Facts About JapanGeography

Japan is located in the North Pacific off the coast of Russia and the Korean peninsula. The area of Japan is 377,873km2,
which makes it slightly smaller in land mass than California. Japan consists of four main larger islands and more than 4000
smaller islands. The main islands are Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. Honshu is the largest with an area of
231,000km2. A modern railroad system connects the major islands with Japan's high-speed Shinkansen connecting major
urban areas.

Japan is over 70% mountainous terrain with approximately 18% of the land mass suitable for settlement. Japanese cities
are typically sprawling and densely populated. Tokyo, the capital mega-city of Japan, is located on Honshu island. Central
Tokyo has a population of 12 million people, with the population of the Greater Tokyo Area estimated at over 35 million
people.

The islands of Japan are located in an area known as The Ring of Fire in the Pacific. This is an area with many earthquakes
and volcanic eruptions. Japan is very seismically active with over 1,500 earthquakes per year. In 1923 the Great Kanto
Earthquake killed more than 143,000 people in the Tokyo area. Tsunamis and volcanic eruptions are other natural
destructive forces in Japan. In 1896 in Sanriku, Japan, 27,000 people were killed by a Tsunami caused by an earthquake.

Population
There are over 127,078,679 (July 2009 est.) people living in Japan. For most of Japan's history its borders were closed to
foreigners. As a result, Japan's society is very homogeneous, composed of 98.5% ethnic Japanese. The remaining 1.5
percent are mostly Korean, who number around 1 million. There are also considerable numbers of Brazilians, Chinese, and
Filipinos residing in Japan. There is also an ethnic minority of indigenous people, called Ainu, who live mostly in northern
Hokkaido.

Language
Japanese is the official language of Japan. Many Japanese also have some limited ability in writing and speaking English as
it is a mandatory part of the curriculum in the Japanese educational system. Japanese uses four different writing systems;
Kanji (Chinese characters), Hiragana (phonetic alphabet for native words), Katakana (phonetic alphabet for foreign words),
and Romaji (western alphabet used to write Japanese). Japanese vocabulary has been strongly influenced by loanwords
from other languages, with most loanwords coming from Chinese and English.

Climate
The climate of Japan varies considerably depending on the region and season. Summer is usually very hot and humid,
known to the Japanese as "mushiatsui". From mid July there is a rainy season which lasts around one month. Winters are
usually mild, with the northern areas of Japan receiving more snow. Spring and autumn are usually sunny with mild
temperatures.

Religion
The two major religions in Japan are Shinto and Buddhism. Religion does not play a major role in the life of the average
Japanese, but people usually have religious ceremonies at births, weddings, and funerals. On New Year's day visiting a
temple or shrine is also a common custom. About 1% of the population follow Christianity, which was heavily persecuted
in Japan prior to the Meiji Restoration in 1873.

Quick Facts About Japan

Flag:
Government: Parliamentary with constitutional monarchy

Prime Minister: Taro Aso (elected 2008) recent yukio hotowama

Capital: Tokyo

Population: 127,078,679 (July 2009 est.)

Population Growth Rate: -0.191% (2009 est.), World Rank: 219th

GDP: 4.34 Trillion (2008)

Industries: Consumer electronics, motor vehicles, machine tools, steel, and nonferrous metals

Exports: Motor vehicles, semiconductors, and office machinery

Agriculture: Rice, sugar beets, vegetables, fruit, pork, fish

Currency: Yen

Life Expectancy: Average: 82, Male: 78.8, Female: 85.6

GDP per Capita: $33,800

Literacy Rate: 99%

Unemployment Rate: 4%

Oil imports: 5.425 million bbl/day

Internet Users: 87.5 million

Environmental Issues: Acid rain; Japan is the largest consumer of Amazon rainforest timber

Interesting Facts About Japan

We refer to "Japan" as "Land of the rising sun". The Japanese "know Japan" as "Nippon" or "Nihon" meaning "Origin of the Sun".
Geography of Japan
Situated in Asia, Japan is immediate neighbor to China, Russia and Korea. Consisting of many islands, the four main and prominent
ones are Honshu , Hokkaido , Kyushu and Shikoku .

Of these Honshu is the largest, measuring an area of 87,805 square miles. Almost 80 percent of the Japanese population lives here.
Japan’s tallest mountain Mount Fuji (3,776m) is situated here. Although the volcano here has been dormant since 1708, geologists
classify it as an active volcano. Tokyo stands on the Kanto plain. The Kanto plain is Japan’s largest lowland, spreading across from the
Japanese Alps to the Pacific.

Situated northernmost, Hokkaido is the second largest of the four, covering an area of 30,144 square miles. Consisting mainly of
mountains and forests, this island houses just 5% of Japan's total population. The economy here depends almost entirely on fishing,
forestry and dairy farming. Sapporo is the largest city and administrative centre of Hokkaido.

Situated southernmost, Kyushu is the third largest of the four, covering an area of 14,114 square miles. About 11% of the Japanese
population live here.

Shikoku the smallest of the four islands.

Japan is the 60th largest country in the world, slightly bigger than Germany and about 9 times the size of the Netherlands.

History of Japan
Japan has the oldest surviving monarchy, which happens to be the oldest continuous hereditary in the world.

Japan's national flag is called the Hinomaru . The flag has a red circle against a white background. This red circle symbolizes the rising
sun. The Japanese deity "Amaterasu Omikami" is a sun goddess. "Nippon", Japan's name in Japanese, means "origin of the sun".

Kimigayo, which means "The Emperor's Reign", is Japan’s national anthem. The lyrics are from a 5-line, 31-syllable poem written in
the tenth century. The music was composed in 1880 by an Imperial Court musician Hiromori Hayashi and later harmonized according
to the Gregorian mode.

Life expectancy in Japan is one of the highest in the world. Very few countries like Hong Kong, Singapore, San Marino, Andorra, and
Macau have a slightly higher life expectancy than Japan. On an average the Japanese lives 4 years longer than the American does.

Japanese facts
Being extremely earthquake prone Japan has an average of 1500 earthquakes every year.

The number of volcanoes in Japan is approximately 200.

Most of the Japanese have rice for/with their breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Vandalism rates in Japan are among the least in the world.

A vending machine for a variety of daily requirements is installed at practically every corner in Japanese cities.

Fruits are forbiddingly expensive in Japan. You could end up paying up to $2 for a single apple or peach.

The Japanese love their pizzas topped with mayonnaise and corn.

Haiku is Japanese poetry consisting of only 3 lines.

Kendo, meaning "the way of the sword’, is Japan’s oldest form of martial arts.

Origami is an ancient Japanese art of paper folding.

Sushi (popular worldwide) is a Japanese delicacy of rice and fish dipped in vinegar, wrapped in seaweed.

Japanese always remove their footwear before entering a home. This is to keep the tatami (mat) clean. The tatami is used for sitting
on while eating.

The Japanese eat with chopsticks known as hashi.

The Japanese will shop daily for their meat, fish and vegetable requirements, as they like all their food fresh and unpreserved. This is
one of the prime reasons that small and medium sized refrigerators are sold the most in Japan.

