi - Tomorrow:

A Japan Photo per Day - Kishamichi Promenade by Night

Published on 2011-01-23 19:01:26

The Kishamichi Promenade is a boardwalk in Yokohama, starting nearby the Sakuragichō Station. It is about 500 meters long, ending right in front of a popular mall, Yokohama World Porters (the building with red lights). If you spend an evening i

A Japanese Song per Day: Yoko Ishida - Open Your Mind

Published on 2011-01-23 01:01:45

Yoko Ishida - Open Your Mind:

A Japan Photo per Day - Takoyaki Mascot

Published on 2011-01-22 19:01:38

Just like the name says, the main ingredient for takoyaki (fried octopus) is the octopus: either diced tentacles or whole small octopuses. So, it’s only natural that many takoyaki food stalls and restaurants have as mascots cute, kawaii octopus

A Japanese Song per Day: The Seatbelts - Cat Blues

Published on 2011-01-22 00:58:27

The Seatbelts - Cat Blues:

A Japan Photo per Day - Japanese Garden Aerial View

Published on 2011-01-21 19:01:48

Located nearby the JR Hamamatsuchō Station, the Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden is one of the oldest Japanese Gardens in Tokyo, built in 1678 on reclaimed land. Initially, it belonged to a samurai, Ōkubo Tadamoto, an official of the Tokugawa Shoguna

A Japanese Song per Day: Susumu Hirasawa - Berserk ~Forces~

Published on 2011-01-21 01:24:55

Susumu Hirasawa - Berserk ~Forces~:

A Japan Photo per Day - Diamond Flower Ferris Wheel

Published on 2011-01-20 19:01:54

Daiya and Hana Ferris Wheel (Diamond and Flower Ferris Wheel) from the Kasai Rinkai Park was opened in 2001. 117 meters tall, it was at the time the tallest Ferris wheel in Japan, surpassing the Daikanransha Ferris from Palette Town, Odaiba which is

A Japanese Song per Day: Penicillin - Romance

Published on 2011-01-20 01:04:00

Penicillin - Romance:

A Japan Photo per Day - Narrow Buildings Photo 14, Yushima Station

Published on 2011-01-19 19:01:53

One of the narrowest buildings I discovered in Tokyo is located in Ueno, nearby the Tokyo Metro Yushima Station. Even if it’s only 2 stories tall, it requires a fire escape. But since the space is so cramped, it has no stairs, just a metallic

A Japanese Song per Day: Do As Infinity - We are

Published on 2011-01-19 01:04:37

Do As Infinity - We are:

A Japan Photo per Day - Togo Shrine Japanese Garden in Winter

Published on 2011-01-18 19:01:34

The Togo Shrine from Harajuku is dedicated to Admiral Tōgō Heihachirō, a Fleet Admiral in the Imperial Japanese Navy. He defeated the Russian fleet in the Russo-Japanese War in 1905 (the Battle of Tsushima) and is considered one of Jap

A Japanese Song per Day: Hiromitsu Agatsuma - Kaze

Published on 2011-01-18 01:07:34

Hiromitsu Agatsuma - Kaze:

A Japan Photo per Day - Taiko Drummers

Published on 2011-01-17 19:01:35

According to historians, the taiko drums have been brought into Japan from China, during the Yayoi period (500 BC - 300 AD). But according to Japanese mythology, the inventor of taiko music was Ame no Uzume, the Goddess of dawn and revelry: Accordin

J-Links Digest nr.65 - Interesting Japan Articles of the Week

Published on 2011-01-17 14:30:14

Here we go again, with the weekly collection of interesting Japan related links. This week we have an art exhibition in New York, a streetcar with vegetables in Kyoto and a new chain of… rabbit cafés! There are also very interesting reads

A Japanese Song per Day: Dual Dream - Winter Kiss

Published on 2011-01-17 00:49:21

Dual Dream - Winter Kiss:

A Japan Photo per Day - Massha Mitomo Jinja

Published on 2011-01-16 19:01:31

Inside the Futarasan Shrine from Nikko there are 23 constructions registered as Important Cultural Properties. One of them is the main building (Honden) of the Massha Mitomo Shrine, an architectural jewel only 2.3m wide and 3.5m deep. Dedicated to a

A Japanese Song per Day: The Gazette - Guren

Published on 2011-01-16 00:29:29

The Gazette - Guren:

A Japan Photo per Day - Popular Food, Tonkatsu

Published on 2011-01-15 19:01:39

Tonkatsu, a very popular dish in Japan, is a breaded deep-fried pork cutlet. It is a yōshoku type of dish, a style of Western-influenced cooking originated during the Meiji Restoration. Tonkatsu derived from a dish made with beef, called katsur

A Japanese Song per Day: Ito Yuna & Celine Dion - Anata ga Iru Kagiri

Published on 2011-01-15 00:30:44

Ito Yuna & Celine Dion - Anata ga Iru Kagiri:

A Japan Photo per Day - Reflections on Sumitomo Fudosan Akihabara

Published on 2011-01-14 19:01:13

Once an area characterized by small, narrow constructions, Akihabara is slowly becoming another concentration of high-rise office buildings. That’s too bad in my opinion, because a large part of the “Electric Town” charm was given b

A Japanese Song per Day: Kotoko - Fuyu No Shizuku

Published on 2011-01-14 00:40:46

Kotoko - Fuyu No Shizuku:

A Japan Photo per Day - Lady Gaga’s Japanese Android Commercial

Published on 2011-01-13 19:01:41

Since I used to work in a field connected to advertising, I usually pay attention to street advertising. And sometimes, some of them are worthy to be photographed. Like this huge advertisement for Android, displayed on the KDDI’s consumer show

A Japanese Song per Day: Stereopony - Tsukiakari no Michishirube

Published on 2011-01-13 00:59:09

Stereopony - Tsukiakari no Michishirube:

A Japan Photo per Day - Sanmon Gate

Published on 2011-01-12 19:01:13

The most important gate of a Japanese Zen Buddhist temple is the Sanmon Gate - Sangedatsumon, the “gate of the three liberations". When you visit a Zen temple, you can find the Sanmon Gate located between the outer gate - Sōmon and the m

A Japanese Song per Day: Gackt - Mizerable

Published on 2011-01-12 00:21:01

Gackt - Mizerable:

A Japan Photo per Day - Seagull and Yakatabune at Yanagibashi

Published on 2011-01-11 19:01:39

I’m a city explorer, so I rarely have the occasion to photograph birds or wildlife. But when an opportunity arises, I don’t miss it. This seagull simply sat in front of me while I was photographing a group of yakatabune (old-style Japanes

A Japanese Song per Day: Savage Genius - Hikari no Yukue

Published on 2011-01-11 00:27:57

Savage Genius - Hikari no Yukue:

A Japan Photo per Day - Kamijinko Imaginary Elephants

Published on 2011-01-10 19:01:51

There are hundreds of sculptures at the Toshougu Shrine from Nikko (Yomeimon Gate only has over 500), and there are some interesting facts about some of them. A good example is the sculpture from Kamijinko, the Upper Sacred Warehouse: it was made af

J-Links Digest nr.64 - Interesting Japan Articles of the Week

Published on 2011-01-10 14:30:47

With the New Year’s frenzy (almost) over, we all return to the routine. Me too, although suffering from a little Jet lag , I’m back to one of my favorite routines: reading and sharing the best of what I read about Japan: Acquired by

A Japanese Song per Day: Abingdon Boys School - JAP

Published on 2011-01-10 01:38:46

Abingdon Boys School - JAP:

A Japan Photo per Day - The Great Kannon from Ofuna

Published on 2011-01-09 19:01:06

The 25 meters tall statue of the Goddess Kannon (Avalokitesvara in Sanscrit) from Ōfuna was designed in 1929, by a group of volunteers, as a pray for permanent world peace. However, various wars suspended the construction until 1954. Finally, th

A Japanese Song per Day: Hajime Chitose - Haru no Katami

Published on 2011-01-09 00:30:41

Hajime Chitose - Haru no Katami:

A Japan Photo per Day - Hello Kitty Kawaii Paradise

Published on 2011-01-08 19:01:21

I wanted to see the Hello Kitty Kawaii Paradise from Venus Fort, Odaiba, even since I first learned about the opening and I finally managed to visit it. Impressions? Quite small, I was expecting much more. But I bought there my first Hello Kitty do

