#japan Archives - Social Good Insurance

July 18, 2016 by Administrator

Kabuki, a style of drama combined with dance

Kabuki, a style of drama combined with dance, is a very popular part of the Japanese culture in the world. Kabuki includes types of theater arts, because it uses elements of a story with dance and music. Currently, Kabuki has 43 works with titles of world cultural heritage given by UNESCO since 2005. Kabuki played in a special theater named Kabukiza. Kabuki appeared at the beginning of the 17th century and was started by a woman named Okuni from Izumo temple. Okuni formed a group of singers and dancers to organize artistic performances, in order to raise funds for the Izumo temple. The group traveled from one place to another. At the invitation of the Tokugawa Shogun (the last feudal Japanese military government), they performed on stage for the first time, at the imperial palace in Kyoto. At first all kabuki performers were women, but the development of this art became a place for prostitution, and finally the Shogun Tokugawa prohibit female performers. Now kabuki is performed by men (Yaro Kabuki).
Kabuki has two types of performances, namely kabuki-odori (featuring dances and songs) and kabuki-geki (featuring drama / theater). The story is taken for the performance has two kinds of stories, namely Jidaimono (historical story) and Sewamono (story with background of people’s lives).
In performing kabuki there are various elements that support the play such as dance, music, stage, acting, yakugara (role), storyline, dialog, make-up and costumes. The combination of these various elements determines the success of the performance. Characteristics of kabuki include the make-up and costumes, which were very striking. This was done to reinforce the character of an actor in kabuki performances. Performers in a kabuki always decorate their hair with various beautiful accessories, and usually with a headdress called Nurigasa. Although kabuki was only played by men does not mean that there is no women’s role in kabuki. The role of women in kabuki was played by a man wearing a costume and makeup to look like a women. The division of roles in kabuki is divided into three categories, such as the role of women (onnagata), the role of men (tachiyaku), and the role of the evil (katakiyaku). In the art of kabuki roles, the term mie (pose) is an important thing that should not be overlooked, because the mie draws it to a close with unique poses like statues with bulging eyes.
Musical accompaniment in the staging of kabuki is also divided by direction of the sound source. The music played on the right side of the stage from the audience is called Gidayūbushi. The music played on the left side of the stage from the audience is called Geza ongaku, while the music played onstage is called Debayashi. Some types of music instruments used are taiko, shamisen, and Tsuzumi.

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July 11, 2016 by Administrator

Yokohama is about 30 minutes from Tokyo.

Yokohama is about 30 minutes from Tokyo. It is one of the biggest cities in Japan, as well as being the biggest port in Japan. Thus, it is very important for Japan’s trade and industry development. Besides this, it is also a popular tourist city. Some popular tourist spots in Yokohama are:

• Yokohama Chinatown (Yokohama Chukagai)
There are Chinatowns all over the world, including Yokohama! Yokohama Chinatown is the biggest one in Japan. It is 500 square meters, making Yokohama Chinatown the largest in Asia, and one of the largest in the world. There are more than 500 stores as well as many temples and restaurants. The most well-known temples are Mazu Miao Temple and Kwan Tai Temple. Mazo Miao is the largest temple, and was built for Mazu, the goddess of the sea. Kwain Tai enshrines Kwan Tai, who was a general in the Chinese Imperial Army and is now considered a deity. Many restaurants have all-you-can-eat buffets with a variety of dishes. Another great food option is to walk down the street and eat different things at different stalls.

• Minato Mirai 21
“Minato Mirai” means “harbor of the future.” Minato Mirai 21 is a central business district on the seaside of Yokohama, near the international port, Osanbashi Pier. This area has commercial, recreation, and office facilities, as well as hotels, and museums. For you shopaholics, Minato Mirai has more than 15 department stores scattered in different malls. The most popular is Queen’s Square, because it is above the Minato Mirai station. Landmark Plaza, beside Queen’s Square, has Landmark Tower, the highest building in Minato Mirai. World Porters is another favorite shopping place because each floor has a different theme. If you want to take a break from shopping, go to the Manyo Club for a facial or massage. In the bay is a manmade island with an amusement park, Cosmo World. The most popular ride is the Cosmo World Ferris Wheel. This is a great way to see the area.

• Yamashita Park
Yamashita Park is a crowded, yet sophisticated, city park. It is in the central part of the city and is also close to the other popular tourist spots. One of those spots is Marine Tower, standing 106 meters tall. Inside the tower is a restaurant and a souvenir store.

