How To Go to a Fireworks Festival the Japanese Way

Summer is hanabi time. Hanabi means “to see fireworks.” The Japanese have a special way of seeing fireworks. It’s not just looking at fireworks display. For some reason, the Japanese have made fireworks watching a cultural thing.

To go hanabi in Japan,

Wear a yukata with an intricate hairstyle

One way to know if a festival is being held is when lots of people are wearing yukata and they’re headed to the same direction. A yukata is the summer equivalent of kimono but lighter and more airy. Japanese people, esp. women, love to wear them during hanabi topped with French-sounding hairstyles. They look so fashionable you’d think they’ll have a sideshow with the fireworks. I suggest wearing a yukata to make your hanabi authentically Japanese. Make sure to do your hair too!

Go to the festival venue early and reserve a place

Fireworks festivals usually start at 7 pm or as soon as the summer sun sets. But, the Japanese would insist that you have to be there early. There might be no place to sit. There could be a heavy traffic and you might miss the festival. There might be no parking space. Etc. etc. etc. I’ve never seen a more patient people than the Japanese.  Expect a crowd in a festival venue as early as 1 pm you’d think Apple is launching a new iPhone.

Bring food and don’t forget some alcohol

A festival is never complete without food in Japan. Food makes everything feel festive. If you don’t have food, you just don’t get it. Food makes hanabi a social event. Japanese use fireworks festivals to be with friends and family. Imagine a social event without food. It doesn’t feel very social at all. The alcohol is optional but it’s so common I think festival goers have a silent agreement to get drunk on hanabi.

Say, “Sugoi!” or  “Kirei” whenever fireworks explode

Sugoi (su-goy) means great while kirei (ki-rey) means beautiful. The Japanese usually use these two words in the same way that we use “Wow!” or “Amazing!” The difference is the Japanese are easy to please as a people. What may be sugoi to them may not be great to foreigners. So even if they’ve probably seen the same fireworks explosion for several years, you can still hear the audience saying “Sugoi’ and “Kirei” with breathless enthusiasm.  

Wait until the last fireworks exploded before going home

The actual fireworks display lasts for about 2 hours. I mean it. Hanabi is non-stop firework explosion for 2 hours.  A friend invented the term ‘firework fatigue,” because you’ll eventually get tired of the fireworks even if they’re beautiful.  After a few minutes, you’ll just want for the fireworks to end so you can go home. But then again, the Japanese are very patient people. They’ll stay until the very end. 

HOWEVER...

Now, I wish I could say I did all those things when I went to a fireworks festival in Kanzanji. I didn’t though.

First, I don’t have a yukata  and I don’t have the money to have my hair done.

Second, I have things to do before the festival. I can’t spare time waiting and waiting.

Third, I’m trying to save money so I ate dinner before going to the venue. And I don’t drink. I brought some popcorn and a bottle of water, though.

Fourth, hmmm… okay I think I said that a couple of times just because I got used to saying them.

Lastly, my friend and I went home after 30 minutes of firework explosion. We don’t want to be caught in traffic just like what happened to us last year in Bentenjima. Last year, we feel very “Japanes-y” so we waited for the fireworks to finish. This was a bad choice. We were trapped in the midst of a big crowd wanting to go home too. What could have been a 30-minute travel time ended up in 2 hours. We’re glad that we went home earlier than the rest of the crowd this year. Saved us lots of time!

Even if I didn’t go to the festival the Japanese way, I still enjoyed it. I’m with good company who didn’t complain about the long ride, the crowd or the popcorn. I was able to do my laundry and clean my apartment before the festival. I didn’t have to push my way through the crowd when I went home. I didn’t have fireworks fatigue. I’m happy to have gone to the festival my way.

Fireworks are beautiful in however way you want to see them. You can go all out and have the full Japanese experience of hanabi or you can just go your way. It really doesn’t matter as long as you’re enjoying yourself.

What's the last fireworks festival you've seen? 

Check out Famous Fireworks in Japan here 

Sumo Wrestling: Japanese Culture in Massive Bodies

I was part of a large crowd gathered to see massive bodies wiggle and jiggle, slam into each other and try to outdo each other’s massiveness. Big booties were bared along with man boobs.

Guess where I am? In a sumo competition! 

Search for Sumo Tickets

I’ve mentioned in my summer list how a friend wanted to see sumo on her birthday. Her wish was granted last Monday! And I really mean that it’s a wish because getting a sumo tournament ticket is hard. You see, sumo is so popular that once tickets are sold online, it just gets sold out after a day or two. We had no choice but to get up early, fall in line to get the day’s ticket hoping we’ll get one. In reality, a very kind Japanese friend did this getting up early and falling in line for us. By the time we arrive at Nagoya, we already have tickets. (Thank you, Japanese friend!)

So if you’re planning to watch sumo, better watch out for tickets online or have a very kind friend.

I only want to watch sumo because it’s very Japanese. I’m not interested in the actual sports. It’s one of those things you do just because it’s unique and rare like eating balut (eggs with a chick inside).  I only want to take pictures I can post on FB and make people say “Hey, that’s so cool.” (I’m boastful like that sometimes.)

