Hello! from Japan

About Japan and music

日本の文化

Washi : Delicate and strong Japanese paper

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和紙/Washi paper is one of Japan’s most fundamental cultural and artistic products. 和/Wa means Japanese, and 紙/Shi means Paper. Washi has formed the backbone of many Japanese artforms over 1,300 years, and it is registered as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage. The production of hand making paper was brought to Japan by Buddhist monks from China and Korea. Monks made and used paper to write sacred sutras. Japan learned the technique of paper-making and improved it. Washi is made using fibers of the gampi tree, the paper mulberry bush, or the mitsumata shrub. Until the Meiji Period when Japan was westernized and imported mass-produced paper, Washi was the major type of paper in Japan.

Washi is handmade and it involves a long and intricate process. The production of it usually takes place during winter when water is cold and pure without bacteria. Washi production has been a way for farmers to support their income in the cold winter time.

The most commonly used fiber for making Washi is paper mulberry. Branches of the mulberry are boiled and outer barks get taken off. Then they are dried and boiled with lye to remove fat, starch, and tannin. After that, the spent lye is removed in running water and bleached. Washi makers then get rid of remaining impurities in the fibers by hand.

What is Washi used for?

Washi is tough and used in many traditional arts and crafts. 

Printing and writing: Washi is thick and can absorb inks well. It is widely used for printings and paintings including traditional Ukiyo-e paintings and ritual objects for Buddhism and Shintoism.

Art and Interior design: Because Washi is unique in color and delicate, it is used for many art forms such as origami, wall paper, lantern, indoor screens, blinds, wallpaper, etc. 

Bookbinding and bag: Washi is flexible and often used for book covers adding a warm feeling to the reader. Specially coated Washi is used for making bags, purses and even for clothes. 

3 Famous Washi in Japan

Mino Washi

Mino is an area in Gifu prefecture. The high quality paper was first made in this area in 8th century Japan. It was relatively inexpensive, and became widespread throughout Japan. Many monks and powerful lords would visit the area to buy strong, thin, and beautiful Washi of Mino.

Tosa Washi

Tosa is an area in Kochi Prefecture. A combination of traditional techniques and rich natural resources of Kochi (such as the use of water from the Niyodo river, which is said to have the best water in Shikoku island) make it possible to produce amazingly high quality Washi paper. Famous world’s thinnest handmade paper called Kagerou-no-Hane (dragonfly wing) is made here. It is used for the repair work of ancient artwork all over the world. It is only 0.03mm thick.

Echizen Washi

Echizen Washi is produced in Imadate in Fukui prefecture, and it has a history of over 1,500 years. Imadate is a small town surrounded by mountains. There are about 70 local paper factories and studios along the Okamoto River. Echizen Washi is known as one of the most traditional Washi papers in Japan.

Here’s a movie about Mino washi

Today’s words and phrases
今日の単語/フレーズ

・Fundamental 基礎の、基盤となる
・Intricate 複雑
・Impurities 不純物
・Income 収入
・Bleach 漂白する
・Relatively 比較的

Thank you for reading today’s post.
See you next time!
Taka

Wagashi : Beautiful Japanese sweets

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和菓子/Wagashi are traditional Japanese confections often served with tea. The roots of Wagashi can be traced back 2,000 years when Japan’s oldest processed food, Mochi (rice cake) was made.

The introduction of green tea from China led the development of Japanese tea ceremony and Wagashi evolved accordingly. A lot of unique Wagashi were created during the Edo period (1603-1867) when there was a national isolation policy, and peace during this time contributed a lot to the improvement. Later in the Meiji period (1868-1912), exchanges with other countries flourished and new kinds of Wagashi were made using modern ovens and other devices from overseas.

Ingredients

There are no set rules concerning what ingredients to be used.
Wagashi are typically made from plant-based ingredients such as beans, peas, rice, rice flour, wheat flour, sugar, agar-agar, chestnuts, sesame, tea, fruits, etc. Animal products are rarely used (the exception is the use of chicken eggs).

Popular Wagashi

Here is a list of typical Wagashi that can be found everywhere in Japan, and some are even sold at food stands during festivals. Different places have different flavours of Wagashi using local products.

・餡蜜/Anmitsu: Chilled agar jelly cubes (called 寒天/Kanten) with fruits and sugar syrup.

・ぼた餅/Botamochi: A sweet rice ball wrapped with あんこ/Anko (Red bean paste).

・草餅/Kusa mochi: A sweet mochi mixed with Japanese mugwort called yomogi. Anko is inside.

・葛餅/Kuzumochi: Rice cakes made of Kuzuko (a starch powder made from the root of the kudzu plant. It is used in many traditional East Asian cuisine) 

・蕨餅/Warabimochi: A jelly-like confection made from Bracken starch covered with きな粉/Kinako, sweet toasted soybean flour powder. 

・饅頭/Manju: Steamed cakes of red bean paste surrounded by a flour mixture.

・団子/Dango: A sweet Japanese dumpling, commonly skewered on a stick (often flavored with soy source).

・どら焼き/Dorayaki: A round and flat Wagashi. Red bean paste is placed in between castella. 

・今川焼き/Imagawayaki: Red bean paste is surrounded inside of hot fried dough. It has a round shape.

・鯛焼き/Taiyaki: It is similar to Imagawayaki, but shaped like a 鯛/Tai fish/sea bream (sea bream is traditionally eaten at celebrations to bring in good luck in Japan).

・金平糖/Kompeito: Crystal, star-shaped sugar candy available in many colors 

・お汁粉/Oshiruko: A hot dessert made from red bean paste in a liquid, soup form, with small rice cakes in it. 

・八ツ橋/Yatsuhashi: Thin sheets of sweetened mochi folded in a triangle, and a ball of red bean paste is inside. Available in different flavors but the most common is cinnamon. 

