japanese history– tag –

Why Japanese people sit on the floor not on a chair or a sofa? It's for making full use of a limited space in a house smaller than the global standard. Even if you live in a huge house, it's not that bad to stay on the floor for more relax. Let me share one of the Japanese wisdoms of life.

Did you know that Kendo was not a sport but a way of life? In the Tokyo Olympics 2020, Shohei Ohno, winning a gold medal in the 73 kg competition of Judo, has reminded me of the fact that Judo was not a sport before. He never raised his fist or even smiled after winning matches in order to show his respect and consideration to opponents.

The main purpose of building castles is the same in Japan and European countries: Defense against enemies, but there are many differences in material, structure, etc. between them. They arise from the difference in the characters of the wars between Japan and European countries.

Samurai governed Japan for about 700 years, from 1185 to 1867. The age of samurai is divided into some periods. According to a popular theory, samurais in the first period (the Kamakura period, from 1185 to 1333) are believed to be strongest and bravest. It is said that "You look like a Kamakura samurai" was the best praising words for samurais even in the last days of the samurai age.

Many Japanese people may forget the original meaning of a summer festival, but I don't think that's a serious problem. What is more important is many people gather and enjoy a summer festival. It's a good opportunity to develop relationships.

Christmas, Halloween, Valentine's day, etc. These events are very popular in Japan, though the percentage of the Christian population in Japan is only 1%. You can see many different cultures are mixed up and changed into Japanese culture.

Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, is well known for its rich history and culture. The language of Kyoto people is sometimes difficult to understand even for Japanese people living outside Kyoto. Let's see the points we have to be careful about in communication in Kyoto.

【The hotel was intact even after the Great Kanto Earthquake】 The Imperial Hotel was built in 1923, demolished in 1967. Only the entrance is still left as a museum in a small city in Aichi prefecture, far away from Tokyo where it was or...