Japanese History & Culture | Tokyo Weekender

Who Was The Elusive Samurai? The Real Life of Hojo Tokiyuki

Cezary Jan Strusiewicz — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 12:45:34 +0000

The Elusive Samurai from CloverWorks has been hailed as one of the highlights of the summer anime season. Based on a manga of the same name by Yusei Matsui, it tells the story of Hojo Tokiyuki — a young samurai noble with a near superhuman ability to flee and dodge attacks — as he tries […]

The post Who Was The Elusive Samurai? The Real Life of Hojo Tokiyuki appeared first on Tokyo Weekender.

Sense of Structure: From Horyuji Temple to the Universe

Jennifer Pastore — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 03:48:44 +0000

Architects design buildings, but how do they know their plans won’t collapse? They have structural engineers. What Museum in Shinagawa is presenting part two of Sense of Structure: From Horyuji Temple to the Universe (SoS) through August 25. This exhibition, spotlighting the overlooked field of structural engineering, displays architectural models that range from ancient temples […]

The post Sense of Structure: From Horyuji Temple to the Universe appeared first on Tokyo Weekender.

Things To Know About Japan’s National Flag and Anthem | List of 7

Matthew Hernon — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 01:00:00 +0000

On this day in 1999, the Act on Japan’s National Flag and Anthem was established. It meant that the Hinomaru and “Kimigayo” were formally established as the country’s national flag and anthem just 25 years ago. Of course, the history of these two symbols goes back a lot further than a quarter of a century. […]

The post Things To Know About Japan’s National Flag and Anthem | List of 7 appeared first on Tokyo Weekender.

Barefoot Gen: The Unflinching Atomic Bomb Film From Japan’s Perspective

Wakaba Oto — Fri, 09 Aug 2024 07:10:24 +0000

Seventy-nine years ago this week, the world changed forever. The United States unleashed the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945 — the first time that nuclear warfare had ever been used. Just three days later, on August 9, Nagasaki suffered the same fate. Japan surrendered on August 15, with the formal agreement […]

The post Barefoot Gen: The Unflinching Atomic Bomb Film From Japan’s Perspective appeared first on Tokyo Weekender.

Yoshiko Yamaguchi: The Singer, Actress and Politician Who Loved Japan and China

Cezary Jan Strusiewicz — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 09:35:59 +0000

She was one of the most popular singers in all of China and Japan. A friend of Charlie Chaplin, she was also a well-known actress, appearing in a number of Akira Kurosawa movies. On top of all that, she was also a trailblazing politician who advocated for Palestinian rights over 50 years ago and a […]

The post Yoshiko Yamaguchi: The Singer, Actress and Politician Who Loved Japan and China appeared first on Tokyo Weekender.

The Legends of Suzuka Gozen: Bandit, Demoness, Angel

Cezary Jan Strusiewicz — Fri, 02 Aug 2024 08:58:54 +0000

Japanese folklore is full of tales of daredevil bandits, terrifying demons and celestial beings descending from the heavens to aid humanity. Most of them are not about the same character, though. In fact, only one figure from Japanese myths and legends has been portrayed as a thief, an oni and an angel. Her name was […]

The post The Legends of Suzuka Gozen: Bandit, Demoness, Angel appeared first on Tokyo Weekender.

A Complete Guide to Japanese Chopstick Etiquette

Anna Carne — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 09:29:36 +0000

Before you visit Japan, it’s helpful to have a working knowledge of chopsticks, and be aware of the language surrounding them. The placement of your eating implements can convey many hidden meanings. And looking like you know how to use them can get you a long way too. This guide will ensure that you come […]

The post A Complete Guide to Japanese Chopstick Etiquette appeared first on Tokyo Weekender.

Ubisoft Responds to Criticism About Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Matthew Hernon — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 06:01:09 +0000

Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Shadows, which takes place in Feudal Japan at the end of the Sengoku period, is already one of the most controversial games of 2024, and it’s not even being released until November 15. The reason for the controversy is the lead male character, Yasuke. Described as the first Black samurai, he was a real historical […]

The post Ubisoft Responds to Criticism About Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed Shadows appeared first on Tokyo Weekender.

Shizo Kanakuri’s 54-Year Marathon | On This Day

Matthew Hernon — Sun, 14 Jul 2024 01:00:53 +0000

On this day in 1912, Shizo Kanakuri lined up alongside 67 other runners at the starting line for the Olympic marathon in Stockholm. He and compatriot Yahiko Mishima were the first-ever Asian competitors to appear at the Games. Kanakuri eventually completed the race on March 20, 1967. His time of 54 years, 8 months, 6 […]

The post Shizo Kanakuri’s 54-Year Marathon | On This Day appeared first on Tokyo Weekender.

A Guide to Awa Odori: Japan’s Hypnotic Festival Dance

Anna Carne — Fri, 12 Jul 2024 08:52:13 +0000

The slow-moving, rhythmic dance of Awa Odori (a.k.a. Awa dance) is one of the defining features of many local Japanese festivals — groups of men and women in conical hats and tabi shoes, advancing slowly down the street to the sound of taiko drums and Japanese music. But what is the dance? Here’s our 101 […]

The post A Guide to Awa Odori: Japan’s Hypnotic Festival Dance appeared first on Tokyo Weekender.