Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Nigirizushi

 Nigirizushi - Sushi

Fresh seafood (usually raw) were placed on top of the rice which is formed by putting rice in the palm of one hand and shaping it with your fingers the other. Nori is often used to bind neta so as not to be separated from the rice. Side dishes are placed on top of sushi can also be cooked in a state like tamagoyaki or unagi eel and eel anago already roasted.

HISTORY OF SUSHI

japanese foods - SUSHI
japanese foods - SUSHI

It is said that the habit of preserving fish by using rice and vinegar comes from the mountainous region in Southeast Asia. The term sushi comes from the ancient grammatical forms that are no longer used in other contexts; literally, "sushi" means "it (taste) sour", a description of the fermentation process in the history of the roots he said. Basic science behind the fermentation process of fish are packed in rice is that the vinegar produced from the fermentation of rice outlines of amino acids from fish meat. The result is one of the five basic tastes, called umami in Japanese.
Sushi paintings by Hiroshige Ichiyusai from Edo period.

Nigirizushi known in Japan since the Edo period. Prior to the Edo period, most of which are known in Japan, sushi is the kind oshizushi (sushi is formed by pressed-press on the square wooden container). In ancient times, Japanese people may be strong to eat because sushi is always served in large portions. Sushi is as much a right (1 serving) equivalent to 9 not (9 servings) sushi today, or roughly the same with 18 clod sushi (360 grams). One serving sushi ancient times called ikkanzushi have neta consisting of 9 or more types of seafood.

At the end of the Edo period, Japan has become a popular early form of nigirizushi. But nigirizushi already reduced portion sizes to be more easily enjoyed. Sushi expert named Hanaya Yohei create a new kind of sushi which is now called edomaezushi.Namun size large sushi creations such as onigiri. In those days, fish cooling techniques are still underdeveloped. As a result, fish taken from the seas around Japan should be treated first so as not to damage when used as sushi.

Until the 1970's sushi is still a luxury food. Ordinary people in Japan just to eat sushi to celebrate special occasions, and is limited to sushi delivery. In the manga, often portrayed office workers who return home at midnight drunk. By-by who was taken to bribe the wife waiting at home was the sushi. Although the first kaitenzushi restaurants have opened in 1958 in Osaka, its spread to other areas in Japan takes a long time. Eating sushi as an event the whole family come true in the 1980's in line with the increasingly widespread kaitenzushi.

The success kaitenzushi encourage food companies to introduce various kinds of seasonings that allows instant sushi housewives make sushi at home. chirashizushi or temakizushi can be made with instant seasoning plus rice, seafood, tamagoyaki and nori.

Sushi

japanese foods - Sushi

Sushi (鮨, 鲊, or usually すし, 寿司) is a Japanese food consisting of rice a is formed with side dishes (neta) such as seafood, meat, raw or cooked vegetables. [1] The sushi The rice has a soft taste sour because of flavored mixture of rice vinegar, salt, and sugar.

The origins of the word sushi is the adjective for the sour taste a sushi written in kanji (酸し?). At first, sushi written in kanji 鲊 is the term for one type of fish preservation is called gyoshō (鱼 醤) a smear the fish with salt, yeast powder (麹, koji?) or the dregs of sake (, kasu). Writing kanji 寿司 sushi use that began in the mid-Edo period is a way of writing ateji (written with other kanji a reads a same).

Saturday, November 20, 2010

GINKAKUJI (TEMPLE SILVER)

Traditional Japanese culture - GINKAKUJI (TEMPLE SILVER


originally also a villa, which was built in the area of Higashiyama (Kyoto) by Ashikaga Yoshimasa in the late 15th century (year 1482).
Ginkakuji building is coated with silver & take ZEN temple architectural style called "SHOINZUKURI" a distinguished feature of the building where there is room in Dlm SHOP NO MA "(bed)," CHIGAI FUND "(RAK), &" tatami "which lay neatly, then between rooms separated by dg room "FUSUMA" (sliding door of paper), and the wall,
and used also "AKARISHOJI" (paper window).
This force is then taken as the military-style house became the home of Japanese-style house now

