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Month: January 2020

Sengan-en and Shuseikan: Exploring samurai values and industrialization

January 30, 2020November 23, 2020Leave a comment

This article introduces a fascinating historical site in Kagoshima.  The site is an interesting blend of the lifestyle of samurai lords and some of Japan's earliest attempts at industrialization.  Learn more in this article. (Archived article originally published by Japan Today.)

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Oshito-Ishi: Japan’s Stonehenge?

January 21, 2020November 28, 2021Leave a comment

On a windswept hilltop north of Kyushu's Mt. Aso caldera, one of the largest volcanic caldera in the world, there stands a bunch of giant boulders.  They seem to be arranged in two somewhat straight lines, with a couple of clusters of boulders off to one side. There is nothing else around but grass and … Continue reading Oshito-Ishi: Japan’s Stonehenge?

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The last celebrations of the new year’s season

January 16, 2020Leave a comment

Not long ago a Japanese friend was telling me about a book he was reading that detailed how Japan historically observed seasons in two week increments.  Japan's love of the seasons is undeniable and when I reflected on what my friend was explaining to me, in some ways, I could see it.  In particular, it … Continue reading The last celebrations of the new year’s season

Myths in the mountains at midnight

January 4, 2020March 15, 20201 Comment

Unlike many Japanese, who rise early on New Year's mornings to watch the sunrise on the new year, I've always preferred seeing in the new year with a traditional hatsumode shrine visit promptly at midnight.  This year's hatsumode was a particular treat, as it included some very special entertainment. This year I was fortunate to … Continue reading Myths in the mountains at midnight

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  • A tale of two temples: The historical competition between Enryaku-ji and Mii-dera
  • The Sakura Seven: A walk to gain good fortune
  • All Things Kitchen Are in Kappabashi
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  • Zojoji’s Sanmon: A Rare Look at a Gateway of Antiquities

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At Jigsaw Japan you can find information and observations about Japan, especially looking at how history and culture impact people and places. Weekly blog posts, archived travel articles and even reviews of books about Japan help you put it all together.  Please “follow” us to ensure that you never miss a post!

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