Does One Piece Rip Off Disney? Only with the Best of Intentions

I remember reading the first few chapters of One Piece and being surprised to see a giant sea serpent that looked suspiciously similar to the moray eels Flotsam and Jetsam from Disney’s The Little Mermaid.

Apparently I wasn’t the only one who thought so, and apparently that wasn’t the last time a Disney “rip off” appeared in the series.

A very large image recently surfaced on 2ch, Japan’s largest internet message board, providing “Concrete Examples of One Piece’s Plagiarism.”

You can see the image broken up into digestible bits below, and looking at the side-by-side comparisons could be a little shocking for the devout One Piece fan.

But it’s probably nothing to get defensive over: as several 2ch viewers comment, One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda has admitted that he occasionally models characters after other works as an expression of admiration.

This isn’t a rip-off, it’s an homage.

Source: Rocket News 24

Origami

Origami, the art of folding paper to create objects or animals, is a Japanese tradition that is important in many celebrations. The true origin of origami is the subject of much speculation. Although the practice was the most extensive in Japan, there is evidence supporting a tradition of paper folding as an art form in China, Spain, Germany, and many other countries. Direct evidence is difficult to find as paper is very quick to decompose, so references in the published materials of the times have to be trusted.
The earliest pieces of evidence that can be found to suggest paper folding existed and was practiced in Europe are the picture of the tiny paper boat that exists in the Tractatus de Sphaera Mundi (1490).  Western paper folding is thought to have been started by the race known as the Moors. Whether this knowledge was obtained on the silk route or independently-acquired is unknown.
The earliest reference that clearly supports paper folding in Japan is the short poem written in 1680 by Ihara Saikaku. This poem describes a dream that involves paper butterflies. These paper butterflies were made with the technique of origami to symbolize the brides and grooms in Shinto wedding organizations. This type of paper folding had become part of these important ceremonies by Japan's Heian Period, which lasted from the end of the eight century to the end of the twelfth century. Samurai warriors also exchanged origami in the form of folded paper strips, called Noshi, which were tokens of good luck.
Akita Yoshizawa devised a large number of origami innovations in the early 1900s. These innovations included the Yoshizawa-Randlett diagramming system and the wet-folding technique. He spoke openly about the profound way in which he viewed the art of origami, saying he wished "to fold the laws of nature, the dignity of life, and the expression of affection into my work." His work inspired a great resurgence of the art. This resurgence in popularity lasted until the 1980s, when origami experienced another boost in popularity. During the 1980s, it was trendy to study the folded forms' mathematical properties in an academic way. This led the way to origami models that exhibited greatly-increased complexity. This trend continued into the 1990s. After this time, many origami artists embraced a return to simpler forms of folded paper artwork.  With the advent of the Internet, it has become possible for people around the world to find instructions and step-by-step visual examples of how to fold different shapes out of paper.  This has made it easier for anyone to become somewhat proficient in the art of origami, provided they put in the proper amount of time and practice. It has also led to yet another resurgence in origami's  popularity.
The art of origami is still alive and inspiring people to create beautiful forms from paper.

Source: facts-about-japan

Japanese Painting

Painting is an ancient and refined art in Japan encompassing a wide variety of styles and genres. Paintings of crude stick figures and geometric designs have been found on bronze dotaku bells and pieces of pottery that date back to between 300 BC and 300 AD. Murals have been found dated between 300 and 700 AD. It became very popular to paint Buddhist imagery in the sixth century. These works were commissioned by the ruling classes, who were erecting a large number of temples at the time. The early murals that survived from this time period include those painted on walls at the Horyu-ji Temple in Ikaruga, Nara. These depict episodes in the Buddha and minor deities' lives. They are painted in a style similar to paintings from China's Sui Dynasty.

The painting style of the Tang Dynasty became extremely popular by the middle of the Nara period. These paintings include murals that are found in the Takamatsuzuka Tomb, painted around the year 700 AD. This Tang Dynasty-influenced style eventually evolved into the Kara-e genre of painting. This genre held in popularity into the early part of the Heian period. Most of the Nara paintings are religiously-themed and painted by artists who retained their anonymity. Many pieces from this period are collected at the Shosoin Storehouse, which is controlled by the Imperial Household Agency. The popularity of the Tendai and Shingon Buddhist sects brought about many religious paintings in eighth and ninth century Japan. As Japanese Buddhism progressed in the tenth century, The Raigozu was born. This depicts Buddha Amida's arrival at the Western Paradise. An early piece from 1053 can still be found in the Byodo-in Temple that still stands in Uji, Kyoto.

During the middle of the Helan period, the Chinese Kara-e painting style was replaced by the Yamato-e as the popular style of the time. This newer style was primarily used to illustrate folding byōbu screens and sliding screen doors. Over time, Yamato-e began to be seen on other interesting mediums including the Emakimono hand scroll. The Emaki artists were able to devise illustrative conventions to convey very emotional scenes in their paintings. Of the different E-maki genres, Genji Monogatari was unique in that it was organized into separate episodes, whereas Ban Dainagon Ekotoba was more lively and used continuous illustrations to emphasize the figures in active motions with vibrant thin colors and rapid brush strokes. A very famous example of this painting style is The Seige of the Sanjō Palace. E-maki are the greatest and earliest examples of Otoko-e, which are paintings of men, and Onno-e, which are paintings of women. There are minor stylistic differences between the two genres. The Onna-e style is best represented by the hand scroll painting of The Tale of Genji. Court life and romance are the central themes of this painting style. Otoko-e focused more on recording historical battles and other important events.

