#Japan

A survey conducted this month by Mainichi Shimbun shows continued support for allowing Japan to once again have an empress. 70% polled favor allowing women to take the imperial throne. Only 6% oppose it.

#japan #unseenjapan

Some devoted anime fans tend to think that *everyone* in Japan watches anime. What's the reality? Here are the numbers we could find, along with what people are (and aren't) watching (more below).

#japan #unseenjapan #ujwebsite #anime

When it's headed to his rice beds, let me know.

"Fukushima soil headed to #Japan PM’s flower beds to allay nuclear safety fears"

#Fukushima #nuclear #NuclearPower #Greenwashing

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/28/fukushima-radioactive-soil-japan-pm-garden?CMP=oth_b-aplnews_d-1

When it's headed to his rice beds, let me know.

"Fukushima soil headed to #Japan PM’s flower beds to allay nuclear safety fears"

#Fukushima #nuclear #NuclearPower #Greenwashing

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/28/fukushima-radioactive-soil-japan-pm-garden?CMP=oth_b-aplnews_d-1

키후네 신사 본궁으로 올라가는 계단.

#photo #photography #사진 #写真 #Kifune #Shrne #Kyoto #Japan

교토에서 가장 좋아하고, 다시 가보고 싶은 숲길. 기후네 신사 본궁과 오쿠미야를 잇는 길. 교토는 외질수록 진해진다.

#photo #photography #사진 #写真 #Kifune #Shrne #Kyoto #Japan

We went camping in Nagatoro last weekend and saw a cool moth.

I didn't see the first part, but my partner said it was crawling along the ground as a "weird monster", then climbed up onto our bundle of firewood to begin unfurling its wings.

The triangular patches on its wings were silvery and reflective depending on the angle.

(edit: appears to be a Tarsolepis japonica)

#japan #nagatoro #moth #mothstodon

We went camping in Nagatoro last weekend and saw a cool moth.

I didn't see the first part, but my partner said it was crawling along the ground as a "weird monster", then climbed up onto our bundle of firewood to begin unfurling its wings.

The triangular patches on its wings were silvery and reflective depending on the angle.

(edit: appears to be a Tarsolepis japonica)

#japan #nagatoro #moth #mothstodon

#Japan #anime #manga #CulturalHeritage

'The government is set to launch a new “digital archive strategy” aimed at preserving and promoting Japan’s trove of such cultural assets as manga, anime and video games, which are immensely popular among young people worldwide.'

https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/culture/manga-anime/20250529-256904/

#Japan #anime #manga #CulturalHeritage

'The government is set to launch a new “digital archive strategy” aimed at preserving and promoting Japan’s trove of such cultural assets as manga, anime and video games, which are immensely popular among young people worldwide.'

https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/culture/manga-anime/20250529-256904/

#tokyocameraclub #東京カメラ部 #Japan #Photo #写真 #日本 #mastodon #マストドン #Photograph #Photography

#tokyocameraclub #東京カメラ部 #Japan #Photo #写真 #日本 #mastodon #マストドン #Photograph #Photography

#tokyocameraclub #東京カメラ部 #Japan #Photo #写真 #日本 #mastodon #マストドン #Photograph #Photography

#tokyocameraclub #東京カメラ部 #Japan #Photo #写真 #日本 #mastodon #マストドン #Photograph #Photography

#tokyocameraclub #東京カメラ部 #Japan #Photo #写真 #日本 #mastodon #マストドン #Photograph #Photography

#tokyocameraclub #東京カメラ部 #Japan #Photo #写真 #日本 #mastodon #マストドン #Photograph #Photography

Iris Ohyama was one of the stores in Japan to land a no-bid contract to sell strategic reserve rice released by the Japanese gov at half off market price. 100+ people lined up in Sendai starting the night before for 95 tickets to buy 5kg bags at 2,160 yen ($15), tax included.

#japan #unseenjapan #food

Ex-SMAP member Nakai Masahiro's attempts to deny he sexually assaulted a woman amount to a "second assault," his victim's lawyers said. Nakai is trying to get the third-party Fuji TV committee that investigated the charges to walk back its use of the term "sexual assault."

#japan #unseenjapan

Copy of the Chōmei-ji Sankei #Mandara / #mandala, Ōmihachiman, Shiga Prefecture, #Japan, populated by various pilgrims and a few divine beings, probably used by travelling fundraisers to encourage donations for rebuilding the temple after a major fire in 1516.
#BuddhistArt #Buddhism

Copy of the Chōmei-ji Sankei #Mandara / #mandala, Ōmihachiman, Shiga Prefecture, #Japan, populated by various pilgrims and a few divine beings, probably used by travelling fundraisers to encourage donations for rebuilding the temple after a major fire in 1516.
#BuddhistArt #Buddhism

Three of Japan's opposition parties - the Constitutional Democrats, Innovation, and Democratic Party for the People - have entered debate on their separate bills to legalize separate spousal surnames in Japan. It's the first official debate on the issue in 28 years.

#japan #unseenjapan #relationships #politics

In January, two Chinese tourists were killed on a train track in Kobe's Tarumi Ward. To help prevent future accidents, the city has put up a new sign warning against the obvious in English, Korean, and Simplified and Traditional Chinese.

#japan #unseenjapan #travel #tourism

'May Sickness' (五月病 'gogatsu-byō') is a term for a seasonal disorder that strikes a little after Golden Week.

After the flurry of changes that take place each April, it may seem like May should be smooth sailing, but returning to work or school after the break is tough.

#Kyoto #MaySickness #Japan

The symbolism behind hydrangeas changes depending on their colour🌈

In one Japanese legend an emperor gifted blue hydrangeas to a neglected lover as a sign of contrition for leaving her alone for so long. Blue hydrangeas thus came to represent gratitude and understanding.

#Japan #hanakotoba #花言葉

The symbolism behind hydrangeas changes depending on their colour🌈

In one Japanese legend an emperor gifted blue hydrangeas to a neglected lover as a sign of contrition for leaving her alone for so long. Blue hydrangeas thus came to represent gratitude and understanding.

#Japan #hanakotoba #花言葉

How your email finds me...

#Kyoto #京都 #PathofPhilosophy #PhilosophyWalk #Japan #MaySickness #五月病

'May Sickness' (五月病 'gogatsu-byō') is a term for a seasonal disorder that strikes a little after Golden Week.

After the flurry of changes that take place each April, it may seem like May should be smooth sailing, but returning to work or school after the break is tough.

#Kyoto #MaySickness #Japan

How your email finds me...

#Kyoto #京都 #PathofPhilosophy #PhilosophyWalk #Japan #MaySickness #五月病

At 37 locations in Japan, you can drive along a road that sings to you, sometimes with theme music from your favorite anime. Here's how musical roads in Japan came about, and a look at some of the most interesting Japanese pop culture-inspired ones.

https://buff.ly/8u9D3TC

#japan #unseenjapan #ujwebsite #travel

In Japan, prostitution exists in a gray zone: Japan’s Anti-Prostitution Law outlaws both selling and buying sexual intercourse, yet levies no direct penalty on those who actually do it. So police chase the middlemen while treating women as wards in need of protection.

