The notion that existence is transient and temporal, and that everything in nature is in flux, is a theme often relayed in Japanese traditional art. Ikebana, the practice of flower arranging, is a perfect example of this, whereby branches, flowers, buds, and vases are used to create a three dimensional sculptural piece that submits to…

Shodo (the way of writing) or Japanese calligraphy is the art of writing beautifully and is practiced by children and enjoyed as a hobby among adults as well. Japanese writing was largely influenced by Chinese writing until the development of the unique hiragana and katakana, whereupon Japanese calligraphy developed into it’s own unique style. Prior…

A pleasant castle town in the Kansai, few people would trouble to stop in Himeji if it were not for its magnificent citadel. Standing on a bluff dominating the city, the castle has all the grace of a white egret about to take off, which explains its well deserved sobriquet: Shirasagi, the ‘White Egret.’ Of…

Citius, Altius, Fortius or swifter, higher, stronger make up the Olympic creed and are words that will be on the minds of over 11,000 athletes from nearly 200 countries participating in the upcoming Summer Olympics in Beijing. Marking the first time in 20 years that the Summer Olympics have been held in Asia, the 2008…

I recently discovered an amazing kushikatsu shop in Juuso (十三) in Osaka. The name of the shop is 珍寿 (chinjyuu) , and the owner has been working kushikatsu for 55 years. He started when he was 17 years-old, right out of junior high school and he never went to high school. He later met his…

The pen, we are told, is mightier than the sword, and while it is tempting to pooh-pooh this aphorism, there is no denying that a pen in the right hand still packs a powerful punch. Alex Kerr, writer, scholar, traditional arts expert, restoration entrepreneur, and social, cultural and environmental critic-at-large, makes a strong case for…

With the hockey and basketball seasons finishing up, baseball months away from wrapping up and with football still far over the horizon, it’s time take a break from the beginning of summer to cool off with some ice. Specifically, time to take a look at figure skating. Following the Four Continents Figure Skating Championships in…

One of the poorest prefectures in Japan, Miyazaki has been undergoing quite a makeover in both its economy and image, largely due to the public relations skills of its energetic governor, a flamboyant ex-comedian. An old honeymoon spot for Japanese back in the 1950s and sixties, Miyazaki had degenerated into a decidedly un-cool place by…

Still boyishly handsome at 62, there is no doubt that Kitahara is the boy with the most toys – in the world. Internationally, he is a renowned toy collector, having published seven books in Germany and five books in the U.S. about collectible toys. His collection at Epcot Center, featuring mainly tin toys made in…

Although the famed Kusatsu Onsen is perfectly suitable to visit any time of the year, the resort is probably best experienced during Japan’s winter months. The juxtaposition of Gunma Prefecture’s biting mountain air and pristine snow banks matched with Kusatsu’s mysteriously healing hot spring waters is the perfect combination. Located 1200 meters above sea level…