Japanese painting has had a rich history. Many of today's Japanese painters work in styles that are heavily influenced by popular culture and anime. The most popular and well-known of these contemporary painters is probably Takashi Murakami. He is part of a studio collective, which is called Kaikai Kiki. His work focuses on Japanese society in the post-war period. One of the intentions of his art is to blur the lines that separate fine art from its commercial counterpart.

Japanese painting has a unique and colorful history.  The creative innovation of modern artists melding popular and fine art points to an interesting future for painting in Japan.

Source: facts-about-japan

Pop-Up Book made from LEGO!!

LEGO the wordwide know toy is now going up another further step with so called Pop-Up Book made from LEGO!!

Wow... Japanese never stop to surprise me, really

Source: http://hotshotdeal.com/

Order in English and Your Coffee is Free at Rosetta Stone’s Language Cafe

Japanese people often get a hard time for their lack of English language skills. But with so few Japanese ever setting foot outside their own country, it’s little wonder that one of the most frequently heard reasons given for struggling with the language is the lack of opportunity to use it.

Just last night, in fact, I was completely caught off guard when a teenage girl in my local convenience store seized the opportunity to break out her English and asked me whether I needed a plastic bag. Unfortunately, I was completely unprepared for the question and it was only after she had repeated herself three times that I realised that a) she was speaking English and b) I’d probably just ensured that she never dare to do so ever again.

But perhaps the prospect of a free cup of coffee would rekindle her enthusiasm for language?

As part of a promotional campaign for the launch of its new ReFLEX language learning software, Rosetta Stone is opening a special limited-time-only cafe in a Shinjuku book store, giving customers the chance to use their English, and doling out free cups of coffee to those who can.

For just two days next week, visitors to Shinjuku’s Kinokuniya Shoten will be able to try out their English for free when the mock cafe opens its doors on the first floor of the store.

The Rosetta Stone Language Cafe is staffed entirely by native English speakers, meaning that Japanese hoping to grab a free cup of joe will be forced to steel their nerves and bust out their best English. And if they can’t? Well, it just so happens that a certain company has a new language learning program to help with that…

Visitors to the cafe will also be able to try out the company’s new ReFLEX software, which – with its focus on real-life scenarios and audio-visual cues – will come as quite a surprise to many Japanese whose English language education is heavily grammar-focused.

The company is hoping that this year’s language cafe will be as big a success as it was during a similar promotional event held last year, which saw long lines of people waiting their turn from the moment the doors opened. Whether they were there for the chance to practice their English or just for the free coffee, we’re still not sure…

The Rosetta Stone ReFLEX Language Cafe will be open from 1 ~ 7 p.m., Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th November.

Source: Roocket News 24

Ten Best Finances Travel Guidelines For Tokyo and Japan

Rather, get your souvenirs at the Oriental Bazaar or the Nakamise arcade in Asakusa, or pay a visit to Tokyo's only open air sector, Ameyoko, in Ueno.

When traveling to Asia, there are several alternatives to selected from. A visitor can come across something from significant urban cities to quieter countryside towns with astounding views. One selection for an Asian getaway is Tokyo, found in Japan.

With a population of about 8 million, Tokyo is the second most significant city in Japan. Flying there from New York Metropolis requires around 13 hrs. Tokyo has two airports, Narita Airport (where by most worldwide flights fly in an out of), and Haneda Airport (which handles generally domestic flights). In terms of finding all-around locally, there is a subway, buses, and taxis. Japan is also served by a bullet train.

When remaining in Tokyo, there are accommodations for every value assortment. There are posh high end motels, extra price range-pleasant motels, and hostels. Note that the Pass can only be bought from your residence nation in advance of landing in Japan. The good advantage of a Rail Pass is that it can be utilised on the shinkansen/bullet train along with all other JR lines this includes neighborhood. Shell out a single value and have access to unlimited travel for 1, 2 or three weeks.

a hundred Yen Suppliers - The one hundred yen retail store is the equivalent of a dollar or pound retail store. You can buy a multitude of items here. Pick up your souvenir presents and also stock up on any treats this sort of as crisps or chocolate. 

Izekayas - If you want a superior evening out without spending a fortune, an izekaya is the best and most entertaining way to go. On top of that you will get a flavor of serious Japanese culture in action and see the locals seriously permit their hair down as they socialize outdoors the rigidity of their usual organization lives. 

Capsule Hotel - Capsule hotels are a terrific way to save revenue - mainly if you're a man. Why guys? Many hotels are nonetheless adult males only, even though there are some that now make it possible for girls as well. Normal cost in Tokyo is about three,000 to five,000 yen per night time. This is approximately 15 - 25 pounds or 28 - 47 US bucks. 

Organization Hotel - Some hotels are acknowledged as small business motels as they do not have the similar luxury of area as some of the even bigger chains. If you do not fancy remaining in a capsule hotel you should consider the company hotel different. Prices usually commence from close to seven,000 yen and go to 15,000 yen per evening. 

Museums - It is really worth including some museums on your itinerary as they are not high priced in Japan in contrast to several other nations. Some are even free of charge! Pick from science, historical past, artwork or technologies museums and far more. 

