“Japan Still Life” is a collection of short stories about life in Japan. The central focus is three friends, J.D., an American, George, a Canadian, and Yoshi, a Japanese. They meet at a Gaijin House in Tokyo and experience both the good and bad of Japan together. These stories vary in style from the very silly to the very serious.
Source: “DC Palter” | Subject: Culture
The English version of the Daily Yomiuri, one of the primary national newspapers in Japan
Source: “Asahi Shimbun” | Subject: News / Magazine
A collection of stories by a couple about some of their experiences living in Japan.
Source: “DC Palter” | Subject: Culture
An excellent introduction to the history and elements of kabuki. Interesting highlights include an online theater, the ability to listen to the sounds of Kabuki, and an illustration of how an “Onnagata” transforms himself into a beautiful woman.
Source: “Matthew Johnson” | Subject: Arts & Entertainment
This was one of the premier sites for all things Sumo but stopped operations in 2002. The archive is still up however, and provides some great info. Especially useful sections (still) are the archive of the Sumo Guru and Sumo Spectator sections (including the excellent Sumo FAQ).
Source: “Thomas McCarthy et. al.” | Subject: Sports
An excellent introduction to the history and elements of Noh and Kyogen theater.
Source: “SECTOR88” | Subject: Arts & Entertainment
This is the HTML version (with frames for easy navigation) of the Sumo FAQ from the now defunct SumoWeb. A GREAT place to learn all about Sumo (terms, history, heya system, rankings, etc.)
Source: “Ken Coller” | Subject: Sports
A great introduction to and thorough resource to ukiyo-e. Find a comprehensive gallery, a Q&A section, artists’ signatures, and guides to other related sites.
Source: “Hans Olof Johansson” | Subject: Arts & Entertainment
The Japan Sumo Association (Nihon Sumo Kyokai) is the “Official” web site for Sumo information.
Source: “Nihon Sumo Kyokai” | Subject: Sports
A library of Ukiyo-E images and related information from the man behind WWWJDIC!
Source: “Jim Breen” | Subject: Arts & Entertainment
Check out the archives of the Sumo Mailing List, as well as Makunouchi Banzuke from 1757 to the present.
Source: “Banzuke.com” | Subject: Sports
A look at works of art produced in Japan from the beginnings of human habitation there, sometime in the 10th millennium BC, to the present. Periods covered include:
– Japanese Prehistory
– Asuka and Nara Art
– Heian Art
– Kamakura Art
– Muromachi Art
– Momoyama Art
– Art of the Edo Period
– Art since … [ Read more ]
Sources: “Paris”, “WebMuseum” | Subject: Arts & Entertainment
Especially notable on this site is the Makunouchi Rikishi Database (Info about ALL top division sumotori since 1757 and ALL tournament wins since 1757). You can also download excel files with basho information and there is an interesting trivia and records section.
Source: “Stefan Gelow” | Subject: Sports
Source: “Bench Sumo” | Subject: Sports
A primer on preparing your own sushi. Talks about terms, types, ingredients, and provides instructions. Site was last updated in 1996 but…
Source: “Mark Hutchenreuther” | Subject: Food
A travel guide to Japan that has facts such as climate, geography, population, and language, and essential information about business hours, customs, national holidays, getting around, eating out, places to stay, things to do, regional travel plans, and tourist guides. The tourist guides details hundreds of tourist sites divided by regions. Additionally, there is a searchable map, related links, and the weather. Also available in … [ Read more ]
Source: “JNTO” | Subject: Travel & Tourism
A look at the youth-driven shopping and fashion culture of Tokyo.
Source: “The New Yorker / Rebecca Mead” | Subject: Culture
Magazine focused on Japan and Japanese that is very useful for students of the language.
Source: “Mangajin” | Subjects: News / Magazine, Other Useful Resources