Uber Ceremonial, Sumo is

Sumo is a great reflection of Japanese culture. I shouldn’t be surprised since it’s an authentic Japanese sport.

It was originally establish to please the Shinto gods. Even until today, the rituals done during a sumo tournament are rooted in Shinto practices. Example would be the throwing of salt of the wrestlers before competing which is symbolic of purification. The entrance of the yokuzuna is also parallel with entrance of mikoshi in festivals.

In fact, sumo is so ritualistic only a fraction of the time is spent on actual fighting. Sumo wrestlers do a lot of posturing for more than 5 minutes then they’d fight for less than 2 minutes. Even if the fight is intense, there’s still more posturing than fighting. This is very Japanese. Japan place more value on the process than the product. They’re more focused on the how than on the what. 

In Japan, they have a tea ceremony but it’s just basically tea time. They have a lot of ceremonies in schools which are almost ritualistic. They do exactly the same thing year in, year out. Only the years and faces change but not the flow of ceremonies. Don’t matter even if half of the people fall asleep. They have to stick to traditions. Even eating Japanese food feels ceremonial to me. This is the way to eat onigiri, this is the way to natto, this is the way to  whatever-food-you-want. The same with sumo. It’s is basically just like wrestling but less intense, just like karate with less moves. But what makes it different are the rituals. Very Japanese, indeed.

Most Polite Fighting Sport

Not only sumo is full of rituals, for a fighting sport, it’s actually very polite- a well-known Japanese trait. From the 20 matches I’ve seen, only 1 match showcased an aggressive player. He repeatedly hit his opponent’s face to push him out of the dohyo. And he’s a foreigner.  (He lost, though) The other players used the usual grappling or making the other person lose his balance. I don’t even think the players would hurt so badly after a match. I think I’ll hurt more from a pillow fight with my siblings.

There’s a silent rule in Japanese culture which is Do Not Be the Source of Inconvenience. Thus, everybody seems to be polite. Everybody falls in line. Drivers give way to other drivers. People try to be quiet on trains.  Bosses don’t directly tell how bad you are as an employee. Friends won’t tell you that your breath smells bad. At the extreme, people would rather suffer than ask for help. This is the kind of Japan I see and this is how I relate it to sumo: The wrestlers seem more concerned in keeping themselves inside the ring than pushing their opponent. From an observer it seems like they don’t want to hurt each other. It’s like their movements are out of defense. They don’t really like to hurt the other player. 

I remember reading a commentary how the Japan team were not aggressive enough during the World Cup in Brazil. They lost because of it. A case of politeness, I think. In fact, the top sumo wrestlers are foreigners. Ironic for a Japanese sport, isn't? Maybe because the Japanese wrestlers are not aggressive enough. Sports that require a degree of aggressiveness such as basketball and boxing are not very popular here. Maybe it has to do with that polite mentality.

One-Chance Game

The bad thing about sumo is that it’s a one-chance game. Each match only lasts for one round. So once a wrestler is out of the dohyo, that’s it! Just one fighting chance. This one-round, one-chance game seems to reflect how second chances is not in the Japanese vocabulary.

Ever heard of hara kiri? It means cutting of the belly. It’s how defeated samurais kill themselves when they’re defeated. They’d rather die than be captured by their enemies.

How about kamikaze? These are the pilots in WWII who flew their planes in the enemy camp because they were being defeated. Again, death is better than living with defeat.

At present time, Japan has one of the highest suicide rates among developing countries. Old people jump on train tracks. Unemployed people go at the  foot of Mt. Fuji to kill themselves. Ostracized and bullied students forget to breathe,( according to their parents.) The underlying similarity with these suicides is the Japanese mentality of no second chances. They think once unemployed, always unemployed. Or once bullied, always bullied. Once defeated, always defeated. No chances of recoveries.

Even in elementary schools, all students must be a winner in a simple activity. Otherwise, they’ll just cry and feel bad all day.  I don’t know what they’re crying for when they can try again next time. I don’t know why they can’t at least make sumo matches a best of three game. If I were one of the wrestlers, it would be nice to be given another chance if I got pushed out the first round. It sucks to suck and not be given a chance not to suck. Even in real life, it's more freeing to live knowing you can have another shot. 


For a more comprehensive facts on sumo, check this. 

The Best 3 Things About Japan

For the nth time, a Japanese asked me what I like most about Japan.

And for the nth time, I said, "I like the cleanliness, the safety and the order." Always in that order.

Most of the time, those who asked me would agree as I elaborate. In this occasion, I got a curious response. He said, "Do you have an OCD?"  He then explained how OCD's are very much into cleaning, ensuring safety and being organized.

I haven't been diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder although I sometimes think I might have a mild case of it. All who have seen my apartment always say my place is neat. A lot of people are surprised when I tell them I have a planner showing hourly tasks. I'm time-conscious. I like following routines, making checklists and cutting my pancakes into equal parts. So do I have an OCD? I don't know.

Whether it's because of OCD or not, I love living in Japan because...