Saturday, October 16, 2010

KOKESHI

Japanese culture - Kokeshi Japanese traditional wooden dolls
Japanese culture - Kokeshi Japanese traditional wooden dolls

Kokeshi, Japanese traditional wooden dolls which are made from 200 years ago in mid-EDO era (1603-186). Wooden dolls are generally found in the region bath Onsen (hot springs) along the Japan and the vast majority were. Tohoku.Kadang region called the toy / decoration typical of the region Tohoku.Kokeshi shaped wooden doll that resembles a daughter, little girl, or woman muda.Kokeshi made of wood (cherry tree, tree Mizuki, etc.) and consists of 2 parts of the body that is part . body cylindrical / oval, and parts. spherical head with no legs & tangan.Bagian head painted nose, eyes, mouth and hair, and painted bag.badan traditional Japanese clothing.

"Kodomo no hi" Children's Day Celebrations in Japan

Kodomo no hi Children's Day Celebrations in Japan
Kodomo no hi Children's Day Celebrations in Japan
Kodomo no hi Children's Day Celebrations in Japan

"Kodomo no hi" the day the child, one of the national holidays celebrated by the children (for boys and girls) in the hope they can grow with a healthy & happy. at first, kodomo no hi merupkan "tango no sekku" festival which is held to expect growth, health & happiness boys.

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Ninja Hand Claw Climbing Tigers Spikes

Ninja Hand Claw Climbing Tigers Spikes

If you want to buy something that looks cool then get them. They are cheap so don't expect to be climbing 30 feet up a tree or trekking across a mountain. 1st off you don't use stuff like this for those types of actions anyways. If a ninja ever did use these to climb it was only a momentary pull because they help a little but they would have used good technique and not a hand claw to climb a wall or tree.
As for self-defense, the metal going all the way around the hand gives you a good area to fend of any sharp blades and if your good you can uses both hands and catch the blade with the spikes. Also the spikes may not be the sharpest but with a good scrape they will cut skin for sure and I'd wager that, that would be the main use of these devices.
Japanese Weapon

Three Piece Black Ninja Kunai Dagger

This precisely balanced miniature ninja dagger set features three 6 1/2 inch double edged full tang stainless steel daggers. Each aerodynamic dagger additionally features a resilient non-reflective black finish and tightly wrapped black nylon cord handle. Each handle also has an open ringed pommel for attaching a wrist lanyard of tassel.

This miniature ninja dagger set comes complete with a durable black nylon sheath designed to accommodate all three daggers.

Japanese Weapon

GRAPPLING HOOK

GRAPPLING HOOK

Grapple With This Don't leave the bat-cave without your folding steel grappling hook. You never know what evil might lurk on top of the next 33-foot-tall building. Has (4) black steel hooks, 1/2" dia x 8" across, point-to-point, on a 9-1/2" long shaft, and 33-feet of 1/4" dia black nylon cord, which is heavier than it sounds. Folds flat for utility belt storage and is spring-loaded to lock open. Less-than-super heroes can use it to grab canoes and get stuff out of trees. Weighs under 3 lbs.
Japanese Weapon

Kendo Bamboo Shinai Practice Sword

Kendo Bamboo ShinaiImproved your martial arts skills! This professional practice sword is designed for rigorous training. This item features solid bamboo construction with a leather wrapped grip and tip

This is an awesome practice shinai sword.It is very well made and easy to use.When I was looking for a shinai on here I was suprised to find one like this at a very good price.

Most of them I have come across on here are mostly about 20 dollars or more.So this is really an excellant deal and I garentee you will be happy with how well made this shinai

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Hattori Hanzo

Hattori HanzoAlso known as Masashige. The son of a certain Hattori Yasunaga, Hanzo, who would earn the nickname 'Devil Hanzo', served Tokugawa Ieyasu loyally and usefully. His nickname - Devil Hanzo - was not only to pay homage to his skills but also to distinguish him from another Tokugawa 'ninja', Watanabe Hanzo.