Rice is a staple food and served at almost every meal.

Miso soup is an all time favorite and could be served for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Its main ingredients are a soybean paste dissolved
in a seaweed stock.

A traditional Japanese breakfast is steamed rice topped with natto (fermented soy beans).

Tea is served with practically all meals.

Many women wear platform shoes that are 4 to 6 inches high.

Slippers are worn in the house, never shoes.

Slippers are never worn while sitting on the tatami to have your meals.

Noh, an ancient and very popular type of Japanese theatre can last for up to eight hours.
While smoking is allowed practically anywhere in Japan, you are not allowed to smoke in local trains. Long distance trains have got
designated smoking zones.

Japanese do not submerge themselves into the bath tub and then lather.

They soap outside the tub and rinse it off. Only then do they submerge themselves neck deep into the hot water to refresh and relax.

Japanese use a lot of fish, beef, pork, chicken and variety of seafood in their cooking. Most of their dishes are mildly spiced, flavored
with a variety of soy sauces.

Japanese drive on the left, and have their steering wheels on the right, exactly opposite of what it is in America.

In Japanese villages there is no need to send invitations for a wedding or a funeral. They are considered community events and the
entire village will help in preparing the food, and taking care of all the required arrangements.

While eating in Japan never put in your chopstick upright into the bowl. In the past this was the way to offer food to the dead.

You enjoy slurping while eating, but can’t do it when people (your family, friends, office staff, guests etc. etc.) are around. Japan is the
place for you to be in. Here, you are expected to slurp while having liquids such as soups. If you do not, it is considered that you do
not like the food and the host may feel offended.

Finally, the Japanese are extremely courteous people. If you require something, they will go out of their way and try to help you.

Konnichiwa (kon-nichee wah) is the Japanese way to say " good morning" or "hello."
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Japan is in the continent of Asia.  Its  country is  made up of many islands.  Since the sun rises
in the east, Japan is often called "The Land of The Rising Sun." The Japanese refer to their
country as "Nippon" or Nihon" which means "source of the sun".  The Japanese flag
represents a red sun on a white background.

The capital of Japan is Tokyo.  In fact it is one of the largest cities in the world.  It is modern,
very busy, and extremely crowded.  In fact, today, Japan is a modernized country.  They have
factories, televisions, radios, cameras, and other familiar objects.

A Japanese home is a wooden building that is raised slightly above the ground.  Most
Japanese homes are small, and the rooms are usually separated by moveable paper partitions
called fusama that can be rearranged to change the size or shape of  the room. When the
outside screens are open, the gardens can be seen from every room in the house. Customs
and traditions are very important in Japan. Upon entering a house or apartment  it is customary
to take off your shoes. At dinner families often kneel on cushions surrounding a low table.
Most Japanese food is cooked on a small grill called a hibachi.  The food is usually broiled,
steamed, or fried.  The basic Japanese menu consists of soup and three dishes, each cooked
by a different method.  Dessert is usually artistically cut fresh fruit. Chopsticks are used for
picking up all food.

A kimono (Japanese robe) is worn by many Japanese people on special holidays.  It is colorful
and very pretty.

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On March 3, we celebrate the Girl's Doll Festival which called Hinamatsuri. On this day graceful dolls
dressed in ancient costumes are displayed on a doll-stand and we pray for the sound growth of girls.

Moon-Viewing - The september full moon is called the mid-autumn moon. In Japan,there is an old
tradition of praying to the moon with offerings of pampas grass and rice dumpling.

SportsDay and Athletic Meet...Sports Day, celebrated on October 10th, was established in
commemoration of the Tokyo Olympic Games. The opening ceremony of the Olympic Games was
also held on October 10th. On days before and after the Sports Day, many schools hold an athletic
meet.
Tinted Autumnal Leaves...In mid-October ,the colors of leaves of the forest trees change into red,
brown and yellow. It is customary in Japan to enjoy and view the coloring of the leaves during the fall
season.
Festival of Seven,Five and Three...Festival Day for Children of Three, Five and Seven Years of Age
is on November 15th. Literally, it is called the Festival of "Shichi(7) Go(5) San(3)". The children visit
the shrines dressed up in colorful kimonos.

Origami, an old Japanese art form, is taught to children in Japan.

Read on to learn more about Japan.

Asia- Japan is in this continent

Calligraphy- the art of handwriting with ink and brush

Futon- a thick cotton pad to sleep on at night

Haiku- is poetry with only three lines.  The first and third line have 5 syllables, the second has
seven.

Hiroshima -  The first city in the world to suffer atomic bombing. The atomic bomb named Little
Boy was dropped on Hiroshima by the Enola Gay, a Boeing B-29 bomber, at 8:15 in the
morning of August 6, 1945

Honshu- Japan's largest island

Japan-means source of the sun.  It is also called the land of the rising sun

Kendo-  the oldest form of Japanese martial arts, is Japanese style fencing or sword fighting.  
It means " the way of the sword."

origami-an ancient Japanese art of paper folding

Mt. Fuji- Japan's highest mountain and still an active volcano

Noh-oldest form of traditional theatre, combing words, music, and dance to tell stories about
Japanese history, folktales, and legends.

Shikoku -smallest island in Japan

sushi- patties of rice with vinegar and raw fish wrapped in seaweed

tatami- woven straw mat

tempura- batter fried fish and vegetables

Tokyo-the capital of Japan

yen - Japanese money   

Because Japan is an island country with little flat land and heavy population  densities, most people who
live in cities live in apartments.  Most of these apartments haven't any yards.  Sidewalks separate
buildings from the street are rare.  In rural areas, homes are often one or two story homes.  They have the
roofs and walled gardens.

In Japanese homes, the rooms are small by our standards.  One room has a variety of uses, such as living,
dining, and sleeping.  Lightweight sliding panels made of paper are pasted on frames made of wood. 
These serve as their walls.  They can slide back and forth to make the rooms larger.
 

At night, the living room may become the bedroom.  A futon, a thick cotton padding, is brought out and
placed on a woven straw mat called a tatami. In the morning it is rolled back up and stored until its next
use.
     

During the day, a low table may be placed in the center of a room for meals.  While eating, people sit on
large cushions instead of chairs.

To keep the tamami clean the Japanese remove their shoes when entering a home.  These shoes are
replaced by slippers used only for the indoors.

Some people even have outdoor boots for their dogs.  When you enter a Japanese home, you come first
into a small entrance way.  This is where you must take off your shoes and put on the slippers.A Japanese
meal usually includes several dishes.  Each type of food is served in different bowls or dishes.  The evening
meal is the main meal.  All family members come together and eat.  They eat with chopsticks, which they
call, hashi. Most families must shop every day so they have fresh vegetables, fish and any other food they
might use. 