#japan #unseenjapan #ujwebsite #news

In 2021, a high schooler repeatedly told a teacher to "die" for interrupting his mobile gameplay, so the principal told him not to come back to school. A Hiroshima court just ruled this was inappropriate & ordered the city to pay the kid 200K yen ($1,387).

#japan #unseenjapan #news

A group in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party has compiled a recommendation that Japan generally eliminate tax-free tourist shopping. The recommendation would still permit tax-free shopping at duty-free stores at local airports and seaports.

#japan #unseenjapan #news #travel

One of nine statues of #Amida Nyorai in the main hall of Joruri-ji, #Japan. The nine statues of #Amida Nyorai in the Western Pure Land represent the nine paths to paradise, and each one has a different hand seal. This temple is a temple of the Shingon Ritsu sect located in #Kyoto Prefecture, and the name of the temple comes from the Eastern Pure Land, 'Touhou Joruri Sekai', the residence of Yakushi Nyorai.
#BuddhistArt #Buddhism

One of nine statues of #Amida Nyorai in the main hall of Joruri-ji, #Japan. The nine statues of #Amida Nyorai in the Western Pure Land represent the nine paths to paradise, and each one has a different hand seal. This temple is a temple of the Shingon Ritsu sect located in #Kyoto Prefecture, and the name of the temple comes from the Eastern Pure Land, 'Touhou Joruri Sekai', the residence of Yakushi Nyorai.
#BuddhistArt #Buddhism

Title: Evening Rain in Kawarago (1947)

Artist: Hasui Kawase

https://matcha-jp.com/en/2529 #ShinHanga #Art #Showa #HasuiKawase #Spring #RainySeason #Tsuyu #Kawarago #Miyagi #Japan

Title: Evening Rain in Kawarago (1947)

Artist: Hasui Kawase

https://matcha-jp.com/en/2529 #ShinHanga #Art #Showa #HasuiKawase #Spring #RainySeason #Tsuyu #Kawarago #Miyagi #Japan

Hydrangea were first introduced to Europe around 1862 by the German naturalist Siebold (フォン・シーボルト 1796-1866).
It is said he selected the flower's scientific name 'Hydrangea Otaksa' in memory of his Japanese mistress Kusumoto Taki (楠本滝/'Otaki-san' お滝).

#Japan #紫陽花 #hydrangea #Siebold

on the head mound
just one rosary-
hydrangeas
首塚にロザリオひとつ額の花
-Kashiwabara Min-u (柏原眠雨).

In hanakotoba (花言葉), the Japanese language of flowers, hydrangeas carry the meaning of 'patience' and 'cool-headedness', but this was not always the case.

#Japan #Kyoto #京都 #hydrangeas #wagashi #和菓子

While it is unproven, many people believe hydrangeas originated in Japan.
The Japanese name 'ajisai' (紫陽花), meaning 'gathering of blue' (aji/atsu 集まる = gathering/ai 藍 = indigo), suggests the flowers were originally mostly blue in colour.

#hydrangea #あじさい #紫陽花 #Japan

Matsuo Bashō wrote only 2 haiku about hydrangea. We opened this thread with the first, this is the second...

hydrangeas adorn
the little woodland garden-
a splendid parlor!
紫陽花や藪を小庭の別座敷
-Matsuo Bashō (松尾芭蕉 1644–94).

#Kyoto #hydrangea #Japan #松尾芭蕉 #haiku

A Japanese app wants to end so-called "full-stop harassment" (maru-hara). The Simeji mobile keyboard will help translate sentences ending in periods to ones ending in emojis so older texters don't scare young Japanese who say full stops in SMS are "scary."

#japan #unseenjapan #technology

On a side note...Siebold and Otaki-san's daughter, Kusumoto Ine (楠本イネ 1827-1903), was the first female doctor of Western medicine in Japan.

#Japan #楠本イネ #失本稲 #伊篤

花桃の里の空に昇る天の川🌸🌌✨

#tokyocameraclub #東京カメラ部 #japan #花桃の里

Hydrangea were first introduced to Europe around 1862 by the German naturalist Siebold (フォン・シーボルト 1796-1866).
It is said he selected the flower's scientific name 'Hydrangea Otaksa' in memory of his Japanese mistress Kusumoto Taki (楠本滝/'Otaki-san' お滝).

#Japan #紫陽花 #hydrangea #Siebold

Rakuten has announced it's selling strategic reserve rice released by the Japanese government for 1,980 yen a 5kg bag - over half off its current elevated price. People trying to reserve a bag, though, might have issues, as the site is being overloaded with requests.

#japan #unseenjapan

Matsuo Bashō wrote only 2 haiku about hydrangea. We opened this thread with the first, this is the second...

hydrangeas adorn
the little woodland garden-
a splendid parlor!
紫陽花や藪を小庭の別座敷
-Matsuo Bashō (松尾芭蕉 1644–94).

#Kyoto #hydrangea #Japan #松尾芭蕉 #haiku

While it is unproven, many people believe hydrangeas originated in Japan.
The Japanese name 'ajisai' (紫陽花), meaning 'gathering of blue' (aji/atsu 集まる = gathering/ai 藍 = indigo), suggests the flowers were originally mostly blue in colour.

#hydrangea #あじさい #紫陽花 #Japan

on the head mound
just one rosary-
hydrangeas
首塚にロザリオひとつ額の花
-Kashiwabara Min-u (柏原眠雨).

In hanakotoba (花言葉), the Japanese language of flowers, hydrangeas carry the meaning of 'patience' and 'cool-headedness', but this was not always the case.

#Japan #Kyoto #京都 #hydrangeas #wagashi #和菓子

Gateball, a variation of croquet invented in Japan, was once extremely popular. Now, however, it's dying. Yamaguchi Prefecture has gone from 10K registered players to a mere 138 today. Why are people in Japan souring on the home-grown lawn sport?

https://unseen-japan.com/gateball-japan-dwindling/

#japan #unseenjapan #ujwebsite #sports

The Heian era was a particularly active time for Mt. Fuji. Twelve eruptions occurred between 800 and 1083. Centuries of calm ensued afterwards.

Then came the winter of 1707. For generations, the fierce power of Mt. Fuji would be well remembered.

https://buff.ly/QqnZ6L2

#japan #unseenjapan #ujwebsite #history

Oooops: An employee at a second-hand shop in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture in Japan who bought a "toy" gun from a customer was shocked when the gun "exploded" and shot out a bullet. It was apparently sold by someone who found it among their relatives' artifacts.

#japan #unseenjapan

Title: Spring Rain at Matsushima (1936)

Artist: Koitsu Tsuchiya

https://creatureandcreator.ca/?p=5329 #ShinHanga #Art #Showa #Spring #KoitsuTsuchiya #Matsushima #Miyagi #Japan

A 40yo Sapporo woman whose parents took out a student loan in her name w/o telling her won't have to pay 980K yen ($6.7K) back after a Sapporo court threw out a previous court's decision on appeal. The parents put the money towards her mother's cancer treatment.