Hattori, who fought his first battle at the age of 16, went on to serve at Anegawa (1570) and Mikatagahara (1572), but his most valuable contribution came in 1582, following Oda Nobunaga's death.

At that time Tokugawa and his retainers had been staying near Ôsaka and learned of the assassination only just in time to avoid being detained by Akechi Mitsuhide's troops. But they were by no means out of the woods. Mikawa was still a long way away, and Akechi men would be combing the roads for them.

At this point, Hanzo suggested that they take a route through Iga province, as he had ties with the samurai there. In addition, Ieyasu had sheltered survivors from Nobunaga's bloody invasion of that province in 1580 and those who knew of this would certainly be well disposed to offer assistance. Honda Tadakatsu sent Hanzo on ahead, and, as hoped, the Iga men agreed not only to guide them along back roads, but also to provide them with an escort. At length, Tokugawa and his band returned to Mikawa safely. The same could not be said for Anayama Beisetsu, a recent Tokugawa addition who had insisted on taking a different route.

Hanzo was succeded by his son, Masanari, who would be given the title Iwami-no-Kami and whose men would act as the guards of Edo Castle. Hanzo's reputation as a ninja leader who commanded a 200-man strong unit of Iga men has grown to legendary proportions.

Date Masamune

Date MasamuneDate Masaume was the eldest son of Date Terumune, a lord of the Rikuzen area of Mutsu. His mother was a daughter of Mogami Yoshimori. Masamune was born in September 1566 at Yonezawa and first went by the name Botenmaru. He recieved the name Tojirou Masamune in 1578 and the following year was married to the daughter of Tamura Kiyoaki. He went on his first campaign in 1581, helping his father fight the Souma family.
Masamune assumed control of the Date in 1584 with the retirement of his father. Shortly afterwards, he suffered the defection of a Date retainer named Ouchi Sadatsuna to the Ashina of the Aizu region. Masamune declared war on the Ashina in retaliation. However, Masamune's army was halted at Hibara by the Ashina general, Iwashiro Morikuni, and forced to retreat. Three months later, Masamune besieged the Ouchi's stronghold at Otemori and inflicted a terrible price on the traitors, allegedly putting some 800 people of all ages to the sword. When word of this slaughter reached the Ouchi at Obama Castle, they burned Obama and fled. At the same time, tensions between the Date and their traditional rivals the Hatakeyama began to flare. The lord of the Hatakeyama, Yoshitsugu, evidently attempted to make peace with Masamune on a number of occasions, but the latter, young and hot-blooded, rebuffed each advance. Finally, Yoshitsugu turned to Terumune to mediate. The two former rivals sat down and feasted together in a most cordial manner. The following day, Yoshitsugu ostensibly came to thank Terumune for the enjoyable dinner. He then kidnapped Terumune at sword point, an act both unheard of and shocking. When Masamune returned from a morning of falconry to learn of his father's abduction, he called his men to arms and set off after Hatakeyama's entourage. They caught up with Hatakeyama near the Abukuma River. Terumune cried out for Masamune to open fire on them, regardless of his own safety, but his son hesitated. In the confusion, Terumune was cut down and Yoshitsugu somehow escaped to his castle of Nihonmatsu.