1. Japan is clean. 

I read somewhere that the best way to check how clean the air is, is to check the color of your dried snot. It may sound disgusting but I think it's true. When I was still in the Philippines, I'd always have dark snots after taking public transportation. Here in Japan, they're always lighter even if I'd cycled on the main roads. (I'm sure you're checking your snot now.) Lighter snots mean cleaner air.

Aside from me having lighter-colored snots, I'm also comfortable using public toilets. I can even do number 2 because there's always tissue papers. And toilet bowls always flush.

On a less disgusting note, streets in Japan are free from trash and smoke-belchers. Parks are well-maintained. Rivers look swimmable and fish-able. Bus and train terminals are presentable. Even narrow dark alleys do not seem that dark. They also don't smell like urine.

2. Japan is safe.

It's only when I started living in Japan that I can safely take out my phone and wallet without fear of being robbed. I can go to the convenience store in the middle of the night without checking my back.

Once I left my iPhone at a public toilet. It was still there when I come to get it. I can visit places alone. My sole problem would be to ensure I'm taking the right train. I can leave my bicycle anywhere as long as it's parked on the right spot. (Otherwise, the bicycle police would get it.)

Even when my phone rings for tsunami and earthquake alerts, I still feel relatively safe since it also give directions to the nearest evacuation center. I could go on and on why I think Japan is safe. I'll just stop here.

I heard a story of a young man who lived in Japan for several months. On the day he returned to New York, he was mugged. He mentioned how he got so used to the safety in Japan, he forgot how unsafe other places are.

3. Japan is organized. 

Japan is heaven for me because trains and buses are on time. I also like how people stay on one side of the escalator and how people fall in line to board the bus and trains. When there's an ongoing construction, a bunch of uniformed people help traffic the roads.

I like the little bells in restaurants to call servers so I don't have to raise my hand or incline my head or even raise my voice. I also come to appreciate the calorie count of each dish in the menu.

Whenever a big festival is happening, I appreciate how the police anticipates the traffic flow easing what could be chaos. I attended a festival in Kobe where we had to walk for about an hour because the police made a circuitous route to hold the crowd. It was inconvenient for us but I had to give it to them for that smart but simple idea.

I'm impressed with how well elementary and junior high schools are coordinated to accommodate students in their areas. I even like the similar school bell sound all over Japan. (Watch an anime with a school setting and you'll hear it too)


Are my reasons for appreciating cleanliness, safety and order here because of OCD? I don't really think so. It's a simple case of appreciating something my place back home lack. I was just considering the best things in my daily life here. Cause really, who wouldn't love cleaner snots?



How about you, what's the best things about where you live? I'd love to hear it!

7 Things to Do in Summer

It's almost summer! I'm soooo happy!

Except for the suffocating humidity, I love summers in Japan. First, I have a month-long vacation. (Actually, it's not really that long. I just feel like it's that long.) Second, my friends are also on vacation. Last, there are a lot of traditional things going on it's easy to fill my calendar. Because with these summer events, I've realized that about this time last year my entries have become far and between. I didn't find the time to write.

To make sure I'll write my summer experiences this year, I'll publish my list of activities. (This blog forces me to do things, I think.) Who knows, someone out there might want to join me this year. This list might also give you an idea of things to do this summer.

This summer, I will...

1. See the Lantern and Fireworks Festival in Kanzanji

Kanzanji Lantern and Fireworks Festival
photo credit: http://shizajet.wordpress.com/2011/07/12/shizuoka-hanabi-2011/

I saw a beautiful picture of my friends in this festival last year. The sight of a thousand lanterns was lovely. I was envious so I'll go this year. This would be on the last Sunday of July.

Lantern festivals are common in Japan during the summer. They coincide with the Obon season. Obon is a time when the dead spirits visit their families, according to Japanese belief. The lanterns are supposed to guide these spirits to their homes.There's also traditional dancing to entertain the dead. I leaned from an old Japanese man that they have to please the dead spirits so bad things won't befall on them. Interesting, I think.

If lanterns are not your thing, summer is the time for Hanabi or Fireworks Festival. Starting this month, there'll be fireworks festivals all over Japan almost every weekend. This would last until the last week of August. In Hamamatsu, the Bentenjima Fireworks Festival draws large crowds every year. Japan Guide has a schedule on the major fireworks festivals in Japan.

2. Watch a Sumo Competition

PHOTO CREDIT: http://blog.instagram.com/post/73775162513/ryogoku-kokugikan-2014

Japan's the only country that has a sumo tournament so might as well see it while I'm here. I've been planning to watch since last year but nobody wanted to go with me. The ticket prices are also expensive. Then I learned that one of my friends wanted to celebrate her 32nd birthday watching a sumo competition. Sumo tournaments happen every other month starting in January. However, they take place in different cities. My friend's lucky cause the Nagoya tournament happens in her birth month. It'll start in July 13 and ends in July 27. She's leaving Japan in August and this would be our last time together. This is a good reason to forget "EXPENSIVE" and just savor the remaining time with a good friend.