Kaiten-Zushi - Sit at a revolving conveyor belt and eat to your hearts content. Recognize that there are commonly four or five distinctive colours of plate. The purpose is that just about every colour is a unique cost. Check out how significantly they are and decide on the ones that match your price range. Continue to keep each and every plate immediately after ingesting and then include them up for your bill. 

Noodles and Ramen - Stand up with the locals and enjoy a tasty bowl of noodles or ramen at a single of the quite a few eating places dotted all over. Locate them both inside of, or in shut proximity to, the two subway and overland train stations. 

Lunch - At lunchtimes get advantage of the variety of set menus that are available, equally Japanese and worldwide. A lot of spots in the middle of Tokyo provide an all you can consume selection for one,000 yen - 5 lbs or ten US bucks. 

Want to know far more about the town of Tokyo. Look at out the hyperlink.

As one of the world's primary metropolises Tokyo has a excellent diploma of attraction for travelers. It is a mixture of regular Japanese and fashionable engineering.

Making your Business Expansion in Japan a Success

Probably the most westernized nation in Asia, Japan brings to mind images of exotic temples, sushi, cars, and ultra modern gadgets. It has managed the perfect balancing between preserving and adopting, the Western business ethic into its cultural and historical fabric. The well known impact of the strong Japanese work ethic and an unwavering dedication to productivity can be recognized instantly through the number of vast number of Japanese brands in our own markets. Japan's economy is deemed as the second largest and successful in the world, and has openings right from construction and media to food and fashion to healthcare and telecommunications.

Japan's economic climate

Japan has the world's second largest economy by nominal GDP. It has a large industrial capacity and is home to some of the world's largest and most technologically advanced producers of electronic equipment, machine tools, metals, ships, motor vehicles, chemicals, textiles and processed foods. Enterprises can create a lucrative presence in the country, and those with existing Japanese customers can strengthen their client relationships. The deficit of foreign investment has been recognized by the government and consequently become more supportive of overseas investors interested in expanding business overseas.

Business opportunities in Japan

Being the world's largest producer of cars with nearly 20 million cars produced, Japan has the largest market for automotive parts, technology and expertise. It also has a vibrant market with the continuing developments of information technology, like digital media. A turnover of US$1,124 billion turnover last year has made Japan home to the world's second largest consumer market. Known for its profile and influence in other markets, particularly in Asia, Japan is regarded as an indicator of future trends. It offers an enormous range of possibilities, as there are numerous avenues to explore. The country's economy has a huge variety of openings for potential investors interested in setting up right from fashion to healthcare.

Strategizing your market entry

Researching the Japanese market and identify the best potential customers, locations, sales leads and channels is important. It is never good to underestimate the temperament of a market. By carefully chalking out a strategy you can identify your competitors and work out a way to have an advantage over them. Getting worthwhile assistance is the key to progress here.


Before setting out on doing business overseas it is absolutely imperative for an entrepreneur to do their homework. Before embarking on a business venture in Japan, it is vital to prepare properly. It is advisable to employ people, with strong finance and management skills and a good understanding of the Japanese language. By employing a professional advisor, you can get hassle free advice on local business practices, international accounting, tax regulations and many more.

Hanami

Hanami - Hanami Party - The Japanese custom of enjoying cherry blossoms along with the arrival of Spring. See many Hanami pictures.

Hanami (花見, Hanami lit. "flower viewing") is the Japanese traditional custom of enjoying the beauty of flowers, "flower" in this case almost always meaning cherry blossoms (桜 or 櫻, sakura), or ume blossoms (梅, ume). From late March to early May, sakura bloom all over Japan. The blossom forecast (桜前線, sakurazensen, lit. cherry blossom front) is announced each year by the weather bureau, and is watched carefully by those planning hanami as the blossoms only last a week or two. In modern-day Japan, hanami mostly consists of having an outdoor party (Hanami Party) beneath the sakura during daytime or at night. Hanami at night is called yozakura (lit. "night sakura"). In many places such as Ueno Park temporary paper lanterns are hung for the purpose of yozakura.

Hanami History

The practice of hanami is many centuries old. The custom is said to have started during the Nara Period (710�784) when the Chinese Tang Dynasty influenced Japan in many ways; one of which was the custom of enjoying flowers. Though it was ume blossoms that people admired in the beginning, by the Heian Period, sakura came to attract more attention. From then on, in tanka and haiku, "flowers" meant "sakura."

Hanami was first used as a term analogous to cherry blossom viewing in the Heian era novel Tale of Genji. Whilst a wisteria viewing party was also described, from this point on the terms "hanami" and "flower party" were only used to describe cherry blossom viewing.

Sakura originally was used to divine that year's harvest as well as an announcer of the rice-planting season. People believed in gods' existence inside the trees and made offerings at the root of sakura trees. Afterwards, they partook of the offering with sake.

Emperor Saga of the Heian Period adopted this practice, and held flower-viewing parties with sake and feasts underneath the blossoming boughs of sakura trees in the Imperial Court in Kyoto. Poems would be written praising the delicate flowers, which were seen as a metaphor for life itself, luminous and beautiful yet fleeting and ephemeral. This was said to be the origin of hanami in Japan.