#japan #unseenjapan

Doctor and YouTuber Takasu Mikiya says many Japanese women are too thin. He says one out of every five women has a BMI below 18.5, putting them at the level of people in an "impoverished nation." Mikiya blames social media & modern beauty standards.

#japan #unseenjapan #health

Title: Spring Rain at Matsushima (1936)

Artist: Koitsu Tsuchiya

https://creatureandcreator.ca/?p=5329 #ShinHanga #Art #Showa #Spring #KoitsuTsuchiya #Matsushima #Miyagi #Japan

Japan's parliament enacted a bill to establish a new law that will promote the development of artificial intelligence while addressing risks associated with the technology. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/05/28/japan/japan-ai-law/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #ai #misinformation #diet #upperhouse #deepfakes

Japan's parliament enacted a bill to establish a new law that will promote the development of artificial intelligence while addressing risks associated with the technology. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/05/28/japan/japan-ai-law/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #ai #misinformation #diet #upperhouse #deepfakes

😋THE GUARDIAN OF KYŌTO'S KITCHEN🍴

Nishiki Tenmangū (錦天満宮) stands on Shinkyōgoku (新京極), at the east end of Nishiki Market (錦市場).
Enshrining Tenjin (天満天神 the deified statesman Sugawara-no-Michizane 菅原道真 845-903), people pray here for wisdom, scholarship and prosperous business.

#Japan #Nishiki #錦市場

The shrine also goes by the names Nishiki Tenjin-sha (錦天神社), Nishiki Tenman-jinja (錦天満神社) and Nishiki-no-Tenjin-san (錦の天神さん).

The grounds preserve one of the wells so pivotal in the development of Nishiki Market (錦市場).

#Kyoto #Japan #京都 #錦市場 #NishikiMarket

#JapanPost is debuting some sort of concept that ties your physical (home) address to a 7-character alphanumeric code (i.e. ABC-12D6) - sorta like how DNS works on the internet, I suppose.

The idea is, for mailing purposes or even for online shopping platforms - instead of manually filling up your full address (which supposedly can be a lot more complicated in #Japan), you could instead give them this unique code.

You will need to sign up with Japan Post to get this Digital Address. I wonder about the security and logistical implications of this, in the long term - but the concept itself is pretty neat, honestly.

Even in Malaysia, it's not uncommon to easily find your exact address on one service/platform, but struggle to find/register the exact same address on a different app which might rely on a poorer map service - delegating this to a 'single source of truth' denoted only by a 7-char long code might make sense.

🔗 https://lp.da.pf.japanpost.jp

The shrine also goes by the names Nishiki Tenjin-sha (錦天神社), Nishiki Tenman-jinja (錦天満神社) and Nishiki-no-Tenjin-san (錦の天神さん).

The grounds preserve one of the wells so pivotal in the development of Nishiki Market (錦市場).

#Kyoto #Japan #京都 #錦市場 #NishikiMarket

😋THE GUARDIAN OF KYŌTO'S KITCHEN🍴

Nishiki Tenmangū (錦天満宮) stands on Shinkyōgoku (新京極), at the east end of Nishiki Market (錦市場).
Enshrining Tenjin (天満天神 the deified statesman Sugawara-no-Michizane 菅原道真 845-903), people pray here for wisdom, scholarship and prosperous business.

#Japan #Nishiki #錦市場

Japan's Emperor Naruhito is attracting attention for a pivotal question he asked Iceland's President Halla Tómasdóttir: How did your country make gender equality a reality? She explained the steps the country has taken since 1975's Women's Strike.

https://buff.ly/IgF2WEr

#japan #unseenjapan #politics #women

The head of Japan's Polygamy Party says she's throwing her hat into the ring in this summer's Upper House election. 64yo Nagayasu Yuko is campaigning for a seat from Hyogo Prefecture on a platform of legalizing polygamy to reverse Japan's declining birth rates.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPzFKoZYP_M

#japan #unseenjapan #politics

Some more details on the drone flight by Skytree - the latest in a series of incidents involving tourists performing unauthorized flights at Japan travel hot spots. Here's what we know, along with a review of the country's drone laws for those who want to shoot legally.

https://buff.ly/9rqQwFp

#japan #unseenjapan #ujwebsite #travel #tourism #technology

Will calling people "-san" catch on *outside* of Japanese? Kyodo reports that the honorary suffix has come into common use at the Osaka Expo. Some people working at the Pavilion say it's a custom they want to take home as a way of showing respect regardless of age or gender.

#japan #unseenjapan

A little bit of magic...

#Kyoto #Japan #京都 #KyūteiOmuro #旧邸御室

Japan's government has said it will use soil removed during radiation decontamination work following the 2011 nuclear accident within the grounds of central government agencies and the prime minister's office in Tokyo. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/05/27/japan/japan-fukushima-soil-reuse/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #fukushimano1 #fukushima #radiation #tepco

Japan's government has said it will use soil removed during radiation decontamination work following the 2011 nuclear accident within the grounds of central government agencies and the prime minister's office in Tokyo. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/05/27/japan/japan-fukushima-soil-reuse/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #fukushimano1 #fukushima #radiation #tepco

A little bit of magic...

#Kyoto #Japan #京都 #KyūteiOmuro #旧邸御室

Title: Ikegami Honmonji (1937)

Artist: Noël Nouët

https://www.nippon.com/en/guide-to-japan/gu900220/ #ShinHanga #Art #NoelNouet #Showa #Spring #IkegamiHonmonji #Ota #Tokyo #Japan

In the villa's sitting room is a low table made from a single piece of Chinese quince.
The polished surface perfectly captures the reflection of the lush green garden outside, bringing the cool shade of the trees into the room.

#Japan #KyūteiOmuro #旧邸御室 #Kyoto #京都 #仁和寺

In 1969 the residence was owned by Abe Kihee (阿部喜兵衛), the 4th generation director of a saké brewing company.
He sold it to Yamamoto Mitsuo (山本三夫), father of the current owner Murata Akiyo (村田章代). Mitsuo was the founder of Yamasan sawmill (山三製材所).

#Japan #Kyoto #京都 #Omuro #小室

In 1969 the residence was owned by Abe Kihee (阿部喜兵衛), the 4th generation director of a saké brewing company.
He sold it to Yamamoto Mitsuo (山本三夫), father of the current owner Murata Akiyo (村田章代). Mitsuo was the founder of Yamasan sawmill (山三製材所).

#Japan #Kyoto #京都 #Omuro #小室

New rules have gone into effect in Japan to crack down on "kira-kira names." Parents must now spell out a new child's registered name in katakana, & city halls can reject readings that have no relation to the underlying readings or meanings of the associated kanji.

#japan #unseenjapan #japanese

drinking tea alone
on the month's first day...
green bamboo blinds
一人呑茶も朔日ぞ青簾
-Kobayashi Issa (小林一茶) 1817.
Trans. David G. Lanoue.

#Kyoto #Japan #京都 #KyūteiOmuro #旧邸御室

In the villa's sitting room is a low table made from a single piece of Chinese quince.
The polished surface perfectly captures the reflection of the lush green garden outside, bringing the cool shade of the trees into the room.