Date MasamuneA general war ensued between the Date and Hatakeyama, the Hatakeyama drawing on support from the Satake, Ashina, Soma, and other local clans. The allies marched to within a half-mile of Masamune's Motomiya-jo, assembling some 30,000 troops for the attack. Masamune, having only 7,000 warriors of his owned, prepared a defensive strategy, relying on the series of forts that guarded the approaches to Motomiya. The fighting began on the 17th of November, and did not progress well for the Date. Three of his valuable forts were taken, and one of his chief retainers, Moniwa Yoshinao, was killed in a duel with an opposing commander. The attackers pressed towards the Seto River, which was the last obstacle between them and Motomiya. Date attempted to turn them back at the Hitadori Bridge, but was driven back. Masamune brought his remaining forces within Motomiya's walls, and prepared for what would surely be a gallant but futile last stand. But the next morning, no doubt to the amazed relief of the Date warriors, the main enemy contingent picked up and marched away. These were Satake Yoshishige's men, their lord having received word that in his absence the Satomi had attacked his lands in Hitachi. Apparently this left the allies with fewer men than they believed possible to bring down Motomiya, for they too had retreated by the end of the day. This brush with utter defeat was likely a factor in turning Masamune into the reknowned general he would one day be known as. In his youth, Masamune had suffered a bout with small pox that caused an infection in his right eye-which he plucked out himself. Combined with his early aggressive and unstable demeanor, Masamune would earn the tag 'One-eyed Dragon'. That nickname would stick, but became one of respect.
In the wake of the battle, peace was struck with the Hatakeyama and Soma, although this was to prove short-lived.
In 1589, Date defeated the Soma, and bribed an important Ashina retainer, Inawashiro Morikuni, over to his side. He then assembled a powerful force and marched straight for the Ashina's headquarters at Kurokawa. The Date and Ashina forces met at Suriagehara on 5 June, and Masamune's forces carried the day, Masamune leading a charge against faltering Ashina ranks, and breaking them. Unfortunately for the Ashina, Date men had destroyed their avenue of escape, a bridge over the Nitsubashi River, and those who did not drown attempting to swim to safety were mercilessly put to the sword. By the battle's end, Masamune could count something like 2,300 enemy heads in one of the more bloody and decisive battles of the Sengoku period to happen in the far north.

This would be Date Masamune's last expansionist adventure, however. With the coming of the next year Hideyoshi besieged the Hojo's Odawara Castle. Hideyoshi ordered Date to participate, which he did, though it is said he put off his arrival so that his spies could report on the likely victor. Since the outcome of the siege was obvious, Date presented himself before Hideyoshi and apologized for his lateness. Following the conclusion of the siege, however, Hideyoshi ordered Date to relinquish his newly won holdings in Aizu (perhaps using Date's tardiness as a pretext) and be content with Yonezawa (200,000 koku), a much-reduced income that doubtlessly did not sit so well with Masamune.

In 1592, Date served in Hideyoshi's headquarters at Nagoya on Kyushu during the Korean invasion. Three years later, he found himself implicated in the suspected treason of Toyotomi Hidetsugu and was ordered to pack up and move his household to Iyo on Shikoku, an unthinkable fate (to Date) averted through the good offices of Tokugawa Ieyasu. All in all, it is not surprising that Date readily joined Tokugawa when war came between the latter and Ishida Mitsunari began in 1600. He had already married a son to one of Ieyasu's daughters (an act which in itself had aggravated tensions between Ieyasu and his fellow san-bugyo members) and was likely contemplating how best his remote forces could aid Tokugawa when war began. In the event, he and Mogami Yoshiakira of Dewa held the forces of Uesugi Kagekatsu at bay, with Masamune's first contribution to the war effort being the Siege of Hataya. The battles in the north culminated with Masamune's attack on Fukushima Castle. Date and Mogami's efforts allowed Tokugawa to move west in confidence, and, of course, the campaign culminated in the total victory at Sekigahara in October 1600. In the aftermath, Date's lands were enlarged to 600,000 koku, and he built a new castle town (Aoba-jo) at Sendai.

Akechi Mitsuhide

Akechi Mitsuhide

Oda retainer and destroyer of Oda Nobunaga; Hyuga no Kami; also known as Koreta Mitsuhide. The son of Akechi Mitsukuni (who had held Akechi Castle in E. Mino Province), Mitsuhide first served the Saitô of Mino and later a certain Asakura Ujikage of Echizen. In 1566 Mitsuhide is supposed to have acted as a messenger for the 'wandering shôgun' Yoshiaki, and thereafter served Nobunaga. Mitsuhide proved himself a capable general and in 1571 was awarded Sakamoto-jo and two districts in Ômi province. When Nobunaga went to war with the Môri clan, Mitsuhide was assigned to lead the Oda contingent that would be marching along the northern coast of the Chugoku arm. He invaded Tamba, where he subdued the Hatano, and Tango, where he clashed with the Isshiki family.