The custom was originally limited to the elite of the Imperial Court, but soon spread to samurai society and, by the Edo period, to the common people as well. Tokugawa Yoshimune planted areas of cherry blossom trees to encourage this. Under the sakura trees, people had lunch and drank sake in cheerful feasts.

Today, the Japanese people continue the tradition of hanami, gathering in great numbers wherever the flowering trees are found. Thousands of people fill the parks to hold feasts under the flowering trees, and sometimes these parties go on until late at night. In more than half of Japan, the cherry blossoming period coincides with the beginning of the scholastic and fiscal years, and so welcoming parties are often opened with hanami.

The teasing proverb dumplings rather than flowers (花より団子, hana yori dango) hints at the real priorities for most cherry blossom viewers. (A punning variation, Boys Over Flowers (花より男子, Hana Yori Dango), is the title of a manga and anime series.)

JAPANESE TEA CEREMONY

The Japanese tea ceremony (cha-no-yu, chado, or sado) is a traditional ritual influenced by Zen Buddhism in which powdered green tea, or matcha (抹茶), is ceremonially prepared by a skilled practitioner and served to a small group of guests in a tranquil setting.

Cha-no-yu (茶の湯, literally "hot water for tea"), usually refers to a single ceremony or ritual, while sado or chado (茶道, or "the way of tea") refer to the study or doctrine of tea ceremony.

Since a tea practitioner must be familiar with the production and types of tea, with kimono, calligraphy, flower arranging, ceramics, incense and a wide range of other disciplines and traditional arts in addition to his or her school's tea practices, the study of tea ceremony takes many years and often lasts a lifetime. Even to participate as a guest in a formal tea ceremony requires knowledge of sado, including the prescribed gestures and phrases expected of guests, and the proper way to take tea and sweets, and general deportment in the tea room.

Using Japanese Skin Care to Look Forever Young

The image of the Japanese girl, despite or because of animé, is easily among those things that a number of men find powerfully appealing. The look isn't something everyone goes for, but a sizable enough portion of the population has found interest in it. It helps that, for some reason inexplicable to all but the Japanese (and, to some extent, the Chinese and the Koreans), the women in that part of the world never seem to age properly. That is, thanks to Japanese skin care secrets, even a woman well into her mid-forties looks a little too much like a woman who's only in her early or mid-twenties. Even more startling to observers is just how little involvement plastic surgery and expensive cosmetics have in Japanese skin care and beauty maintenance. Just how do the Japanese manage to keep even middle-aged women looking like teenagers?

Most analysts would like to point out that Japanese skin care and beauty maintenance is remarkably different from other areas. Closer inspection reveals a number of similarities and parallels to Chinese beauty secrets (because just about anything in Japanese culture has some sort of loose parallel to Chinese culture somewhere), but the differences still stand out. Most reputable authorities point out that it is likely that the standard Japanese diet forms the core of their ancient secrets.

Even with the arrival and success of big chains such as KFC and McDonald's, traditional food still makes up the bulk of the average meal. Most Japanese, in a recent survey, revealed that the occasional "Big Mac" was good for a treat, but bowls of ramen or a few rounds of sushi were still preferred as regular meals. The diet, on most levels is much simpler and, culturally, great emphasis is placed on preparing food such that it retains as much of its natural state as possible. This usually translates to less chemicals being used in the cooking process, which is something Western diets have large quantities of.
Reports also indicate that Japanese skin care regimens tend to use a wide variety of natural herbs, rather than relying on chemical treatments. There are numerous herbs that naturally occur in Japan that help fight off the negative effects caused by the various adverse weather conditions that the skin has to endure. They also help fight off all the pollutants and skin irritants that fly around, thanks to the highly industrialized nature of the country's urban infrastructure.

Cosmetics in Japan also lend to the apparent ease that women who employ Japanese skin care techniques enjoy. Chemically speaking, Japanese cosmetics are much "lighter" than their Western counterparts. Most Japanese-made cosmetics rely more on essential oils and components derived from herbal treatments than anything else, with some products having firm basis in food. They also do away with some potentially damaging chemicals by insisting that everything be free of any scent. It is a poorly recognized fact that adding scent to make-up can sometimes cause problems in long-term skin care. The focus on natural products and compatibility with even the most sensitive skin conditions is often combined with products that have a stimulating effect on the skin, making it appear more vibrant and young.

As stated, Chinese and Japanese beauty secrets are very similar to one another in principle, if not in tactics. Both cultures have honed their skin care and beauty management secrets to keep their people looking as fresh and as young as possible for as long as possible. Both sides have managed to succeed in that endeavor, though factors in the Japanese diet appear to have given the Japanese the edge in terms of maintaining that "porcelain doll look" much longer than their Chinese counterparts.

Source

History of Sex in Japanese Culture

Japanese are known for their seemingly humble nature and their great technological achievements. They are also very fascinating people with their war culture of samurais. The 2005 movie Memoirs of a Geisha has sparked some interest in sex in Japanese culture.

This film has given the world a glimpse of ancient views and ways of sex in Japanese culture actually worked, the different hierarchical levels. It is no wonder that more people are actually looking things up on the Internet about geisha's as they have sparked an interest in sophisticated prostitution.

It might not be hard then to see how ancient times and modern demands have change and evolved the nature of sex in Japanese culture.

Japans crazy culture has sparked a whole lot of interest in the Japanese culture. There are many ways that the Japanese dress that has sexual connotations to their past and gives a glimpse of sex in Japanese culture .

