A unique blend of various spiritual celebrations and traditional beliefs characterizes Japan’s religious makeup. Shintoism, with its reverence for nature and ancestral spirits, and Buddhism, with its teachings on enlightenment and compassion, are the two major religions in the country.
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The title "Living National Treasure" holds profound meaning in Japanese society. These artisans are seen as living embodiments of Japan's cultural identity, representing a bridge between the past and the present.
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Shudan ishiki — (n) A term to describe that in Japanese society, people tend to be group-oriented, giving priority to group harmony over the individual
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Aimai — (adj) ‘A state in which there is more than one intended meaning, resulting in obscurity, indistinctness, and uncertainty’.
Unlike other cultures, ambiguity can be seen as a sign of politeness and respect,
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Suibokuga is a style of monochrome painting characterized by the use of just two things, black ink (sumi) and water. Deceptively simple, suibokuga artists make use of these two seemingly mundane materials to create a complex world of light, form, and even texture.
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For many cultures around the world, however, drinking tea is nothing new. In Japan, tea is known in general as ocha (お茶) and has developed, over the centuries, as an important pillar of Japanese culture.
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Japan has a long and intricate fashion history. Fashion itself, of course, plays a key role in the cultural qualities of any country, as it alone can illustrate the evolution of a multitude of social and political institutions across history. For both the world’s consumers and the luxury industry, Japan has emphasized the importance of image and innovation in couture style and luxury brands.
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How many of you have heard the word "omotenashi" before? The word essentially translates to Japanese hospitality. The term's popularity has grown since it was used in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics candidate speech.
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In recent years, the Japanese katana (sword) has become increasingly popular with the re-acknowledgement of its value as a work of art. We would like to introduce our readers to a short article on the history and process behind creating these cultural treasures.
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Tokyo’s geisha culture is one that is rich, yet virtually unknown by many. With six hanamachi (花街, Japanese geisha districts) and hundreds of years of history, there is much to experience in this hidden culture.
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From simple farmhouses to ornate castles, Japan is full of awe-inspiring architectural wonders. It is home to seven architects who have won the Pritzker Prize, the highest honor that a person can receive in architecture. With its unique blend of tradition and innovation, Japanese architecture has continued to influence architects all over the world.
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Popular culture has long portrayed samurai as warriors who fought in a fury of sword fighting and elaborate maneuvers, but behind that is a long-standing philosophy that influenced them - that of bushidō (武士道), which was a code of ethics to be followed.
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With what we are facing on a global level, it is more important than ever to pay attention to how we approach health and hygiene - not only for our own safety, but also for those around us. While many of us are struggling with various policies and restrictions currently implemented, it might be a good chance to take a step back and reconsider our general hygiene practices and etiquette.
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“Irasshai!” Customers are greeted by the Japanese word for “welcome” as they enter a traditional sushi restaurant. They are led to the counter seat, and decide to do “omakase,” leaving the responsibility of choosing the selection of fish to the chef. The chef knows best; which order to eat, what fish is in season, and which fish is especially good on that particular day.
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Sitting on tranquil waters in the very heart of Tennozu Isle’s contemporary art scene is the marvelous T-Lotus M. Internationally acclaimed Japanese architect Kengo Kuma designed this stunning three-story structure, which is now available to hire for events.
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In Japan, rice has a history of over 2000 years. It is the staple of the Japanese diet, and with its long history comes an irreplaceable importance to the culture and daily lives of the people.
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While Tokyo's vast array of exhibitions and art hubs can be difficult to navigate, there is one area that is not to be overlooked - that is Tennozu Isle. Located within walking distance from Shinagawa, the “isle” is characteristically surrounded by canals.
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