If you plan to stay in Japan for an extended period, specifically too long for a hotel but not long enough to justify signing a real lease on an apartment, this site may have something for you. I think the selection is limited and is only for the Tokyo area but it might be useful…
Source: GaijinHouse.com | Subject: Travel & Tourism
An “account of a Christmas unknown to Westerners – and to most Japanese too! Including an amusing account of Santa dressed as a Samurai.” This article follows the observance of Christmas in Japan from 1549 to the present day, with examples of “mirror customs of European traditions.” Originally written in Japanese by a writer for the Felissimo Christmas Museum in Hokkaido, Japan.
Source: Felissimo Christmas Museum / Mariko Okawa | Subject: Culture
This site presents articles and information about the Japanese tea ceremony. It features sections on the history of the tea ceremony, the tea room, traditional Japanese fabrics, and philosophy. Also includes a directory of tea ceremony classes and related links. From “a group of people in London and in New York who are interested in Japanese tea ceremony.” In English and Japanese.
Source: TeaHyakka | Subject: Culture
This is one of the free areas of the larger YesJapan.com site and it offers quite useful short cultural overviews on the following topics:
– Bed and Bath
– Currency
– Eating Etiquette
– Festivals
– Hot Springs
– Hotel Etiquette
– House Rules
– Links
– Pachinko
– … [ Read more ]
Source: YesJapan.com | Subject: Culture
This volume is one in a continuing series of books prepared by the Federal Research Division of the Library of Congress under the Country Studies/Area Handbook Program sponsored by the Department of the Army. It describes and analyzes the political, economic, social, and national security systems and institutions, and examines the interrelationships of those systems and the ways they are shaped by cultural factors. The … [ Read more ]
Source: Library of Congress | Subject: Comprehensive
This is the Japan country section of the World Factbook by the CIA. This is truly one of the most useful resources for quick information on any country, including in this case Japan. Categories covered include:
– Introduction
– Geography
– People
– Government
– Economy
– Communications
– Transportation
– Military
– Transnational Issues
Source: U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) | Subject: Comprehensive
Provides detailed information about Japanese government and diplomacy, technology and science, and culture.
Source: Japan Information Network | Subject: Comprehensive
The kimono is the traditional clothing of Japan. Kimono styles have changed significantly from one period of Japan’s history to another, and today there are many different types of kimono worn by men, women, and children. The cut, color, fabric, and decorations of a kimono may vary according to the sex, age, and marital status of the wearer, the season of the year, and the … [ Read more ]
Source: JP NET | Subject: Culture
An illustrated guide to Japan’s holidays and cultural events. Just click on the month for details of all events and holidays during that month.
Source: JP NET | Subject: Culture
A nice comprehensive site about Japan. Find topics including:
– Sightseeing guides
– Hotel search
– A job search feature
– Cellular Phones in Japan
– Travel News
– Living in Japan
– Information pages
– Forums
– Shopping and Business
– Photo Gallery
Make sure you also check out the members area where you can search for penpals and place/view … [ Read more ]
Source: Kinboshi Media | Subject: Comprehensive
A collection of over thirty photographs of nineteenth century Japan. Includes images of dance, and gates of temples and shrines in Nikko. From the California Museum of Photography, University of California, Riverside.
Source: California Museum of Photography | Subject: Images
Illegal CD copying and fan boredom clobber sales.
Source: BusinessWeek / Chester Dawson | Subject: Business / Economy
Shigeo Shingo is credited with creating the concept of zero defects and the techniques of poka-yoke (Japanese for mistake-proofing). The approach seeks to remove the causes of defects, or, where this is impossible, to inspect each item simply and inexpensively to determine that it passes the quality threshold – with no defects.
Source: ManagementFirst.com / Michael Fisher | Subject: Business / Economy
One of the four major daily newspapers in Japan.
Source: Mainichi Daily News | Subject: News / Magazine
Very interesting article looks at the decade-long economic woes of Japan, how they might have been avoided or mitigated and lessons for the U.S.
Source: American Enterprise Institue / John H. Makin | Subject: Business / Economy
A thorough set of links on all aspects of Japan. Featured resources include:
– NIPPONIA, a quarterly magazine introducing contemporary Japanese culture and society to people all over the world
– Trends in Japan, short, engaging dispatches on the latest trends in Japanese business and economy; science and education; society; sports; and fashion, arts, and entertainment.
– Japan Access, concise introductions of … [ Read more ]
Source: Japan Information Network | Subject: Comprehensive
One of the four major daily newspapers in Japan, especially noteworthy for its English publication.
Source: Mainichi Daily News | Subject: News / Magazine
This research center based at Columbia Business School doesn’t offer a pretty site, but its publications are noteworthy.
Source: Center on Japanese Economy and Business | Subject: Business / Economy
A great general resource on Japan that includes useful topics such as Japan at a glance, conducting business, understanding your counterpart, tips for travel, economy, people & culture, legal considerations, etc.
Source: The Anderson School at UCLA | Subject: Comprehensive
Although focused on a time-sensitive issue, this article offers some insight into some serious and important issues regarding the role of a central bank in peculiar economic circumstances. Some of the proposed solutions are very thought-provoking. Also an interesting profile of Masaru Hayami, governor of the Bank of Japan and some of the history of the current troubles with Japan’s economy.
Source: BusinessWeek / Brian Bremner | Subject: Business / Economy