Rice is the staple of the Japanese diet and is served at every meal.  The word for breakfast means "first
rice."  Fish is the main source of protein, and seafood is the main course.  The Japanese eat three times as
much fish as meat.  Two popular seafood dishes are sushi, patties of rice with vinegar and raw fish
wrapped in seaweed, and sashimi, raw seafood dipped in a tangy sauce.  Other favorites are: tempura,
batter fried fish and vegetables; sukiyaki, strips of beef and vegetables; and yakitori, squares of grilled
chicken served on a skewer.
     

Since Japan is a nation of islands surrounded by the ocean, it isn't surprising that the products of the sea
appear on their dinner table daily.  In addition to fish, seaweed is used for wrapping food like sushi and
for flavoring foods.  Miso soup is a favorite which can be served for breakfast, lunch or dinner.  It is made
from a soybean paste dissolved in a seaweed stock.  Soy, is loaded with vitamins and nutrients.  In fact,
they eat much healthier than we do in the United States.

If you were living in Japan this is what your meals might consist of.

Breakfast:  hot steamed rice, small pieces of grilled, salted fish; pickled vegetables; miso soup; green tea

Lunch:  boiled rice, fish or meat, vegetables, tea

Dinner:  rice, clear soup, broiled fish with soy sauce, steamed custard made with chicken and vegetables,
tempura, pickles, rice, tea

TOKYO
Tokyo is the capital and largest city of Japan. It is the third largest country in the world.  Only
Mexico City and the Southern Korean city in Seoul have more people. About 8 1/3 million
people live in Tokyo.  Many countries have fewer people than this city does.
Tokyo is the main business center of Japan as well as the home of the emperor.  The city's
many banks, commercial establishments, and industries help make Japan one of the richest
nations in the world.

 In many ways, Tokyo seems like an American city.  It has tall buildings, freeways jammed with
traffic, and more neon lights than any other city in the world!

 Tokyo is one of Japan's 47 prefectures, but it is called  a metropolis (to) instead of prefecture
(ken). The metropolis of Tokyo consists of 23 wards (ku) which comprise the core of the city,
several more villages and cities in the West of 23-wards-Tokyo as well as a few islands in the
Pacific Ocean. About eight million people live in 23-wards-Tokyo and twelve million in the
whole metropolis. However, since Tokyo's suburbs extend into the neighboring prefectures,
Greater Tokyo can have a population of up to 30 million people according to some statistics.

The government moved to Tokyo in the year 1603 when Tokugawa Leyasu established the
Tokugawa  Bakufu in Tokyo (then called Edo). With the Meiji Restoration of 1868, Edo was
renamed Tokyo (Eastern capital). The emperor moved from Kyoto to Tokyo.

Tokyo and its surroundings were almost completely destroyed in the year 1923 when the Great
Kanto Earthquake hit the Kanto plain and later during World War ll.

Honshu    Hokkaido     Kyushu     Shikoku    

Honshu, Japan's largest island, has an area of 87,805 square miles.  About 80% of the Japanese people
live here.

Three mountain ranges run side by side across northern Honshu. Many people live in small valleys.
Agriculture is the chief occupation. 

The towering peaks of the Japanese Alps, Japan's highest mountains, rise central Honshu.  East of these
mountains, a chain of volcanoes cuts across the center of the island.  Japan's highest mountain and most
famous peak, Mt. Fuji, or Fujiyama, is one of these volcanoes.  Mount Fuji is inactive.  The Kanto Plain,
the country's largest lowland, spreads east from the Japanese Alps to the Pacific.  This lowland is an
important center of industry and agriculture.  Tokyo stands on this Plain.

 
Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan's four major  islands, covers 30,144 square miles.  It is the country's
second largest island, but has only about 5% of Japan's total population.  The largest city Hokkaido's and
administrative center of the island is Sapporo.

Much of the island consists of forested mountains and hills.  The economy depends  mainly of dairy
farming, forestry. and fishing.  The island is also very popular  for winter sports since it has long winters
and heavy snowfall.

Kyushu, the southernmost of the main islands is 14,114 square feet.  After Honshu, Kyushu is Japan's
most heavily populated island, with about 11% of the population.

Mount Fuji, Honshu, Japan

Location: 35.4N, 138.7E
Elevation: 3,776 m

View of Fuji from the Bullet Train. The crater on the flank was created by the 1707 eruption.
Photograph courtesy of Mike Lyvers.

 The volcano rises about 3,500 m above the surrounding plain. Fuji has erupted at least 16 times since 781 AD. Most
of these eruptions were moderate to moderate-large in size. The most recent eruption was in 1707-1708 from a vent
on the southeast side of the cone. The eruption ejected 0.8 cubic km of ash, blocks, and bombs. Five historic
eruptions have caused damage, including the 1707-1708 eruption, but no fatalities. Fuji had two large eruptions. 

Mt. Fuji or Fujiyama  is the highest mountain (3,776m or 12,285ft) in Japan and is world-famous for its superb
conical form. This symbol of the beautiful land is located on the border of Shizuoka and Yamanashi Prefectures.
Although it has been dormant, it is classified by geologists as an active. More than 200,000 people climb to the top of
Mt. Fuji in a year. Thirty percent  of them are foreigners. 

 To the Japanese mind, Fujisan is much more than a single volcano. It is regarded as a sacred object, and the
climbing of Mt. Fuji has long been a religious practice. It has exerted a great influence upon Japanese culture.
Throughout the history of Japanese art and literature, this holy mountain has been the subject of uncountable
poems and pictures. The yearning for greatness and beauty symbolized by Fujisan led the ancients to name many
local mountains and towns after this beautiful mountain. Some sumo wrestlers and popular stars also have ring
names or stage names associated with Fujisan. (Bates Hoffer, An English Dictionary of Japanese Culture)
 

Fuji's summit and crater. Photographs courtesy of Mike Lyvers.

Fuji's crater.
Fuji's crater.

Fuji's summit and crater.

A long line of climbers ascending Fuji.

A long line of climbers ascending Fuji.

 Mount Fuji is famous for its perfectly symmetrical cone. This photograph shows the shadow of Fuji projected of
the adjacent countryside at sunrise. This photograph, taken in May of 1962, is copyrighted by Robert Decker.

Interesting facts about Japan

Japan is an Asian country that has many interesting facts concerning it.

Did you know that it is considered quite rude to blow your nose in public?

Did you know that in 1192 Yortomo was named the first shogun by the
emperor?  His family ( the Minamoto clan) governed Japan. Did you know that
the  Japan`s National Anthem`s  name is Kimigayo? It means "His Majesty`s
Reign."   Did you know that there is a meaning for that boring little red dot on
Japan`s flag?  The boring little  red dot stands for the sun. Did you know that
in Japan they have Poke'mon  cards?  They call them Poke'monsters.
Japan is made up of

·       Japan is 70% mountains

·       Japan is made up of over 6000 islands

·       Kris and Jessica live in Japan

·       There are wild monkeys in Japan

·       Wild monkeys don’t like to be looked at in the eye

·       The Japanese Prime Minister is elected by the legislature, not the people

·       Legend says that the Japanese monarchy began in the 7th Century BC

·       In Japan they eat squid, octopus, eel, all fish, crabs, prawns, etc…

·       A traditional Japanese breakfast consists of rice topped with natto (fermented soy beans)

·       The Japanese say that the Chinese will eat anything

·       Golden Retrievers are the most popular pet

·       The Japanese use four different writing systems

·       In Japanese, the word for “wrong” and “different” are the same

·        American shows shown in Japan are: Ally McBeal, Dharma and Greg, Beverly Hills 90210, Full
House, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Boy Meets World, Animal Rescue Kids
·       In Japan, Ally Mc Beal is called “Ally My Love” because McBeal when said in a Japanese dialect
sounds like McBeer

·       Junior High and High School students wear uniforms

·       Elementary school students wear yellow caps

·       In Japan, the teachers move from class to class and the students stay in one room

·       At McDonalds the hamburgers are the same size as in America, but the drink sizes are one size smaller

·       “McDonalds” in a Japanese dialect sounds lilke “Ma-ku-do-na-ru-do”

·       Japanese is hard (Nihongo wa muzukashi des)

·       In Japan it is not uncommon to see women wearing platform shoes that are 4 to 6 inches high

·       Instead of “Ohayo Gozaimasu” (good morning), Japanese youngsters often say “Oha!”

·       Christianity comprises less than 10% of the Japanese population

·       Normal Japanese kitchens don’t have ovens

·       The bathroom is not where the toilet is found in a Japanese home

·       In Japan, when you move into an apartment, you have to bring your own light fixtures

·       There’s no such thing as central heat and air in Japan

·       A futon is not what you think it is…

·       One US dollar is approximately 120 yen

·       You don’t wear shoes in the house, you wear slippers

·       There are special slippers for the toilet

·       You don’t wear your slippers into a tatami mat room

·       In Japan, a night at the movies will cost you $18 per person

·       In Japan you get really good (annoying???) service when shopping

·       Japanese department stores are usually multiple stories, with a grocery store on the bottom, clothes
and bedding in the middle, and restaurants on the top

·       Japanese pizza has mayonnaise, corn, and seaweed on it

·       Japanese salad has corn in it

·       The Japanese think that Americans eat corn and potatoes every day

·       Fruit is very expensive in Japan

·       Watermelons in Japan can cost up to $100

·       Peaches are $2.00 a piece

·       There are Japanese people in Japan

·       The second highest population is Chinese, followed by Korean, Brazilian, Peruvian…

·       There are very few public trashcans in Japan

·       A traditional Japanese toilet looks like a urinal lying on the floor

·       In Japan, they know more about Chinese food than Americans do

·       In Japan even local calls are charged by the minute

·       In Japan you eat your soup with chopsticks

·       In Japan many people wear uniforms i.e. bank tellers, grocery store clerks, postal workers…

·       In Japan, most people say that they are Buddhist, but don’t believe in the Buddha

·       Aspiring young Japanese musicians play on street corners and in subway stations hoping to get
discovered

·       The “WALK” lights on Japanese street corners make a chirping sound so that the blind can know
when to cross the street

·       Japanese subways are very clean and safe

·       People sleep on their way home on the subway and the train

·       Japanese cars are mostly the same size as American cars

·       In Japan they drive on the left side

·       Japanese streets are very narrow

·       Streets in Japan don’t have names

·       Pokemon is not popular in Japan

·       Rice cookers are great and easy to use

·       In Japan,  fair skin is regarded as beautiful

·       Many Japanese women dye their hair brown

·       Refrigerators in Japan are tiny

·       There are very few original castles in Japan because of bombing during WW2

·       Whale is a delicacy

·       Everyone hangs their clothes outside to dry

·       Japan is the world’s largest consumer of tropical rainforest timber

·       Japan has 28 National Parks and 55 Quasi-National Parks

·       Japan is divided into nine large regions and further divided into 47 smaller prefectures

·       Japan has the seventh largest population in the world

·       You can catch a train to and from Nagoya every 15 minutes

·       You can catch a subway train every three minutes in Nagoya

·       The Shinkansen (bullet train) passes Kris and Jessica’s house every fifteen minutes

·       The Japanese know more about American politics than Americans do

·       Popular Japanese bands are: Glay, Smap, Hana Hana, Shingo Mama, The Yellow Monkey, Luna Sea,
Whiteberry, Arc~en~Ceil, Da Pump, Kinki Kids, etc…

·       Popular Japanese music is terrible

·       Western celebrities in Japanese commercials are: Catherine Zeta-Jones for Lux Super Rich Shampoo,
Cameron Diaz for Aeon Language School, Ewan McGregor for Aeon Language School, Nicholas Cage for
Pachinko (what a dork), Brad Pitt for both Roots canned coffee and jeans, Tiger Woods for Wonda
canned coffee, George Clooney for Toyota, Naomi Campbell for Lipton Canned Tea

·       In Japan you can buy canned coffee, hot or cold, in vending machines

·       In Japan, Pert shampoo is called Rejoy

·       In Japan, 20 capsules of cold medicine cost $15

·       Because Japan has a socialized medical system, if you get the tiniest bit sick people think you should go
to the doctor so you can get your medicine for free instead of paying $15 for cold medicine

·       Kyoto and Nara were consciously spared from bombing during World War 2 because of the cultural
significance of their architecture and way of life

·       The name “Tokyo” when broken down into kanji means “east” and “capital”

·       The name “Kyoto” when broken down into kanji means “capital” and “capital”

·       Noh, a type of Japanese theatre, can be up to eight hours long

·       In Japanese, languages all end in –go : Nihongo, Eigo, Spango, etc…

·       In Japanese, citizen terms end in –jin : Nihonjin, Amerikajin, Perujin, etc…
What is Calligraphy?
Calligraphy (shodo: "the way of writing") is the art of writing beautifully. Most children learn calligraphy
in elementary school. It is a popular hobby for adults, too.

A calligraphy set consists of:

 Shitajiki: Black, soft mat. It provides a comfortable, soft surface.

o Bunchin: Metal stick to weight down the paper during writing.

o Hanshi: Special, thin calligraphy paper.
o Fude: Brush. There is a larger brush for writing the main characters and a smaller
one for writing the artist's name. The small brush, however, can be used for the characters, too.
o Suzuri: Heavy black container for the ink.
o Sumi: Solid black material that must be rubbed in water in the suzuri to produce
the black ink which is then used for writing. Of course, "instant ink" in bottles is also available.

Unlike the strokes of Roman letters, the strokes of Japanese characters have to be drawn in the
correct order, not arbitrarily. When you learn Chinese characters, you draw one stroke after the
other. This is called the square (Kaisho) style of writing kanji. The Japanese, however, rarely
use this style of writing kanji. There are two faster styles of writing in which the kanji become a
little bit less legible. It is like writing Roman letters in a fast way: everything is written in only a
few strokes. These two styles are called semicursive (Gyosho) and cursive (Sosho).

Kaisho: Gyosho: Sosho:

Square style* Semicursive style* Cursive style*

* by Mitsuyo Okamura * by Stefan Schauwecker (calligraphy beginner)

Shodo is the Japanese word for Calligraphy. It means not just penmanship, but the Way or the Path of
writing. In China and Japan, Shodo has long been regarded as one of the most important forms of art.
The Japanese have two sets of characters for writing sounds. Hiragana have rounded strokes, while
Katakana use mostly straight lines. Katakana are used mainly to write words borrowed from other
languages and names of foreign people and places as well as to denote sounds and cries of animals
 

Kanji is the Japanese word for the written characters that are said to have been created in China
several thousand years ago, though nobody knows exactly where or when. The way kanji got started
was from pictures people drew. Over a long period of time the shape of the pictures changed, and so
most of them no longer look like the original objects. But they still stand for whole words or parts of
words. here are many thousands of them; one big dictionary has about 50,000. But people don't
actually use that many. There are about 2,000 of them on the list the government has drawn up for
regular use. Elementary school children learn 1,006 by the end of sixth grade. Middle school students
learn to write sentences with these 1,006 and learn to read another 939.

Japanese character-writing has two stages. First, a student gets acquainted with the tools and learns a
basic technique for handling them; this is the SHUJI stage. When he has this technique and can write
freely various letters, he goes on to a deeper,more artistic level, SHODO. Every student must
understand the history and proper use of the calligrapher's tools. As the calligraphic styles evolved
over the centuries, calligraphers struggled, to refine their techniques and through trial and error have
brought Shodo to the present high level of achievement. The traditions of Wang Hsi-chin, Ou-yang
Hsun, the Han Clerical styles, and the Six Dynasty styles were all created from these crucibles of
experience. It has become standard practice to study these techniques in order to become a full-
fledged calligrapher.

  #1  #2
#3

As I watched young children practice their writing, I was reminded of what an old Chinese calligrapher, I met in China said
about his art. "I always meditate a few minutes before picking up the brush. This clears my mind of worldly things and
then I visualized the character on the page in it's finished state. Then I simply traced over the image I see in my mind. " I
videotaped a jr. high student as he began to create a character and I saw him take a big breath , then stare at the paper , take
another breath and began his first stroke with a very steady hand. You might remember this technique if decide to let your
students try.

 
  Looks like the
students did
better with the
lesson than

the teachers in
our group. That
didn't surprise
any of us!!

#4

Because they have so many characters to learn, children master brush techniques at an early age. I remembered that when I saw
small 4x5 self-portrait ink paintings in the art class completed by

4 th and 5 th graders. Their fine motor skills are highly developed by the jr. high grades and their art work reflects that. In the three
calligraphy classes I observed, no one spilled the ink. If my very young art students were given the same materials, I am sure we
would have several accidents.

Links:
Calligraphy

Japanese Calligraphy

Kanji Calligraphy

Works of Mukon Ohmori

History of Japanese Calligraphy

Kakejiku (hanging scroll) are paintings or calligraphy mounted with strips of luxurious fabric on flexible backing paper so that it can be
rolled up for storage. Since the Muroachi period (1333-1568),Kakejiku have been the major artwork placed in the Tokonoma.

Sensu (Japanese folding fans) are traditional accessories carried by both men and women. Originating in Kyoto in the seventh century
(670 A.D.),they are made of just bamboo and paper. Those made of white paper are usually decorated with painted or printed design
or calligraphy.

Shodou's Room

Quicktime movies of the process if you have time to download.

The Brush is Mightier than the Pen

A short essay from the Asahi Evening News on the Bureau of Decoration and calligraphy's significance in the governance of Japan.

Sako Yanase show Reagan Students(Primary Class) Japanese Calligraphy

Sako is a college student from Japan attending the University of Mary Hardin Baylor.

Japanese Calligraphy Class

Students and teachers can learn by mail.

Student Calligraphy Club-Working large!!

Eri Takase. I am an artist specializing in Japanese Calligraphy.

Your Name in Japanese

The Diplomas of Ryoma Elementary School

Every year the sixth graders of Ryoma Elementary School in Yoshino, Japan make their own diplomas. As befitting an important paper
making area, the student make their diplomas starting in the Kozo field.

Calligraphy is an art form that has been studied for over three thousand years. A knowledge of calligraphy is an
important step in the understanding of Japanese culture. Calligraphy is not merely an exercise in good handwriting,
but rather the foremost art form of the Orient. It is the combination of the skill and imagination of the person who
has studied intensely the combinations available using only lines. In the West, calligraphy was intended to suppress
individuality and produce a uniform style. Japanese calligraphy (sho in Japanese) attempts to bring words to life,
and endow them with character. Styles are highly individualistic, differing from person to person. Japanese
calligraphy presents a problem for westerners trying to understand it; the work is completed in a matter of seconds
so the uninitiated cannot really appreciate the degree of difficulty involved. However, bear in mind that the
characters must be written only once. There is no altering, touching up, or adding to them afterwards.

 Look up your Japanese name  

Some of this is from the web site listed

below. Pictures are.

 Copyrighted by
Bettie Lake,1998

Most of us will remember folding paper cups, salt cellars (we called them 'cootie' catchers
or 'fortune tellers') and paper balloons as children in elementary school. There is more to
origami than these simple models would lead us to believe. Origami comes from the Japanese
words for folding, ori, and the Japanese word for paper, kami.

History of Origami
Since about the first century AD, the time when it is believed that paper was first
invented in China, people have been folding paper into various shapes. The Chinese developed
some simple forms, some of which survive down to this day. When the secret of paper was
carried to Japan in the sixth century AD by Buddhist monks, it was quickly integrated into
their culture.

Origami: Fold art, geography and cultural studies into one lesson
Origami, the ancient Japanese art of paper folding, can be an interesting way to combine
art lessons with units on social studies, culture and even history and geography.

The Ten Commandments of Origami

1.Choose suitable paper and cut to required form and size.
2.Fold paper cleanly and carefully, especially at the small points of corners.

Origami USA
Welcome to the OrigamiUSA web site. OrigamiUSA is a not-for-profit, tax exempt
educational and cultural arts organization which is dedicated to the sharing of paperfolding
in America and around the world.

About Origami
The Japanese word "Origami" is now an internationally recognized word and is synonymous
with the art and craft of paper folding. "Origamido", the way of origami, is a personal
journey of learning, creating, teaching, using, and appreciating origami.

Top of Page
Paper folding Instructions Sites

The Keiki Page: Origami for Kids

This site has links to many origami figures. Print the page and fold to make your creation.
Excellent stating page for kids.

Origani for Beginners: The Swan

This is written so parents can read the instructions while kids fold...but don't read aloud!
Just use the written instructions to give some pointers if necessary. Pictures are sometimes
enough by themselves.

Jasper's Guide to Paper folding Instructions On the Web

If you follow along with these handy guides, you can make your own beautiful models in just
a few minutes.

Eric's Origami Page!

Welcome to my origami page! Origami is the art of folding paper. The word is Japanese,
literally meaning "to fold" (oru) "paper" (kami).

Origami page of Edward Crankshaw

Jim Plank's Origami Page

How to Fold a Crane

Fascinating Folds

Let's Try Origami

Origami - the ancient art of papar folding

ORIGAMI - Paper folding for fun

Jopephy Wu's Origmai Page

Origami Sociteit Nederland

The Geometry Junkyard - Origami

Shapes within Shapes - Origami

Arts & Crafts Class - Let's Fold ORIGAMI!

West Coast Origami Guild

YAHOO: Origami Pages

Check out Yahoo's list of origami pages at this site.

Seach Index for Origami

Search For Models

The Index is a representation of a database containing over 4800 models that have been published in
periodicals and books. The database has been compiled by a number of volunteers.

Top of Page

Origami Listservice

Origami on The Internet: An Origami List service

More than anything else, the internet rekindled my interest in origami. To add your name to a list service for
origami resources and discussion, choose this site.

Top of Page

Teaching Resources

Learning With Origami

This site contains many link to origami resources including resources for teachers.

Why is origami so good for you?

I am writing from the perspective of an art teacher who likes to exercise a child's brain; to stretch them out
in directions that could use a little flexibility so they build an awareness of alternative ways of thinking, and
to strengthen them in areas that will serve them in regular academic tasks. Origami does all that in an
enjoyable way.

Educational Benefits of Paper Folding

This section is designed to help teachers and educators (and parents) explore the world or Origami and the
Paper Arts from an educational viewpoint. Origami makes learning more enjoyable and when learning is fun -
children learn more!

MAP OF JAPAN

Courtesy of: http://jin.jcic.or.jp/kidsweb/japan/map/j_regi.html

Courtesy of: http://www.jwindow.net/JMAP/htmls/Jmap-all-japan.html

Japanese Education

Japanese have many more hours of school time compared to the U.S. They go to school from April to
March, have less summer vacation, more periods, and many other additions. Japanese students also have
six series of schools to go through:

 Kindergarten - ages two to six

 Primary School - ages six to twelve
 Junior High School - ages twelve to fifteen
 Senior High School - ages fifteen to 
eighteen
 After graduating Senior High School;
Professional School - starts at
eighteen
 Junior College - starts at eighteen
  University - starts at eighteen

After graduating University:

 Graduate School - starts at twenty-

two

There are many different qualities of schools from kindergarten on. To be accepted into a higher quality
school you have to take an entrance exam. Almost everything in their schools are working towards getting
them ready for tests that

will prepare them for another level of schooling. Teachers are not responsible for each child accomplishing
theses goals. If a student doesn't understand a concept, then they are expected to get help through the
"cram school" which meets twice a month on Saturdays. Most students spend time after school hours
attending club activities such as sports, tea ceremony, art clubs, computer, language and Ikbana or drama or
music. And each class takes several field trips each year. At least one will be an overnight trip to an
important city nearby. Kyoto was a favorite place to visit.

Kabuki is a traditional form of Japanese theater. It was founded early in the 17th century by Okuni, a shrine
maiden who brought her unique and lively dance style to the dry river beds of the ancient capital of Kyoto, and
over the next 300 years developed into a sophisticated, highly stylized form of theater.

Though Kabuki was created by a woman, since early on all roles have been taken by men. Men who play the
roles of women are referred to as "onnagata" female role specialists. Ichimura Manjiro , an actor who actively
participates in this page, is an "onnagata".

Kabuki plays and dances may be about grand historical events or the everyday life of people in the Edo period
(1600-1868). For each play, though, the sets, music, costumes and other factors combine to create the fantastic
world of Kabuki. We hope you enjoy exploring this page.

The shamisen is the most important instrument in Kabuki. Imported to Japan around the same time
Kabuki was created, it became the main instrument for all schools of music started in the Edo period.
Here Manjiro plays a short passage often used in dances that feature characters of great strength.
The tsuzumi is the central instrument around which the percussion ensemble is formed. Its
distinctive "pon" is a symbol for traditional Japanese culture as a whole

The Odaiko drum is used to create various sound effects, such as the sound of rain or the wind. The
fast beats used here symbolize the appearance of a ghost. Note how the eerie sound of the flute adds
to the effect.

The Okawa side drum has a sharp, distinctive sound that sets it apart from the other drums with
softer skins.

Usually the first sound one hears when one enters the theater is the shime daiko drum, which is used
to signal the beginning and end of a performance.

First, wax is applied to the eyebrows and oil is spread on the areas where make-up is to be
applied to help the make-up stick.

Oshiroi, or white face cream, is applied as a base. The shade of white depends on the role to
be played: young or old, princess or commoner, or any other number of factors

Mehari, or red lines, are added to accent the eyes, and eyebrows are drawn in. The
eyebrows are one of the most important aspects of expressing the role to be played. A small
amount of lipstick is applied to further express the characteristics of the role.

Make-up is applied not only to create a pretty face, but is also a way for the actor to get
into character. It provides a chance for the actor to actually become his role.
 Finished.

Make-up provides an outer expression of the heart.

Thanks to this web site:

What is sumo wrestling?

Wrestling is a popular sport that dates back many thousands of years. 

Sumo wrestling is not only the oldest of Japan’s various martial arts, it also
evolved into the most distinct and ritualistic.  It is  still heavily centered around
the Shinto religion. When the sport was first introduced 1500 years ago it was
performed mostly to ensure good harvests.

 Sumo wrestling's popularity quickly spread, becoming a more public and

widespread event. Matches were usually brutal, the loser often expected to
forfeit his life. By the 7th century Sumo had fallen under the protection of the
warring Shogunite regime and was largely banned as a public spectacle. Only
the samurai, or warrior class, were allowed to practice it as part of their military
training. 

Once peace was finally restored Sumo once again fell under the backing of the
Japanese royal courts and was dubbed the Imperial sport. By the 15th century
Sumo wrestling had adopted a set of strict rules and the most talented
champions were offered aid by powerful feudal lords. In the early 1700’s
“banzuke” or ranking lists, were established, a system which is still strictly
adhered to today. The objective of the “sumotori”, or competitors, many of
whom weigh between 250 and 500 pounds, is to either knock his opponent from
a specially-sized ring or maneuver him so that any part of his body touches the
ground. This is done by using one or a series of 70 accepted Sumo moves, some
of which are pushing, slapping, hoisting, tripping, pinning or throwing. Six 15
day tournaments are held each year in Japan in the cities of Tokyo, Osaka,
Nagoya and Fukuoka.

Sumo matches are fought in a “dohyo”, a raised and sanctified platform

constructed with clay and sand and onto which a 14 foot 10 inch circle is
marked out using half buried straw bales. Suspended above the ring is a
wooden structure that resembles the roof of Shinto shrine. Each Sumo
tournament begins with much pageantry and ceremony. The wrestlers, the
referees, and the various attendants and helpers wear colourful attire, the
design of which remains steeped in ancient traditions and meanings dating back
to Japan’s Edo period. The grand champions, all wearing intricately embroidered
silk aprons some of which are worth in excess of 500,000 yen, enter the ring
first and begin their own elaborate rituals called “doyho-iri”. After gathering in
a circle, clapping hands and performing lengthy and ritualistic postulating, they
leave the ring, making way for the other lower-ranked sumatori who then carry
out the same ritual.