It is clear from the movies and the word itself that ancient ways have indeed influenced sex in Japanese culture. The most popular of these are the geisha, which in a word where high class prostitutes. The geisha has sparked great interest due to their exotic appearance and interesting way of life.There are many Japanese women who dress up like geisha's as it seems to give them a sense of the past without making them feel cheap and cheesy.

The feel is that being a geisha was something of great erotic and desirable stature and of course it was seen as being a rather glamorous way of life for any humble countryside girl. It is this that has liberated the way sex in Japanese culture works. 

There are many love hotels in Japan ; these are there due to the lack of space in the many Japanese homes. They a re a practical solution especially if you are young couple who wished to just go out and have sex in a private setting.

Sexual connotations are everywhere and this gives you the depth of sex in Japanese culture . The anime for one shows the sexually liberated Japan as you often see these characters have exaggerated features yet they seems to highlight some sexual and erotic fantasy.

It is this that might deceive the world into thinking that sex in Japanese culture is rife and explorative, perhaps in a way it is as you can buy magazines showing nude women in vending machines without embarrassment.

The world could learn a thing or two from this ancient way of life, where prostitution was legalised in some form. It is a rather interesting glimpse of the way sex in Japanese culture has evolved and it helps us understand the extra erotic nature of Japan today. 


Original article : History Of Sex In Japanese Culture

Gift trends in Japan

The Japanese gift market is steeped in tradition, with a focus the "cultural etiquette" surrounding gift giving.  There is a strong culture of giving "cash" in elaborated decorated envelopes on occasions such as the birth of a baby, a wedding or a funeral.  Many gift websites provide a table with a sliding scale of “appropriate amounts” to put into your envelope or spend on a gift.

Siblings and family spend around 10,000 yen. For a colleague you’d spend around 5000 yen, and a friend? Anywhere between 5000 to 10,000 yen.

Upon receipt of your gift or  fancy envelope of cash, recipients are expected to send a “return gift” . Again, the amount you spend on the “return gift” depends on your relationship with the gift-giver, as well as the generosity they have shown you!  Return  gifts are sent out by department stores, in something I can only liken to a “gift registry” type of service. You give the department store a list of names and addresses, as well as the amount to spend and they handle the rest for you.

Surprisingly, Japanese do not give gifts to celebrate birthdays. Many of the women I spoke with expressed amazement at the vast range of greeting cards they had seem whilst visiting overseas, for such an array of occasions! (I got the feeling that they considered we westerners to be “frivolous” gift givers!)

Despite the lack of birthday presents, the Japanese give gifts as a mark of respect. As is the custom, I presented each of the attendees at my Japanese business meetings with a small gift. Train stations for the “bullet train” have extensive gift shops, because it is a tradition to give a gift to the host when you reach your destination.

The online gift market in Japan is extensive, as you would expect in such a “techno savvy” country.  The majority of consumers under 40 years of age  order  goods on their mobile phone. Gift catalogues are also very popular. One of the gift catalogue companies I met with had 23 different catalogues, over 5 million customers per year, and an annual turnover of 150 billion yen.

Gift presentation is everything. I met with one online retailer who had the most amazing gift despatch service system I had ever seen. One person was in charge of dusting, there was even a gift wrapping “supervisor”...

Everything is gift wrapped...beautifully. Department store employees attend gift wrapping school, and use the traditional Japanese method of folding the  gift paper so that the “happiness can get in”. You must hold your gift the right way up, so that the happiness does not “escape”...

5 Interesting Places In Japan To Visit On A Short Trip

So, you are planning to Japan for a trip. Excellent! Whether you are visiting first time japan or you have been there before, it is likely that there are so many things you have not seen of the amazing and mystifying country

A short trip of a day to two – such when you are just passing through beautiful country Japan on your way to another location – will most likely not allow sufficient time to see everything. In that matter, try to fix your japan trip a couple of day.


If you are visiting to Japan for a short trip, you are probably concerned in narrowing your choice down to the most attractive place to visit. Here are the some interesting places to think about during your Japan trip.

Nagano

Nagano is the very famous place for snow and ski tourists, the major attraction place to visit is Hokkaido. It is one of the most visited places in Nagano and in winter months it is very expensive. Besides winter sport, the destination has outstanding slopes and the worth powder is just as best as that in Hokkaido.

By the way, Nagano is also the favorite destination of people who travel Japan for working holiday vacation because resorts are offered free accommodations, meals and ski passed to outside tourist on working vacations.
Kyoto

Kyoto is such a place where people with get rich history and culture of Japan, if you want to know Japan's rich culture then Kyoto is for you. it has many fantastic potted historical feudal destinations to learn because it escaped the extensive annihilation that occurred during the period of second world war. It considered as the home to 17 UNESCO world heritage sites like Tenryu-ji temples, Ninna-ji, Kinkaku-ji and Kozan-ji temples. To visit this 17 interesting sites you have to spend at least two days.

Okinawa

In Japan Okinawa is the best attractive tourist point in summer season because subtropical climate which makes this place as cool environment, even in January and December where northern areas people used blanket. Asides from the fabulous climate, Okinawa has the stunning beaches for sunbathing and clear crystal water for scuba diving. Most of tourists believe that vacation in Okinawa is similar to Hawaii vacations.

