Unique Japan

The days are getting longer and everybody seems to be enjoying these summer days and nights. You’ll see salary-men heading off to nearby Beer Gardens after work, where they can enjoy a few cold beers outside with their colleagues. Or you’ll see kids playing with sparklers with their friends（under adults’ supervision, of course) or you might happen to see girls wearing a Yukata. When I see this it makes me really feel like summer is finally here. For those who don’t know what a Yukata is, simply put, it’s a summer Kimono.

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Many of you might have seen the Disney movie Mulan, which depicts a young Chinese maiden, Mulan, courageously disguising herself as a Chinese warrior in order to protect her father. It’s very exciting to see a female character such as Mulan aspiring to be her best in a male-dominated world. I’m not sure if Mulan is based on a true story, but here in Japan, there was a story of a female samurai who outsmarted many of her opponents and was known for her legendry archery skills. Her name was Tomoe.

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Usher in spring with a beautiful woodblock print by Hirokazu Fukuda (1944-2004), and save up to 35% until April 6th.

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Graduation is a pinnacle moment in many societies, and Japan is no exception. While many students might be celebrating countless accomplishments, friendships, and great memories, there is one more important thing left to do for Japanese girls. They have to get a button!

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– How Japanese aesthetics changed over time

Here in Japan, we are about to celebrate Hina-Matsuri (Japanese doll festival or girl’s day) on March 3rd. Families with daughters usually display Ohina-sama at their home to wish for their young girls to grow up healthy.

Since we are celebrating my daughter’s first Hina-Matsuri this year, we decided to check out what kind of Ohina-sama are out on the market.

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