Japanese Tradition

「わかりやすい文章で日本の古代史がすんなり入ってくる。なんとなく疑問に思っていたことがすっきりし、一気読みでした」〔読者カードより〕など、好評を得た単行本がついに文庫化！

For more than 25 years Noriko Morishita has studied and practised the intricate rules of the famous Japanese Tea Ceremony, trying to master its complexities in order to find inner peace. In this vivid account of her experience of the universal trials and triumphs of adulthood, Morishita connects the core tenets of this ancient art with leading a fulfilling life, showing how we too may use mindfulness to achieve happiness.

"The Language of the Rising Sun" is a comprehensive guide crafted to unravel the intricate tapestry of Japan's language and its intimate connection to the nation's vibrant heritage. From the beauty of its characters to the depths of its grammar, this book navigates the terrain of Japanese, offering a pathway to not just linguistic proficiency but a profound appreciation for Japan's rich cultural legacy.

The two conquering countries of the Second World War have not just been active in the 20th century, but both of their histories date way back. However, many of the things they did in the early days of their developing nations and peoples were based on the things they believed. Some of these beliefs were mythological creatures, nature spirits, symbols, and actual gods and goddesses with supernatural powers. In this guide, you will learn about some of the most intriguing of these.

There are two main religions in Japan: Shintoism and Buddhism.

When sumo wrestling first became popular in Japan 1500 years ago, it was a ritual used to predict the outcome of crop harvests.

Furoshiki are square cloths for storing, wrapping, and carrying items. They are also used to cover things that are important to protect from dust.

Lacquerware that uses Japanese lacquer is known as shitsugei (lacquer art).

An ingredient that is always used in making dishes like clear soup, broths for soba and udon, and in cooking vegetables and fish is dashi.

For shops, kanban (signboards) are an important landmark. Other objects that serve the same purpose that Japanese people are familiar with are noren (shop curtains with emblems), nobori (flags), and chochin (lanterns).

Origami is a traditional form of Japanese entertainment in which you make various shapes such as cranes, boats, and helmets by folding colored paper.

Copying Buddhist sutras is called shakyo and in Japan it typically refers to copying the Hannya Shingyo (The Great Heart of Wisdom Sutra).

Gagaku is a traditional Japanese art form which combines singing and dancing elements from classical Japanese styles such as kagura (shinto music and dancing) with elements from the ancient Asian continent such as from China.

Japan is the only country in the world that uses a seal registration system.

The Emperor and some of his relatives, the imperial family, are referred to as the imperial household.

In contrast to the type of paper that originated in the West, there is also a type of paper made through a traditional Japanese manufacturing method called washi(Japanese paper).

There is a range of yakatabune from small boats with a capacity of 10 people, to larger luxurious ships that can carry up to 100 people.

Chopsticks are indispensable cutlery items when it comes to Japanese cuisine. They are used not only for eating, but also for cooking.

Shojin ryori (vegetarian Buddhist cuisine) is one of Japan’s traditional cuisines that was born from the Buddhist concept that meals were also a part of religious practice.

Japanese summer is not only hot but humid. For this reason, Japan has long had various tools and methods for cooling off in order to find comfort in the severe heat.