#Japan #KyūteiOmuro #旧邸御室 #Kyoto #京都 #仁和寺

Title: Ikegami Honmonji (1937)

Artist: Noël Nouët

https://www.nippon.com/en/guide-to-japan/gu900220/ #ShinHanga #Art #NoelNouet #Showa #Spring #IkegamiHonmonji #Ota #Tokyo #Japan

An ANA flight from Tokyo to Houston got diverted to Seattle after a passenger tried to open an emergency exit door in-flight. A *second* person was detained in Seattle after getting frustrated over the diversion and punching a bathroom door.

#japan #unseenjapan #news

South Korean tourists love Japan so much that Japan is testing out dedicated immigration lanes for returning visitors. In June, Haneda and Fukuoka airports will set up express lines for South Korean arrivals in an experiment designed to encourage repeat tourism.

#japan #unseenjapan #news #travel #tourism #japantravel

Looking for a job in Japan? Some municipalities are hiring people to stand on the right side of the escalator to get people out of the habit of using it as a walking lane. Standers make around 6500 yen ($45) a day, with supervisors making 16K ($112).

https://buff.ly/qLQ6Ach

#japan #unseenjapan #news

Title: Half Moon Bridge (1940)

Artist: Toshi Yoshida

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095263520300182 #ShinHanga #Art #Showa #Spring #Wisteria #Japan

Title: Half Moon Bridge (1940)

Artist: Toshi Yoshida

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095263520300182 #ShinHanga #Art #Showa #Spring #Wisteria #Japan

A frog standing upright, a branch over his shoulder, a fan in his girdle (detail). Muromachi period, 1392-1568, #Japan. Ink on paper.

A frog standing upright, a branch over his shoulder, a fan in his girdle (detail). Muromachi period, 1392-1568, #Japan. Ink on paper.

Univ. of Tokyo mulls accepting Harvard foreign students if barred

The University of Tokyo said Monday it is considering temporarily accepting international students from Harvard University if they are affected by the U.S. government’s move to bar them from studying at the institute. The university previously launched a program in 2022 to temporarily host researchers and studen…
#Japan #JP #Tokyo
https://www.alojapan.com/1283078/univ-of-tokyo-mulls-accepting-harvard-foreign-students-if-barred-2/

Does Japan need more garbage cans? Or does it just need fewer trashy tourists? How can the country address the growing problem of rubbish at travel hot spots? We look at some strategies and the data backing them in Tuesday's Unseen Japan Insider. Subscribe now:

https://unseen-japan.com/support/

#japan #unseenjapan

Univ. of Tokyo mulls accepting Harvard foreign students if barred

The University of Tokyo said Monday it is considering temporarily accepting international students from Harvard University if they are affected by the U.S. government’s move to bar them from studying at the institute. The university previously launched a program in 2022 to temporarily host researchers and studen…
#Japan #JP #Tokyo
https://www.alojapan.com/1283078/univ-of-tokyo-mulls-accepting-harvard-foreign-students-if-barred-2/

Major Japan tutoring firm apologizes for false claim on Minamata disease - Japan Today

https://japantoday.com/category/business/major-japan-tutoring-firm-sorry-for-false-claim-on-minamata-disease

> A major Japanese tutoring company has recently apologized for inaccurately describing the Minamata mercury-poisoning disease as hereditary in its online study material, a description that drew strong public criticism.

#Japanese #English #Japan #JapaneseCulture

The mesmerizing, ultrahydrophobic surface of a lotus leaf😵‍💫👏😊

on lotus leaves
this world's dewdrops
are warped
蓮の葉に此世の露はいびつ也
-Kobayashi Issa (小林一茶), 1819.
Trans. David Lanoue.

#lotus #Shōseien #渉成園 #Kyoto #京都 #Japan #rainyseason #梅雨 #plumrains

The warm, damp conditions of rainy season are perfect for mold, and there is a theory that at first this time was known as 'Baiu' (黴雨 lit. 'Mold Rains').
As this name was rather ugly it was a simple switch to 'Baiyu' (梅雨 'Plum Rain'), now commonly read as 'Tsuyu'.

#Japan #Kyoto #ume #梅

The poet Du Fu (杜甫 712–70) helped romanticize the idea of plums causing the rains.
But...while it is a lovely image (rain showers misting up from plum trees), the simple truth is that plums ripened at the time of the wet season, and so the name 'Plum Rain' was born🌧️

#Japan #梅雨 #plumrains #rainyseason

The mesmerizing, ultrahydrophobic surface of a lotus leaf😵‍💫👏😊

on lotus leaves
this world's dewdrops
are warped
蓮の葉に此世の露はいびつ也
-Kobayashi Issa (小林一茶), 1819.
Trans. David Lanoue.

#lotus #Shōseien #渉成園 #Kyoto #京都 #Japan #rainyseason #梅雨 #plumrains

🌧️'THE PLUM RAIN'☔️

June heralds the rainy season in Japan. Known as 'Tsuyu' (梅雨), the 'Plum Rain', this period coincides with the plums ripening.
The damp weeks are marked by their dazzling greenery and the appearance of the celebrated hydrangea.

#Japan #Kyoto #京都 #梅雨

A woman in Japan won a lawsuit against her ex after he failed to disclose a tiny detail: his marriage. As more men (let's be honest) use dating apps to cheat, some apps are requiring that users submit documents proving they are, in fact, single.

https://buff.ly/1vC9rHr

#japan #unseenjapan #ujwebsite #relationships #dating

See a side of Japan most tourists never experience. Let Unseen Japan Tours serve as your expert guides to make your time in the country truly unique.

https://unseen-japan.com/unseen-japan-tours/

#japan #unseenjapan #ujwebsite

The Liberal Democratic Party's Moriyama Hiroshi says rice being affordable "isn't a good thing" and says rice should cost what it takes to support rice farmers. The comment is likely to fall on deaf ears among Japanese consumers, for whom the cost of rice has doubled.

#japan #unseenjapan #news

Young people in Japan have been canceling bathtime. Now they appear to be canceling...their stoves? 20% of 20-somethings say they're covering up their stovetops and using electric equipment such as microwaves & one-pot cookers to make all their meals.

#unseenjapan #japan

The transport ministry is considering abolishing monochromatic versions of "gotochi" special vehicle registration plates designed by local governments, it was learned. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/05/25/japan/license-plates-monochrome-stop/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #mlit #carparts #cars #localgovernment

The transport ministry is considering abolishing monochromatic versions of "gotochi" special vehicle registration plates designed by local governments, it was learned. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/05/25/japan/license-plates-monochrome-stop/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #mlit #carparts #cars #localgovernment

花桃の里の空に昇る天の川🌸🌌✨

#tokyocameraclub #東京カメラ部 #japan #花桃の里

At the Yodobashi Camera store near Kichijoji station, you can test ride bicycles on an indoors track! 😮

#tokyo #japan

It's official: resellers in Japan have defeated McDonald's. The chain has stopped its second wave sale of Chiikawa Happy Meals early & said it's discontinuing the promotion entirely. Resellers were nabbing up the toys in the meals & reselling them online.