・羊羹/Yokan: A solid block of red bean paste, hardened with agar and additional sugar.  One of the oldest wagashi and many seasonal ingredients are added inside.

The names of Wagashi are usually made after poetry, natural scenery, or historical events. It takes a lot of work to make wagashi for its delicateness. A sense of the passing time and seasons can be appreciated by the seasonal changes in the Wagashi offered in shops and at events.
For example, a round-rice cake called 鏡餅/Kagami-mochi is placed at home on New year’s day as an offering to a deity, and 菱餅/Hishi-mochi (three differently colored diamond shaped mochi) and 雛あられ/Hina-arare (bite-sized sweet Japanese cracker) are displayed and served on the Doll’s festival (also called Girls’ festival day) in March.
Such traditions are slowly fading, but still an important part of Japanese culture.

Today’s words and phrases
今日の単語/フレーズ

・Confection お菓子
・Isolation policy 鎖国政策
・Surrounded by 〜に囲まれた/包まれた
・Skewered  串焼き
・Dough 生地
・Fade 色あせる、消える

Thank you for reading today’s post.
Until next time!
Taka

*I’m a professional composer by the way.
You can listen/download my music below.

Sensu, the traditional Japanese fan

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扇子/Sensu is a folding fan invented in Japan, with the date ranging from the 6th to 9th centuries. In old days, they were simply called 扇/Ougi. Japanese folding fans were originally made as court fans, and only people in high ranks were able to obtain them and they were tools to signify social standing, and often used during art performances like traditional dances. During war times in Japan, commanders would send samurais signals using fans. 

Today, Japanese fans are most typically used to keep cool during the hot and humid Japanese summer times, and they remain as an important artistic tool and stylish fashion accessory as well.

According to the historical record of the Song Dynasty (950-1279), the Japanese monk Chonen gifted folding fans to the emperor of China in 988. Later in the 16th century, Japanese foldable fans were imported to Europe and became popular in Spain and then in other countries around.

Folding fans were typically crafted from bamboo and paper (expensive ones have Japanese 和紙/Washi paper). Japanese cypress known as Hinoki was used for traditional ones, and silk for the fancy fans. 

Sensu were usually made for right-handed people, meaning you can spread a fan by opening from left to right. If you do the other way around, you will break the fan so be careful!

Other fans

うちわ/Uchiwa

Also known as a fixed fan, Uchiwa fans are traditionally circular and made from paper and bamboo. These days however, plastic and paper are common materials. In addition to the regular use, you will often see Uchiwa fans during summer festivals as accessories and also for Bon dance performances.

飾り扇子/Kazari Sensu

Kazari Sensu are folding fans made for the interior decoration, especially for traditional Japanese tatami houses. Fine ones are hand made and have beautiful, flashy paintings on expensive Japanese Washi paper, and sometimes used for occasions like weddings to bring in good fortune. Although the main purpose is to display, they can be used like regular folding fans.

Folding ones are popular souvenirs. If you want to be creative, you could try making one for yourself at home!

Japanese fans are great tools for hot summer days and now that we have to wear masks at all times, using them is a great way to cool down.
Have yourself a portable fan and enjoy the summer!

Today’s words and phrases
今日の単語/フレーズ

・Invent 開発する、作り出す
・Signify 意味する、示す
・Fancy 手が込んだ、派手な
・Typically 大抵
・the other way around 逆のやり方で
・Souvenir お土産

Thank you for reading today’s post. 
See you next time!
Taka

*I’m a professional composer by the way.
You can listen/download my music below.

Karaoke in Japan : History and Where to enjoy

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カラオケ/Karaoke is a type of interactive entertainment from Japan, and it is popular in many Asian countries. You can enjoy singing songs to music accompaniment with lyrics displayed on screen. People of all ages enjoy singing at Karaoke places in Japan. Many places in city areas are open until early in the morning, so some even sing all night long to get rid of stress and enjoy music.

At a Karaoke place, a group or individual can use private rooms called Karaoke boxes. Customers can use the machine to pick the song they like and sing using microphones (You can adjust the echo and the volume. At some places, lighting effects are also available).

Thousands of popular songs (without lead vocal parts) are available including many English songs. Guests can order food and drinks using phones that connect directly to the reception.

Some bars and nightclubs have Karaoke machines inside and customers enjoy drinking and singing. Karaoke is so popular that the global Karaoke market has been estimated to be worth about $10 billion.

History

In the 1960s, music cassette tapes were invented and it became easier to duplicate and edit music. Later in the 1970s, a Japanese engineer Shigeichi Negishi made the first Karaoke machine, and then Toshiharu Yamashita sold an 8-track playback deck. Then a drummer, Daisuke Inoue made a machine that played songs for a 100yen coin each, and it became popular. The machine was placed in restaurants and hotels and then Karaoke boxes, rooms where people can enjoy singing without worrying about making noises, were made. 

In 1975, Roberto del Rosario (from the Philippines) developed the sing-along system and he is the patent holder of the Karaoke machine. Karaoke became popular in many other Asian countries in the 1990s, and as the audio-visual technology gets better each year, the quality of Karaoke has been on the rise.

Popular Karaoke Places in Japan

Karaoke-kan, Big Echo, Joysound, Shidax are major places for enjoying Karaoke in Karaoke boxes. There are a lot more similar places like them, and the price is roughly around 500 yen per hour (the weekend and nighttime cost more. As an option, you can add 飲み放題/Nomihoudai plan by paying extra. With that, customers can have soft drinks as much as they want until the time to leave). At some places, you can even rent some instruments and costumes. Karaoke places are especially popular among young students. It is common to see them sing in groups on weekends. 

Due to the spread of coronavirus, concert halls and Karaoke places are having a really hard time keeping their businesses. Still, the love for music in Japan never dies and many are waiting to be able to enjoy singing at Karaoke places freely. If you are from a different country and have a chance to sing Karaoke, I recommend that you try and enjoy the entertainment from Japan!

