Japanese Bathrooms & Etiquette

The etiquette and practices when using a Japanese bathroom or ‘ofuroba’ are very similar to that of an onsen. If you recall from our onsen article, the Japanese love to soak in the warm relaxing waters of the hot springs, but not everyone can go to an onsen every day. The solution? Well of course you turn your own bathroom into a personal yet diversified relaxation room – or shall I say rooms! Firstly, the typical Japanese household will have 3 individual spaces (or rooms) for the sink, the toilet, and the bathroom itself. Every anime fan knows of the traditional tatami rooms and Japanese bathing culture which is quite different from the western world. Because the bathwater is used for relaxation and is usually kept warm (often through technological means in modern day Japan) it is primarily kept clean for the whole family. How you ask? Well the first area which includes change area and the sink in which a place to rinse and wash your body and then proceed to the next room/area with the bathtub. Some toilet rooms include a completely separate sink so to keep it all in check regarding dirt and bacteria.

If you’re a little more removed from the traditional low tech Japanese bathroom, it would really pay off to check out the high tech ones which even fit in a small apartment building. I would highly recommend you to watch the video link below and gather a really clear idea of what goes on in Japan and this awesome practice.

For more reading check out these links:

• http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2002.html
• http://www.japantoday.com/category/lifestyle/view/12-awesome-features-of-japanese-bathrooms-you-wont-find-in-the-west

Kabuki

Kabuki (歌舞伎) is a classical Japanese play beginning in the Edo Period, about 400 years ago. It is regarded as one of Japans three major traditional plays along with Noh (能) and Bunraku (文楽). In fact, Kabuki was chosen as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2009. That’s why I should introduce this important Japan’s culture. The actors put glittering costumes and eccentric wigs on and stand out through bizarre make-up. The highlight of kabuki is the exaggerated actions performed by the actors. Kabuki’s contents are usually based on historical events, sympathetic dramas, love stories and common people’s lives. Interestingly, only a part of a whole story (usually the best part) is performed in one show. Therefore, Kabuki fans read a little about the story to get ready to understand fully before heading for the play. Some theatres allow buying headsets with English narrations and description. Women used to be allowed to perform in kabuki. However, Tokugawa shogunate prohibited women to play, and until today it has been performed only by men. So some male actors play female role by making-up well - called onnagata (女形).

There are dynamic stage sets, such as revolving platforms and trapdoors, helping actors appear/disappear when changing a scene. Another uniqueness of the kabuki stage is a footbridge, called hanamichi (花道) enabling them to reach the audience, which allows dramatic entrances or exits. Also, live music performed using traditional instruments like syamisen (三味線) makes peculiar atmosphere. Currently, there are several kabuki theatres in Japan, including Tokyo, Kyoto and Fukuoka. Each day’s performance usually has two or three segments (one in the early afternoon and one towards the evening), and each segment is further separated into acts. Depending on the seat position, the price of ticket varies and at the highest, the ticket can be about $300. 

For more hot information on the hilarious demeanor that is Kabuki, check out these links:

• http://www.unmissabletokyo.com/kabuki-za
• http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2090.html

Kareoke

Karaoke and Idol Girl Group

Karaoke has been enjoyed in the world. Indeed, it’s originated in Japan. Karaoke means empty orchestra. You will pick a song up and type it on the machine. Then, the song will be played in the background and you’ll sing it with a microphone. Most times you will do Karaoke with friends and there is two microphones at Karaoke room so that you can sing by yourself or with your friend. By the way, how to do Karaoke well? It’s easy! You just pick up songs that match with your voice. In Japan, people especially young like picking Japanese idol’s songs. Do you know any Japanese idol girl? 

There are so many idol girl groups in Japan. They sing, dance and talk on the TV program. You will see lots of idol CDs, concert DVDs, ads and other goods in Japan. Idol life usually begins at the age of 14 or 15. The weird thing is that 20 years old is regarded as ‘old’ so they retire idol life then. I’ll talk about the most famous and popular one, AKB48. At first, AKB48 was composed by 48 members but they have increased members like 140 at the moment. They have own theatre in Tokyo so they perform daily in order to attract their fans. 

The interesting thing is that whenever they release a new song, they organize handshake events. If you buy a limited edition CD which includes a handshake ticket with new CD, you can participate in the handshake event. But, one ticket allows you talk and have a handshake in only a few minutes with your favourite girl. So many fans buy as many CDs as possible to get tickets and expand precious time with the idol. And AKB48 has a strict rule, which is prohibiting getting a boyfriend. People think idols are pure and immature so they should be virgins. But sometimes they break the law and disappoint their fans. Even though some crazy fans spend enormous money to support a favourite girl, they can be betrayed.
For more Karaoke and Idol Girl group info visit:

• http://www.jpopasia.com/group/akb48/
• http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2066.html