Tag: Japan

The Treaty That Shaped Empires: How the Portsmouth Agreement Redefined Global Power in 1905

In the early 20th century, the world witnessed a clash between two rising empires, Russia and Japan, in what became known as the Russo-Japanese War. This conflict, fought over control of Korea and Manchuria, signaled a power struggle that would change the balance of power in East Asia and the world. The war, fought from …

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A Symbol of Peace: The Hiroshima Stone in Wellington Botanical Garden

Nestled within the serene Wellington Botanical Garden in New Zealand lies a remarkable symbol of peace and resilience: the Hiroshima Stone. This humble yet profound monument serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating events of World War II and the enduring hope for a world free from nuclear weapons. The Hiroshima Stone was gifted …

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Kentucky for Christmas: Unwrapping the Finger-Licking Tale of Japan’s Festive KFC Tradition

a woman standing in front of a plate of food

Prepare yourself for an intriguing Christmas custom of Japan, centered around the peculiar tradition of indulging in KFC during the festive season. This cultural phenomenon stems from a brilliant marketing campaign by KFC in the vibrant 1970s, which forever revolutionized the way Japan celebrates Christmas. In this tale, imagine a nation entranced by the alluring …

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Pearl Harbor to Peace: Honoring History, Building Bridges Between Japan and the United States

a person in a car posing for the camera

The attack on Pearl Harbor stands as an extraordinary moment in history, forever altering the dynamic between Japan and the United States. But in the aftermath of this tragic event, both nations have tirelessly strived to rise above the pain, forging a path of understanding and cooperation. Embracing the significance of our shared past is …

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Unveiling the Enigmatic Allure: Unearthing the Secrets of Halloween Traditions in Japan

In recent years, Halloween traditions in Japan have been skyrocketing in popularity, despite their relatively shallow roots in Japanese culture. Thanks to the influence of Western customs, Halloween has transformed into a thrilling and enthralling time for people of all ages across Japan. One tradition that stands out is the vibrant celebration of costume parties. …

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Kyūketsuki Chronicles: Unraveling the Bone-Chilling Tales of Japanese Vampires

In the realm of Japanese folklore, behold the enigmatic and unnerving presence of the “kyūketsuki,” an otherworldly vampire unlike any you’ve encountered before. Unlike their Western counterparts, these creatures of the night are anything but suave and seductive. Prepare yourself for a macabre and bone-chilling spectacle. These bloodthirsty beings possess unparalleled strength and agility, lurking …

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Ninjas Unveiled: Masters of Shadows and Secrets in Feudal Japan

During the feudal era in Japan, the emergence of the enigmatic and mysterious figure known as the ninja captured the attention of both historians and culture enthusiasts alike. These stealthy operatives, originating from the Japanese term “shinobi” meaning “one who is concealed,” held an undeniable allure of secrecy and intrigue. Their expertise extended across various …

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Unveiling the Way of the Samurai: Masters of Honor and Steel

Embark on an enthralling journey into the captivating world of ancient Japan, where the noble samurai stood boldly, admired as legendary figures embodying not only honor and loyalty but also unparalleled martial skill. These historical icons emerged during Japan’s feudal era, rising to the esteemed status of military nobility and reigning as the ruling class …

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The Rise and Fall of the Samurai: Exploring the Cultural and Political History of Japan’s Elite Warriors

Get ready to be transported to ancient Japan, where the legendary samurai roamed the land, living by a strict code of honor known as bushido. These warriors were the epitome of bravery, discipline, and loyalty, and were highly respected and admired in Japanese society. The samurai were not only known for their combat skills, but …

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Japan Warns Russia Not to Bomb America

Japan is Still Trying to Figure Out Christmas

Japanese Mouth Guard

Japan is a Highly Cultured Society With Whisky

Russian Female Pole Vaulter Ready For Olympics

Funny Japanese Elevator Comedy Skit

German Enigma Machine

This is a four rotor Enigma machine that was created by German around the time of 1943-1944.  Germany built this rare Enigma for its ally, Japan.  You can tell by both the character and the fourth rotor.  Germany was unaware that Britain had cracked the Enigma they added the fourth rotor in 1942 to strengthen …

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Ryukyu Island Lacquer Tray Gift to the State Department

Diego tree wood, lacquer Okinawa, Ryukyu, Japan. Arching above the choppy waves, the dragon on this tray emerges from his home, the ocean depths near the Ryukyu Islands. He seems fierce as he extends his three-clawed tiger paws at his side, but unlike the fire breathing terrors of European lore, this Asian dragon is benevolent …

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Japanese Novelty Store

Whenever I go shopping for Asian food I like to stop by a Japanese novelty store to see what new items they have are.  Some of them are pretty neat.  These were the latest items I saw.

Great Things About Japan

#1. Strike in Japan #2. Drink Cans Have Names Written In Braille On The Top #3. Japanese Fans Stayed Behind After The FIFA World Cup 2014 Match To Help Clean Up #4. There Are Baby Seats Attached To The Wall In Most Bathrooms #5. Here Is Some Of The Hospital Food I Ate #6. You …

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One Piece Characters

I’ve never quite understood the Japanese cartoon One Piece. I’ve watched episodes and they just left me hanging with more questions at the end of each episode. Here are some of the characters.

Japanese Characters

While walking around a Japanese store I came across these characters. Japanese seem to love their women with big breasts, dressed scantily, or dresses as a school girl while they want the men to look cool and carry samurai swords.

Japanese Dessert Store

What kind of building is this? Is it a temple? Perhaps an orphanage? Guess again. It’s actually a Japanese dessert shop located in Kamakura.

Rice Fields in Japan

If you haven’t ever seen any rice fields or how rice is grown it is pretty interesting because Japan does not have a lot of farm land so they grow rice wherever they can. Here are a couple fields I happened to snap a couple photos of as I was driving by.

Statue in Japan

Here is a little statue in Japan.

Buddhist Temple at Enoshima, Japan

While walking around Enoshima, Japan one of the landmarks was this buddhist temple. Here is a view looking towards Enoshima Island in Fujisawa.

Curry House CoCo Ichibanya Irvine, California

ココイチカレー、たまに無性に食べたくなる味。特に海外だと恋しく感じる。 CAには4店舗あるらしく、アーバイン店に行ってみた。 日本に住んでいた外国人にも人気があり、この味を求めて来るお客でいっぱい。 週末のお昼時は行列が出来ていた。 中国系と韓国系のレストランやショップに囲まれたショッピングセンター内にその店舗はあり、駐車場が無料なのがありがたい。 当たり前ですが英語のメニュー。辛さ・ご飯の量・トッピングを選べて比較的に日本とあまり変わらない。店員は地元の学生さんっぽい。 オーダーも英語のみ。でもアメリカにしてはサービスが良く、 注文するとすぐにカレーが運ばれてきたし、お水もすぐにお代わりを聞いてくれた。 でも店員さんを呼ぶあのチャイムがあったら便利なのになぁ〜。 肝心の味は「これよ!これ!」と安定のお味。 量は多いので食べきれず持ち帰れるか聞くと、To-Go Boxを持って来てくれた。 アメリカ式自分でやりなさいのあのお弁当箱だ。 値段はチップ料金が掛かるので日本より少々高く感じた。 お子様セットのお菓子はオレオクッキー♪ CoCo ICHIBANYA USA

Intricate Wood Carving

While in Japan I went to this building that had some very intricate wood carvings. I didn’t get on a ladder to inspect, but the wood appeared as if it was untreated and still looked very nice.

Japanese Architecture

While in Japan I was amazed by the architectural structure of the building. Look at all the untreated wood to hold the roof structure. It is amazing that it lasted after all these years.

Japanese House with Garden

Many Japanese homes have a small yard and a nice garden with a walkway to the front of the house. This is because many Japanese people enjoy being artistic and taking care of their plants. The degree of difficulty and artistic design varies based upon each person, but no matter how they are they sure …

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Bamboo in Japan

Bronze Bell at Japanese Shrine

While at a shrine in Enoshima, Japan I saw this big bronze bell. These bells have a nice ring to them. From what I remember about reading about them is that the people who make the bell don’t know if they have a good bell until after it is cast and they hear the ring …

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