Today’s words and phrases
今日の単語/フレーズ

・accompaniment  伴奏
・get rid of    〜を取り除く
・reception   受付
・duplicate    複製する
・be placed   設置される
・be on the rise  上昇している

Thank you for reading today’s post.
Until next time!
Taka

*I’m a professional composer by the way.
You can listen/download my music below.

Japanese drinking culture and rules

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The Japanese love drinking. Drinking age in Japan is 20, and most people start drinking right after the legal age. According to a research done by WHO, Japan is on the 63rd (out of 186) of the list of countries by alcohol consumption per capita, being one of the top Asian countries where people drink much alcohol regularly (as of 2018). Let’s take a look at the drinking culture in Japan.

Popular alcohol drinks in Japan

日本酒/Nihonshu

Nihonshu or 酒/Sake is a strong rice wine which is about 15% strength/alcohol content and it has been loved for centuries. Most bars and restaurants have Nihonshu and it goes the best with seafood like sushi. There are many sake breweries in Japan and the taste and the way to make are slightly different from place to place.

ビール/Beer

Beer is loved by people of all ages over 20. There are 4 major companies that make the finest kinds of beer in Japan: Asahi, Kirin, Sapporo, and Ebisu, and they are popular overseas as well. People drink lagers more than ales and regional craft beers are gaining popularity these days. Many enjoy traveling and drinking the local beer, and buy it as a souvenir. At 居酒屋/Izakaya, Japanese bar, beer is often ordered as a starter.

焼酎/Shochu

It is kind of a traditional alcoholic drink of Japan. Nihonshu is fermented or brewed, whereas Shochu is distilled. The original technique to make Shochu is said to be imported from Thailand in the 15th century, and flourished in Kagoshima in the Kyushu area. It can be made by distilling potatoes, rice, barley, buckwheat, etc, and there is a wide variety of taste and flavor.

ウィスキー/Whisky

Whisky is popular in Japan just like in many other countries, and there are several companies producing whisky in Japan. Besides drinking on the rocks, Japan has a different way of enjoying whisky: Highballs, which is whiskey mixed with carbonated water.

梅酒/Umeshu and チューハイ/Chuhai

梅酒/Umeshu is a sweet plum wine with the alcohol content of around 10-15%.Chuhai is an abbreviation of 焼酎ハイボール/Shochu Highball. Chuhai is made with Shochu (or sometimes with Vodka) and carbonated water with some lemon. Many different kinds of fruits are used and it is a casual drink.

Drinking with Colleagues is important in Japan

Many Japanese feel that after work drinking parties are an important way to enhance relationships. As people need to switch between Honne and Tatemae everyday, spending some casual time with co-workers will surely be helpful in understanding each other.

There is even a word, Nominication (combined word of 飲む/Drink and Communication), which is a way to build good relationships with colleagues and bosses by drinking together.

When lifetime employment was the standard in Japan, workers would say “You have to do Nominication if you want to work your way up the corporate ladder”. Many older generations worked and established relationships this way. 

However, the time is changing. The economy is unstable and career changes are more common and it’s easier to accommodate the needs of individuals now. Work environment is a lot more flexible than it used to be, and younger generations are more focused on their life and prefer spending less time with colleagues.

Still, a lot of people find that drinking and dining with teammates and bosses casually is important to develop closer relationships to build trust and share ideas and concerns about work and life.

General Drinking rules

1.Pour for others

When out at a drinking party, pour for others around you as you greet them casually. It is also considered polite if women pour men drinks, and workers pour their boss drinks. 

2.Wait until everyone has been served

Just like a formal dinner party, you should wait until everyone is ready for a toast.

3.Don’t drink from the bottle 

Drinking directly from the bottle is often considered rude because it’s against the sharing culture.

4.Say 乾杯/Kanpai 

Say “Kanpai(Cheers)” as you clink your glasses with your friends and colleagues and start drinking and eating.

After the spread of the virus, more and more people are starting to work remotely and drinking over PC screens using Zoom, called “Zoom Nomi” is becoming common. It is an easier way to get together and do Nominication, but there’s a report that people tend to drink more at home because you can drink as long as you want (and go to sleep in your room). 
It’s fun to be together but don’t forget to drink moderately and take care of your health!

Today’s words and phrases
今日の単語/フレーズ

・Alcohol consumption アルコール摂取
・go well with 〜と相性が良い
・as a starter 手始めとして
・abbreviation of 〜の省略
・lifetime employment 終身雇用
・tend to 〜しがち

Thank you for reading today’s post!
See you next time.
Taka

*I’m a professional composer by the way.
You can listen/download my music below.

What exactly is Yukata and how does it differ from Kimono?

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A Yukata (浴衣) is a Japanese summer robe which is made of cotton or synthetic fabric. It is a casual version of Kimono, and originally was a bathrobe worn after soaking in Onsen as a quick way to cover the body and cool down. If you stay at a traditional Japanese inn, Yukata is often provided for this purpose, and it is common to see guests strolling around town wearing Yukata while onsen-hopping in popular Onsen resort towns. Nowadays people wear it as a summer garment, especially as a casual clothes for summer festivals. Yukata is worn by both men and women.

Customs

A wide variety of colors and designs are available. Just like Kimono, the general rule with Yukata is that younger people wear bright, vivid colors and bold patterns. While older people wear dark, matured colors with less flashy patterns. Yukata for men generally have darker and subdued colors.

Yukata is wrapped around the body and fastened with a sash called 帯/Obi over 腰紐/Koshihimo (a cord tied around the waist). The left side of the yukata goes over the right side. It is said that it brings bad fortune if it is reversed because that is how a traditional clothes is worn for a funeral. Obi is usually tied in a bow and placed in the back. Wooden sandals called 下駄/Geta are usually worn with Yukata. Foldable fan, 扇子/Sensu, and a 巾着/Kinchaku bag may be carried as a summer Yukata fashion.

These are geta shoes

Differences between Yukata and Kimono

Here are the main differences between Yukata and Kimono. If you are thinking about getting one, or trying to wear Japanese clothes, check the things below to make sure you are getting what you want and wear it right.

Season: Yukata is made a lot lighter than Kimono. Yukata is usually only worn during summer while Kimono can be used throughout the year. 

Material: Yukata is usually made of cotton or synthetic fabric and the price is lot cheaper than Kimono. Formal Kimono is made entirely from silk and hand-sewn. 

Collar: A regular Kimono has two collars but Yukata has only one. This is because a white underwear called 襦袢/Juban is used when putting on a Kimono but it is not worn under Yukata.

Below is a video on how to wear Yukata (for female).

Today’s words and phrases
今日の単語/フレーズ

・Fabric 布、繊維
・Soak in 〜に浸かる
・Flashy キラキラした、目立つ
・Mature 大人の
・Subdued 控えめな
・Throughout the year 一年中

Enjoy your summer!
See you next time.
Taka

*I’m a professional composer by the way.
You can listen/download my music below.

Wabi-Sabi : The Japanese Aesthetics

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What is Wabi-Sabi?

It is very hard to put the exact meanings of Wabi-Sabi into words, but it is basically a Japanese aesthetic concept, which is centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection by acknowledging “Nothing lasts, nothing is complete, and nothing is perfect”. Wabi-Sabi mind is unpretentious and connected to nature.

侘び寂び/Wabi-Sabi is a combination of two separate ways of seeing the world: Wabi is about the beauty in nature and to appreciate it in humble simplicity. Sabi is about the beauty of the impermanence of aging, the flow of the time and the seasons, and the aspect of imperfect reliability acknowledging that nothing stays the same.

For centuries, Wabi-Sabi has been practised in Japan and it is the basic idea behind traditional Japanese art works, architectures, crafts, etc. Things that are imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete like the nature itself has been considered as the most powerful and beautiful. Thus, traditional artists prefered simple images with less artificial effects, and left blank spaces intentionally as you can see in many Japanese scroll paintings. Interestingly, the concept contrasts the classical western notion of beauty, in which something perfect, monumental, and enduring has been considered as elegant.

Influence of Buddhism

The underlying idea behind Wabi-Sabi is the Buddhist teachings called 三法印/Sanpouin, which was introduced to Japan from China. The important three teachings of it are as below:

無常/Mujo, Impermanence: It is to understand and accept that nothing stays unchanged in life. You need to go through the rise and fall in life and even the ones you are deeply in love will have to leave this world at some point.

苦/Ku, Suffering: It is to acknowledge “To live is to suffer”. Life is hard and there are a lot of obstacles out there and within yourself. But at the same time, sufferings can lead to growth if you understand the cause and face it.

空/Kuu, Emptiness or Absence of Self: It is to know that being empty is important as it creates a lot more space and help you see the world as it is without interferences. The idea is similar to the concept of today’s minimalism movement.

Understanding these was honored especially among the Japanese nobilities and it is still practiced widely in Japan.
In a way, Wabi-Sabi is a mind training. The learners practice to find the core, basic beauty in nature and in everyday life, which is also an important aspect of Zen Buddhism. By applying the idea, one can achieve liberation from the material world and transcendence to a simpler life. Wabi-Sabi is on nonverbal terms so practitioners can not reach the genuine understanding of it without putting the concept in practice or making art works. 

We live in a state of constant longings and competitions with others, always being dissatisfied and stressed. It’s hard to take a break or step back and appreciate what we have right now. The Japanese philosophy of Wabi-Sabi can teach us how to sort things out and find what really is important. Wabi-Sabi continues to inspire us today. 

Today’s words and phrases
今日の単語/フレーズ

・Aesthetic 美学、美の
・Acknowledge 認識する
・Unpretentious 控えめな
・Impermanent 永久的でない、一時的な
・Liberation from 〜からの解放
・Transcendence 超越

Thank you for reading today’s post!
See you next time.
Taka

*I’m a professional composer by the way.
You can listen/download my music below.

Ikebana : Flower arrangement in Japan

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生花/Ikebana is a traditional flower arrangement. The word is from the Japanese 生ける/Ikeru (to arrange flowers, have life, be living) and 花/Hana (Flower), and it is also known as 華道/Kadou. Ikebana aims to bring out the inner qualities of flowers and express the harmony between nature and humanity considering colors, lines, forms, spaces, and time.

History of Ikebana

When Buddhism was introduced to Japan in the 6th century from China and Korea, offering flowers to statues of the Buddha became common. Unlike India, where lotus was widely used, other native flowers for each season were used for this purpose in Japan. This practice is believed to be the origin of flower arrangement in Japan, though at that time there were no meanings or systems. Later on, central flower arrangement named Shin-no-hana started : In the middle, a huge branch of pine or cryptomeria was used, and 3 or 5 seasonable flowers were places around it.
That was the first attempt to represent natural scenery.

The styles of ikebana we see today were perfected in the Muromachi period (1336-1573) with the development of the 書院造/Shoin-zukuri (a style of Japanese houses used in the mansions of the military, temple guest halls, and as a place to train Zen. Floors in the residents are covered with tattami) architectural style. As the interior decorations, 掛物/Kakemono (scroll pictures) and flower arrangements in vases became popular. The practice of Ikebana flourished with the combination of belief systems of Buddhism along with 依代/Yorishiro (objects that divine spirits are summoned to) of Shintoism.

The flower arrangement became a fine art and mental training for lords and a Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa (1436-1490) spread the custom widely. He was so into art like tea ceremony and Ikebana that he even built a temple in Kyoto known as Ginkaku-ji, where he could focus on his studies.