3. Go camping!

I enjoyed camping last year at Akiha so I'll do it again this year. It would be better if I can find a different camping ground. There's a campsite I've been wanting to visit- The Tatsuyama Campsite in the mountains but I need a car to get there. How will I have a ride is something I still have to  figure out. <cross fingers>

Japan's a safe country to go camping as long as what you do is within the bounds of common sense. It's easy to find camping sites even for the whole family. To find camping sites in your area, visit your local tourism office. In Hamamatsu, the Bentenjima camping grounds by Lake Hamana is accessible by JR Train.

4. Have a barbecue party by the river

The Keta River in Haruno

A friend invited me to join a BBQ party in August. It'll be in one of the rivers in Hamamatsu. I attended a few BBQ parties last summer and all of them are by the river. I guess, this is a popular summer activity in Japan. The river provides a cooling effect during the hot day. Fishing, sort-of-swimming and some feet dangling are usually allowed in most small rivers.

5. Assist in a Youth Camp

Summer is also the time for youth camps. My church will have one in the second week of August. I've had summers in my youth spent in Christian camps. This time, I won't be a camper anymore ( which means I'm getting older) but one of team leaders. I don't know any details yet except for the dates.

In Japan, language schools also offer English camps to young people. Some ALT's earn extra by helping out in these camps. I've helped in an English camp once but it was in winter. Most activities are indoors but I still enjoyed helping out. I bet summer camps will be more fun with more outdoor exercises. Check Gaijinpot for a summer camp position.

6. Climb Mt. Fuji!

Mt. Fuji from the train

The only thing I look forward in climbing Mt. Fuji is reaching the top. The only reason why I'm doing this is for the sake of saying I've done it! (Yeah, it's pride talking.) I think most people scale Mt. Fuji for this reason, too. Who would happily subject themselves to this exhausting venture? Most people I know who climbed it once are happy to have done it but they wouldn't be forced to go again. Good thing that I've three more friends who haven't climbed it yet so I'll have company. One of my friends will be flying all the way from Hokkaido to climb it with us.

Climbing Mt. Fuji is a popular summer activity in Japan. The Shizuoka tourism office is expecting more than a hundred thousand climbers this year especially on the Obon week- the second week of August. There are tour operators if you want to climb with a group. You can also gather a group of friends who don't mind some adventure this summer.

For more information on climbing Mt. Fuji, click here, here and here.

7. Cycle the outskirts of Hamamatsu

Cycling has become my favorite summer activity since I discovered how lovely summer nights are around my neighborhood. For the past two weeks, I've been cycling almost every night. This gave me an idea to spend 3 or 4 days cycling around the outskirts of Hamamatsu. (Actually, I've originally planned to cycle around Shizuoka prefecture but I think that's too ambitious!) Though I've been in Hamamatsu for almost two years, I still haven't seen a lot of places because of transportation issues. I should have thought of cycling sooner.

Safe roads for cycling is one of the best things about Japan. Anyone can do it in whatever part of Japan. I know a couple who cycled around Shikoku for a few days. They said it was lots of fun until the guy toppled over his bicycle. It wasn't anyone's fault but him. Be careful is what I'm saying.


I'll end this list here. I think it's more than enough to fill my summer vacation. If I add more, I might not have the time again to write.

Happy summer!

The Golden Week and Hamamatsu Festival

The best thing about May in Japan is the Golden Week. It's a week of consecutive holidays (April 29, May 3,5 and 6) which means no work. For the hardworking Japanese, this week is indeed golden.

In Hamamatsu, this is also the time of the Kite Festival and the local Festival. Hamamatsu Matsuri is a 3-day long event filled with revelry of the entire city. Morning festivities are concentrated in Nakatajima Sand Dunes where gigantic kites battle for victory. Late afternoon to late night celebrations shift to the city center and various chos or towns. The whole 3 days is just filled with happy chaos.

Hamamatsu Kite Festival
photo credit: http://www.inhamamatsu.com/recommend/cat2/5/hamamatsu-festival.php

(For my last year's experience of the festival, click here)

So, if you're around the area and no definite plans yet, drop by and join the party at Hamamatsu Festival!


(For more information of the Hamamatsu Festival, click here)

Tips When Attending a Tea Ceremony

Tea ceremony is, in my opinion, one of the most cultural things you can do in Japan. As far as I know, only Japan has this kind of ceremony. It wasn't not in my bucket list of things to do in Japan though. Why? First, I'm not a fan of tea. I just got used to it since it's daily served in my school. Second, I heard some negative feedback about it. And yes, I'm easy to be influenced sometimes. Last, I just didn't get the chance until last Sunday.

While most people are tucked in their houses because of the rainy weather, a couple of my friends and I are in a tea room sipping fine tea, nibbling on Japanese sweets and sitting on our heels. A Japanese lady volunteered to host a free tea ceremony for us. I haven't even met her until that day. Sweet, sweet lady!

Chado is the Japanese term for tea ceremony. It means the Way of the Tea. I'll just describe briefly what happens in the tea ceremony. For a more detailed description, I suggest the entry at Wikipedia. It's more informative than what I can write. 

So here's  how it usually goes.

Tea Ceremony Room
credit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_tea_ceremony

1. Guests enter the tea ceremony room on their knees. 

2. Guests walk in front of a scroll and look at it. Then look down at the vase and a rock-like thing below the scroll. 

3. Guests proceed to look at a tea "equipment" - the tea container, kettle and water jar. 

4. Guests sit around the room in a circular fashion. 

5. The hosts enters the room, say something and the first guest say something again. (I can't figure out what they're saying.)

