Yokoso! Japan

Emperor Meiji (1852-1912)

Emperor Meiji is the 122nd emperor of Japan, the great-grandfather of the current Emperor. He ascended to the throne in 1867. When Japan was facing unprecedented conditions such as the opening of the country to the world after its long iolation and the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate, Emperor Meiji took the initiative to promote friendship with other countries, and to introduce Western civilization and developed technology from overseas while preserving Japanese identity, and thus laid the foundations of modern Japan.

 

Empress Shoken (1850-1914)

Empress Shoken not only supported the Emperor behind the scenes but also devoted herself to promoting national welfare and omen’s education. She was also concerned about world affairs, and she donated a fund, named after her, to hte International Red Cross, which has bee used for international welfare activities until today.

 

The sincere heart of the Emperor and Empress towards the people can be seen directly in the waka poetry they composed throughout their lives.

 

Waka Poetry by Emperor Meiji

Although we live

In a world which is fraught

With turbid confusion,

Our hearts should remain filled

With an open calmness.

Meaning : In living our lives in the world we may face troubles and anxiety, yet we must not let these things affect our hearts. Our hearts should always be calm and open

 

Waka Poetry by Empress Shoken

Traveling from afar

Foreign people visit us,

And day after day

Our reign is becoming

One of growing friendships.

Meaning : Even people from foreign countries are now visiting us, and day after day our reign is becoming an era of growing friendships.

Meiji Jingu is a Shinto shrine. Shinto is called Japan’s ancient original religion, and it is deeply rooted in the way of Japanese life. Shinto has no founder, no holy book, and not even the concept of religious conversion, but Shinto values for example harmony with nature and virtues such as “Magokoro (sincere heart)”. In Shinto, some divinity is found as Kami (divine spirit), or it may be said that there is an unlimited number of Kami. You can see Kami in mythology, in nature, and in human beings. From ancient times, Japanese people have felt awe and gratitude towards such Kami and dedicated shrines to many of them.

This shrine is dedicated to the divine souls of Emperor Meiji and his consort Empress Shoken (their tombs are in Kyoto).

Emperor Meiji passed away in 1912 and Empress Shoken in 1914. After their demise, people wished to commemorate their virtues and to venerate them forever.  So they donated 100,000 trees from all over Japan and from overseas, and they worked voluntarily to create this forest. Thus, thanks to the sincere heart of the people, this shrine was established on November 1,1920.

 

Fact about Meiji Jingu:

• Enshrined deities: souls of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken
• Foundation: November 1, 1920
• Forest: 170,000 trees of 245 species (as of 2008)

Yokohama developed as a port city for foreign trade at the end of the Edo Period (Year 1603-1867). The international city of Minato Mirai 21, established by an urban redevelopment plan targeted towards the city’s entry into the 21^st century, is the new face of Yokohama containing many commercial establishments. A panoramic view of Yokohama Bay can be seen from Yokohama Bay Bridge, a new sight that connects Honmoku Pier to Daikoku Pier. Exotic shops, such as furniture stores, gather in Motomachi, and Yokohama China Town is one of the largest in the world.

Nikko has been one of the foremost areas of mountain worship in Japan since ancient times. Nikko flourished as a land associated with the Tokugawa family after the enshrinement in the Toshogu of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo government (Year 1603-1867), in 1617. The sophistication of Edo Period architecture and arts such as sculpture and ornamentation can be seen in Nikko Toshogu Shrine today. The Lake Chuzenji that spreads at the base of Mt.Nantai is famous for beautiful sceneries of nature in every season.

(Encounter fresh surprises and discoveries in a region where many attractions ring together)

The capital of Japan, Tokyo, is located in the Kanto region. However, the city area is not the only attraction of this region. Harsh but beautiful nature such as the Kegon Falls can be found in Nikko, where remains of historical constructions reflect its glory during the Edo Period (Year 1603-1867) when it flourished as an area associated with the Tokugawa Shogun. Day trips to popular sightseeing areas and historical sites can be made from Tokyo. Such areas include the Edo Period, the ancient city of Kamakura, which flourished as the center of politics and culture of medieval Japan, and the hot-spring area of Hakone, which originated in the old Nara Period (Year 710-793).