#japan #unseenjapan #news #food

Stories abound lately about people getting stuck while hiking Mt. Fuji during the off-season. In response to public outcry, Shizuoka and Yamanashi Prefectures may pass ordinances that put the costs of helicopter rescues onto the rescued.

https://unseen-japan.com/mt-fuji-rescue-costs/

#japan #unseenjapan #ujwebsite #travel #tourism

"Japanese people under 40 who say they fear punctuation aren't remembering some long-lost past baked into their genes. They, like their English-speaking counterparts, just think that ending text messages with a period makes you sound like an asshole."

https://unseen-japan.com/punctuation-japan-mythology/

#japan #unseenjapan #ujwebsite #japanese

Title: Koi no Mizu (1957)

Artist: Kasamatsu Shiro

https://www.toki.tokyo/blogt/2017/1/16/koi-fish #ShinHanga #SosakuHanga #Art #Showa #KasamatsuShiro #Spring #Koi #CherryBlossoms #Japan

Title: Koi no Mizu (1957)

Artist: Kasamatsu Shiro

https://www.toki.tokyo/blogt/2017/1/16/koi-fish #ShinHanga #SosakuHanga #Art #Showa #KasamatsuShiro #Spring #Koi #CherryBlossoms #Japan

The 'Rokuji Raisan' (六時礼讃) was a service of hymn-like songs performed six times in a day by Hōnen at...

😮🎶 daytime (日中 - sometime after midday)
😮🎶 sunset (日没)
😮🎶 first watch of night (初夜)
😮🎶 midnight (半夜)
😮🎶 4am (後夜)
😮🎶 dawn (晨朝 - 6am)

#Kyoto #京都 #Japan #法然

The shield bug (カメムシ 'kamemushi') sliding door was inspired by an old belief that an outbreak of shield bugs heralds a long, hard winter ahead (カメムシが大発生するとその冬は寒く大雪になる).

#folklore #カメムシ #水野浩世 #余興 #Honenin #法然院 #Japan #Kyoto #京都

Happy Friday from Itabashi, Tokyo!

Watching my feed, you'll find I like photographing my neighborhood at night, and I like old local shops. Here is a set of photos combining those topics.

1. Takimoto Optometrist, Watches and Jewelry Store
2. Araiya Liquor Store
3. Tajimaya Roasted Beans Shop
4. Tsuboi Bookstore

#photography #streetphotography #japan #tokyo #japanlife #tokyolife #itabashi #shotoniphone #photographersofmastodon #fotografie #nightphotography

One of the temple's most stunning features is a rather new addition...a sliding door painted with very lifelike shield bugs (カメムシの絵).
Titled 'Yokyō' (余興 'entertainment' or 'performance'), it was created by Mizuno Hiroyo (水野浩世).

#Honenin #法然院 #Japan #Kyoto #京都

The 'Rokuji Raisan' (六時礼讃) was a service of hymn-like songs performed six times in a day by Hōnen at...

😮🎶 daytime (日中 - sometime after midday)
😮🎶 sunset (日没)
😮🎶 first watch of night (初夜)
😮🎶 midnight (半夜)
😮🎶 4am (後夜)
😮🎶 dawn (晨朝 - 6am)

#Kyoto #京都 #Japan #法然

Happy Friday from Itabashi, Tokyo!

Watching my feed, you'll find I like photographing my neighborhood at night, and I like old local shops. Here is a set of photos combining those topics.

1. Takimoto Optometrist, Watches and Jewelry Store
2. Araiya Liquor Store
3. Tajimaya Roasted Beans Shop
4. Tsuboi Bookstore

#photography #streetphotography #japan #tokyo #japanlife #tokyolife #itabashi #shotoniphone #photographersofmastodon #fotografie #nightphotography

Hōnen-in (法然院) was built close to the site of a simple hermitage where Hōnen (法然 1133-1212) and his disciples (Jūren 住蓮 and Anraku 安楽), worshiped the bodhisattva Amida (阿弥陀仏) 6 times each day and night on Shishigatani (鹿ヶ谷).

#Kyoto #京都 #Japan #法然院 #Honenin

A look into Kagi's trip to Tokyo, where we connected with the Kagi community, collaborated with local companies, and enjoyed everything the city has to offer.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who met with us, shared meals, and made this experience unforgettable!

また次回お会いしましょう。

https://tilvids.com/w/sK56bkBg7uWXqKMHkHZa3E

#Kagi #Search #PeerTube #Tokyo #Japan

Two managers at Japanese confectionery chain store Chateraise have been charged with forcing multiple employees to work overtime. In one case, the overtime exceeded 100 hours in a month - the "karōshi line" where overtime is ruled a cause of work-related death.

#japan #unseenjapan #news

The head of Japan's National Police Agency confirmed that it will tighten regulations on foreigners who attempt driver's license exchange in Japan. The NPA will now require a residence certificate, closing a loophole that allowed tourists to get JP licenses.

#japan #unseenjapan

McDonald's Japan is trying to crack down on resellers of Chiikawa Happy Meal toys. For the second release, it says it will restrict Happy Meal purchases to four per adult. Resellers have cleaned stores out in order to resell the limited edited toys online at a markup.

https://news.livedoor.com/article/detail/28801960/

#japan #unseenjapan

Title: Ayame (1929)

Artist: Hasui Kawase

https://www.visitchiba.jp/things/ayame-park/ #ShinHanga #Art #Showa #HasuiKawase #Spring #Flowers #Iris #Japan

Title: Ayame (1929)

Artist: Hasui Kawase

https://www.visitchiba.jp/things/ayame-park/ #ShinHanga #Art #Showa #HasuiKawase #Spring #Flowers #Iris #Japan

The situation in Tokyo bears no similarity to the euro-zone crisis era in Athens. The comparison drawn by Shigeru Ishiba is reckless and irresponsible. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/commentary/2025/05/22/japan/greece-word-japan/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #commentary #japan #shigeruishiba #taxes #debt #greece #japaneseeconomy

The situation in Tokyo bears no similarity to the euro-zone crisis era in Athens. The comparison drawn by Shigeru Ishiba is reckless and irresponsible. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/commentary/2025/05/22/japan/greece-word-japan/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #commentary #japan #shigeruishiba #taxes #debt #greece #japaneseeconomy

Koizumi Shinjirō is back in the political spotlight as Japan's new Minister of Agriculture, replacing Etō Taku after the latter's weird rice brags. Koizumi immediately vowed to address Japan's rice price crisis through several proactive measures.

