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Miraikan

Super- Kamiokande?! No!　This is Super- Kamiokande 1:10 Model in Miraikan. Since PhD. Kajita won the Nobel Prize in 2015 a neutrinos are in the limelight. A neutrinos are the unexplained elementary particles present everywhere around us, passing through our bodies. The Super-Kamiokande, the largest underground neutrino detector allows the study of neutrinos by detecting and analyzing the weak light produced when neutrinos interact with molecules of water. The permanent zone consisting of world, future and earth was filled with the future small scientists. All zones are English available.

EXPERIENCE

Four kinds of Buddha statues

Statues of Buddha don’t have same appearances. There are mainly classified into four kinds. Nyorai 如来 Nyorai is enlightened Buddha. The hair is kinky perm, both hands make sign. The cloth is very simple. Famous are Daibutsu 大仏 in Nara and Kamakura.   Bosats,菩薩Bodhisatvaa Bosats, Bodhisatvaa having very merciful face is training Buddha to achieve enlightenment. Bosats, Bodhisatvaa puts on a crown, wears accessories and hold something on hand. Bosats, Bodhisatvaa are said to refrain from being enlightened Nyorai to help humankinds.   Jizo Bosatsu is one of Bosatsu who helps the unborn baby or dead children. The parents put the read bib or hat on Jizo Bosatsu. Also Jizo […]

Art & Museum

Netsuke

Netsuke Netsuke 根付 is a toggle invented in Edo period to serve a practical function. “Ne” means root and “tsuke” means attach. Traditional kimono着物had no pockets, so men needed a place to store their belongings, such as seals and medicines. Their solution was to place such belongings in a container and hang it by cords from the obi 帯sashes. Netsuke 根付 was drilled to take cord and made smooth not to break off or catch on the kimono着物 and later developed into the fashionable and lovely one carved from bamboo, ivory or wood, sometimes nuts. Inro, Container The containers were called Inro 印籠 and beautifully crafted boxes. To prevent the […]

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
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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 […]

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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. […]