In 1578 an unfortunate incident is said to have occurred involving the Hatano clan of Tamba. Eager to bring them over without further delay, Mitsuhide managed to convince Hatano Hideharu to submit. Unfortunately, Nobunaga later overturned Mitsuhide's promise of safe treatment and had Hideharu executed in 1579. The Hatano responded, as one might expect, by accusing Mitsuhide of treachery, and, the story goes, somehow got ahold of his mother in Ô,mi and executed her in dreadful manner. Mitsuhide, needless to say, bore Nobunaga some ill will. This was enflamed by a series of public insults Nobunaga directed at Mitsuhide that drew even the attention of Western observers. Nonetheless, Mitsuhide was generally well regarded for his talents both on the battlefield and as an administrator.

Akechi MitsuhideIn 1582, Nobunaga ordered Mitsuhide to assemble his troops and march to the west, where Hashiba (Toyotomi Hideyoshi) was embroiled in a struggle with the Môri. Instead, Mitsuhide marched on Oda, who was occupying the Honno temple at the time. Nobunaga and his heir Nobutada were killed, and Mitsuhide declared himself the new shogun, however improbably. Mistuhuide may have intimated his intentions just days before when he composed a poem for the renga masters Jôha and Shoshitsu that, while ostensibly written to bring good luck to Hideyoshi's seige of Takamatsu, contained a provactive line that could be interpreted to mean that the Toki (whose name he used from time to time) would rule Japan. At any rate, the sudden defection stunned the Capital region. Akechi worked as quickly as he could, and looted Azuchi Castle so as to reward his men and made friendly gestures towards a bewildered Imperial Court. The Akechi could claim descent from the Toki, and in turn the Minamoto, but, unsurprisingly, this would bear little fruit. Mitsuhide had counted on the support of Hosokawa Fujitaka, with whom he was related to through marriage. This alliance did not pan out as Fujitaka wisely cut his ties with the usurper. It is possible that Mitsuhide also hoped for the support of the Tsutsui, whose relation with Nobunaga had been none too good. Tsutsui Junkei, however, wavered, and in the end joined Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Another grave setback came within days. Mitsuhide had counted on Hideyoshi being tied up with the Môri and thus being unable to promptly respond to Nobunaga's death. Unfortunately, Hideyoshi learned of the assassination before the Môri, and signed a peace treaty with that clan. This allowed him to force-march back east at a rapid pace, catching Mitsuhide off guard. Mitsuhide and Hideyoshi clashed at Yamazaki, (See TOYOTOMI HIDEYOSHI for a more detailed description of Yamazaki) and though the former fought bravely, his troops were defeated. Mitsuhide himself was killed while attempting to make his way to Sakamoto, which was held by his brother, Hidemitsu (1560-1582). Soon afterwards, Sakamoto was reduced by Hori Hidemasa (1553-1590).

While Akechi would become one of the most famous men in Japanese history, if only for his treachery, the exact causes for his dramatic attack on Nobunaga, and what he hoped to accomplish once this was done, will most likely remain a mystery.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Wakizashi 脇差

Wakizashi 脇差
Wakizashi 脇差





Wakizashi is the substitution of weapons Edo period Japanese samurai past. Because the Japanese Samuari more likely to use the katana, spears, arrows than wakizashi. Actually wakizashi is a "sword" but more so in short, recognized as a Japanese samurai tradition pisau.Dalam, wakizashi is used to commit seppuku suicide by sticking to his stomach wakizashi. Seppuku done if the samurai could not fulfill his duty

Sunday, March 7, 2010

How to take care Japanese sword (simple)

How to take care (simple)

How to take care of the sword after an Iaido practices is being explained easily with
this topic. Take care of the sword after the practices always. If the care for the sword
is neglected, a sword rusts in the sweat of the hand and so on.

Japanese sword

(1) Face an edge toward the top, and pull out a sword slowly from the sheath. Then,
be careful not to damage a sheath.