Tohoku si a region where old traditions have been preserved. Especially the magnificent festivals that color seasons are sightseeing highlights of various areas. Large-scale unique festivals include the Aomori Nebuta Festival, where people parade down the main street with floats of warrior figures, the Kanto Festival in Akita, where more than 200 kantos (bamboo poles hung with lanterns) sway on the boulevard, and the Sendai Tanabata Festival, which is one of the three major festivals of Tohoku. The Kamakura is a traditional event of Yokote in Akita, which has continued for over 400 years.

The Aizu district, surrounded by the Ohu and Echigo Mountain Ranges, is blessed with beautiful nature. In addition to the lakes and marshes of Ura-Bandai, this district contains Lake Inawashiro, which is world-renowned for its transparency. The striking appearance of Tsurugajo Castle, symbol of Aizu Wakamatsu castle town, is impressive in all seasons. Mt.Zao, located between Yamagata and Miyagi prefectures, bustles with skiers during the winter.

Miyagi Prefecture was the center of military and political affairs of the Tohoku region since the beginning of the 8^th century. Its prefectural capital, Sendai, is a representative modern city of Tohoku region. Date Masamune, who settled there in the 17^th century, laid down the basics of present Sendai through such buildings as Sendai Castle. He is considered the hero of this land and has becoe the symbol of Sendai City. The beautiful landscape of Matsushima is included in the Three Views of Japan, together with Amanohashidate of Kyo to and Itsukushima of Hiroshima. The contrast between the ocean and sky is brilliant.

North Tohoku is the northernmost area of Honshu and extends over three prefectures – Aomori, Akita and Iwate. A remnant important cultural asset. The Shirakami Mountain Rane that spreads tangent to Aomori and Akita is registered as a world heritage and is famous for its primary forest – home to rare giant beech trees. Tohoku is also filled with beautiful scenery and relaxing areas such as Aomori’s Lake Towada, a double caldera lake as well as the Sukayu Hot Spring, which is a famous historical hot spring output.

• Jodogahama
  • A seacoast at the entrance of Miyako Bay in Iwate. Owing to its beautiful landscape, it has become the representative scenic area of Rikuchu Kaigan National Park.
• Chusonji
  • The chief temple of the endai Buddhist Sect in Tohoku, set up b Fujiwara, a person of power during the Heian Period (794-1191). It is famous for its gold-covered Amitabha Hall and Golden Hall.
• Oirase Gorge
  • The Oirase Gorge is a representative scenic sight of Aomori. The beautiful vews of streams add pleasure to walks.

(Beautiful scenery and this fascinating locality warm the heart of the traveler)

The unique climate of the Tohoku region comes from its complex geography and weather. The peoples’ love toward their land shows in the honest and friendly atmosphere of the region and in the intense popularity of traditional “festivals”. Tohoku is also an area of active rice cultivation, known as the granary of Japan. In the summer, rows of paddy fields create a beautiful landscape. Northern tohoku is the northernmost area of Honshu and covers three prefectures – Aomori, Akita and Iwate. This is a region rich in nature, including a world heritage listed primary forest. Southern Tohoku is home to Sendai, the largest city in Tohoku called the “forest capital”, and Fukushima, which contains Aizu Wakamatsu city, overlooking the magnificent Mt.Bandai and a prosperous castle town in the past.

Recommended article:

Hokkaido

Sendai /Matsushima

North Tohoku

Southern Tohoku

Tohoku's Festival

(Romantic northern lands colored by a magnificent natural grandeur)

Japan’s northern island Hokkaido, is a new region fully opened up only 140 years ago. Located in the cool-temperature zone, its climate is harsh, with sub-zero temperature in winter. But such a severe environment has left many undeveloped natural areas, allowing the traveler to experience a liberating feelign of open space unique to Hokkaido. Fertile soil surrounded by seas produces various foodstuffs, giving Hokkaido th nickname of “Treasure Houe of Food”. Main cities include traffic-laden Sapporo, the center of politics, economy and culture, Otaru and Hakodate, the port towns that erved as base centers for pioneers, Tokachi, Japan’s greatest diary land and breadbasket, and Furano, which is famous for its beautiful scenery, such as its close proximity to the magnificent Taisetsuzan mountainslocated near the center of Hokkaido. In the eastern and northern Hokkaido regions are Kushiro, which is renowned for wetlands and surrounding lakes and Abashiri, noted for its views of the Sea of Okhotsk.