Tokyo

Tokyo is the capital city and offer many unforgettable sightseeing to its explorers. It is the center of Japan where several historical and modern elements come together in amusing mix. The Ueno Park Zoo and Disneyland are the modern diversions but you can watch the history and genuine culture in the Imperial Palace and the Asakusa Kannon Temple.


Osaka

Osaka is such a wonderful place for those hesitate the concept of diving into the bustle and hustle of Tokyo city. it is the third largest city in the nation but the crowed are less hurried then the Tokyo. Also the place has outstanding historical destinations and rich cultural flavor.


There are many amazing destination to visit in Japan. However, these above destinations should be important to give you a outstanding traveling experience during your short trip. No way to feel bored whether you are coming for two days or long vacation, Japan always will entertain you.

Japanese Food

While in Japan one can enjoy a wide variety of interesting and delicious dishes, including tako-yaki, sushi, sashimi, and tempura.  Japanese cuisine has evolved over centuries of social and political changes.  Washoku (Japanese cuisine) usually refers to food that was around before 1868, the end of Japan's isolationist policies.  A few aspects that set Japanese cuisine apart from other cuisines are it's emphasis on using quality ingredients, particular seasonality, and impeccable presentation.

Tempura consists of vegetables or seafood that are covered in a light batter and then deep fried.  Tempura was originally brought to Japan by the people of Portugal.  Now, tempura is one of the most popular foods in Japan and also one it's best-known exports.  Tempura-ya (tempura restaurants) can be anything from low-priced chain fast food joints to classy fine dining establishments.  Tempura is usually part of a bento (lunch box) or set meal.  It is especially popular in convenience or take-out bentos.  There is a huge variety in the ways that tempura is served and cooked and even in what ingredients are used, although it is widely-accepted that dishes should utilize seasonal ingredients that are as fresh as possible.  A high-quality tempura should need little else other than a sprinkle of salt.

Tako-yaki (grilled or fried octopus) is a ball-shaped dumpling made from diced or baby octopus, batter, tenkasu (tempura scraps), green onion, and pickled ginger.  It is topped with ponzu, mayonnaise, okonomiyaki sauce, katsuobushi (fish shavings), and aonori (green laver).  This dish became popular in Osaka and was first sold in 1935 by Endo Tomekichi, the street vendor who invented it.  Takoyaki is sold in shops called issen-yoshoku (one-penny western food).

Sushi is a dish of rice cooked with vinegar topped with seafood (often uncooked) or made into rolls.  When raw fish is sliced and served alone, it is known as sashimi.  When sushi is rolled around or inside of nori (seaweed), it is called makizushi.  Inarizushi is when the seafood is packed into a fried tofu pouch.  And, chirashi-zushi is sushi rice served in a bowl with scattered seafood on top.  Many Japanese complain when they travel abroad that the quality of sushi is extremely low compared to Japanese standards.

In a sign of how serious the Japanese are about food, Michelin recently awarded more restaurants in Tokyo a three star rating (the maximum rating) than any other city in the world, including Paris.

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Japanese Samurai Culture

Word samurai usually refers to warrior nobility nowadays. But in the preindustrial age samurai meant a Japan warrior. During Tokugawa era, samurais lost military functions and became bureaucrats, as they had to be literate. They followed a strict codes and rules, which were called bushido. Samurai culture ranged from a spartan Zen Buddhism influence to Kano-style culture.

Samurai were aristocrats for long centruies and they developed their own codes and culture, which had big influence on whole Japanese culture. Most known is their monochrome ink painting, japanese scissors, rock gardens and tea ceremonies, which have been used before for Buddhist monks to stay awake during meditation. Samurai had high literacy rate in Kanji and skills in math, similair to other arictocrats and priests. Toward the end of Kamakura period, general skill and literacy rate improved further.

Names of samurai were combined from one kanji of his father and new one. Their full names were long, so they often used only small part of their name. Names were composed of clan name, title, father's name and first name, which samurai were able to choose. Many samurai later changed their names when they were adopted into other clans. When the clan leader dies without a son, but had a daughter, common thing was to adpot other clan's samurai trough marriage with the daughter. Although samurai had a lot of children, times were harsh with wars and dieaseses which could lead to destruction of entire clan. To avoid this adpotion of samurai were practiced.

Samurai were expected to have marriage arranged by someone who had same or higher society rank than those marrying. Most of the samurai married women form other samurai families, but for lower ranks samurais it was not uncommon to marry a commoner. Samurai could have a mistress, but had to be checked by someone of higher rank. If mistress was a commoner, note with money to her parents was sent. Most of parents accepted it, because if the child could become a samurai, thus a higher rank than commoners. Samurai could also have divorce with an approval from a superior, although it was very rare. If samurai's wife would be cast off, she was allowed to commit suicide

Tourist Destinations in Japan

Located in that quiet corner of the Far East, Japan welcomes tourists from all across the world. While the revolutionary sites stand testimony to a tumultuous history of the past, the modern attractions spell a unique charm. The manmade masterpieces along with natural bounties including verdant forests, lofty mountains and impressive coastlines make up the beautiful landscape of Japan. The popular tourist destinations encompass a rich history and culture and contemporary attractions including slick shopping malls and swanky dining establishments. Go through the Japan travel guide and find out more about the tourist destinations in Japan, colorful festivals, Japan culture, Japanese cuisine and Japan hotels.

