Culture Fairies

Wednesday, 30 September 2015

Tea Ceremony

“Chanoyu” – A Traditional Art

The origin of tea ceremony is from drinking green tea and Buddhist belief in China from fourth century to the eighth century, what is then transformed during different periods of time to become a traditional art of Japanese people. They hold different types of tea ceremony which depend on the time of day, season of the year or in some specific occasions. It could be a tea ceremony for early-morning summer, or to celebrate the first use of the portable brazier in the year. The styles of preparation for the tea ceremony is also vary based on season or the formality of events. Japanese Tea ceremony is not a drinking tea meeting or else, it is a spiritual experience that includes harmony, respect, purity and tranquility. Therefore, there are a lot of rules to prepare and take part in the ceremony.

An authentic example would be guests have to wait at the waiting room until the host done the preparation. Then they have to wash their hands and mouths from water in a stone basin to purify. They have to get in the tea room or tea house through a small gate in order to force them bow while they entry the room, the host will give back a silent bow. Then they have a range of steps and rules to really enjoy the tea. Depend on informal or formal they will serve guests with sweets and then tea or a full three course meal with sake and then tea. To become master of the art of Japanese tea ceremony, it takes years to learn and practice at tea schools. People have to learn common hosting duties, how to enter and exit the tea room probably, appropriate behavior when handling or drinking from the tea bowls.

For more information check out these links below:

Monday, 28 September 2015

Ninja

The conspicuous covert warriors known as Ninja (忍者) specialized in unconventional warfare. Otherwise known referred to as shinobi (meaning those who act in stealth) had been around as early as the eleventh century. This was around the age of the samurai venturing through and well beyond the sixteenth century. Unlike the Samurai the Ninja were not given an honourable image because of their mercenary class skill level and expertise in said warfare. Samurai warlords often would seek the assistance of the Ninja hidden in the remote villages of Iga and Koka. Now these villages serve as museums in which original buildings and training grounds still exist.

Ninja specialized in infiltration, sabotage, and assassination of samurai feudal lords. Ninjutsu is an art form referring to the many attributes of the ninja such as stealth, combat skills, vast knowledge of poisons and weapons control. Military strategy, meteorology and geometry were a part of their expert tracking and sense of direction. Female ninja were amongst the most prominent, especially when it came down to infiltration during the night

There is little factual information about ninja and thus many rumours and mysteries remain unanswered. So much so that anime and manga utilize these as a fun way of interpretation through shows such as Naruto. Ninja remained active until the beginning of the Edo Period when social order was restored. Jinichi Kawakami is the 21st head of the Ban clan and he says the ninja way will die with him as ninja do not fit in with modern day japan.

Jinichi Kawakami - 21st head of the Ban clan

Read more at these great sites to paint a clear mental picture of the truly skilled Ninja:

Sunday, 27 September 2015

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:

Saturday, 26 September 2015

Sumo - The traditional sport

I bet you’ve been heard about Sumo, or big giant guys wear nothing but a thong pushing each other. Are you still vague about it? Let’s find out together. Sumo wrestling is Japan’s national sport which involves many aspects of Japanese culture. For example, the sumo wrestlers throw salt into the ring to purify the ring as they consider the ring as a sacred place. In contest, two sumo wrestlers will push, grapple and throw each other inside the circular ring. The first person who is out of the ring or touches the ground besides the soles of his feet loses. As the nature of this sport, the sumo wrestlers focus on weight gain during their training.

Sumo wrestlers wear a loincloth called “mawashi” is a heavy fabric underwear. The opposing wrestler can use various maneuvers to grab and hold onto to gain an advantage during matches. Although a contest usually lasts a few seconds, the wrestlers have to be experienced in a range of rules and restrictions to get into it. They have to live at stable, where they live and train throughout their career. They are expected to grow their hair to do topknot and wear traditional custom clothing when they are in public space. As can be seen, you can easily recognize them due to their body size and all these spots mentioned above. Attending a sumo contest in Japan is a lot more appealing than it sounds, as dedicated Japanese style (as well as traditional style) seating make for a lovely afternoon.

For more information about all things sumo related, including ticketing and arenas check out the links below:

Schedules and ticket sales:

Friday, 25 September 2015

Baseball in Japan - Swing and Miss? Maybe not!

You might not have thunk it, but baseball is big in Japan! Baseball originated in America and adopted by Japan in the Meiji period over a century ago. The Tokyo Yomiuri Giants baseball club was one of the first clubs to be founded as early as 1934. Although the American sport was a quick favourite, it was given the Japanese touch when it came to the set of rules (Shuji). The two styles of baseball, both American and Japanese incorporate their respective country’s cultural ideals and profiles. Major League Baseball (MLB) is famous around the western world and while it keeps to a traditional style of rulings when it comes to referee’s decisions in which the calls are made by an individual. However the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league in Japan follows are more flexible and fairer democratic decision making ideals, where a discussion is held before a disputable call is made, this is to settle both parties until a satisfying explanation is given.

The NPB consists of twelve teams split into two leagues consisting of six teams each. The Central League pursues a more traditional set of rules whereas the Pacific League entails an exciting fast paced game series. The best part of course is the major play offs. The Climax Series is where the top three teams from each of the two leagues face-off in a hard hitting – well you guessed it – climax! Here comes the most interesting bit of Japanese baseball culture…

The Japanese live in dormitories, have one month off a year, and an extra week if their team wins the championship. The teams are all owned by major companies and as such, typically the average player is guaranteed a place into the organization after retiring from baseball. As was mentioned earlier, the ideal and profiles of the Japanese culture are of a group mentality where everyone can prove their worth and is always a part of the group until death much like the Bushido – The Samurai way.

Whilst living in the dormitories, players are not allowed to drink, smoke or (get this) - grow a moustache. The Japanese are strict on foreign players (gaijin) and each team is only allowed three gaijin players.
For more detailed information about the game including teams, seasons and ticketing visit these great sites:

Thursday, 24 September 2015

The Samurai's Legend

Contrary to the misconceptions, the legendary samurai (侍) were a military force with exceptional combat skills and swordsmanship, highly educated and polite, rather than just a small elite covert unit. Bushido(武士道) which is used to describe the spirit of samurai, referring to morals, most commonly stressing some combination of frugality, loyalty, martial arts mastery, and honour unto death. This legendary military force was of upper-class citizens whom served for the noble-class citizens to protect them from enemies and samurai even dare to die for them. They reined during the tenth to nineteenth century in Japan.

The samurai fought in many battles and as such, they would have their own military accordance’s and unlike being court martialled the samurai were subject to capital punishment. Seppuku(切腹) was a ritual suicide and reserved for Samurai. The process was that Samurai would puncture their abdomen and suffer from self disembowelment. Because it caused infinite pain, people believed that only the bravest Samurai could bear the suffering of Seppuku and referred this death penalty to the highest honour.

In Japanese history, only Samurai could wield Katana whereas civilians could only wield and possess daggers. Generally, Samurai brought a Katana and dagger to protect their lives. Samurai regarded the sheath (a close-fitting cover for their blade) as their honour, hitting the sheath would be treated as a disrespectful action.

In addition, Samurai's armour was also astonishing, and represented the taste of a Samurai; upper Samurai usually put their own family crest or special meanings on a set of armour or flag, especially helmet. The helmets were ordinarily made of metal with terrifying design as a demon. In modern day Japan, samurai are non-existent; however there are amazing Samurai towns which you can read about in the links below.

For a more detailed understanding on this topic and especially samurai towns check out these links:

Tuesday, 22 September 2015

Casual Yukata or Luxurious Kimono?

Every culture has their traditional clothing to be proud of and the yukata is no exception. Japan’s finest garments, reserved for special occasions are a sight to see, with many unique and benevolent designs. Firstly, there are two distinct traditional garments known as the kimono and the yukata. Kimonos in particular are worn at traditional weddings, tea ceremonies, formal events and funerals. However keeping true to the beautiful kimono is the yukata which is of a more casual attire. In modern day Japan, people often wear the yukata to summer festivals called “Omatsuri” which feature fireworks displays called “Hanabi taikai”.

Women's Yakuta and Omatsuri Summer Festival

Kimono_Hanabi taikai_Yakuta

Often when we think of traditional Japan images of cherry blossoms, the great Mt. Fuji, the legendary samurai, and even though many of us may not have been able to name them – the kimono and yukata come to mind. And at first glance the two may be indistinguishable to many foreigners. However if you pay attention to the finishing touches, the yukata resembles a robe, reflecting its original intended use, and is fastened around the waist with a sash called an obi. Literally translating to “bathing cloth” and its strong relation with Japanese onsen (natural hot springs) and ryokan (Japanese style Inns) the yukata portrays an authentic Japanese culture of the Edo period (1603 -1868) as they are typically provided by the ryokans and hotels for guests to wear about. For this reason, the yukata is usually made of cotton for absorbability and breathability.

Women's Kimono

The kimono on the other hand, is a luxurious endeavour made of the finest silk (although modernized polyester variations are available) characterised by artistic designs of embroidery, yuzen painting and dyeing. Kitsuke is the term addressing the many specific rules for when and how to wear kimono and yukata. The cultural etiquette of which kitsuke entails consists of perplexing steps to so much as wear either garment. Furthermore, an appropriate style and colour of kimono is to be worn depending on the occasion and the person's age and marital status. As such, a furisode which is another variation of the kimono may be worn by unmarried women throughout the year indicating their single status. On the other hand a komon can be worn by both married and unmarried females.

For a more detailed understanding on this topic and especially kitsuke etiquette check out these links: