Japanese Tradition

made me free A long time ago, when Japan had the feudal system, my family was a landlord of the area. It has come to a complete downfall over the years, but my family still clings to its past glory. For them, to succeed the family is critical. I’m firstborn and have no brother which meant that I was a successor and destined to spend the whole life in my hometown. But music changed everything. To pursue a career in music, my hometown was too rural and I had to move out. Back then I was a college student and moving to a city meant dropping out of school. My parents fiercely opposed but as ...

Chiyo Adachi shares her knowledge and experience in the little known ceremony of ghost paneling. Once practiced by mystics and spiritual guides, ghost paneling seeks to achieve communication with spirits, both human and other, through the construction of ghost panels: symbols and words painted upon cloth intended to communicate with voiceless souls, along with the placement and use of these in ceremony. She goes on to describe instances of human souls helped along to the waiting embrace of their ancestors as well as ceremonies to drive away evil sprits. At times beautiful and harrowing, ...

Japanese mythology offers a fascinating lens from which to gaze upon the natural world. Through tales of heroic samurai, creepy vengeful ghosts, and deities that wield the mighty powers of nature, these stories and mythical figures emphasize the importance of humans living harmoniously with their surroundings. It is often said that in order to understand a country’s culture and history, one needs to simply look at the stories they tell about the world around them.

Unveil the secrets of Urushi, Japan's legendary liquid gold, with "The Lustrous Craft" – your comprehensive guide to one of the most timeless and bewitching art forms in history. Journey through the rich tapestry of Urushi lacquerware, from its ancient origins to the contemporary art scene, and discover a world where beauty is a tradition passed down through the ages. Step into the essence of Urushi in Chapter 1, where you'll familiarize yourself with the cultural symbolism etched within Japanese traditions. As you traverse from the historical timelines to the cultural significance, each ...

Step into the captivating world of Japanese history with "The Rising Sun: A Brief History of Japan." In this meticulously crafted narrative, journey through centuries of rich cultural heritage, tumultuous warfare, and remarkable societal evolution that shaped the Land of the Rising Sun into the vibrant nation it is today. From the legendary origins of Japan's imperial line to the modern era of technological innovation, this book offers a comprehensive yet accessible exploration of Japan's complex past. Delve into the intriguing tales of samurai warriors, feudal lords, and shoguns, whose ...

Shintoism is a religion unique to Japan and has existed since before Buddhism came to the country.

Each story reveals a piece of the Japanese spirit and shows how these old tales still matter today. Download this audiobook to start your journey into the world of Japanese folktales and legends!

For more than 25 years Noriko Morishita has studied and practised the intricate rules of the famous Japanese Tea Ceremony, trying to master its complexities in order to find inner peace. In this vivid account of her experience of the universal trials and triumphs of adulthood, Morishita connects the core tenets of this ancient art with leading a fulfilling life, showing how we too may use mindfulness to achieve happiness.

Have you ever wanted to create beautiful, practical pieces of art in minutes? With origins dating back to the 6th century, origami has delighted and intrigued people from around the world for millennia! Perfect for beginners of all ages, this guide is a great introduction to the simplicity and beauty of the technique with practical instructions to create your own works of art! Origami Book for Beginners is exactly the book for you! You’ll discover many types of origami folding, including step-by-step guides to multiple techniques!

Have you ever wondered about the origin of the terrifying Wendigo? How about the Philippine shape-shifting vampire? What about the Māori forest spirits? Join award winning podcaster and researcher Kamuela Kaneshiro as he takes you on a thrilling trip through Asia, the Americas, and other fascinating cultures touching the Pacific Ocean. And as you marvel at this captivating assortment of deities, monsters, and historical backdrops, you’re sure to have your imagination sparked by the wonders of the world.

Japanese folklore is abundant with tales of ghostly creatures and the supernatural. In Haunted Japan, author Catrien Ross reveals the legends that have been passed down for generations and continue to terrify us today.

Step into a world where miniature forms encapsulate vast cultural landscapes and where meticulous craftsmanship whispers tales of heritage. "Masters of Miniature" is an exquisite exploration into the art and soul of Japanese ningyo, a tradition steeped in spiritual significance and unparalleled artistry. This insightful eBook guides readers through an enchanting journey across the delicate lines and colorful fabrics that dress the ningyo, revealing the silent stories woven into their creation. Dive into the essence of Japanese culture and festivals, where the ningyo is not merely a doll, ...

La mitología japonesa ofrece una mirada asombrosa sobre el mundo natural. A través de historias de heroicos samuráis, espeluznantes fantasmas vengativos y deidades que ejercen el poder de la naturaleza, junto a otras figuras míticas, se enfatiza la importancia de que los humanos vivan armoniosamente con su entorno.

The house was built when I was nine years old at the place where our old house was torn down, because it was too old to live in. That old house was built about 100 years ago. My ancestors lived at exactly the same spot generation after generation for over 1000 years since my family used to be a landlord of the area. We are here for around 63 generations.

The Book of Tea (1906) by Okakura Kakuzō is a long essay which examines the role of chadō (Teaism) in the aesthetic and cultural aspects of Japanese life. The author explains Teaism as “a philosophy founded on the adoration of the beautiful among the sordid facts of everyday existence”. Originally written in English for a western audience, the essay deals with the spiritual traditions of Zen and Taoism, as well as the secular side of tea in Japanese life.

The two conquering countries of the Second World War have not just been active in the 20th century, but both of their histories date way back. However, many of the things they did in the early days of their developing nations and peoples were based on the things they believed. Some of these beliefs were mythological creatures, nature spirits, symbols, and actual gods and goddesses with supernatural powers. In this guide, you will learn about some of the most intriguing of these.

Depuis l'enfance, Keiko Furukura a toujours été en décalage par rapport à ses camarades. À trente-six ans, elle occupe un emploi de vendeuse dans un konbini, sorte de supérette japonaise ouverte 24h/24. En poste depuis dix-huit ans, elle n'a aucune intention de quitter sa petite boutique, au grand dam de son entourage qui s'inquiète de la voir toujours célibataire et précaire à un âge où ses amies de fac ont déjà toutes fondé une famille. En manque de main-d'œuvre, la supérette embauche un nouvel employé, Shiraha, trente-cinq ans, lui aussi célibataire.

We have all heard stories of demigods and their epic battles or ultimate demise. But which parts are true and what is fabricated? If you want to discover the superhumans from Greek, Norse, Celtic, African, Egyptian, Japanese, and Hindu mythology, then this is the book you need.

Donn Draeger was the most influential martial artist/scholar of the 20th century. His more than twenty books and long list of accomplishments support this argument. For this reason, we are publishing this anthology of articles that focus on this outstanding person. Although short in length, this book is rich in content covering the inspiring life and contributions of a leading pioneer in the Asian martial traditions. The author of the first chapter, Robert W. Smith, was a close confidant of Draeger during his career. With Draeger, Smith co-authored the classic Asian Fighting Arts (later ...

「わかりやすい文章で日本の古代史がすんなり入ってくる。なんとなく疑問に思っていたことがすっきりし、一気読みでした」〔読者カードより〕など、好評を得た単行本がついに文庫化！