#japan #unseenjapan

Title: Iidabashi (1939)

Artist: Toshi Yoshida

https://www.oldtokyo.com/iidabashi-bridge-iidabashi-tokyo-c-1920/ #ShinHanga #Art #Showa #Spring #ToshiYoshida #Iidabashi #KandaRiver #Chiyoda #Tokyo #Japan

Title: Iidabashi (1939)

Artist: Toshi Yoshida

https://www.oldtokyo.com/iidabashi-bridge-iidabashi-tokyo-c-1920/ #ShinHanga #Art #Showa #Spring #ToshiYoshida #Iidabashi #KandaRiver #Chiyoda #Tokyo #Japan

Title: Iidabashi (1939)

Artist: Toshi Yoshida

https://www.oldtokyo.com/iidabashi-bridge-iidabashi-tokyo-c-1920/ #ShinHanga #Art #Showa #Spring #ToshiYoshida #Iidabashi #KandaRiver #Chiyoda #Tokyo #Japan

Taiwan regrets not being invited by Nagasaki to this year's peace memorial ceremony to mark the anniversary of the 1945 U.S. atomic bombing, a spokesman at Taiwan's foreign ministry has said. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/05/21/japan/taiwan-regret-nagasaki-ceremony/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #taiwan #nagasaki #us #wwii #atomicbombings

In what has been described as 'an outrageous diplomatic incident', #Israel fired at an international delegation of diplomats from nearly two dozen countries, as they approached to investigate conditions at the #Jenin camp in the #WestBank, which has been under siege from the #IDF since Jan. 21.

The diplomats were from #China, #Brazil, #India, #Russia, #Japan, #Canada, #Mexico, #France, #Turkey, #Spain, #Portugal, #Jordan, the #UK, #Egypt, and more.

Taiwan regrets not being invited by Nagasaki to this year's peace memorial ceremony to mark the anniversary of the 1945 U.S. atomic bombing, a spokesman at Taiwan's foreign ministry has said. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/05/21/japan/taiwan-regret-nagasaki-ceremony/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #taiwan #nagasaki #us #wwii #atomicbombings

The National Archives of Japan has disclosed to researchers the names of members of biological warfare units that the former Imperial Japanese Army had stationed in China. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/05/21/japan/731-member-list/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #china #imperialjapanesearmy #wwii #biologicalweapons #unit731

The National Archives of Japan has disclosed to researchers the names of members of biological warfare units that the former Imperial Japanese Army had stationed in China. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/05/21/japan/731-member-list/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #china #imperialjapanesearmy #wwii #biologicalweapons #unit731

The approach to the temple was once so filled with worshippers on their way to pray to 'Tako Yakushi' (蛸薬師) that the road's name was changed to 'Takoyakushi-dōri' (蛸薬師道)...and the name stuck.

#Kyoto #京都 #Japan #寺町 #Teramachi #新京極 #Shinkyōgoku #蛸薬師道 #TakoYakushi

The approach to the temple was once so filled with worshippers on their way to pray to 'Tako Yakushi' (蛸薬師) that the road's name was changed to 'Takoyakushi-dōri' (蛸薬師道)...and the name stuck.

#Kyoto #京都 #Japan #寺町 #Teramachi #新京極 #Shinkyōgoku #蛸薬師道 #TakoYakushi

Eifuku-ji was founded in 1181 by a wealthy man named Rinshū (林秀) who, later in life, shaved his head and undertook monthly pilgrimages to worship the Medicine Buddha on Mt Hiei.
As he grew old the journey became impossible, and he began to fear for his soul...

#Japan #比叡山 #MtHiei #Enryakuji #延暦寺

2) THE OCTOPUS SELLER:

After Rinshū's death his home fell to ruin and the statue lay forgotten.
A store selling octopus later opened on the site.
The owner found the statue and enshrined it (until Eifuku-ji's revival) in his shop for 'luck'...it thus became known as 'Tako Yakushi'.
#蛸薬師 #Japan

Eifuku-ji was founded in 1181 by a wealthy man named Rinshū (林秀) who, later in life, shaved his head and undertook monthly pilgrimages to worship the Medicine Buddha on Mt Hiei.
As he grew old the journey became impossible, and he began to fear for his soul...

#Japan #比叡山 #MtHiei #Enryakuji #延暦寺

🐙📿THE OCTOPUS BUDDHA & OTHER CEPHALOPODS✨🦑

In the heart of Kyōto octopuses are celebrated at the small temple of Eifuku-ji (永福寺), known more familiarly as 'Tako Yakushi-dō' (蛸薬師堂 the 'Temple of the Octopus Medicine Buddha')🙏

#Kyoto #京都 #Eifukuji #永福寺 #Japan #蛸薬師堂

“Someone posted ‘I’m gonna shoot Shikano Tsuno on May 22nd’ to a net message board. It got to where I couldn’t go about my day, either mentally or physically. I’ve met with the cops, and they’ve increased patrols around my place.”

https://unseen-japan.com/marcille-cosplay-osaka-expo-controversy/

#japan #unseenjapan #ujwebsite #anime

Etō Taku, Japan's Minister of Agriculture, is officially out of a job after bragging that he "never buys rice" because his supporters give him so much that he "could sell it." Japan is paying double what it did for rice a year ago due to last season's poor crops.

https://unseen-japan.com/japan-agriculture-minister-fired-rice/

#japan #unseenjapan #ujwebsite #rice #politics #food

Tipping in Japan, the great Japan escalator debate, all about resignation proxy services, and a UK couple hike a mountain in street clothes - this and more in our round-up of last week's best UJ stories in the Unseen Japan newsletter:

https://us20.campaign-archive.com/?u=e9c0d2fc400d4b96cabfca61a&id=84f37fa892

#japan #unseenjapan

Title: Ruins of Rice Warehouses, Karatsu (1922)

Artist: Hasui Kawase

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20250519_B81/ #ShinHanga #Art #Taisho #HasuiKawase #Rice #Karatsu #Saga #Japan

Title: Ruins of Rice Warehouses, Karatsu (1922)

Artist: Hasui Kawase

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20250519_B81/ #ShinHanga #Art #Taisho #HasuiKawase #Rice #Karatsu #Saga #Japan

🎋BRILLIANT BAMBOO🎍

The bamboo groves of Sagano (嵯峨野竹林の道) may be world famous, but there are many -equally gorgeous but far quieter- places to see bamboo forests in and around Kyōto.

Mukō (向日市), a short train ride from the city, has a whole park dedicated to bamboo!

#Kyoto #Japan #Sagano #嵯峨野

Title: Hikone Castle in Spring (1951)

Artist: Toshi Yoshida

https://visit.hikoneshi.com/en/castle/the_castle/ #Art #ShinHanga #Showa #ToshiYoshida #Spring #MountKonki #Hikone #HikoneCastle #Shiga #Japan

Mukō (向日) has long been famed for producing high quality bamboo shoots (for consumption), and in 2000 began a campaign to preserve the natural landscape of bamboo groves. This same year a 1.8km road through the bamboo forest on Nishi-no-oka (西の岡) was opened.

#Kyoto #Japan #bamboo #向日 #Muko

Although bamboo itself does not inspire many traditional sweets, the leaves of the plant make for a handy wrapping or even as a small plate!🎋

#Kyoto #京都 #Japan #wagashi #和菓子

🎋BRILLIANT BAMBOO🎍

The bamboo groves of Sagano (嵯峨野竹林の道) may be world famous, but there are many -equally gorgeous but far quieter- places to see bamboo forests in and around Kyōto.

Mukō (向日市), a short train ride from the city, has a whole park dedicated to bamboo!