Soami, a friend of Yoshimasa and a painter, conceived the idea of expressing three elements of heaven, human, and earth through Ikebana and that concept is still practiced today.
Under the influence of Buddhist tea masters, Ikebana has grown over the centuries, and there are over 2,000 ikebana schools now.

How flowers are arranged

Arrangements are often mounted in a vase, though this is not always the case. The surface of the water is considered as the surface of the earth from which plants stand. Ikebana often emphasizes areas of the plant such as its stems, leave, shape, line and form. Ikebana artists express through the combination of colors, shapes, lines, and the implied meanings. To reflect the beauty of the nature, applying minimalism without designing too much is considered to be a virtue.  

Artists need to think about the appropriate arrangements for occasions as well. For example, for a flower offering at death, they should use white flowers to express peace. If they give flowers as gifts, they need to choose flowers in bud, so that the person receiving can enjoy seeing them open.

Ikebana teaches a lot to the one who practices it : He/She can feel close to the nature, relax mind and learn to become more patient. Now that we live in a very hectic and stressful time, practitioners say it provides peace of mind, body, and soul. If you are in Japan, you can find many schools listed on the internet by just searching. If you are not here and would like to learn online, I can introduce a teacher so just send me a message to : [email protected]

Today’s words and phrases
今日の単語/フレーズ

・Humanity 人間性
・be perfected 完成される
・Architectural 建物の
・Elements 要素
・Imply ほのめかす
・Virtue 美徳

Thank you for reading today’s post. 
Until next time!
Taka 

*I’m a professional composer by the way.
You can listen/download my music below.

What is Kendo?:The way of Sword and Samurai explained

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Kendo, written as 剣道 (Sword way) is a traditional Japanese 武道/Budou (The Martial way). It aims to forge the mind and body of practitioners called 剣道家/Kendo-ka (also called 剣士/Kenshi) through Japanese Samurai swordsmanship techniques. According to The ALL Japan Kendo Federation, there are about 1.9 million people in the country who practice Kendo, and 30% of them are women.
It is also estimated that there are over 6 million practitioners worldwide. Kendo-ka use 竹刀/Shinai (bamboo swords) and wear protective armor called 稽古着/Keiko-gi and traditional Japanese garments, 袴/Hakama. Kendo techniques include thrusts, strikes and response to attacks.

History

The techniques used in Kendo can be traced back to the 13th century. Swordsmen in Japan opened several schools to teach 剣術/Kenjutsu (Sword techniques), and some centuries later, the formal exercise known as 型/Kata were developed. During the 正徳時代/Shotoku Era (1711–1715), 長沼四郎左衛門国郷/Naganuma Shirozaemon Kunisato developed a method to practice swords using bamboo swords and armors. 

In the 1820s, 千葉 周作 成政/Chiba Shusaku Narimasa, one of the greatest Samurais in the history, introduced 撃剣/Gekiken (training duels with bamboo swords and armor) to the curriculum of traditional arts. His school became very popular and at the end of the Edo period, the use of bamboo swords and armors became a standard practice. Many of the techniques in modern Kendo are based on the teachings from his school. 

In the late 1800s after the Meiji Restoration, 榊原鍵吉/Sakakibara Kenkichi held some public 撃剣 events and the popularity of Kendo increased.

In 1876, the use of swords was banned by the government to avoid riots and crimes. However, policemen were allowed to use them (They were called 抜刀隊/Battoutai, sword-wielding policemen), and the sword training for them was standardized, which led to the development of Kendo. The name for the sword training, 撃剣, was changed to 剣道 in 1920 to mean the sporting form of it.

In 1946 after WW2, Kendo along with other martial arts were banned in Japan in by GHQ to suppress the power of Japanese. But in 1950, it was allowed to be practiced again. Two years later, Japan’s independence was restored and The All Japan Kendo Federation was founded. The ban on martial arts was lifted and now we practice them as an educational sport.

During the same year, The International Martial Arts Federation (IMAF) was established in Kyoto in the aim of promoting the development of martial arts worldwide. Today, many organisations all over the world including the International Kendo Federation (FIK) are working to popularizing Kendo.

Rules of Duels

Just like in fencing, there are scorable points called 有効牙突/Yuko-gatotsu that are defined as an accurate thrust or strike with 竹刀. Below are the areas where competitors can get points by hitting correctly.

・面/Men:The top or sides of the head
・胴/Dou:The right or left side of the torso
・突き/Tsuki:In front of the throat

After striking, 残心/Zanshin (continuation of the awareness) must be shown. Back then Samurais had to be prepared for the possibility of sudden attack by the next enemy. Kendo follow that tradition of focusing minds during the duels.

There are usually three referees who raise flags to judge if a strike was accurate or not. A competition is a three-point matche and the first to score two wins.

Grades

There are 級/Kyu and 段/Dan grading systems in Kendo. 級 is below 段 and there are six grades from 六級/Rokkyu to 一級/Ikkyu. Above 一級, there are ten 段 levels from 初段/Shodan (first-dan) to 十段/Ju-dan (10th level). 八段/Hachi-dan (8th-dan) is the highest dan grade that one can attain by taking a test of physical Kendo skills now and the exam is extremely difficult. Less than 1 percent of the test-takers pass it.
(9th and 10th dans were given only to significantly important 剣道家)

Titles

Titles, or three kinds of 称号/Shogo below can be achieved by passing the screening of the Kendo organization, receiving a recommendation from the president of regional organisation, and passing an exam on the theory of Kendo.

・練士/Renshi: For 6-dan. One must wait more than a year to be qualified for this title. 
・教士/Kyoshi: For 7-dan with Renshi title. One must wait more than 2 years to be qualified for this title. 
・範士/Hanshi: For 8-dan with Kyoshi title. One must wait more than 8 years to be qualified for this title.