An Oriental asset, Japan is an enticing blend of the east and the west. Referred to as ‘Nippon’ by the locals, Japan welcomes its tourists with a hearty smile and warm reception. With clear blue skies and colorful blossoms, Japan is best visited in spring, during the months of March to May. This is the time when domestic and international tourists throng the major tourist destinations in Japan.

Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Fukuoka, Osaka and Yokohama are replete with the best sightseeing attractions and accommodation options of the country. The Daisetsuzan National Park with its volcanoes, lakes, forests and mountains is a spectacular attraction of the country. With an innumerable number of trekking spots, Japan claims to be a favorite amongst hikers.

The Gokoku-ji Temple, the Sensoji Temple, the Yasukuni Shrine, the Tokyo National Museum, Asakura Choso Museum, Fukagawa Edo Period Museum, Aoyama Cemetery, Edo Castle, Hachiko, Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo Tower, Kabuki Theatre, Mount Takao, Roppongi Hills, Sanrio Puroland theme park and Ginza are a few of the favorite spots in Tokyo. If you are visiting the capital of Japan, you will get a wealth of accommodation options-ranging from luxury hotels to business hotels, three star hotels and cheap hotels. While the Park Hyatt and Four Seasons are some of the best luxury hotel brands, Aizuya Inn Hotel is the best name amongst cheap hotels.

Next in popularity, Kyoto attracts tourists in droves almost throughout the year. Adorned by a variety of temples, beautiful gardens, intriguing Shinto shrines, Kyoto is a must visit on Japan tours. The imperial capital of the country in ancient times, Kyoto is still looked upon as the cultural hub. From luxury to cheap hotels, Kyoto is home to several accommodation options. Holiday Inn Hotel and Court Hotel are some of the popular names amongst the Kyoto Hotels.

If you are in Osaka, you cannot afford to miss a visit to the Osaka Aquarium, Kaiyukan Aquarium, the Tempo-zan harbor Village, Osaka Castle and the Suntory Museum. The Mitsui Urban Bay Tower Hotel and Laforet Shin Hotel are the best accommodation options. Explore more hotel information in Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Yokohama and other tourist destinations in Japan through the sites for online hotel booking worldwide. Find out the best discount deals on Japan hotels through the discount hotel booking services online. While you are in Japan, always remember to try out authentic Japanese dishes, the very mention of which tickles the popular imagination.

Vacation in Japan: A Study in Contrasting Cultures

There are two words which come to mind when considering a vacation in Japan: culture and contrasts. The richness and diversity of life in Japan is matched only by its enthusiasm for its own cultural heritage, and whether you stay a week, two weeks or many months, you will always find it astonishingly easy to feel at one and the same time, both very much at home, yet transported to a world that seems uniquely set apart from anywhere else.

Tokyo is one of the better known cities for many people to choose to visit. This is not only because of the 13 million inhabitants who help to create a city to call home, but because of the fact that it has become ever more popularized through Hollywood, with the James Bond film, ‘You Only Live Twice’ being filmed here, as well as ‘My Geisha’ and ‘Lost In Translation’.

The skyline, dominated by the snow peaked mountains in the distance, is a testament to modern architecture, with glass and steel entwined towards the skies; a remarkable feat, but don’t spend too long staring up at the heavens, because on the ground is the real Tokyo, with everything from exquisite sushi bars to trendy shopping experiences. If you enjoy modern, vibrant shopping, then you must make time to see the Harajuku on your Japanese vacation, often referred to as Tokyo’s Champs Elysees.

Or perhaps you might like to leave behind the bustling streets of Tokyo’s city centre and visit the breathtaking Meiji Jingu Shrine. The original shrine was erected in the early twentieth century, created from Japanese cypress and copper; sadly this was destroyed in World War II, but rebuilt in the fifties to create a magnificent modern masterpiece which very much captures the spirit with which the original was constructed. The Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery is based here, and it is well worth spending time to admire the beautiful murals which depict the life of the Emperor Meiji and his wife.

When it comes to dining in and around Tokyo during your vacation in Japan, as with much of Japan, the culture is one dominated by fish; indeed, the very symbol of Tokyo itself is a fish. It is well worth rousing yourself a little earlier than usual and heading towards the Tsukiji Fish Market , known more commonly as the Tokyo Metropolitan Wholesale Market.

The fish here is often so fresh it’s still moving! The sale of fish is frenetic and absorbing, and afterwards it is highly recommended that you enjoy the best of Japanese fish with an exquisite sushi breakfast. If you’ve never tried this, you really don’t know what you’re missing. Japan is full of contrasts, and to enjoy these at their best, it is worth diving in and participating in the traditional customs.

Before you leave Tokyo, another aspect of Japanese culture which you must experience, and which contrasts very much with the throb and hum of the city centre is the Hamarikyu Gardens. No vacation in Japan would be complete without seeing these beautiful gardens, occupying nearly a quarter of a million square meters. They provide a tranquil resting place, through which you can enjoy a pleasant walk, perhaps enjoying a traditional tea ceremony at the teashop in Nakashima, in the centre of the gardens. The flowers here are fabulous, with peony gardens and a plum tree grove just two examples of the areas which appeal, whatever the season. Depending on when you visit, there are a number of displays and exhibitions which demonstrate more of Japanese culture, such as Japanese goshawk hunting.