#Kyoto #Japan #Sagano #嵯峨野

Metropolitan Tokyo's 8 million households may get free water this summer. Tokyo will vote next month on making water service free for four months. This would give households relief from rising prices & encourage ppl to keep their AC on, reducing heat stroke risk.

https://news.livedoor.com/article/detail/28785414/

#japan #unseenjapan

Noticing a lot more coughing people on trains in #Japan recently too. Bet it's surging here too #Covid #covid19 https://www.nationthailand.com/health-wellness/40050177

How long has punctuation been part of the Japanese language? Do young Japanese people fear it because it's so "alien"?! We dispel some myths and look at the actual history of full stops in tomorrow's Unseen Japan Insider newsletter. Subscribe today:

https://buff.ly/ohTkwcg

#japan #unseenjapan

Noticing a lot more coughing people on trains in #Japan recently too. Bet it's surging here too #Covid #covid19 https://www.nationthailand.com/health-wellness/40050177

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba rebuffed calls for tax cuts, saying that the nation’s financial conditions are worse than Greece’s. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/05/19/japan/politics/ishiba-rebuffs-tax-cuts/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #politics #shigeruishiba #consumptiontax #boj #inflation #debt #jgb

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba rebuffed calls for tax cuts, saying that the nation’s financial conditions are worse than Greece’s. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/05/19/japan/politics/ishiba-rebuffs-tax-cuts/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #politics #shigeruishiba #consumptiontax #boj #inflation #debt #jgb

Large show gardens unveiled at #RHSChelsea - Cha No Niwa – Japanese Tea Garden by Kazuyuki Ishihara.

#Japanese #Japan #showgardens #ChelseaFlowerShow #bloomscrolling

Second day, we visited the Omiya Bonsai Museum - mostly because it opened an hour before the Railway Museum. What a delight! It had a great short exhibit to prime us on what to look for in the bonsai, and then a small elegant garden full of bonsai ranging from 40 to 1000 (!) years old. We stayed way past our budgeted time and I have a new appreciation for this art form.

#Japan #travel #bonsai

Large show gardens unveiled at #RHSChelsea - Cha No Niwa – Japanese Tea Garden by Kazuyuki Ishihara.

#Japanese #Japan #showgardens #ChelseaFlowerShow #bloomscrolling

Third museum of the trip: the huge Ōmiya Railroad Museum! A must visit for any train enthusiast. Pictured here is the rolling stock exhibit, just one of five! We barely saw a third of it before we had to head out to catch our shinkansen to Hakodate. We'll be back for sure, maybe even this trip!

#travel #japan #trains

Spent our first day at the excellent Edo Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum. 30+ historic buildings from the Tokyo area relocated to a lovely park for you to explore. Lots of friendly staff, some of whom spoke English. Hard to capture the experience in photos, since so much of the delight was walking though and feeling the spaces.

#Japan #travel

As Japanese consumers struggle thanks to record-high rice prices, Etō Taku, Japan's Minister of Agriculture, says he's...never bought rice. "My supporters give me so much rice," he somehow thought it was a good idea to say out loud. "So much I could sell it."

https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/d0870598ff2459ba716a4244a5f879b1da821c66

#japan #unseenjapan

When employees resign using a resignation proxy service in Japan, company reactions can vary. Some take it in stride. Others ask if they can talk to the employee and work things out. Still others quickly cycle through Kübler-Ross’s Five Stages of Grief.

https://unseen-japan.com/resignation-proxy-company-mo-muri/

#japan #unseenjapan #ujwebsite #employment #work #news

1,400 Photos Donated to Remember Horror of Aum Shinrikyo https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/05/18/japan/japan-aum-shinrikyo-cult-pictures-donated/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #aumshinrikyo #yamanashi #shokoasahara #seiichitakeuchi #terrorism #tokyosaringasattack

#tokyocameraclub #東京カメラ部 #Japan #Photo #写真 #日本 #mastodon #マストドン #Photograph #Photography

1,400 Photos Donated to Remember Horror of Aum Shinrikyo https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/05/18/japan/japan-aum-shinrikyo-cult-pictures-donated/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #aumshinrikyo #yamanashi #shokoasahara #seiichitakeuchi #terrorism #tokyosaringasattack

#tokyocameraclub #東京カメラ部 #Japan #Photo #写真 #日本 #mastodon #マストドン #Photograph #Photography

I'm in Japan! My second visit and this time we're going to Hakodate, Sapporo and Aomori, in addition to Tokyo. @Jpatten is my travel partner and better at live posting than I am so I'll mostly boost his stuff

#Japan #travel

#tokyocameraclub #東京カメラ部 #Japan #Photo #写真 #日本 #mastodon #マストドン #Photograph #Photography

Germany is proud to be the third largest economy in the world. The truth is that Japan, our main competitor for the third place, is far worse off than us due to their poor migration policy and their even greater unwillingness to innovate.

It’s literally a race between snails.

Meanwhile, it’s projected that India will overtake both in about 2 years, relegating Germany to fourth place.
#germwny #japan #economy

https://www.dw.com/en/japans-economy-shrinks-more-than-expected/a-72561544

A couple in Tokyo got divorced after the wife discovered her husband was out having affairs while she was caring for his paralyzed 70yo mother. Asahi calls it an example of "nursing divorce," and lawyers say consultations about such cases are on the rise in Japan.

https://buff.ly/N1DZHcI

#japan #unseenjapan #relationships

McDonald's Japan released a new Chiikawa Happy Meal, and resellers were right there to scoop up the limited edition toys. Screenshot below shows the order list for a store that just opened, as resellers grab the toys out of the hands of kids to sell for a markup on Mercari.

#japan #unseenjapan

Title: Kinokunizaka, in the Rainy Season (1938)

Artist: Kasamatsu Shiro

https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2277.html #ShinHanga #Art #KasamatsuShiro #Showa #Spring #Rain #Akasaka #Tokyo #Japan

A ramen chain in Japan with 34 stores in the greater Tokyo area is closing 10 shops, or 29%, by June 30th, 2025. The company won't say why it's closing so many stores. But longtime fans say it's because the flavor just isn't there anymore.

https://unseen-japan.com/ramen-chain-closings-quality/

#japan #unseenjapan #ujwebsite #food #travel #ramen

Title: Kinokunizaka, in the Rainy Season (1938)

Artist: Kasamatsu Shiro

https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2277.html #ShinHanga #Art #KasamatsuShiro #Showa #Spring #Rain #Akasaka #Tokyo #Japan

Tokyo police have arrested a woman and two men for running a year-long scam operation. The three used a dating app that caters to disabled people and those sympathetic to them. They reportedly bilked 54 men of 80 million yen ($548K).

https://unseen-japan.com/dating-app-disabled-man-scam/

#japan #unseenjapan #ujwebsite #dating #relationships #news #fraud

The Himeyuri students, or Lily Princesses Student Corps, were a group of 222 students and 18 teachers from women's schools who were forced into front-line military service as medical personnel during the 1945 Battle of Okinawa.

#japan #unseenjapan #ujwebsite #history

Unseen Japan documents the stories, debates, and social movements that are shaping modern Japan. If you love what we do, help us do more of it - contribute to the Unseen Japan Journalism Fund today.

https://unseen-japan.com/support/

#japan #unseenjapan #ujwebsite

Just like nearby Yoshimine-dera, Yōkoku-ji (楊谷寺) is famed for its pure waters.