6. The hosts offer the first round of Japanese sweets. 

7. The hosts make the tea and the guests get their tea one by one. 

8. Guests say a bunch of Japanese words to the person on their right, on their left and to the host before drinking their tea. 

9. When consumed, guests have to look at the bowl and admire the design on it. 

10. Return the bowl. 

11. Repeat from 6-10. 

Gosh! I didn't realize there's so many steps. During the whole time, I try to be focused on what the person before me was doing and saying. No wonder it's called a ceremony because it's very "ceremonial." 

(More on Japanese Tea Ceremony, here)

Now for the tips: 

1. Allot 3-4 hours of your day if you're planning to attend a tea ceremony.  

I didn't realize that this tea thing will be that long. When I agreed to come, I just thought that it's like hanging out in Starbucks drinking coffee and I can leave when I feel like it. This is not the case. The guests don't drink the tea simultaneously. They drink it one by one. There were 7 of us last Sunday. Imagine if there's more. 

2. Prepare to sit on our heels for a long time. 

I don't know how and why the Japanese sit on their heels, but they do. We, foreigners, just have to respect that and go with it the whole 3-4 hours of tea ceremony. It's not easy and I don't know how to prepare yourself for this. Just be mentally prepared, I guess. My legs were thankfully still okay after this ordeal. 

Tea Ceremony
credit: http://www.insidejapantours.com/fully-tailored-japan-holidays/i-ac04/tea-ceremony/

3. If it's your first time, don't be the first guests in line. 

There were seven of us and I was the 3rd in line. I wish was 4th or 5th or even last so I would have had more time to observe the procedure. Also, there were Japanese phrases that we have to say. I only remembered "Osakini." The other phrases, I don't know how I was able to utter them. 

4. Observe, observe and try to appreciate. 

As I've mentioned, the procedure in the tea ceremony is very specific. Even how you hold the bowl and place your bowl should be properly done. So your observation skills will be tested. 

As for the try to appreciate part, it was something I had to keep in mind. The main thought in my mind was this "What's the big deal?" In my gaijin mind, the tea ceremony is just actually a way to hang out with other people. The very specific, and even rigid,  procedure seemed to rob off the joy of being with others. But this is just my opinion. 

More than the tea ceremony and all it's drama, what I appreciated is our host's hospitality and generosity. Never mind the sore legs, I got to experience a very cultural thing, filled myself with tasty food and drink and met some nice people. I just don't think I'll do a tea ceremony again.

O-Hanami, How Lovely and Filling!

One of the "must-do" things before you leave in Japan is go hanami. At least, this is what my Japanese friend told me. She said my Japan experience is not complete if I haven't gone hanami even just once. Doesn't matter whatever cultural things I've done here. I just got to do hanami to have a total Japan experience.

People doing Hanami at Ueno Park

So what is hanami? Hanami literally means flower (hana) watching (mi). In reality, it means having a picnic, a feast, a drinking party, under the cherry blossoms in spring. Cherry blossoms or sakura only blooms for a week or two. They have a short and sweet life. Because of this, the Japanese celebrate their blooming season. Tourism offices all over Japan actually monitor when the flowers will bloom. Somebody told me that cherry blossom season is the peak season of tourism in Japan. It's not surprising cause the cherry blossoms are utterly beautiful.

my friend under a very pink sakura tree

When you decide to go hanami, it's best to bring...

1. Food and drinks
Eating is the main activity in hanami. Hanami would be plain sightseeing if you don't have food.

2. Picnic blanket
Unless you want to sit on the ground. Usually, hanami grounds are not grassy so don't expect you'll be comfortable without picnic blankets.

food + friends = perfect hanami 

3. Camera
The cherry blossoms are just so lovely. Capture their loveliness with your camera.

Isn't it lovely?

4. Sense of fun!
Forget about work for awhile and just admire the beauty around you. Have fun with the company you're with. Hanami only happens once a year.


There are designated places for Hanami all over Japan. In Hamamatsu, the Castle Park is the most convenient place to have hanami. Get out and see the sakura! Hanami season ends on the 6th (in Hamamatsu).


More on Hanami:

Hanami

Hanami: Cherry Blossoms and Revelry in Japan

Hanami: The Cherry Blossoms Festival Welcomes Spring

Hanami: Unique Japanese Tradition

Sakura and Hanami

How to Use the Daruma Doll

Most temples in Japan have this thing called DARUMA. (see picture below)

The Daruma doll
credit: http://www.dreamstime.com

When I first saw it, I seriously thought it was a toy doll. And I thought too how adult-looking this doll is. I wonder what kid would want it for a toy. It's not cute nor pleasant. 

Turns out, Daruma is not a kid's toy. It's actually a figurine of a Buddhist monk named Bodhidharma. He's the founder of Zen Buddhism. Bodhidhrama spent his life sitting down and meditating to achieve Zen. Because he just sat most of his life, his legs and arms weakened. Thus, daruma dolls look like babies wrapped in swads of clothes. 

