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It can be said that Japanese culture has become intrinsically linked with Zen. First introduced to Japan around the 7th century, Zen ideology spread rapidly throughout the 12th century, a time known as the Kamakura period. Zen generally refers to a meditation practice derived from Buddhism, and its influences can be found throughout daily life in Japan.

The three syllables that make up the word “kabuki” (歌舞伎), mean “music”, “dance”, and “acting”, respectively. The whole word itself comes from an archaic verb kabuki, which means “to incline”, and references the actors' flamboyant clothes and actions. Since the kabuki’s founding, spectators were well aware that this new type of theater would be a strong deviation from noh traditions.

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.

Believe it or not, the original geisha hardly resembled modern geisha in any way. The first geisha were actually male, appearing around the year 1730. It was only about 20 years later that female geisha began to appear in the forms of odoriko (踊り子, meaning dancers) and shamisen players, and they quickly took over the profession, dominating it by 1780.

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.

Geisha, at the most fundamental level, are professional entertainers. They are trained in a variety of Japanese traditional arts, such as dancing, singing, flute, and shamisen (a traditional Japanese three-stringed instrument), as well as the art of hospitality. They also play games and engage in conversation with visitors, all in service of providing the most welcoming and intimate environment possible.

The Edo period (the 17th to mid-19th centuries) greatly shaped Japanese architecture. Simple, dignified, and beautiful; the structures created during this time can even be seen today, inspiring architecture around the world.

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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.