 
 

There is no weight class in Sumo wrestling so very often the “Rikishi”, or

competitors, find themselves squaring off against a much heftier opponent. The
match begins when two Rikishi enter the ring, now stripped to nothing but their
traditional loin cloth, or “Mawashi”, a belt that when unwrapped can stretch to
30 feet. Next the “chiri-chozu” ceremony is performed. Both men squat at
opposite ends of the ring, extend their arms, then clap their hands once. The
wrestlers move on to perform the “Shiko,” an exaggerated foot stamping ritual
after which each man reaches into a basket of unrefined salt and tosses it to
purify the ring.

Now the match is almost ready to start; each man strides to a marked white
line, crouches down, clenches his fists, then proceeds to glare in the hopes of
breaking the other’s focus. These glare-offs are timed and may not extend past
4 minutes. At any time during the 4 minute countdown, the Rikishi may lunge at
each other and begin grabbing each other. Hair pulling, punching with the fists,
gouging around the eyes and kicking vital areas are strictly prohibited. Often a
match lasts mere seconds before the more powerful or agile opponent executes
a deft move and tosses, pushes, slaps or in some other way disqualifies his
rival.

A Sumo wrestler’s ranking depends solely on the number of matches he wins

during official tournaments. Even a grand champion may fall from the top ranks
if, during the course of these tournaments, his losses outnumber his wins.
Twenty awards are divided amongst the competitors of the six different Sumo
divisions, the most prestigious being the Emperor’s Cup. The goal of every Sumo
wrestler is to have his name engraved on the cup and his life-sized portrait
displayed for the masses. One of Japan’s most popular Sumo wrestlers,
Chiyonofuji, has won the Emperor’s Cup no less than 27 times.

The training regimen for Sumo wrestlers is strict and rigorous and is generally
supervised by retired Rikishi. There are numerous Sumo schools in Japan and
young recruits usually enter as teenagers. Each youth must pass a weight class
before acceptance. The schools teach rules, etiquette, basic techniques and the
history of Sumo. Scouts from various “stables” , or Sumo training centers, visit
schools to recruit promising students who they hope might become the next
stars of the Sumo ring. Once a young man enters a stable he must be totally
committed to the years of training required to become an accomplished rikishi.
Even within a Sumo stable there is a specific and strictly enforced ranking. The
youngest recruits are often required to rise as early as 4 AM to train and are
expected to act as assistants or to wait on the older rikishi during mealtimes.
All meals are prepared using high protein foods for optimum weight gain. For
centuries it was believed that the larger the wrestler’s girth, the greater his
chance of becoming a grand champion. However, health problems have plagued
Sumo wrestlers for decades.  Many ailments are a direct result of rapid and
excessive weight gain. In an effort to produce healthier fighters various stables
no longer practice force feeding. Others have also adopted weight training and
other forms of exercise to create slimmer, yet equally powerful wrestlers.

The Sumo Association of Japan is the foremost governing body of Sumo

wrestling and consists of retired or “elder” rikishi. Besides overseeing
tournaments and other events, the Association also divides allowances amongst
the 40 established Sumo stables across Japan. Additional sponsorship from
wealthy businessmen and the general public is also encouraged.

Despite Sumo wrestling archaic ritual and tradition, the sport continues to draw
new fans and growing international interest. Hundreds of Sumo wrestlers of
various nationalities earn comfortable livelihoods, participating in matches not
only in Japan, but in Europe, North America and Britain. Grand champions attain
celebrity status and garner much adulation from dedicated fans. Women are
even stepping into the squared Sumo circle. In 1997 Japan held its first ever
Sumo championship for women. How far these grappling ladies will progress in
what has for centuries been a male-dominated contact sport remains to be
seen.

The Japanese crane, known for its slender,

elegant figure, is a member of the crane
family. It its considered to be most beautiful
when it spreads open its long wings. In
Japan, the Japanese crane, inhabits the
eastern regions of the northern island of
Hokkaido. After a drastic decrease in its
numbers after World War II, various
preservation efforts have led to a recovery of
the Japanese crane population in recent
years.
The Japanese crane has been given an
endangered species rating of 2 (Vulnerable)
in the Red Data Book, a Japanese version of
the IUCN's Red List of Threatened Animals.

The Japanese River Otter, a member

of
the weasel family, reaches approximately 70
centimeters (28 inches) in length. The
creature once widely inhabited midstream
and downstream regions along rivers
throughout Japan. However, its number has
drastically diminished due to excessive pelt
hunting.

The last official sighting of the Japanese

River Otter was in the southern part of
Kochi Prefecture in 1979, and since that
time, no sighting of the otter has ever been
confirmed. An official search to ensure its
survival has recently gone under way.

The Japanese River Otter is currently

classified as a ,Critically Endangered,
species in the Red Data Book.

The species was eventually considered to be

the real source of the Japanese mythological
figure, "Kappa".

Sightings of Witness of Japanese River

Otter have not been recorded since 1979.
However, research to verify of its existence
is still being continued today.

The Snow Monkey of Shimokita Peninsula

inhabits the northernmost region of
Japan's main island, which is the world's
coldest spot inhabited by primates
(excluding

humans). The species has a short tail

despite the fact that it belongs to the "old-
world" monkey family, which is
characterized by a long tail. The Snow
Monkey of Shimokita Peninsula is
currently classified in the Red Data Book
as a "Threatened Local Population"
species.
The sea turtle, a symbol of long life and
good luck, has been loved for centuries. The
Loggerhead Turtle, belonging to the sea
turtle family, makes its home in the seas of
tropical and temperate regions.
However, the number of Loggerhead

Turtles has been decreasing due to waste

disposal problems, land reclamation
projects, and contamination of the oceans.
The Loggerhead Turtle is currently
classified as a "Vulnerable" species in the
Red Data Book.

The Japanese Golden Eagle, a member of

the eagle family, reaches 80 to 90
centimeters (32 to 36 inches) in length, and
is characterized by its large, black wings
and distinct golden wash over the back of
the head. The majestic raptor, a most
dominating figure in the bird kingdom,
makes its home in mountainous regions in
Japan. However, its number in the wild
has diminished due to human
environmental development projects.
The Japanese Golden Eagle is currently
classified in the Red Data Book as an
"Endangered" species. Assembly
instructions for paper sculptures of the
Japanese Golden Eagle, as well as photo
images of completed sculptures, may be
downloaded at this web site.

 Ueno Zoo, the oldest zoo in Japan

Children in Japan often celebrate New Year's Day by flying long-tailed kites. The kites may be in any
shape and may be very large or very small. They are usually made of paper or cloth over a wooden frame,
but they also can be made of plastic. A favorite decoration is a dragon with a fierce face and a long tail.
Some kites have faces of demons or brave soldiers painted on them.

Many Japanese children design and build their own kites. They make them look like butterflies, cranes or
even fish. Some kites have wings or tails on them. Box kites are made for flying on very windy days.

HATA KITE

A Japanese fighter kite beautifully made and decorated by Seiko Nakamura one of best Hata kite makers in
Japan.
 

The most important part of building kites is being able to fly them, either alone or with other people.
Japanese children like to challenge others to launch and guide kites into the sky. Sometimes they have kite
fights. In one area of Japan, knife-blades are fastened to kite strings so that those flying them can try to
cut a competitor's string and make that kite fly off into the sky.

 HIRADO ONIYOCHO

A kite from Hirato -Nagasaki area

The large staring eyes and sharp teeth represent the helmet worn by the Samurai Warrior who needed to be easily
recognizable on the battlefield by their own soldiers and commanders.

If it has a face beneath the helmet only the children of the Samurai should fly it. The bamboo frame is one of the
most complex of Japanese kites.

DARUMA DAKO

Daruma means Boditharma who was an Indian Zen Monk, who introduced
Buddhism into China. It is said he prayed and meditated for nine years without
moving and lost the use of his legs. He is always painted without legs and is a
symbol of patience. He is also famous for his staring and fierce eyes. Daruma is
depicted on many Japanese kites.

Made and painted by Mikio Toki one of Japan's best kite makers.
  HATA KITE

  A Japanese fighter kite beautifully made and

decorated by Seiko Nakamura one of best Hata kite
makers in Japan.

 LARGE EDO KITE

A 3 metre high Edo kite. Applique by David Bailey.

 
 ROKKAKO FIGHTER KITE

ROKU means six -- Kaku means corners. Another

Japanese fighting kite and flown at the Shirone Kite
Festival each May. Teams of kite fliers gather on both
river bank and try to entangle their flying lines then
  proceed to cut each others kites lines or pull the kites to
their side of the river. Normally decorated with famous
warriors, folk heroes or advertisement.

This beautifully appliqued kite made by David Baille is 2

metres heigh and taken part in many Rokkako fights in
both England and abroad.
 NAGOYA KORYU SEMI KITES

There are three types of Nagoya Koryu kites - Abu means

horsefly, Semi means cicada, and Hatchi means bee.
This is an Abu dako and all are very sought after kites
because of the difficulty in construction and use of
antique bamboo for its frame. The old bamboo used will
have come from the roof of a very old house, which
would have had a hole in it to allow smoke out from the
open fire in the middle of the room. Over the years the
bamboo was turned a beautiful brown. Because of it's age
the bamboo is very rare and difficult to find. Flown with
 a hummer attached which buzzes like the real insect. Can
be flown in strong winds.

About the Japanese New Year

Oshogatsu is the Japanese New Year. Japan has adopted the solar calendar since 1873 and
the New Year celebration starts on January 1.   However, in rural Japan, villagers continue to
follow the lunar calendar and Oshogatsu is the Lunar New Year.

The New Year celebration lasts for five to six days. Everything associated with the New Year is
symbolic of "firsts" of the new year. Thus, the New Year gives a sense of renewal. On New
Year's Eve, shortly before midnight, Buddhist temples ring bells 108 times to remember
Japan's hardships. The ritual is a way to send out the old year and usher in the new.

Oshogatsu is a time for peace and resolution. Japanese people don't go to work on New Year's
Day. They rest and celebrate the holiday with the family. They go to temples to pray for a
prosperous and healthy new year. The first visit to the temple is called "Hatsu Mohde," which
means the first visit.

On New Year's Day, the family starts the New Year with a "mochi" or rice cake breakfast. The
rice cake is served in a stew called "Ozoni." Rice pounding to make mochi rice cakes is a
popular new year activity. However, many modern Japanese families buy them from
 supermarkets now.

Like other Asian New Year traditions, adults give money to children on New Year' Day. It is
called "otoshi-dama" or the "new year treasure." Children also play various games to usher in
the New Year. A popular game is "Furuwarai" which is the American version of pin-the-tail-on-
the-donkey.

There are many "good luck" charms associated with the New Year. Cranes and turtles are
symbols of longevity and happiness. Houses are decorated with origami cranes to bring peace
and happiness to the New Year.

The New Year is the most important time of year in Japan. And in a country with hundreds of annual festivals,
that's a big deal! Every year in the beginning of January, the whole country participates in many New Year's
customs involving cleaning, decorating, eating, getting in touch with friends and family, and communing with the
gods.

New Year's celebrations used to last much longer than three days but, in the modern way, they've been shortened to
accommodate everyone's busy lives. Each year, the Japanese begin preparing for the New Year by observing many
ancient traditions. To attract the year's god to their homes, families place special decorations made with bamboo
and pine branches at the entrances to their homes.

On New Year's Eve, families clean their homes. And for dinner everyone eats a bowl of noodles--in hopes that they
will live as long as the noodles are! At night, many families gather around their televisions to watch the popular
New Year's Eve program, "The Red & White Song Festival," where the year's top entertainers perform (think Dick
Clark).

At midnight, Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines ring bells or gongs 108 times, signifying the 108 sins of man (it
makes seven seem so meager). After the bells ring in the New Year, it is the custom for everyone to visit a shrine or
a temple in their best clothes to pray for happiness in the coming year. Many people wait until the next three days to
visit the shrines and temples. In Tokyo, the famous Meiji Shrine draws about three million people during the first
three days of the New Year. That's over three times the New Year's Eve turnout in Times Square! On their way
home, people buy good luck charms that are burned at the end of the year.

On New Year's Day, the Japanese postal system performs an amazing feat that completely shames the US Postal
service. They deliver the country's New Year's Day cards on time--as many as 2.6 billion cards in one day! With the
knowledge that they are in good postal hands, families sit down for saki and the New Year's meal (called Osechi)
consisting of black beans, cod roe and dried sardines. These foods signify good work, prosperity, and good crops in
the new year.

Other New Year's customs include giving money to children, calligraphy, and paying attention to the first dream of
the year. It is considered luckiest to dream about Mt. Fuji, a hawk and eggplant--in that order. Who could have
guessed that?

For visitors, the first three days of the New Year in Japan are probably going to be pretty quiet. But once
everyone's back into the swing, there are a few annual early-January traditions you don't want to miss. January 4th
is the opening of the first fair of the year, called Hatsu Hajime, located at the Kohganji Temple. Get out your money
and get ready to shop! In many of these fairs, people get together and play ancient Edo games involving kicking
balls, shooting arrows, and dancing.

On January 6th, it's time to get excited about Dezomeshiki! In this amazing spectacle, the Edo Fire Brigade
performs acrobatic feats in the Meiji Shrine Outer Garden. These stunts date back to the Edo period, when the
paper and wooden houses of Edo (ancient Tokyo) were always catching on fire. So you can imagine that the firemen
were popular guys. They could use a ladder and a hand-operated fire engine like you wouldn't believe! These days,
the firemen perform thrilling ladder acrobatics and show off the latest technology in fire-fighting.
But those Japanese folks just keep on celebrating. Later in January are doll parades and coming of age ceremonies.
And Shinto temples hold huge bonfires of New Year's decorations from this year. So grab a bamboo branch and get
ready for some fun.--JC