The Japanese use the daruma dolls to make wishes. Politicians would buy big daruma dolls when they're running for office to win. Parents pray to this doll for they kids' future and education. Students use this for good luck before taking exams. The daruma doll is like a lucky charm. I haven't used a daruma doll yet. I'm actually scared of it's face. It looks fierce and not at all encouraging. (I'm not a Buddhist and not a Japanese so I guess, it doesn't matter.)

Daruma doll overload!
credit: http://www.taleofgenji.org/katsuoji.html

There's a special way in using this doll. Here's how: 

1. Pray to the doll or make a wish then rub one of its eyes until it fades. 

2. When you're wish is granted, thank the doll by rubbing the other eye. 

A "Blinded' daruma doll

In short, you'll be taking off the eyes of the daruma doll. Hence, when you see a blind daruma doll, it means that someone's wish was granted. 

Interesting Numerical Facts in Japan

I've learned something today. Numbers. (Yeah, it's in the title.)

I have an old Japanese student who makes me feel I'm in a Japanese culture course every time we have a class. He's just so eager to teach me the sacred truths about Japan. Last night, he introduced me to the wonderful world of Japanese numbers.

Fact 1: Japanese has two ways of counting numbers- one from China and the native Japanese.

Japanese Numbers
credit: http://blogeekensias.wordpress.com/2011/03/22/480/

When I was still sane to study Japanese, I asked the teacher why the Japanese use different 'counters.' Counters are words you use to count. The one I know is ichi, ni, san, shi/yon, go, roku, nana, hachi, kyu, ju. That's 1 to 10 for you in Japanese. Then they also have hitotsu, futatso, mittsu, yottsu, itsutsu, muttsu, nanatsu, yattsu, kokonotsu, to. That's 1 to 10 again for you. There're more but I forgot them. The teacher said something but my mind was already blank at that time. Maybe she was explaining that there was a Japanese version and there was a Sino-Japanese (the one from China) set. Anyhow, the first set was the Chinese and the second was, of course, the Japanese. At least now, it makes sense to me why so many words to use for counting. It just makes sense but I still don't know how to use them properly. Truly a threat to sanity, this Japanese. 

(For more information on how to count in Japanese, see How to Count Anything in Japanese)

Fact 2: Odd numbers are lucky.

Chinese thought that odd numbers are lucky. Probably this is the origin of the terms lucky 7 or lucky 9. Here's a better explanation from Travel China Guide.com

"For odd numbers, no. 3 indicates multiples. In Buddhist culture, it represents Buddha, Dharma and Bonze, so people toll the bell three times to worship Buddha and pray for the removal of calamities with 3 sticks of incense. Whilst no.7 implies holiness and mystery in Buddhism, it is lucky as well. So, there are seven-storied Stupas everywhere. No. 9 in Chinese culture means longevity and eternality. Thus, there were 9,999 rooms within the Forbidden City in Beijing. It is also a tradition between lovers to send 99, or 999 roses, which carry the best wishes for 'everlasting love'."

Shichi-go-san or 7-5-3 celebration
credit: http://www.sakura-hostel.co.jp/blog/

For some reason the Japanese adapted this belief which is somehow related to Fact 3.  

Fact 3: Most Japanese celebrations are based on Fact 2.

Girls' Day or Dolls' Day in Japan
credit: http://swamiindology.blogspot.jp/

New Year is of course on 1/1. Dolls' Day or Girls' Day is on 3/3. Boys' Day is on 5/5. Tanabata  is 7/7. There's no celebration on 9/9 because for some reason 9 is unlucky in Japan. Anyway,  I didn't realize this pattern until my student told me. Super observations skills, my student has. As I've mentioned this is based on the belief that odd numbers are lucky. Hence, 2 odd numbers are considered extra lucky.

(More on numbers on Lucky and Unlucky Number in Japan).

These facts may not really be super useful. I mean, I wouldn't really ask my students "What counting system do you like? Japanese or Chinese?" Nonetheless, I just find them interesting. You gotta learn something new everyday!

The Sound of Summer: Bell Healing Concert in Japan

I've gone to one of the most unusual concerts in Japan- a bell healing concert in Shinjohara. I got intrigued when a friend invited me so I went without having a slightest idea how it would be. 

The concert was held in a temple located in a ruralish area. The temple was a lovely surprise with its decors dusted in gold dust. It was a very informal and intimate affair. The stage for performance was small and the audience area were just pillows and small chairs. It felt like a small community gathering. 

interior decor of a temple in Shinjohara

engravings in gold 

 At 7 pm, the concert started. There were only two artists- the bell player and the singer. The opening act was a melody similar to what you nay hear in a spa. It was very soothing and relaxing but it was recorded. The bell player played along with the flute while singer hummed some notes. And the bells? After playing with the flute, the bell person did some seemingly random bell sounds by hitting the bells in front of him.

stage for performance

This type of performance continued all throughout the concert. A recorded melody was played, the singer hummed and the bell player played the flute then hit the bells on some random part of the song. He seemed earnest in what he does although I didn't really appreciate it. When he hit the bells, it brought discord rather than harmony to the song to my ears.

bells, bells, bells

Do Re Mi of bells

The highlights of the concert was when they blended traditional music with pop rhythm just before the break. It sounded more melodious and the bells seem to be more in tune. Also, the rendition of Amazing Grace through the bells was movingly solemn. They also played a seemingly sad and hopeful melody for the Tohoku Earthquake victims. Just before the concert ended, the singer sang a song with one word - ARIGATOU (Thank You) which she asked the audience to sing with her. It was touching and it felt very sincere. 

