We’ve all seen it in movies: the Buddhist monk sitting still in the Lotus position, legs crossed, and their hands joined in a specific formation, their eyes closed in concentration. This is how mainstream media has simplified Buddhism, but there … Read More
Today, we visited our district’s protectorate shrine. As we made our way through the busy streets of Minato-ku, we passed office buildings, hotels, small restaurants, and familiar fast food chains (I’m looking at you McDonald’s), there was no greater surprise … Read More
The Japanese Tea Ceremony is a traditional practice in which green tea called matcha is made and served to guests, all in a set ceremonial fashion. The ceremony dates back the 9th century CE during the Heian period in Japanese … Read More
When entering Akasaka Hikawa Jinja Shrine. Akasaka district is how the trees seem to envelope you and take you away from the concrete jungle of urban Tokyo. At the entrance you will encounter the first large stone torii gate, flanked … Read More
Hama-rikyu is a public garden located on the shore of Tokyo Bay in the Shiodome District in Central Tokyo. It is a massive complex, with saltwater ponds that rise and fall with the tides of Tokyo Bay. Various paths and … Read More
When you first arrive in Japan there’s always a phrase that will almost immediately get stuck in your head, “Irrashaimase”. This Japanese word of “welcome” is one of the many features of the unique service you are guaranteed to experience … Read More
You can experience traditional Japanese culture at 「Tokujuji Temle」in the island of Miyajima that is famous for “Itsukushima Shrine” floating on the sea. It is called okeiko Japan! Do you know おけいこ(okeiko)? To translate it directly, it means a lesson. … Read More
During my time in Tokyo, I was fortunate enough to visit a Karakami exhibit and store. For those who don’t know, Karakami is a traditional method of pattern printing. Located Ueno, Tokyo Matsuya is a 4 floor location that is … Read More
When looking at western style cultures, gift giving is done for many occasions. Holidays, anniversaries, graduations, birthdays, and weddings are just a few of the many. These gifts can be presented in various forms such as wrapped in paper to … Read More
Readers whom have been following my “Can a feudal era General and famed military strategist act as a modern-day Cupid?” series of articles know I have a fairly close tie to the town of Tarui. During my frequent visits there, … Read More
(Writing the column article about Nangu Taisha in Tarui reminded me I had promised to write about why I considered General Hanbei TAKENAKA to be the person who brought victory to Lord Ieyasu TOKUGAWA at the Battle of Sekigahara, fought … Read More
Readers whom have been following my “Can a feudal era General and famed military strategist act as a modern day Cupid?” know I have a close tie to the town of Tarui. During my frequent visits there, I kept on … Read More