Japanese sword

(2) Hold the sword pulled out with your left hand. Then, remove old oil and dust from
the sword with the Nuguigami. Put a Nuguigami on the Mune of the sword when
wiping the sword, and wipe the sword toward the top from the bottom.

Japanese sword Japanese sword

(3) Pat a sword body with the Uchiko. Powder equally on the both sides of the sword
body. Then, wipe the white powder with the new Nuguigami which is different
from the paper used some time ago. Repeat this handle, and remove the blurs of
the oil completely.

Japanese sword

(4) Apply new oil to the sword body, and put away a sword to the sheath. Put the
oiling paper on the Mune of the sword when oiling the sword, and oil the sword
toward the top from the bottom. Don't oil a sword in quantity very much. Oil equally
the both sides of the sword body.
If the care for the sword is finished, put a sword in the sword bag, and keep it. Keep a
sword in the place where it dries in the shade.
How to take care of the sword of this topic isn't perfect. Therefore, remove the hilt
once in three months, and care for the tang(Nakago) and so on.

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Care of a sword-Mekuginuki

Mekuginuki

Care of a sword-Mekuginuki

This is used to remove the Mekugi of the sword. The Mekuginuki can remove(thrust) the Mekugi with the sharp part. Moreover, the Mekuginuki can put(push) the Mekugi in the surface of a part like a hammer.

Friday, March 5, 2010

Care of a sword-Neguigami

Neguigami

Care of a sword-Neguigami

It is not regular paper, the high quality thick Japanese paper and flannel are being used. It is used for wiping out old oil and wiping out an Uchiko. The paper which wipes out oil and the Uchiko is distinguished respectively, and it is being used.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Care of a sword-Uchiko

Uchiko

Care of a sword-Uchiko

The thing which made a whetstone powder-shaped is being packed into the Uchiko. White powder appears from the Uchiko when a sword body is struck with the Uchiko. There are two use purposes. The Uchiko removes the old oil which sticks to the sword body. Furthermore, the Uchiko beautifies the surface of the sword

Care of a sword-Oil

Care of a sword-OilOil is used to prevent the rust of the Japanese sword. Oil makes a film of the oil between the sword body and the air, and it prevents the oxidization of the sword body. Oil dries inabout five months. Therefore, reprint it in the new oil once in three months. Oil a sword body by using the thing which cut a Nuguigami and flannel into the suitable size. (The absorbent cotton and the leather of the deer as well are being used.)

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

History of Japanese Art of tea ceremony 2

Japanese Art of tea ceremony
Japanese Art of tea ceremony
Japanese Art of tea ceremony

Feudal government in Japan is the protector of the flow of the tea ceremony, so that the financial difficulties hit the flow of the tea ceremony after the dissolution of feudal government in the early Meiji era. The loss of financial aid from the feudal government eventually replaced by successful entrepreneurs such as Takashi Masuda and act as a protector of the flow of the tea ceremony.

In the year 1906, the famous painter named Okakura Tenshin (Kakuzo) published a book called The Book of Tea in the United States. Entering the early 20th century, the term sado or chadō began widely used in conjunction with the term cha no yu or Chanoyu.

Monday, February 22, 2010

History of Japanese Art of tea ceremony 1


In the early Edo period, tea ceremony master largely composed of the daimyo and limited as a very wealthy merchant. Entering the mid-Edo period, the urban population already economically successful middle class and form of the gang into a tea enthusiasts.

Among city residents interested in learning the tea ceremony was greeted with open arms by the flow Sansenke (three flow Senke: Omotesenke, Urasenke and Mushanokōjisenke) and fractional flow Senke.

The popularity of the tea ceremony led to the number of students became more and more that needs to be regulated by a system. Iemoto seido is born of regulatory requirements set hierarchy between teachers and students in the traditional arts of Japan.

