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Japanese Patterns: Traditional Motifs and Designs

Japanese Patterns and Designs Full of Dynamic Interpretation of Nature Japanese Patterns - The simplified beauty of nature is seen…

Hiroko Matsuyama

Omikuji: Fortune Slip at Shinto Shrines and Temples in Japan

Tokyo, Japan - 15 March 2017: Omikuji (Paper Fortune) in a drawer at Senso ji. “Omikuji” is a strip of…

Hiroko Matsuyama

Oshogatsu: Joyful Japanese New Year Celebration

Sunrise and Mt. Fuji from Lake Motosu Oshogatsu: How Do Japanese Celebrate The New Year? Oshogatsu - the Japanese New…

Hiroko Matsuyama

Bon Odori Festival: Japanese Buddhist Custom in Summer

TOKYO, JAPAN - AUGUST 10 2012: Paper lanterns and the stage of the Tsukiji Honganji Bon Odori Matsuri - the…

Hiroko Matsuyama

Chado: History of Japanese Tea Rituals with Zen Spirit

Japanese tea ceremony, a woman in kimono holding a tea cup Chado - "The Way of Tea" or "Chano-yu" aka…

Hiroko Matsuyama

Kyudo: History and Differences Compared to Western Archery

Kyudo Japanese Archery Kyudo is Japanese Archery which is called "The Way of the Bow". Among other martial arts, it possesses…

Hiroko Matsuyama

Changing Role of Miko in Japanese Culture Over Time

Young Miko at a Shinto shrine in Tokyo on a clear morning in Spring. A Miko is a shrine maiden…

Hiroko Matsuyama

Kendo: Samurai Spirits and the Life-Giving Sword

Close-up portrait of kendo fighter Kendo is a modern Japanese martial art, which uses bamboo swords (shinai) and protective armor…

Hiroko Matsuyama

Mikoshi: Origin and History of Divine Portable Shrine

The Mikoshi (portable shrine) of the festival in Kyoto Mikoshi - A divine portable shrine of Shinto, which is considered…

Hiroko Matsuyama

The Book of 5 Rings: Winning Strategy of Life by Musashi

Tsuji Miyamoto Musashi gold version The Book of 5 Rings: The author, Miyamoto Musashi was an unparalleled man in swordsmanship…

Hiroko Matsuyama