Midori Kato is the last original member of the cast of “Sazae-san,” a cartoon series that premiered in 1969 and never quite joined the modern world.
Authors: Hisako Ueno, Motoko Rich | Source: NY Times | Subjects: Anime / Manga, Arts & Entertainment, Culture, History, Japan
If you’ve ever considered a trip to the land of the rising sun you’ve probably done some research on proper Japanese etiquette. Many daily customs are significantly different from those of the western world. Hopefully this compiled list of proper manners will be all you’ll ever need to survive your stay in Japan. Check out these etiquette resources and never again bring shame and dishonor … [ Read more ]
Source: Tofugu | Subject: Culture
This pre-WWII video from Encyclopaedia Britannica Films, shows home, work and school activities of a middle-class Japanese family.
Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica Films | Hugh Borton Ph.D. | Subjects: Culture, Video / Audio
Washington may see Japan, the world’s second-largest economy, as a powerful nation, but the Japanese don’t see themselves in the same light.
Source: The New York Times / Masaru Tamamoto | Subject: Culture
The buraku, descendants of a low feudal class, face social discrimination despite decades of affirmative action.
Source: NY Times | Subject: Culture
For those of you interested in some of the less well-known manners surrounding chopstick usage, check out these survey results.
Source: What Japan Thinks / goo Ranking | Subject: Culture
Why is anonymous group suicide so popular in Japan?
Source: The Atlantic Monthly / David Samuels | Subject: Culture
This site claims to be a one-stop shop for all your Japanese language needs. It isn’t that, but it does have some interesting articles, interviews, and reviews.
Source: David Lam Centre for International Communication | Subject: Culture
These pages have been developed by the students of Kyoto Sangyo University for non-Japanese who would like to learn about famous personages in modern-day Japan. The people selected for these pages reflect the interests and opinions of university-age Japanese students.
Source: Thomas Robb | Subject: Culture
Japanorama supplies Japan-related products and information to Japanophiles throughout the world. The site is mostly collections of Amazon affiliate links, but there are some free downloads, especially free e-books and screen savers that might be worthwhile.
Source: Japanorama | Subject: Culture
Japan Desu! offers an expanding collection of articles on Japanese culture, travel, history; an extensive picture library (you can use the library pictures for free) and a comprehensive set of links to the best specialist sites on the Web.
Source: Japan Desu! | Subject: Culture
Learn Japanese with our free Japanese lessons in podcast format. We use examples from anime and everyday conversation to teach you Japanese that is useful for everyday life. Hitomi-sensei is from Tokyo and will teach you to speak with the most common Japanese accent.
Source: Japancast.net (Paul and Hitomi) | Subjects: Culture, Video / Audio
Translations of Public Opinion Polls and other surveys of Japanese opinion, and comment on said polls.
Source: Ken Yasumoto-Nicolson (Seron) | Subject: Culture
This Wired article discusses the pros of the Japanese public bathing and private bathroom culture/technology.
Source: Wired / Momus | Subject: Culture
The so-called feminization of Japanese men has become a topic of TV talk shows, magazine articles, academic research, films and, perhaps most notably, public acceptance.
Source: Washington Post / Anthony Faiola | Subject: Culture
A history of tattooing in Japan. Section headings include:
– The Jomon to the pre-Edo period
– Tattooing in the Ainu and the Ryukyu
– Socio-cultural Background
– Legal prostitution
– Kishobori – the vow tattoo
– Penal Tattooing
– The Origin of Pictorial Tattooing
– The Meiji Era (1868-1912) to the Present
– Nakedness
… [ Read more ]
Source: Tattoos.com / Mieko Yamada | Subject: Culture
A website dedicated to information about the Yakuza.
Source: Daniel Skold | Subject: Culture
Trends in Japan is a site that introduces the latest developments in Japanese business, entertainment, fashion, science, society, sports, and more through short, engaging dispatches. The aim of the site is to deepen understanding of Japan around the world.
Trends in Japan is part of Web Japan, which is sponsored by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and operated by a Japanese nongovernmental organization.
Source: Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) | Subject: Culture
This site features candid photographs by Yoko Yamamoto of aspects of traditional Japanese culture, including Kagurazaka district geisha, Edo (Toyko) geisha, Noh drama, and karate. Also includes some images of Scanno, Italy. In English and Japanese.
Source: Yoko Yamamoto | Subject: Culture
Contents:
1. So you’re thinking about hosting a Japanese student…
2. Students’ Questionnaire Results why they go and what they get out of it
3. Scrapbook of Japanese Art
4. Audrey Hepburn Alive and Doing Commercials in Japan
5. The Name Game What would it take to get you to change your name?
6. Japan Fact File
7. Operation Slipstop: Extortional Education a peek at the school … [ Read more ]
Source: Tim R. Matheson | Subject: Culture