2017

Japanese Sword
Art & Museum

Japanese sword

While the western sword is made to thrust the Japanese sword is made to cut. So the western sword is flexible and the Japanese sword is made tough and hard.There are mainly two types of sword ; Tachi and Katana. TACHI Tachi is long sword, 60cm or longer and slightly curved with the cutting edge facing down. The Samurai warriors held Tachi sword on their waist while riding horse. It was made long so as to cut the enemy along with the horse in the era when they fought in armor. The samurai warriors originally ranked beneath the nobility, but gradually rose to power and established a military government, called […]

Toguri Museum Of Pottery
Art & Museum

Koimari

Koimari at Toguri museum of art. When you look at a dish, do you think about what type of ware or what it was used for ? If you are interested in japanese porcelain, visit Toguri museum of art. The core collection is Imari ware, the first porcelain in japan. Born in 17th century in the town of Arita as luxury, Imari ware changed market from luxury to affordable items in 18th century. Then large vase and jar were exported to Europe. Imari ‘s kakiemon style lately influenced Meissen. Toguri museum is located at quiet elegant residential area in Shibuya’s Shoto district.  

Temple style public bath
AREA

Temple style Public Bath

Temple ?! No! This is not a temple, but a public bath, Sento. This temple style Sento can be rarely seen nowadays, except in animation scene of “Sen to Chihiro” English titled “Spirited Away” by Hayao Miyazaki. But here in temple style public bath called Atami-yu in Kagurazaka area, you can actually enjoy bathing. People have enjoyed public bath Sento as a communication place with neighbors since Edo period. Public bath is must place to experience Japan. You may see temple style public bath “SCAI THE BATHHOUSE” in old town, Yanaka but now used for gallery. Edo- Tokyo open air architectural museum exhibits Temple style public bath called Kodakara-yu meaning […]

AREA

Matsuri sushi

Matsuri sushi roll is a traditional food in Chiba, Boso area(south Chiba).In old days Matsuri sushi was served by the master of village to the villagers when they gathered.　Later the women started to make, so Matsuri sushi became more fashionable.   In the festival and auspicious occasions such as New year’s days, Doll’s days and Birth days Matsuri (meaning festival) sushi have been served among the relatives, neighborhoods and friends. Traditionally designed like flower and butterfly, now cute and trendy sushi are invented like Halloween pumpkin, X’mas trees and Anpan man!   The main ingredients are colorful vinegar rice and sea weed nori and sometimes eggs and pickled green vegetables. […]