A Japanese Song per Day: FictionJunction Yuuka - Silly-Go-Round

Published on 2011-01-08 00:30:41

FictionJunction Yuuka - Silly-Go-Round

A Japan Photo per Day - Hydroponic Garden Winter Decoration

Published on 2011-01-07 19:01:21

Two weeks ago, in my Japan Christmas Lights article, I wrote about the unusual winter illumination from Tokyo Dome, where 90000 LEDs are used to grow lettuce… Since Tokyo Dome is just a few stations from my hotel, I went to see for myself how

A Japanese Song per Day: Origa - Fuyuu Yume

Published on 2011-01-07 07:32:41

Origa - Fuyuu Yume:

A Japan Photo per Day - Firemen Rainbow

Published on 2011-01-06 19:01:23

The New Year’s Fire Review, Dezome-shiki, is an event organized yearly by the Tokyo Fire Department, to raise people’s awareness of fire and disaster prevention. Dezome-shiki was held yesterday at Tokyo Big Sight and I was inspired to go

A Japanese Song per Day: La'cryma Christi - With You

Published on 2011-01-06 00:30:24

La’cryma Christi - With You:

A Japan Photo per Day - Japanese Billboards Fun

Published on 2011-01-05 19:01:32

It is the winter sales craze here in Japan, so every store is doing its best to attract customers. From the huge variety of billboards, this one, advertising the Spinns official web store (which also opened its Harajuku shop just 6 weeks ago) made me

A Japanese Song per Day: Angela - Gravitation

Published on 2011-01-05 00:30:35

Angela - Gravitation:

A Japan Photo per Day - A Very New Old Japanese Castle Gate

Published on 2011-01-04 19:01:58

The Akagane Gate is the main entrance into the Odawara Castle’s courtyard and was originally built at the beginning of the Edo Period. Demolished at the beginning of the Meiji Period, was rebuilt again not long ago, in 1997. The style of the o

A Japanese Song per Day: Kousuke Atari - Ai

Published on 2011-01-04 00:30:14

Kousuke Atari - Ai:

A Japan Photo per Day - Tokyo Sky Tree Crowd

Published on 2011-01-03 19:01:28

The Tokyo Sky Tree recently reached the height of 539 meters (the mounting of the antenna started on December 18) and by now it became a real tourist attraction. The developer Tobu Railways recently published a map with the recommended photo points a

J-Links Digest nr.63 - Interesting Japan Articles of the Week

Published on 2011-01-03 14:30:52

Welcome to the first J-links edition of 2011. It’s a bit later than usual, but because of the New Year, I thought an exception could be made… Here’s what we found interesting this week: a list of Tokyo’s 2010 best and worst, t

A Japanese Song per Day: Jimang - La divina tragedia ~Makyoku~

Published on 2011-01-03 00:30:24

Jimang - La divina tragedia ~Makyoku~:

A Japan Photo per Day - Akihabara UDX Winter Illumination

Published on 2011-01-02 19:01:28

Since these days I’m staying quite close to Akihabara, an evening visit to the surroundings is unavoidable. And the first evening I passed by Akihabara Station, I had a pleasant surprise: the Akihabara UDX Winter Illumination, which I didn̵

A Japanese Song per Day: Kitaro - Dance of Sarasvati

Published on 2011-01-02 00:30:26

Kitaro - Dance of Sarasvati:

A Japan Photo per Day - Hatsumode Crowd

Published on 2011-01-01 19:01:52

Starting in the very first minutes of the New Year and continuing through the first days of the year, the Japanese tradition of Hatsumōde draws a huge number of people to the famous Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Hatsumōde 「&#

Japanese New Year Postcards

Published on 2011-01-01 05:25:31

In Japan, starting from mid-December, everybody starts sending nengajo 「年賀状」, New Year postcards for friends, relatives and colleagues. According to the tradition, nengajo should be delivered on the January 1st, and

A Japanese Song per Day: FictionJunction Yuuka - Romanesque

Published on 2011-01-01 00:30:56

FictionJunction Yuuka - Romanesque:

A Japan Photo per Day - Japanese New Year Decorations Shop

Published on 2010-12-31 19:01:20

Arriving in Japan right on the last day of the year, the first thing I did was to visit several shops, buying traditional Japanese New Year decorations. And before leaving for the New Year Party, I decorated my hotel room… Obviously I bought S

A Japanese Song per Day: PARADISE GO!! GO!! - Argent snow

Published on 2010-12-31 03:59:09

PARADISE GO!! GO!! - Argent snow: