Hello! from Japan

About Japan and music

英語で説明

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.

Tokyo Tower : History and Interesting facts

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About Tokyo Tower and its History

Tokyo Tower (officially called 日本電波塔/Nippon denpato, Japan Radio Tower) is an iconic tower in Minato-Ku, Shiba Park in Tokyo. It is 333m tall and it was the tallest tower in Japan until the construction of Tokyo Skytree (634m tall) in 2010. 

Tokyo Tower was built in 1958 as a large broadcasting tower and also as a monument to symbolize a global economic powerhouse.
Since the opening, over 180 million people have visited the tower.
There’s a four floor building under the tower where you can enjoy shopping, eating, and visiting museums. Guests can visit two observation decks. Main Observatory deck is at 150m and the smaller Top deck called Special Observatory reaches 249m. The night view of Tokyo Tower is especially popular with beautiful illuminations.

Interesting Facts about Tokyo Tower

  • This Eiffel Tower-like structure is painted white and vivid reddish, international orange (the color which is used to stands out to comply with air safety regulations. Golden Gate Bridge and many big buildings and towers have this color). 
     
  • Radio antennas were installed in 1961 for television broadcasting.
  • Later upon starting digital television transition, it was found that Tokyo Tower’s height was not enough to cover complete terrestrial digital broadcasting in Tokyo. So the taller tower, Tokyo Skytree was built in 2012. Tokyo Tower broadcasts analog television, digital television, radio and digital radio now. 
  • Tokyo Tower is made of steel, and most of it was taken from US tanks damaged in the Korean War.
  • A small Shinto Shrine is located on the second floor of the Main Observatory to ward off evil spirits and hope for the safety.   
  • It is estimated that it cost around 30 billion yen to build Tokyo Tower. 
  • Tokyo Tower weights about 4000t (Eiffel Tower is about 9700t) and Sky Tree is about 41.000t. Sky Tree is made extremely heavy to be able to stand still in case of an earthquake. 
  • The tower is painted every five years. It takes a year to complete the repainting. It is scheduled to be repainted in 2024.
  • There’s the Tokyo Tower Was Museum in the foot town which displays wax figures such as The Beatles imported from London.
  • Tokyo Tower’s ligting is occasionally changed. For example, Christmas tree like illumination is set during the season and just a few months ago, it turned blue to honour medical personnel fighting the coronavirus.
  • The real estate registration of Tokyo Tower says there are 2 basement floors but there’s only 1 basement floor. This is because the first/ground floor is placed on a slope which is considered as a basement floor on a paper. 

Access

Nearest station is 赤羽橋駅 Akabanebashi station 

From 新宿/Shinjuku Station
Take Toei Oedo Line for Tochomae to Akabanebashi.
It is about a 5-minute walk from the Akabanebashi Exit.

From 東京/Tokyo Station
Take JR Yamanote Line for Shinagawa to Hamamatsucho/Daimon. 
Then take Toei Oedo Line for Roppongi/Tochou-mae and get off at Akabanebashi. It is about a 5-minute walk from the Akabanebashi Exit. 

From 成田空港/Narita Airport
Take Skyliner for Keisei Ueno to Nippori.
Then taake JR Yamanote Line for Ueno to Hamamatsucho/Daimon.
Take Toei Oedo Line for Roppongi/Tochou-mae and get off at Akabanebashi. It is about a 5-minute walk from the Akabanebashi Exit. 

From 羽田空港/Haneda Airport
Take Tokyo Monorail for Hamamatsucho. Then take Toei Oedo Line for Roppongi/Tochou-mae and get off at Akabanebashi. It is about a 5-minute walk from the Akabanebashi Exit. 

Address: 4-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo 

Hours: 9:00am to 11:00pm (Last entry at 10:30pm)
※Currently due to the coronavirus, business hours are shorten.
Please check the detailed information here: https://www.tokyotower.co.jp/price/en.html

Price: 
・To Main Deck
Adult(19 years old and over) 1,200yen
High School (From 16 to 18 years old) 1,000yen
Jr.High, Elementary School (From 7 to 15 years old) 700yen

・To Top Deck Tour
Adult(19 years old and over)
[Online Tickets]2,800yen [Ticket counter]3,000yen

High School (From 16 to 18 years old)
[Online Tickets]2,600yen [Ticket counter]2,800yen　

Jr.High, Elementary School (From 7 to 15 years old)
[Online Tickets]1,800yen [Ticket counter]2,000yen

Children (From 4 to 6 years old)
[Online Tickets]1,200yen [Ticket counter]1,400yen

Today’s words and phrases 今日の単語/フレーズ

・Observation deck 展望台
・Iconic 象徴的な
・Broadcasting tower 電波塔
・It is estimated that… 〜と推定されている
・Construction 建設
・Reddish 赤っぽい

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 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.