On-the-scene reporting of Nagasaki, written in September, 1945 by American George Weller, “the first foreign reporter to enter Nagasaki following the U.S. atomic attack.” Copies of these stories, originally censored by U.S. occupation forces, were discovered after among Weller’s effects after his death in 2002. From the Mainichi Daily News, Japan.
Source: George Weller | Subject: History
This multimedia series describes how the Japanese people have struggled to adapt their language to the demands of modern society over the past 140 years.
Source: Kida Jun’ichiro | Subject: History
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
This handbook “was written with the aim of promoting a better understanding of Japanese crafts by explaining special and unfamiliar terms in plain language. Typical works are introduced with explanations of the techniques used and the themes they explore.” Covers ceramics; textiles, dyeing, and weaving; urushi art; metalwork; woodwork and bamboowork; dolls; and ivory, kirikane, cloisonne, glass, gemstones, and ink stones. Each section includes photographs, … [ Read more ]
Source: Nihon Kogeikai | Subject: Arts & Entertainment
History of Japanese papermaking, or washi, and the Japanese paper industry. Feature images of Japanese paper products, descriptions of types of paper (such as marbled paper and paper made from bamboo), profiles of “washi villages” in Japan, and brief information about paper folding and wrapping.
Source: Kansai International Public Relations Promotion Office | Subject: Arts & Entertainment
Information on the Japanese paper craft of origami and related topics. Features paper folding background, videos of the origami process, brief information about Sadako Sasaki, and illustrated instructions for making a paper airplane and handmade recycled paper.
Source: Exploratorium museum in San Francisco | Subject: Arts & Entertainment
Japanese seem to have many formal phrases for certain actions. Learn some common expressions you are likely to use when visiting Japanese homes.
Source: About.com / Namiko Abe | Subject: Culture
Hinamatsuri (Doll’s Festival) is held on March 3rd. This is a day to pray for young girl’s growth and happiness. Find out more.
Source: About.com / Namiko Abe | Subject: Culture
claims to be Japan’s number 1 jobs site for foreigners.
Source: GPlus Media Co. Ltd | Subject: Employment / Career
Information about this event held since 1950 in Sapporo, Japan. Features drawings and descriptions of snow statues and ice sculptures appearing at the festival, which takes place in early February. Also includes brief instructions for building a snow statue, background information about the festival, and tourist information for Sapporo. In English and Japanese.
Source: Sapporo Snow Festival | Subject: Travel & Tourism
2005 is the year of the Rooster. The Japanese use animal zodiac symbols like the Chinese. Learn more about the zodiac symbols (like what they say about your personality) and some Japanese expressions including bird names.
Source: About.com / Namiko Abe | Subject: Culture
Shogatsu (New Year’s holidays) is a time when everybody takes a few days off to celebrate the arrival of the new year. Find out more.
Source: About.com / Namiko Abe | Subject: Culture
The Japanese send New Year’s cards rather than Christmas cards. Try sending them to surprise your Japanese friends!
Source: About.com / Namiko Abe | Subject: Culture
Illustrated information about Japanese green tea, covering production, varieties (such as bancha, matcha, and genmaicha), nutrients in tea, serving, and the tea ceremony. In English and Japanese. From the World Green Tea Association.
Source: World Green Tea Association | Subject: Food
It seems that every culture has lucky numbers and unlucky numbers. Seven appears to be a universally lucky or holy number. Find out how the number seven is used in the Japanese language, including Shichi-fuku-jin (the Seven Gods of Luck in Japanese folklore).
Source: About.com / Namiko Abe | Subject: Culture
Namiko Abe describes the different kinds of ghosts in Japanese culture and even includes an interesting famous short story (in romaji and English translation) called “Bancho sara-yashiki (The Story of Okiku)”
Source: About.com / Namiko Abe | Subject: Culture
“Blog for news stories from Japan that might or might not gain coverage in English-language sources. If you’re examining social trends in Japan and don’t have the primary language skills, let me know. Maybe I can help.”
Source: Lawrence J. Howell | Subjects: Blogs, News / Magazine
This site is a companion to a Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) program about “commanding shoguns and fierce samurai warriors, exotic geisha and exquisite artisans all [of whom] were part of a Japanese renaissance between the 16th and 19th centuries.” The site features a timeline, a map and images of travel along the Tokaido road, information about characters of the period, and interactive activities. Also … [ Read more ]
Source: PBS | Subject: History
The Japanese word for a firefly is “hotaru.” In some cultures hotaru might not have a positive reputation, but they are well liked in Japanese society. Find out more.
Source: About.com / Namiko Abe | Subject: Culture
This site features interactive tours of gardens in or near Kyoto, Japan, most of which are located at Zen Buddhist monasteries. The site provides “the visitor with an opportunity to visit each garden, to move through or around it, to experience it through the medium of high-quality color images, and to learn something of its history.” Provides general information about Japanese gardens, a bibliography, and … [ Read more ]
Source: Bowdoin College | Subject: Travel & Tourism