Learn Traditions

This book tells of the legends of the gods of ancient Egypt, legends circulated during the "morning of the world" as described by the Egyptians, originally carved in stone, and written on papyrus, preserved for millennia until now. Although this book is intended to arouse the public's interest in the religion and civilization of ancient Egypt, it also fuels the imagination on the lost knowledge of the Egyptians.

The history of pottery in Japan stretches back a long way, and the Jomon pottery from the Jomon period, that began over 10,000 years ago, is said to be the oldest earthenware in Japan.

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.

Fireworks that color the night sky are synonymous with summer in Japan, and fireworks festivals are held throughout the country every year, mainly during July and August.

Nohgaku is a Japanese traditional art that has been practiced since the Muromachi period — more than 600 years.

A yukata is a type of Japanese clothing that is worn in summer. It is a thin cotton kimono that is relatively easy to wear compared to a regular kimono.

Kado（flower arrangement） is a traditional Japanese art in which flower vases are adorned with seasonal flowers and plants for people to appreciate. This art is also known as ikebana.