• Sapporo
  This is Hokkaido 's central city, home to about 1,800,000 people. The city spreads north and south from its center, Odori Park , where the TV tower is located. Highlights include the "Susukino" entertainment district, which contains about 4,000 eating and drinking establishments, and symbols of the pioneer days such as the clock tower, and the old Hokkaido government office.
  
• Otaru/Hakodate
  Otaru is a port town that flourished as a mercantile city from the late 19 th to the early 20 th century. The largest ski slopes in the area, the Niseko Hirafu Ski Resort, is also located in central Hokkaido . Hakodate became Japan 's first trade port following the Treaty of Peace and Amity signed between America and Japan in 1854. Together with Naples and Hong Kong , this exotic town's nightscape is included as one of the three most beautiful nightscapes in the world.
  
• Taisetsu/Furano
  The magnificent sights of the Tokachi Mountain Range and Mt. Daisetsu , which are over 2,000 m in height, can be viewed up close from the farming, dairy and sightseeing center of Furano, which is located near the center of Hokkaido . This area is noted for lavender, which blooms prolifically form late June to late July. Sounkyo is a hot spring resort located at the foot of Mt. Taisetsu . The great canyon, surrounded by cliffs on both sides, is also a sight a worth seeing.
  
• Eastern and Northern Hokkaido
  Kushiro is active in the fishing industry and is the major urban center of eastern Hokkaido . The Kushiro Wetland is and extensive national park of 26,861ha and is inhabited by many species of animal including the protected Japanese crane. Beautiful lakes, such as Lake Kussharo , Lake Mashu and Lake Akan , are spread around the outskirts of Kushiro . Abashiri is a town facing the Sea of Okhotsk and is the only place in Japan where ice drifts can be observed. Nearby is Japan 's largest coastal grasslands, “Wakka Natural Flower Garden”. Shiretoko is known for the wild beauty of tis unspoilt natural environment.

In Japan, “ICHIGO-ICHIE” is a saying that represents the spirit of hospitality. It means to treasure every encounter, for it may occur only once in a lifetime. Each and every one of Japanese awaits your arrival with a warm smile and this eternal tradition in Japanese hearts.

** The below is from Wikipedia. **

Ichi-go ichi-e (一期一会, literally "one time, one meeting") is a Japanese term that describes a cultural concept often linked with famed tea master Sen no Rikyu. The term is often translated as "for this time only," "never again," or "one chance in a lifetime."

Ichi-go ichi-e is linked with Zen Buddhism and concepts of transience. The term is particularly associated with the Japanese tea ceremony, and is often brushed onto scrolls which are hung in the tea room. In the context of tea ceremony, ichi-go ichi-e reminds participants that each tea meeting is unique.

The term is also much repeated in budō (martial ways). It is sometimes used to admonish students who become careless or frequently stop techniques midway to "try again," rather than moving on with the technique despite the mistake. In a life-or-death struggle, there is no chance to "try again." Even though techniques may be attempted many times in the dojo, each should be seen as a singular and decisive event

New Year or Oshogatsu /Shogatsu (お正月）is the important day in Japan. Throughout the period of Japanese New Year, Dec 29 - Jan 4, there are many traditions that related with Japanese’s New Year.

 

Before New Year

• Most people start to prepare a lot of thing for New Year. For example :-  Decoration home, when you walk though the street, you will see many Japanese house is decorated with ornaments which made from pine, bamboo and plum trees. The combination set of this decoration is called “Kadomatsu

 

• Preparing to make Mochi for the New Year 
• Cleaning their house both inside and outside to make home pure
• Sending New Year card

New Year Eve (Dec 31)

The Buddhist temples throughout Japan toll a bell 108 times on New Year's Eve. This is called “Jyoyanokane”  and it starts just before midnight. Many people visit a temple for “Jyoyanokane” , then stay there for the New Year prayer called “Hatsumoude”. But some people stay at their home and enjoy to eat Toshikoshi Soba (buckwheat noodles) and watch television programs. A more recent custom is watching the music show "kohaku uta gassen" which on-aired by NHK, a highly popular television program featuring many of Japan's most famous J-pop and Enka singers in spectacular performances.

 

 

New Year Day (Jan 1)

Starting this day by viewing the first-sunrise of the year (New Year’s first sunrise is called “Hatsu-hinode”) is the best. So, this day is supposed to be full of joy and free of stress and anger, while everything should be clean and no work should be done.

The biggest activity of this day is visiting a shrine or temple (Hatsumoude). So, temples and shrines are crowded with visitors.

There are special New Year’s food consisted of many different dishes which is called “Osechi Ryouri”. Each dish has a meaning such as wishing for happiness.

The kids in Japan receive money, which is called “Otoshidama” , from their parents, relatives and visitors who visit their home.

Moreover, there are a few games traditionally played on New Year day such as

• Hanetsuki (Japanese badminton)

• Takoage (kite flying)

• Karuta (a card game)

 

credit :

http://www.nihongomemo.com/nenchugyoji/oshogatsu.htm

http://www.wikipedia.com

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2064.html

 

Japan’s currency is Yen（円）. Coins are available in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 yen and bank notes in denominations of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 and 10,000 yen.

• The person, who is shown on 1000 yen bank note, is Nasume Soseki who is a famous poet in Meji era.
• The 2000 yen bank note was printed for memorial of Summit at Okinawa in year 2000. The front of this bank note is a Ancient Gate, which name is “Chureimon”
• The person, who is shown on 5000 yen bank note, is Nitobe Inaso who is a famous academician in Meji and Showa era. He is the first person who gave chance to Japanese female to study.
• The person, who has shown on 10000 yen bank note, is Fukusawa Yukichi who is a important thinker and academician in Meji era.
• For 500 yen coin, the figure of this coin is Sakura (Cherry blossom).
• For 10 yen coin, the figure of this coin is Wooden mansion which name is “ Byoukoin ” in Kyoto.
• For 5 yen coin, it is called “Go-en” in Japanese language which it means “Friendship” , so that why Japanese people use this coin into prayer.

From bank note and coin, you can notice that Japanese people pay attention to the good things and persons who is important for social.

Japan has demarcated their land to the parts as same as other country which can describe in below.

• Province level – In Japan, Province level is called as “ 県 – Ken” such as Nara-ken. Moreover, Japan’s province is called different follow province size. The province level which is bigger than normally province is called “ 府 – Fu” and the biggest province level is called “ 都 – To” such as Tokyo-to.
• City level – In Japan, City level is called “ 市 – Shi” , “ 町 – Chou”, “ 村 – Son”
  

Region

Japan has separated to 8 regions such as Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Chubu, kinki, chugoku, shikoku, kyushu

There are 4 seasons in Japan.

1. Winter （冬 - Fuyu）
   • In December - February

   

2. Spring  （春 - Haru）
   • In March – May
   • In this season, there are a lot of spring bloom (include Cherry blossom). In Japan, the spring bloom looks like starting to do the new things, so most of schools will open and most of workers will starter their work in this season.

    

3. Summer （夏 - Natsu）
   • In June – August
   • In this season, Japan will has rain a little bit

   

4. Autumn （秋 - Aki）
   • In September – November
   • In this season, you will see leaves change color from green to red.

   

Geography

Japan is situated in northeastern Asia between the North Pacific and the Sea of Japan. The area of Japan is 377,873 square kilometers, nearly equivalent to Germany and Switzerland combined or slightly smaller than California. Japan consists of four major islands, surrounded by more than 4,000 smaller islands

Shown below are the four major islands, their locations and sizes.

• Hokkaido
  (northern island) 83,000 square kilometers
• Honshu
  (main island) 231,000 square kilometers
• Shikoku
  (smallest island) 19,000 square kilometers
• Kyushu
  (southern island) 42,000 square kilometers

Japan's topographical features include coastlines with varied scenery, towering mountains, which are very often volcanic and twisted valleys that invite visitors into the mysterious world of nature.

Language

There is only one official language spoken in Japan, which is of course Japanese. However, many Japanese are able to understand English to a certain extent since English is the foreign language that everyone must learn as part of compulsory education.

Even if you don't understand Japanese, you can still certainly enjoy Japan. But if you know a few everyday Japanese phrases then it will make your trip even more memorable. A few words make a big difference


Population

Japan's population is over 126 million. Most Japanese reside in densely populated urban areas. Japan's capital city is Tokyo. The population of the Tokyo Metropolitan Area including the city, some of its suburbs and the surrounding area is approximately 12 million.

Shown below are Major cities of Japan and their approximate populations

credit : http://www.jnto.go.jp/en

Welcome to my Japan-Insight blog. You will find good information about Japan here.