Many people today associate Kyoto with the international climate agreement (or disagreement!) but this former imperial capital of Japan holds many fascinating opportunities to explore the culture of Japan, and offers many contrasts with the city of Tokyo, despite both names being an anagram of each other. Situated within a beautiful, lush valley, harbored by the mountains of the Tamba highlands, the city of Kyoto offers the chance to experience Japanese customs, such as the art of calligraphy.

Of all written languages in the world, Chinese and Japanese symbols are perhaps the most artistic and decorative. Although Chinese sounds very different from Japanese, they use all of the same letter shapes, and it is well worth experiencing this for yourself. A true master can help anyone to feel the beauty of creating these exquisite shapes. If you’re interested in learning new things, then perhaps rather than taking part in a tea ceremony, you should indulge yourself in learning more about it, and experts in Kyoto will be more than willing to teach you this ancient tradition.

But for a real taste of Japanese culture and tradition during your Japanese vacation, there is one opportunity hidden away in Kyoto which is hard to find, yet well worth it if you know who to ask. The secrets of the Geisha have long been known, yet rarely understood; rarer still is to experience it for yourself, and even the Japanese consider it a great honor.

However, it is possible for westerners to experience the song and dance ceremonies of the Geisha, and nowhere else are the contrasts with modern western cultures more noticeable than amongst the culture and heritage of Japan’s Kyoto region. But be warned, you may well find yourself tearing up your return tickets once you have embraced the culture of a vacation in Japan.

Japanese Zodiac - The Twelve Zodiac Signs

The Japanese zodiac is divided into 12 blocks with each block containing a group of years. The years in each block are 12 years apart from the previous or following year (in that block only). Each block is given a name of an animal based on the ancient Chinese concept that all time shifts are based on these twelve units. In Japan, the adoption of the twelve-year cycle, with a different animal representing each block, is fairly common.

Those individuals born during a particular year were said to inherit some of the personalities of that year's animal. Have a look below to see what year and animal you are.

Rat (nezumi)

Born 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960, 1948, 1936, 1924, 1912. People born in the year of the Rat are charming, honest, ambitious, and have a tremendous capacity for pursing a course to its end. They will work hard for their goals. They are easily angered but maintain an outward show of control.

Ox (ushi)

Born 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961, 1949, 1937, 1925, 1913. People born in the year of the Ox are patient, mentally alert and when required to speak are skillful. They have a gift for inspiring confidence in others. This allows them to achieve a great deal of success.

Tiger (tora)

Born 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962, 1950, 1938, 1926, 1914. People born in the year of the Tiger are sensitive, stubborn, short-tempered, courageous, selfish and slightly mean ... yet they are deep thinkers and are capable of great sympathy for those they are close to and love.

Rabbit (usagi)

Born 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951, 1939, 1927, 1915. People born in the year of the Rabbit are the most fortunate. They are smooth talkers, talented, ambitious, virtuous and reserved. They have exceedingly fine taste and regarded with admiration and trust.

Dragon (tatsu)

Born 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, 1952, 1940, 1928, 1916. People born in the year of the Dragon are healthy, energetic, excitable, short-tempered and stubborn. However, they are honest, sensitive, brave and can inspire trust in most anyone. They are the most peculiar of the 12 signs of the Zodiac cycle.

Snake (hebi)

Born 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, 1953, 1941, 1929, 1917. People born in the year of the Snake are deep thinkers, speak very little and possess tremendous wisdom. They are fortunate in money matters and will always be able to obtain it. They are determined in what they do and hate to fail.

Horse (uma)

Born 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, 1942, 1930, 1918, 1906. People born in the year of the Horse are skillful in paying compliments and talk too much. They are skillful with money and handle finances well. They are quick thinkers, wise and talented. Horse people anger easily and are very impatient.

Sheep (hitsuji)

Born 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967, 1955, 1943, 1931, 1919, 1907. People born in the year of the Sheep are elegant, highly accomplished in the arts, passionate about nature. At first glance, they seem to be better off than the people born in other years. They are deeply religious and passionate in whatever they do and believe in.

Monkey (saru)

Born 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968, 1956, 1944, 1932, 1920, 1908. People born in the year of the Monkey are the erratic geniuses of the Zodiac cycle. They are clever and skillful in grand-scale operations and are smart when making financial deals. They are inventive, original and are able to solve the most difficult problems with ease.

Rooster (tori)

Born 2005, 1981, 1969, 1957, 1945, 1933, 1921, 1909. People born in the year of the Rooster are deep thinkers and are always busy and devoted to their work. They always want to do more than they are able, and if they undertake a task beyond their abilities, they are disappointed. Rooster people have a habit of speaking out directly whenever they have something on their minds.

Dog (inu)

Born 2006, 1982, 1970, 1958, 1946, 1934, 1922, 1910. People born in the year of the Dog have all the fine qualities of human nature. They have a sense of duty and loyalty, they are extremely honest and always do their best in their relationship with other people. Dog people inspire confidence in others and know how to keep secrets.

Boar (inoshishi)

Born 2007, 1983, 1971, 1959, 1947, 1935, 1923, 1911. People born in the year of the Boar are brave. They have tremendous inner strength which no one can overcome. They display great honesty. They are short-tempered, yet hate to quarrel or have arguments. They are affectionate and kind to their loved ones.