What is washoku? Why are Akoya pearls called Japanese pearls? Is there a proper way to view a sumo tournament? Let your curiosity wonder, eyes browse, and thoughts expand as you learn more about Japan and Japanese culture through our many articles!
The third and final installment in our series on geisha in Japan, written for those interested in participating in a geisha dinner event. What should you wear? What will happen during the dinner? What interactions can you expect?
The role of geisha in Japanese culture has evolved over hundreds of years to arrive at the iconic cultural status we recognize today.
In modern times there has been a popular resurgence of interest in the geisha culture of Japan. However, many people are not very familiar with what exactly a geisha is. Read on to learn more about an important part of traditional Japanese entertainment and hospitality culture.
Japan is home to over 25,000 onsen (温泉), or naturally-occurring hot springs. The popularity of onsen came as they developed alongside the network of railways that now cover all of Japan, and recently became an important part of the tourism industry. However, they were not always accessible to everyone.
Kaiseki embodies the fundamental concepts in washoku, such as the attention to the seasons, and the emphasis on using natural local ingredients to create an eating experience that is not only delicious, but also demonstrates how preparation and execution of a meal can be an art form. It is a sophisticated style of cuisine that still retains its appreciation of simplicity.
Tea ceremony is one of Japan’s most enduring artistic traditions. More than a ritual for preparing and drinking tea, tea ceremony is a means to aesthetic appreciation and social interaction that has had a profound influence on other forms of Japanese art, cuisine and philosophy.
From 1603 to 1868 during the Edo period, Japan enjoyed a long period of isolation from foreign influence. However, problems such as deforestation pushed the environment towards ecological collapse. To save the future of their home, citizens came up with creative ways to conserve energy and resources.
Sumo wrestling is the national sport of Japan, and it goes back thousands of years. Originally part of a religious ritual, it has now evolved into a fascinating sport and industry, drawing visitors to tournaments from across the globe.