Due to the coronavirus, all matches are canceled this year but you can check the information about competition on the All Japan Kendo Federation website here: https://www.kendo.or.jp/en/competition/

Today’s words and phrases 今日の単語/フレーズ

・Swordsmanship：剣道、剣術
・Martial arts：武道
・Grade：階級、学年、〜に評点をつける
・Title：称号、資格
・be qualified for：〜にふさわしい、適任である
・be based on : 〜に基づいて

Thank you for reading today’s post! 
See you next time.
Taka

*I’m a professional composer by the way.
You can listen/download my music below.

What is Sumo? : All you need to know

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Sumo, written as 相撲 (meaning “Striking on another”) in Japanese, is a traditional wrestling and is the Japan’s national sport.
Japan is the only country that has professional tournaments and it has been one of the most popular sports here for a long time.
Let’s learn the history and the rules about it and enjoy the unique culture of Japan!

History

It is believed that Sumo originated as a way to wish for a good harvest by entertaining the Shinto deities. The first mention of sumo can be found in a manuscript from 712. According to the folktale written in it, there was a match between two Shinto deities (or 神/Kami in Japanese) called Takemikazuchi (the ruler of the common people) and Takeminakata (the god of wind, water, and agriculture) to find which was stronger and suitable for ruling lands. At the end, Takemikazuchi won the mach and claimed Takeminakata’s land for his Kami. 

Then, it became a culture to show strength in front of them as a sign of respect and in hope of bringing a good harvest.
First as an ritual dance, then as a combat between two men.

Until the Japanese Middle Ages (1185-1603), there weren’t much regulations and the wrestling matches were rough. Wrestlers often fought to the death of one of the fighters like gladiators.
Sumo became so popular especially within the Imperial court that it was regularly held and ceremonial and religious elements were added.

During the Kamakura period (1185-1333), many training Samurais joined Sumo wrestling to strengthen their combat abilities. By the Muromachi period (1336-1573), Sumo became a huge event for the masses as the 大名 (Daimyo, powerful Feudal lords) sponsored wrestlers. During this period, some rules regarding the match were established including the use of 土俵 (Dohyo. It is 4.55m in diameter and 16.26 m2 in area, and is made of clay and covered in a layer of sand ) as an elevated ring for the battle.

In the Edo period (1603-1867), Sumo fights were banned because they could lead to wild fightings on the streets. However in 1684, it was allowed to be held as a charity event at Shinto shrines. In the Meiji era (1868-1912), the Emperor Meiji organized a tournament and the length of tournaments was extended from 10 days to 15 days in 1949. 

Today, professional sumo holds six grand tournaments a year (3 in Tokyo during January, May and September, 1 each in Osaka in March, Nagoya in July and Fukuoka in November). Each tournament lasts 15 days, and currently only men do the sport professionally in Japan. 

Customs and Rules

Sumo developed from Shinto rituals, so it has the ritualistic characteristics. The wrestlers stomp their feet on the ring to ward off evil and throw salt onto the ring before a match to purify the ring. 

The rules are straightforward. 力士 (Rikishi/wrestler) tries to force his opponent out of a 土俵 or into touching the ground with any body part other than the soles of his feet. A match usually lasts only a few seconds, but in rare cases it continues for minutes. There are no weight restrictions in Sumo, so wrestlers train themselves and try to gain as much as they can. There’s a special kind food for their diet called ちゃんこ鍋 (Chanko-nabe), which is a protein-rich Japanese hot-pot designed to help them gain weight. Many ingredients such as fish, meat, shells, and vegetables are in a broth and it comes in a large portion.  

About Rankings

There is a ranking system called 番付(Banzuke), and all wrestlers are classified depending on their performances. The top two divisions are called 幕内(Makuuchi) and 十両(Juryo), and they are like major leagues. Wrestlers in these 2 divisions are called 関取(Sekitori), and they are considered as fully-qualified fighters. The best rank of 幕内 is 横綱(Yokozuna), and then 大関(Ozeki), 関脇(Sekiwake), 小結(Komusubi), and 前頭(Maegashira). 横綱 is never demoted but if he keeps on losing matches he has to retire and leave the position.

Where to enjoy Sumo

It is the best to attend a sumo tournament to fully enjoy the matches. Tickets are available during the 15-day tournaments. You can purchase tickets in advance online or at convenience stores or at the stadiums. 両国国技館(Ryougoku Kokugikan) in Tokyo is the most famous venue.

Right now, Sumo matches are held with less spectators to avoid the spread of coronavirus. It is really sad that we can’t enjoy it in an arena.
I do hope the current situation will be over soon…

Thank you for reading today’s post!
See you next time.
Taka

*I’m a professional composer by the way.
You can listen/download my music below.

Blood type personality theory in Japan : What it says about you?

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Although there are still a lot of things unknown about the relationships between blood types and personalities, many people in Japan (and also in Korea and Taiwan) believe that checking the blood type helps understand a person’s character. It is not uncommon to be asked “What is your blood type?” in Japan, which might be a strange question for people from western countries. The study lacks evidence but it is an interesting theory and it’s a fun topic to talk about with an Asian friend.
Let’s learn a short history about it and find out what it says about you!

How did it start?

In 1927, Takeji Furukawa (he was a professor at Tokyo Women’s Teacher’s School) published his study about blood type, “The Study of Temperament Through Blood Type” in a scholarly journal. Though he only had ten to twenty people for the investigation and the study lacked credentials, it took off with the public in Japan and many believed it.

Later in 1970s, Masahiki Nomi, who graduated from the University of Tokyo, developed blood type personality theory and published a book called “Understanding Affinity by Blood type”. His study was heavily criticized by the Japanese psychological community because Masahiko only graduated from the engineering department and didn’t have any medical background and the book didn’t include enough scientific evidence.
However, the theory itself was very interesting and the book became a bestseller. Nowadays, discussion of blood types is a popular topic especially when women talk about relationships, and it often appeares in magazines.

Blood types and personalities

Blood type A (about 40% in Japan)

Positive  traits
Responsible
Perfectionist
Wise
Cautious 

Negative traits 
Over-earnest
Obsessive
Stubborn 
The least temperate

According to the theory, people with blood type A are generally friendly and dependable, but sensitive and somewhat reserved. They prefer staying alone than being in a group. They get along well with blood type O people but have difficulties making friends with blood type B.

Blood type B (about 30% in Japan)

Positive traits 
Creative
Active
Optimistic
Easy-going

Negative traits 
Irresponsible
Lazy
Unreliable
Impatient

People with blood type B are active and easy-going. They are social, independent, and like to go their own ways. But on the other hand, they could be irresponsible and selfish. They get along with people with AB blood, and the worst with A.

Blood type O (about 20% in Japan)

Positive traits 
Confident
Strong-willed
Competitive
Athletic

Negative traits 
Arrogant
Cold
Aggressive
Envious

This blood type is the most common in the world. About 40% of people (and about 90% in Latin America!) all over the world have this type.
People with O type are energetic and confident. They are natural leaders and good at caring others. However, they are afraid of being rejected. They sometimes have difficulties expressing feelings and can be sensitive inside. They go along well with Blood type B people but the worst with AB.

Blood type AB (about 10% in Japan)

Good traits
Talented
Rational
Intelligent
Adaptable

Negative traits
Critical
Indecisive
Aloof
Not trustable

Only about 10% of people in the world have this blood type, and they have mixed characteristics of A and B. They are eccentric and talented but can be either genius or psycho. They are adaptable and can go one place to the another easily. Some people see that they are moody and not trustable because of their unpredictability. 
They go well with AB and B ,but not with O.

Some claim that all this is no more than a superstition but it’s often a good topic and fun to talk about. To this day, there are many books on blood type and personality relationships in Japan.

My blood type is AB by the way. How about yours?
Did the study above show your personality?

Thank you for reading today’s post!
See you next time.
Taka

*I’m a professional composer.
You can listen/download my music below.

What is Kabuki? 4 things to know

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Kabuki is a traditional Japanese performance art known for the elaborate makeup called Kumadori worn by some performers. It has been a major theatrical form in Japan for over 4 centuries. Kabuki plays have been growing in sophistication incorporating music, dance, and costumes and sets. It is gaining popularity internationally nowadays, and Kabuki theater was added to the list of an intangible heritage by UNESCO in 2005. Three years later, it was inscribed in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Here’s about the brief history, meaning, and where to enjoy it today.

1.What does Kabuki mean?

Literally, the word Kabuki (歌舞伎) means the art of songs(歌), dances(舞), and skills (伎) associated with the stage performances. It is said that the word Kabuki is derived from the verb Kabuku(傾く), which means to be extraordinary, avant-garde, or bizarre. Kabuki is a theater entertainment to show such outrageous, unusual performances.

2.How and When did Kabuki begin?

Today’s Kabuki actors are all male, but it was originally created by a woman named Izumo no Okuni in 1603. She formed a female dance troupe and they played both men and women in comedic plays about ordinary life. This style is known as Onna Kabuki (Female Kabuki). They began performing in the early 1600s at various locations around Kyoto and their performances became so popular that Izumo no Okuni was asked to perform before the Imperial Court. But later, Onna Kabuki was banned in 1629 because the troupe had local misfits who were often available for prostitution. The ensuing moral panic led to the prohibition of all-female Kabuki.

Then, young boys kabuki called Wakashu-Kabuki followed but was banned again because they too were eligible for prostitution, and the Tokugawa Shogunate didn’t welcome the mixing and trading between merchants and performers, artists, and prostitutes at the event.

Later in the middle of 1600s to 1673, all adult male Kabuki called Yaro Kabuki was made and this style, what we call Kabuki now, has been kept and growing since. Male actors play both female and male characters and play are more focused on drama more than dancing (Note that some local Kabuki troupes today have female actors in female roles) .

After the Tokugawa shogunate era ended in 1868, Kabuki gained more popularity in the Meiji period. Even Emperor Meiji sponsored a performance on 21 April 1887. You could say that Kabuki together with Shinto animism have the significant influence on the form of Japanese pop culture today such as Manga and Anime.

3.About Performance

・Kumadori makeup 

The exaggerated facial lines are meant to produce dramatic animal or supernatural images. The color of it represents the character’s traits as below.

Red lines: Passion, heroism, righteousness, and other positive characteristics

Blue or black lines: Villainy, jealousy, and other negative characteristics

Green lines : The supernatural, Mysteriousness.

Purple lines : Nobility.

Together with Kumadori, Kabuki actors do the Mie (a picturesque pose to establish characters) during the performances.

・Three main categories

There are three main kinds of Kabuki play: Jidaimono (Historical stories), Sewamono (Domestic stories), and Shosagoto (Dance pieces).
Famous Kabuki plays include, 

Chushingura (Treasury of Loyal Retainers) 
A Jidaimono based on the true story of the 47 Ronin (masterless samurai) and their mission to avenge the death of their master.

Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami (Sugawara and the Secrets of Calligraphy)
A story based on the life of a scholar ,Sugawara no Michizane lived in Heian era (794-1185). He showed in talent in poetry and got promoted as a public servant in Kyoto but some people were envied. Later he was exiled to Kyushu due to false accusation and then…

Sonezaki Shinju (The Love Suicide at Sonezaki) 
A Sewamono about a forbidden love between a merchant named Tokubei and his lover Ohatsu, a courtesan. It was based on a similar incident happened in 1703.

・Colors and clothings 

Emotions are expressed through the colors of the costumes.
Eye-catching and strong colors represent foolish or joyful emotions, and severe or muted colors mean seriousness and focus.

4.Famous Kabuki Theaters

Here are the places where you can enjoy Kabuki plays in Japan.

In Kyoto

Minamiza Theater

In Tokyo

Kabukiza Theater

National Theater

In Osaka

Shochikuza Theater

In Fukuoka

Hakataza Theater

English guides and pamphlets are available at Kabuki theaters so don’t worry if you can’t understand Japanese. Due to the coronavirus, there’s a new attempt to play Kabuki online (a very first online Kabuki was performed in June this year). In the near future, we might be able to enjoy Kabuki performances at home, from anywhere in the world.

Thank you for reading today’s post!
See you next time.
Taka

*I’m a professional composer by the way.
You can listen/download my music below.

Why do Japanese do Seiza?

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The word Seiza (正座)  literally means “Proper sitting”. It is the formal, polite way of sitting on Japanese tatami floors with knees together, back strait ,and buttocks resting on ankles. Even for Japanese, it takes a practice to get used to sitting in this posture and Seiza can be very painful for anyone who is not accustomed to it. So, why do Japanese people sit this way in Japanese houses? Is there a meaning?

What meant “To sit” in Japan

If you take a close look at the Kanji, you can learn history behind sitting culture in Japan. 正 means “The right way”, and the Kanji 座 (Sit) is composed of 4 parts: 广(Roof)＋人(human)＋人(human)＋土(Ground/Soil), signifying 2 people sitting face to face on the ground in a house. That means, the right way of sitting in Japan inside of a house has been sitting on the floor/ground with the eyes about the same level to the one you are talking to, without using any furniture. But isn’t it easier to use chairs? Why do we sit the hard way?

How did Seiza-style became the formal, right way of sitting?

The reason why we didn’t use chairs was to avoid damaging tatami mattress, which has been the essential part of Japanese traditional houses (though we see some special kinds of chairs that won’t damage tatami at Japanese inns nowadays). This thick straw mat has good breathability and is important to prevent mold to grow in a humid country like Japan. Tatami was and still is expensive ,and back then it was only used as seating for the highest aristocrats ,so rules concerning seating and etiquette were made. By the middle of the Edo period, Samurais sat in Seiza when meeting authority figures as a symbol of obedience and loyalty, and Seiza meant the respectful way to sit on Tatami. Because of this tradition, we do Seiza especially in a formal settings like at an official tea ceremony, Japanese style wedding, Noh drama, Shodo (Calligraphy), Ikebana practice (Flower arranging), or funeral. Also, it is a requirement of most Japanese martial arts to sit in this manner.

Don’t worry if you can’t do Seiza in Japan!

We know that if you are from a different country, it is very difficult to sit this way for a long time. And some people are physically impossible to do Seiza ,so nowadays it is OK not to do it even in a formal setting.
But you don’t want to be rude ,so here are some tips when you can’t do Seiza in a formal situation.
If you are not used to sitting down in Seiza position, it’s ok to have knees a little bit apart or you may sit with a cross-legged position called Agura. It is informal but acceptable especially when you eat at a low table in a Japanese restaurant.

This is Agura style

For women, Agura is generally considered wrong and rude especially for those who are wearing skirts or certain types of traditional clothing like Kimono. Instead, Yokozuwari, one side (or both sides) of hips touching the floor, is preferred.

This is Yokozuwari style.

Even if you CAN do Seiza, you should take a break every 30 min or so to avoid decreasing blood flow. While keeping the beautiful tradition of showing respect, it is also important not to overdo it to take care of your body. 

Seiza has been taught at home and schools traditionally, but taking people’s health into consideration, a new law came into effect this year. According to Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, forcing children to do Seiza for extended periods of time will be recognized as a punishment. It is not mandatory to do Seiza anymore, and you can still be respectful without doing it so don’t worry if you can’t!

Thank you for reading today’s post!
If there’s anything you want to know about Japan, feel free to contact: [email protected]

See you next time!
Taka

*I’m a professional composer by the way.
You can listen/download my music below.

What is City Pop?

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Hi, how’s everything?  
I guess most people in the world spend majority of the time at home nowadays, so I wrote about Japanese music that can make your time in the house more interesting. It is kind of an old style of music, but we can still get inspired by the sound of it. 
And I heard a news that City Pop was becoming popular in the western countries last year. It seems that the genre is regaining the popularity and kind of a trend now. Here is about City Pop!

What is it?

As Jon Blistein of Rolling Stone said that City Pop was “Not a strict genre term but a broad vibe classification”, City Pop is about the urban, futuristic feeling of 70’s to 80’s in Japan, and the word simply meant, “Music made by city people”. It is western influenced Japanese pop music that was popular during bubble economy time in Japan including a wide range of styles such as Funk, R&B, Soft Rock, and some even included Jazz Fusion, Latin, or Caribbean elements. During that time in Japan, new devices and electronics like Walkman, Cassette Decks, and FM Stereos were hip gadgets and the music style was associated with those emerging technologies. Young people were enjoying modern lifestyle listening to City Pop that had the latest sounds of electronic musical instruments.

Recommended artists

Tatsuro Yamashita 

He was among the most successful artists of City Pop music. Rolling Stone Japan ranked his album Spacy number 14 on a list of the greatest Japanese music albums of all time in 2007.

Haruomi Hosono

He is a famous composer, singer, and record producer and he is one of the most influential pop music artists in Japan. Using electronic sounds, he contributed a lot to City Pop and numerous electric genres.

Mariya Takeuchi

She is one of the most popular pop singers in Japan. Over 16 million records were sold so far, and her early work during 70’s and 80’ is largely associated with City Pop. She’s wife of Tatsuro Yamashita.

I love listening to various kinds of music from different times imagining what people were thinking and doing. Music takes you back to the era and I think it is great that we can feel the atmosphere at anytime, anywhere just by playing it. When you get bored at home, I recommend that you dig some music that you don’t usually listen to!

Have a great day!
Taka

*I’m a professional composer by the way.
You can listen/download my album below.
Free Somebody
Skyhigh

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me: [email protected]