Joshinsai (teacher-generation Omotesenke flow 7) and Yūgensai (teacher-generation Urasenke stream 8) and a senior student named Joshinsai Kawakami Fuhaku (Edosenke first generation) and then introduce a new method of learning the tea ceremony, called Shichijishiki. The tea ceremony can be learned by many students together with Shichijishiki method.

Various streams of tea trying to attract the interest of all people to learn the tea ceremony, so the tea ceremony has become popular throughout Japan. The tea ceremony is increasingly popular among the people is also an adverse impact on the tea ceremony which began seriously do not like playing.

At the end of the Tokugawa shogunate, perfecting principle Naosuke Ii Ichigo ichie (one life one chance). At this time, the tea ceremony which is now known as sado successfully enhanced by the addition of a real systematic procedures such as otemae (preparation techniques, penyeduhan, serving tea) and each school to set the basic style and abstract philosophy.

Entering the end of the Edo period, the tea ceremony matcha enhanced use of samurai became unpopular among the public because of the rigid etiquette. Society generally wants a tea that can be enjoyed with more ease. At that time, people began paying attention to the ordinary sencha tea enjoyed everyday. Tea ceremony which use also began sencha desirable people. Based on the request of many, Baisaō priest who is also known as Ko flow Yūgai create a tea ceremony with sencha (Senchadō) which became established and popular in literary circles.

Art of tea ceremony

Art of tea ceremony

Art of tea ceremony requires deepening over the years with improvements that last a lifetime. Guests are invited to a formal tea ceremony also had to learn manners, habits, politeness, etiquette and enjoy tea snacks served.

In general, the tea ceremony using matcha powder tea made from green tea are ground smooth. The tea ceremony is called matcha matchadō use, whereas when using a type of sencha green tea called senchadō.

Tea is not just poured with hot water and drunk, but as art in the broadest sense. The tea ceremony reflects the personality and knowledge covering a host of other life goals, ways of thinking, religion, appreciation of the tea ceremony equipment and how to put art in the tea ceremony room (chashitsu) and the general knowledge of art that depends on the flow tea ceremony that followed.

Japanese Tea ceremony

Japanese Tea ceremony

The tea ceremony is a traditional ritual in the Japanese society serve tea to guests. In ancient times called Chato or cha no yu. The tea ceremony is held outside the room called nodate.

The specially prepared by people who study the art of tea ceremony and enjoyed a group of guests at a special room for tea called chashitsu. The host is also responsible for preparing a pleasant situation for guests such as choosing a mural (kakejiku), flowers (chabana), and a ceramic bowl in accordance with the seasons and the status of an invited guest.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Japanese Sword from Late Kamakura

samurai-japan
Late Kamakura

Tachi at the end of the Kamakura period have developed into magnificent Sword. There are two types: one is wide throughout its length and the point section is the same as mid- Kamakura period kissaki, but slightly extended. The other is quite slender and similar in appearance to the late Heian, early Kamakura shapes. However, when you look further along the blade the shape has changed; the curvature has moved further along the blade. During this period notare-gunome hamon appeared. It is said that in Sagami province Goro Nyudo Masamune perfected the production of nie-deki blades.

Japanese Sword from Mid-Kamakura

Samurai-japan
Mid-Kamakura

At the zenith of the warrior class’s power during the Kamakura period, the blade’s kasane becomes thick, the mihaba becomes wide and they take on magnificent tachi shape. There is not much difference between the size of the moto-haba and the saki-haba. The blade still has koshi-zori, but the center of the curvature has moved further along the blade. The kissaki has become a compact chu-kissaki (ikubi). The hamon has developed into a flowing gorgeous choji-midare. Also around this time, tanto production appears.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Japanese Sword Late Heian to Early Kamakura


From the late Heian period and the early Kamakura period (1185-1333) we can see the Japanese sword as we know it: shinogi-zukuri (ridgeline) construction, with a wide base, narrowing acutely towards the small point section (ko-kissaki). They are quite slender blades with the curvature concentrated between the handle and base. This shape is called koshi-zori. From midway towards the point there is very little curvature. These blades are usually around 2.5-6 shaku in length (75.8 cm-78.8 cm)

Firearms Japanese Army during World War II

During World War II, Japan has a military movement in occupied territory from China to Southeast Asia in the period December 1941 until around March 1942 with the entry of Japan marked the capitulation of Java and the Dutch East Indies to Japan.