In between songs, the bell player mentioned how each bell has a different sound depending on how it was serated. I also learned that before airconditioning was invented, the Japanese hanged bells in the summer to give a refreshing feel. The sound of bells is the sound of summer. He then further explained how he started his bell collections and from what places he got his bells. I have to thank my friend for translating all these information for me. 

Aside from the interesting tidbits of information, I also appreciated the singer's voice. She did not sing any lyrics but I fell in a trance just hearing her humming. Her voice was smooth, clear and sleep-inducing. I saw a lot of people falling asleep. I was half asleep myself during the concert. 

They mention that they play in a temple in Kyoto and that they have various concerts in Japan. I regretted not getting more information about them. (I was just rushing to go home to catch the train.) I tried looking for them on Google but I can't seem to find one. If you ever heard of a bell healing concert, I recommend to give it a try. It can be a relaxing and moving experience. 

Bright Moshi: Firefly Festival

In the past if somebody invites me to watch fireflies, I would probably look at that person stupidly. Who would waste time to watch fireflies? They are beautiful when you chance upon them but I won't spend time travelling for almost an hour to some grassy place just to see fireflies. But that was in the past and this is what I actually did last Saturday- riding a bus for almost an hour to a grassy place just to watch fireflies as if I've never seen one.

photo credit: http://www.gtia.jp/kokusai/english/traveling/event_200906.php

The sight of fireflies was lovely but not impressive. I was a bit disappointed because I was expecting a spectacular display of fireflies. It doesn't mean that I didn't appreciate the fireflies, I was just anticipating for more. 

However, what I appreciated more is how the Japanese people took time to watch these shining creatures. There were a lot of people during the firefly watching. Families roamed around taking pictures, bent old people sitting while watching the fireflies and young couples holding hands savored the blinking sights. There was a communal feel to it like a group of people coming together to celebrate creation. Even if it is as small as fireflies. 

In Hamamatsu, you can watch fireflies until the 20th of June at the Flower Park. It's from 6:00 to 9:00 pm.　Entrance fee is 500 Yen. In other areas, check your prefectural tourism websites, Most prefectures also have firefly viewing for this month. 

Japanese Erotic Art: Shunga!

India has the Kama Sutra, the US has the Playboy (an odd analogy, I think) and Japan has shunga! I just learned about shunga today while browsing Japan Today. It's a traditional Japanese art on woodblock that depicts sex.

Here's how Wikipedia explained shunga:

Shunga (春画^?) is a Japanese term for erotic art. Most shunga are a type of ukiyo-e, usually executed in woodblock print format. While rare, there are extant erotic painted handscrolls which predate the Ukiyo-e movement.^[1] Translated literally, the Japanese word shunga means picture of spring; "spring" is a common euphemism for sex.

Following the aesthetics of everyday life, Edo period shunga varied widely in its depictions of sexuality. As a subset of ukiyo-e it was enjoyed by all social groups in the Edo period, despite being out of favour with the shogunate. Almost all ukiyo-e artists made shunga at some point in their careers, and it did not detract from their prestige as artists.^[1] Classifying shunga as a kind of medieval pornography can be misleading in this respect.^[2

I haven't seen a shunga art yet in person. I got curious so I look for images related to shunga. Here are some of the "milder"ones which means the genitalia is not shown. The others that I saw may not be appropriate for this blog. ^_^

photo credit: http://www.morra-japaneseart.com/img/prints/detail/E%2035.htm

photo credit: http://www.1st-art-gallery.com/Kitagawa-Utamaro/Two-Shunga-From-'ehon-Komachi-Biki'.html

photo credit: http://www.morra-japaneseart.com/img/prints/detail/E%2070.htm

I find it noteworthy how the people in the shunga prints are still clothed in Japanese traditional clothes. Then reading  further on Wikipedia's article, there was actually an explanation why the people are fully-clothed.

It was stated there that Japanese don't find nudity erotic in those times since communal bathing is common. It was also a way to emphasize the genitalia- which is the only part that is fully shown. It was further implied that shunga artists clothed people in their works to distinguish them from foreign erotic art. By this I presume that Japanese views foreign erotic art shows nude bodies.

(More on Japanese Art, here) 

Shunga, like some images in Kama Sutra, also show couples in impossible sexual positions which can only happen in art. I haven't learned yet why they are shown that way. (Maybe I'll add it when I have researched more on it.)

Personally, I found the existence of shunga revealing. Now I'm not surprised why henti versions of animes and mangas are surprised. Although shunga is not considered porn, as stated in Wiikipedia, I guess it shows how Japan's fascination with sex evolved culturally and historically. (But this is just my opinion, I would like to hear more sound research on this.)