July 4, 2016 by Administrator

The kimono is a traditional Japanese garment

The kimono is a traditional Japanese garment, which in Japanese means “suit” or “something worn.” “Kimono” is derived from the word “ki” meaning life, and “mono” meaning goods. Kimonos are worn by both men and women. Women’s kimonos are like long dresses, while men’s kimonos are more like suits. In Japan, women are often seen in kimono, while men usually only wear kimonos for weddings, tea ceremonies, and other formal events. The one exception to this rule are sumo wrestlers, as they have to wear kimonos anytime they go out in public. There are many different types of kimonos, ranging from informal to very formal. The formality level of the kimono is determined by the woven patterns and colors. The type of kimono used can show age, marital status, and level of formality of the event attended. The types of kimono in Japan are:
• Kurotomesode is the most formal type of black kimono for married women. Kurotomesode has a family crest (kamon) in three places: back, upper chest (right / left), and rear arm (right / left). This kimono is worn only by women, and because the sleeves are short, it shows that the woman is married. It is most often worn in weddings by the mother or the bride and mother of the groom.
• Irotomesode is a colored kimono worn by adult married women. Irotomesode are worn to events where it is forbidden to wear kurotomesode. They are unique in that there are no patterns on the upper half of the body or sleeves.
• Uchikake is a formal kimono that can be white or bright red. It is only worn by brides or in a stage performance.
• Mofuku is a grieving kimono to wear to funerals of close relatives. The mofuku is all black.
• Furisode is the most formal kimono for unmarried young women. Furisode have bright colors and striking motifs. The trademark of this kimono are the long sleeves that extend all the way to the floor. Furisodes are suitable for formal ceremonies, wedding receptions, and graduations
• The Hōmongi kimono replaces the furisode when a woman marries. The characteristic of hōmongi is a motif that goes throughout the front and rear. Hōmongi can be used when attending wedding receptions, tea ceremonies, or to celebrate the New Year.
• Iromuji is semiformal kimono, but it can be a formal kimono if it has a family crest. Iromuji are made of soft colored materials such as light blue, pink, and yellow. The iromuji can be worn for weddings if it has the family crest on it.
• Komon is a casual kimono for women who are not married. The hallmark of this kimono is the pattern, which is simple, repetitive, and small. Komon can be worn to dinner parties, reunions, or meetings with friends.
• Yukata is a casual kimono, usually made of cotton or a synthetic fabric. Yukata can be worn by men and women. They are the typical dress code for guests at ryokan, traditional Japanese inns. They are becoming popular wear for summer festivals.
• Montsuki is a formal kimono for men. The montsuki is typically worn with hakama and haori. The back of the montsuki is decorated with the family crest. It is only worn for very formal ceremonies, such as the reception of the award of the emperor/government or a wedding.
• Kinagashi is a men’s kimono used for daily wear. Kabuki actors wear these kimonos when rehearsing. These types of kimonos do not have the family crest on them.

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June 27, 2016 by Administrator

Origami is the art of paper folding from Japan.

Origami is the art of paper folding from Japan. Origami comes from the word ori, which means folding and kami, which means paper. Origami can be done with either paper or cloth, which is usually in a square shape. Although you can use any kind of paper for origami there is special paper made specifically for it, such as kami paper and washi paper. In most cases, no tools are needed to make origami, but in some cases, such as making origami in small sizes, some tools are needed. Some of these tools are tweezers, better known as a clamp, and a bonefolder, which helps to fold the paper. There is also paper clip used to clamp the paper and to simplify the process.

In Japanese culture, traditional origami can be divided into two kinds:
• Tsuru (stork)
The stork is a strong character, and has a special sound that makes Japanese people admire it. Therefore, tsuru is the most traditional and beautiful. It is the favorite subject of origami.
• Katashiro
Katashiro was used in ancient times in Shinto ceremonies. Katashiro is a symbolic representation of a god made of special paper cutouts called yoshi paper. Katashiro traces can still be seen in a human-shaped cutout that is used in purification ceremonies.

Modern origami was pioneered by Akira Yoshizawa in the 1950s. Listed below are several types of modern origami:
• Action Origami
Origami that can move, such as planes, ships, and frogs
• Modular Origami
Origami made from individual pieces of origami with the same shape and then combined into a single art piece. Modular origami is usually three-dimensional, and is often used as party decoration.
• Wet-Folding Origami
Wet-folding origami is a technique to make origami by wetting the paper to easily form it. Usually the paper used is thick, so it doesn’t tear easily. This technique is usually used to make three-dimensional origami, such as grasshoppers, birds, etc.
• Tessellation Origami
This type of origami is the most popular modern origami. Tessellation origami is made by combining several forms and producing a more complex origami. Many people make this origami for their collections. Common tessellation origami are things like symbols, buildings, temples, or unique places around the world.

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June 20, 2016 by Administrator

Osaka is the second largest metropolitan area in Japan

Osaka is the second largest metropolitan area in Japan and with nearly 19 million inhabitants, one of the largest in the world. Osaka has the third largest population in Japan after Tokyo and Yokohama. Because of this, it is one of the cities with the most visitors in Japan, not only for business and education, but also for tourism. Below are some interesting places in Osaka:
• Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle became a symbol of triumph in the era of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Now, the castle is an icon of the unity of the people of Osaka. Osaka Castle consists of several green spaces, sports facilities, a multi-function hall (Osakajo Hall), and a temple dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Osaka Castle Park is one of the most popular parks in Osaka used for hanami (flower viewing) during the cherry blossom season in April. Osaka Castle is located in Osaka-jo, Chou-ku, Osaka.

• Dotonbori
Dotonbori is a favorite tourist area for both local and foreign tourists. Here you can find a variety of restaurants, cafes, and famous landmarks in Osaka. The most interesting landmark in Dotonbori is the canal. You can take a cruise ship on the canal as a way to explore Osaka. Many people call Dotonbori the Venice of Asia. Dotonbori also has other unique and interesting landmarks. The Giant Crab Kani Doraku, Glico Man, and Giant Puffer Fish are along the Dotonbori area.

• Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Kaiyukan Aquarium, located in Tempozan Harbor Village in Osaka Bay is one of the largest aquariums in Japan. The aquarium has a collection of 620 species of marine habitat of the Pacific Ocean. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan has 15 jumbo aquarium tanks. Each tank represents a different part of the Pacific Ocean. In addition, there is a special area called the Japan Forest, featuring a collection of other species.

• Minoo Park
Minoo National Park, or Minoo Park, is located in the northern region of Osaka, about 15 km from downtown Osaka. Mino National Park has an area of approximately 963 hectares covering an area of hills and mountains. In the fall, it is one of the best places to see autumn colors. Mino Waterfall is 33 meters high, which is one of the main tourist attractions in the park. There are several temples, including Katsuoji Temple and Ryuanji Temple.