But what is the secret behind your success? Because senjatakah advantage? I do not know, because it was the weapon used by the Japanese army at that time was the same weapon as they defeated the Russian army in 1905.

Apparently, the secret is the chrysanthemum symbol printed on each gun, so the Japanese soldiers burned the spirit to sacrifice themselves on the battlefield.
Below are interesting documentary about it, please enjoy ...

Jõkotõ (Jokoto)

Jõkotõ (Jokoto)

Before 987, examples of Japanese swords are straight chokuto or jokoto and others with unusual shapes. In the Heian period (8th to 11th centuries) sword making developed through techniques brought over from China through trade in the early 10th century during the Tang Dynasty and through Siberia and Hokkaido, territory of the Ainu people.

Jõkotõ are straight Japanese swords with no curvature. They are usually constructed in the hira-zukuri and kiriha-zukuri styles. It is] thought that the shift from straight blades to Japanese swords with curvature happened around the mid to late Heian period (794-1184). This was during the mid 10th century: about the time Taira Masakado and Fujiwara Sumitomo rebelled against the government in the Johei (931-938) and Tengyo (938-947) eras. Blades before these are continental style blades called jõkutõ, and were brought to Japan from the Asian continent.
Examples of theseJapanese swords have been excavated from Kofun period tombs, and some still reside in the Shosoin Imperial Repository, Nara

The Japanese Sword; Historical Changes in Shape

japanese sword
1. Jõkotõ (Chokutõ) Ancient and Heian period
2. Late Heian to Early Kamakura
3. Mid-Kamakura
4. Late Kamakura
5. Nanbokucho
6. Early Muromachi
7. Late Muromachi
8. Aizuchi-Momoyama
9. Mid-Edo
10. Edo period Genroku era
11. Edo, Bakamatsu
12. Meiji and onwards

Ame no nuhoko

Ame no nuhoko

Ame no nuhoko or called "heavenly jewelled spear" is the name given to the naginata in Japanese mythology that is used to improve the ancient land mass, Onōgoro-shima, from the sea. According to Kojiki, the gods Izanagi and Izanami are responsible for creating the first ground. To help them do this, they were given a naginata decorated with jewels, named Ame-no-nuboko. The two deities then went to the bridge between heaven and earth, Ame-no-ukihashi ( "floating bridge of heaven"), and churned the sea below with naginata. When the drops of salty water fell from the end, they formed the first island, Onōgoro-shima. Izanagi and Izanami then descended from the bridge of heaven and make their homes on the island.

Kanji characters used in American-no-nuboko in correctly pronounce ame-(no)-Numa-hoko, with Numa means "Marsh, swamp, or bog". This will be translated as "heavenly spear swamp".

Kusanagi no Tsurugi

Kusanagi no Tsurugi
Kusanagi no Tsurugi is a legendary Japanese sword that is important for the history of Japan and is just as important as the history of the sword Excalibur for the British people, and is one of the three Imperial Regalia of Japan.
Kusanagi no Tsurugi was originally called Ama-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi ( "Sword of the Gathering Clouds of Heaven") but his name later changed to become more popular Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi ( "Grass Cutting Sword").

Tonbogiri

Tonbogiri-Traditional Japanese Weapon

One of three legendary spears created by renowned gunsmith, Masazane. This spear is said in the hold and used by the Honda Tadakatsu. Spear name comes from the myth that there is a dragonfly landed on the blade and immediately cut in half. So Tonbo (Japanese for "dragonfly") and giri (Japanese for "cutting"), this spear's name translates as "Dragonfly Cutter / Cutting Spear / Saw Dragonflies".

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Clothing used by the ninja in the museum Iga-ryu Ninja



Mizugumo or shoes for moving over the water and special shoes to climb the wall

typical ninja weapons Kusarigama