And just in case you're curious, there's a Shunga Exhibition at Vermeer Center Ginza until the end of this month.

Links for more of Shunga Art:

http://www.nipponlugano.ch/en/shunga-multimedia/
http://www.morra-japaneseart.com/gallery/prints/05.htm

Kawaii Fashion: Women in Girls' Clothing

Japan has a romance with anything cute. And it's okay, really. Cute things are nice to look at but the Japanese just don't know when to stop being cute. One of this please-stop-being-cute instance is when grown-up women dressed so cutely in ruffles, pastel colors, ribbons and laces. This is called "kawaii fashion." Kawaii means cute in Japan.

(For more of Japanese Culture, click here)

Kawaii fashion is so rampant in Japan. Women in their 20's and 30's clothed with ribbons, laces with matching ruffled parasols acting like a cute little girl are a common sight here. Even for almost a year of being here, I still want to choke everytime I see women in kawaii fashion. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate kawaii fashion as long as it it's for girls- younger girls.

photo credit: http://kerli.buzznet.com/photos/kawaiifashion/?id=68443099

I can't understand why would grown-up women wanted to look ridiculous in clothes so out of their age. What's more, the kawaii fashionistas are not contented with keeping their style in Japan. They are planning to make a kawaii fashion world invasion.

Here's an article from Japan Today:

Japanese Lolitas plan world domination

By Cara Clegg

ARTS & CULTURE MAY. 17, 2013 - 07:05AM JST ( 57 )

TOKYO —

Disconcerting news from the world of Japanese fashion: adherents to the cutesy subculture of Lolita fashion are organizing themselves into an official group. Their target: the whole world.

The Japan Lolita Association was formed in February to spread Japan’s special brand of “kawaii fashion” to the world. Aoki Misako, a well-known Lolita model who in 2009 was appointed “Kawaii Ambassador” by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (an absolutely real, and possibly even serious, position), will serve as chairperson, and the society’s office will be established at Fukuoka’s Omura Beauty College.

The association’s main activities will be to report lolita news, recruit and appoint Kawaii Ambassadors to support the global lolita network, host events such as tea parties and get-togethers for association members, and encourage and nominate lolita fashion-related schools and educational institutions. It all sounds perfectly innocent, but who knows what’s really going on behind those frilly petticoats and lacy parasols.

Becoming a member gets you perks such as subscription to their email newsletter and notifications of tea-parties and events. You can sign up here at their homepage. If you sign up with your smartphone, you even get a super-extra-kawaii membership image. 

The association is also seeking information on Lolita-related events, so event promoters who want their event shared with Lolita fans should submit their information to the ‘Events & Tea parties’ page.

(More about Japanese Society, here. )

I seriously don't know whether I'll laugh or cry when I read this. However, it's their life. They're happy with being cute. I just have to look away and stop myself from howling when I see them. 

A Chikan or Not a Chikan: Molesting with Consent?

So there's this man who "molested" a woman on a train because they agreed to do it. This is one of the weirdest news I've read so I'm sharing... 

Reference: http://www.japantoday.com/category/crime/view/man-arrested-for-molesting-woman-after-being-invited-to-do-so-online

Man arrested for molesting woman after being invited to do so online

CRIME MAY. 13, 2013 - 06:55AM JST ( 44 )

TOKYO —

Wakayama police have arrested 26-year-old Masaya Ogawa for the indecent assault of a 23-year-old woman aboard a commuter train. Adding a bizarre twist to the story, Ogawa claims that she was asking for it.

He doesn’t mean that in the lame wearing-a-mini-skirt-is-asking-for-it way that other sex offenders use. Ogawa says that this was a prearranged session of “molester-play” set up online between him and the woman.

The incident occurred on April 30 at around 7 p.m. on a train running from Kokawa Station to Wakayama Station. Ogawa was sitting next to the woman who was in the window seat when his hand began to creep toward her skirt. Eventually his hand began squeezing her stomach and thigh without restraint.

Photo Credit: http://iwasben.com/category/japan/

At this point, a second, unidentified man who was standing near the door began groping the woman from behind grabbing her breasts. The woman had said “please stop” and the standing man disembarked at the next stop. However, Ogawa continued to grab at the woman’s body. The entire train ride lasted for about 20 to 30 minutes with the groping ongoing throughout. When the train came to its final stop at Wakayama Station, the pair got up to leave. However, as they got off the train, the woman suddenly grabbed the man by the arm and took him to the station workers. They then delivered Ogawa to police.

After his arrest on May 8, Ogawa made a statement saying, “I was looking on a website for people who want to molest to meet people who want to be molested. I got the time and train car information from a woman on that website.” The woman, however, flatly denies ever using that website. Police investigated the “molester-play” website where Ogawa claimed to have met the woman and found postings such as “is there someone to molest on the Wakayama Line?” along with train times and seat locations. They were also able to find the second man who got off the train partway through the site.

The investigation is still ongoing. The woman had said that she always sat in the same seat during her commute, so police are looking into the possibility that Ogawa was catfished, meaning that someone pretending to be the woman online set him up to “molester-play” her.

The world seems to be getting stranger by the minute.