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WPCS 2.1.3
1.866.316.7268 [email protected]
WPCS 2.1.3

Month

September 2011
Tanuki

Tanuki

Even though they are an actual animal living in Japan, Tanuki are also among the most recognizable images in Japanese folklore, and have been part of Japanese folklore since ancient times. The legendary tanuki is reputed to be mischievous and jolly, a master of disguise and shape-shifting but somewhat gullible and absent-minded. Statues of tanuki...
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Daio Wasabi Farm

Daio Wasabi Farm

The Daio Wasabi Farm is located about 32 kilometers north of Matsumoto in the city of Hotaka. The farm, covering 15 hectares, is the largest wasabi farm in Japan. Established in 1915, the natural water springs fed by melting snow from the surrounding mountains enable the farm to produce 150 tons of wasabi annually. Its...
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Konpira Fune Fune

Japanese Party/Drinking Game

This is a Japanese party/drinking game played by Maiko and Geiko (Geisha) with their clients at tea houses. The game is called Konpira, and the rules are very simple. The two players face each other and alternate touching the box or table between them. If the box is on the table when it is their...
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Genkotsu Fist Candy

Making Fist Candy

Genkotsu-ame (literally translates to Fist Candy) is a specialty of the Hida (Takayama) region of Japan. It is one of the most popular sweets made in the area, and can be found in just about every souvenir shop in Takayama. They can even be found in supermarkets and convenience stores as well. It is relatively...
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Ukiyoe – Art for the Masses – Part 3 – Utamaro, Hokusai and Hiroshige

There were thousands of Ukiyo-e artists, however, three stand out. They are Utamaro, Hokusai and Hiroshige. Utamaro (1750-1806) Utamaro Kitagawa is highly appreciated as the dominating Ukiyo-e artist of the late eighteenth century. Yet little is known about his life. Neither the precise date of Utamaro’s birth, his birthplace, nor any substantial information about his...
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Kamigamo

Kamigamo Shrine – Kyoto

Kamigamo Jinja lies up against the northern hills, in a quiet residential area of Kyoto, and is therefore often less-crowded than shrines in the city centre, though no less impressive. The shrine is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, and most of the shrine buildings are classified as Important Cultural Properties. The shrine was established...
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