Above the inner shrine is a small spring known as 'Minori-sui' (神徳水 the 'Water of Divine Virtues'), once thought to be the key to perpetual youth (or at the very least a long life).

#Kyoto #Japan #神徳水 #楊谷寺

Someone on X complained about the volume of garbage in a bathroom near Fushimi Inari-taisha in Kyoto. Another user shot back, "This happens b/c there are no garbage cans at tourist sites," & blamed retailers who don't provide trash cans for "foisting infrastructure costs onto citizens."

#japan #unseenjapan

In a recent survey, 41 out of 48 large companies said their employees had used a resignation proxy service to quit. Most of them are whining that this is "a huge pain," as they can't talk with their soon-to-be-ex-employees about bonuses & procedures.

https://buff.ly/lPzBEj7

#japan #unseenjapan

Just like nearby Yoshimine-dera, Yōkoku-ji (楊谷寺) is famed for its pure waters.

Above the inner shrine is a small spring known as 'Minori-sui' (神徳水 the 'Water of Divine Virtues'), once thought to be the key to perpetual youth (or at the very least a long life).

#Kyoto #Japan #神徳水 #楊谷寺

The temple has not 1, not 2, not 3, not 4, but 5 'hana-chōzu' (花手水)!😳🌺💦🥰

#Kyoto #京都 #Japan #Yōkokuji #楊谷寺 #hydrangea #紫陽花 #花手水

There’s a lot of talk lately of foreign “nuisance influencers” plaguing Japan with their obnoxious stunts. However, a new incident of "food terrorism" involving two teens in Osaka reminds us that Japanese people seeking online notoriety can be just as gross.

https://unseen-japan.com/food-terrorism-sukiya-osaka/

#japan #unseenjapan #ujwebsite #food #socialmedia

Good morning from Tokyo, where it looks like we're set for a quite warm Thursday!
For this morning, I chose a calming image of a woman ascending the stairs to Shinonome Shrine in Matsuyama City on the southern island of Shikoku.

#photography #streetphotography #japan #matsuyama #shikoku #japanlife #fotografie #photographersofmastodon

https://www.alojapan.com/1274097/japanese-poetry-translation-documents-wwii-incarceration/ Japanese poetry translation documents WWII incarceration #history #humanities #Japan #JapanNews #Japanese #JapaneseNews #literature #news #RaceAndEthnicity A collection of Japanese poetry written by a Japanese immigrant couple incarcerated during World War II has been translated into English for the first time, offering rare, first-person emotional insights into the losses and injustices of those detained during wartime in the United States. …

Title: Hikone Castle in Spring (1951)

Artist: Toshi Yoshida

https://visit.hikoneshi.com/en/castle/the_castle/ #Art #ShinHanga #Showa #ToshiYoshida #Spring #MountKonki #Hikone #HikoneCastle #Shiga #Japan

Title: Hikone Castle in Spring (1951)

Artist: Toshi Yoshida

https://visit.hikoneshi.com/en/castle/the_castle/ #Art #ShinHanga #Showa #ToshiYoshida #Spring #MountKonki #Hikone #HikoneCastle #Shiga #Japan

Chapter 9 of 'The Tale of Genji' (源氏物語), 'Aoi' (葵), features the Aoi Matsuri (葵祭).
As Hikaru Genji (光源氏) is participating in the festival Lady Rokujō (御息所), his mistress, arrives early in her carriage to save a good spot.

#Japan #Kyoto #源氏物語 #TheTaleOfGenji

A little later Genji's wife, Lady Aoi (葵の上), has her servants maliciously shove Rokujō's carriage aside.

Utterly humiliated and filled with hatred, Rokujō's living spirit will later possess and kill Aoi!

#Kyoto #京都 #葵祭 #AoiMatsuri #源氏物語 #TheTaleOfGenji #Japan

3) 堂々巡り📿

"Circling the temple hall" is similar to the English phrase "Going around in circles". It is yet another idiom born at Kiyomizu-dera.
Pilgrims would circle the main hall, often many hundreds of times, as an act of faith.

#Kiyomizudera #清水寺 #Japan #Kyoto #kyotoidioms

Tatsuki Ryō, the manga author who's predicted a massive tsunami in July 2025, was asked what she thought of Hong Kong tourists canceling plans b/c of her. She said it's "positive" that people's awareness of disaster prevention is on the rise.

https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/fe2fe296414a695f6e3d71c410f2cc841c260486

#japan #unseenjapan #travel #news

A little later Genji's wife, Lady Aoi (葵の上), has her servants maliciously shove Rokujō's carriage aside.

Utterly humiliated and filled with hatred, Rokujō's living spirit will later possess and kill Aoi!

#Kyoto #京都 #葵祭 #AoiMatsuri #源氏物語 #TheTaleOfGenji #Japan

Young Japanese say they're wary of so-called "maru harassment," or "maru-hara," which is when someone ends a text message w/ a period. Over 31% of those between 15-29yo found such messages "scary" or "painful." Only 12.5% of those over 30 agreed.

#japan #unseenjapan #news #harassment #japanese

Chapter 9 of 'The Tale of Genji' (源氏物語), 'Aoi' (葵), features the Aoi Matsuri (葵祭).
As Hikaru Genji (光源氏) is participating in the festival Lady Rokujō (御息所), his mistress, arrives early in her carriage to save a good spot.

#Japan #Kyoto #源氏物語 #TheTaleOfGenji

There are now two main parts to the parade day: the procession, known as 'Rotō-no-gi' (路頭の儀 lit. 'Roadside Ceremony'), and the shrine rites, known as 'Shatō-no-gi' (社頭の儀 'Front of Shrine Ceremony’).

#Kyoto #京都 #Japan #AoiMatsuri #葵祭 #下鴨神社 #上賀茂神社 #祭り

Two male police officers in Kyoto have been charged, in two separate incidents, with attempting to take illicit photos by installing a hidden camera in the women's bathroom at Kyoto police stations. Both will also face disciplinary action.

https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/5210ea6b5904eacf47a5acee33efbf91266b5ac0

#japan #unseenjapan

Good morning from Tokyo, where it looks like we're set for a quite warm Thursday!
For this morning, I chose a calming image of a woman ascending the stairs to Shinonome Shrine in Matsuyama City on the southern island of Shikoku.

#photography #streetphotography #japan #matsuyama #shikoku #japanlife #fotografie #photographersofmastodon

The other notable figure in the procession is the Saiō-dai (斎王代).
Once an unmarried imperial princess (that acted as priestess for the Kamo shrines), the Saiō-dai is now chosen from a respected local family. She participates in a handful of festival rituals.

#Kyoto #AoiMatsuri #festival #Japan

The 1970 World Expo in Osaka popularized the idea of leaving one lane of an escalator open for walking in Japan. Now, the 2025 Osaka Expo, along with cities like Nagoya, is trying to reverse that habit in the name of efficiency and safety.

https://unseen-japan.com/escalator-two-lanes-standing-japan/

#japan #unseenjapan #ujwebsite #news #safety #osakaexpo #expo

SASAYA Holdings, an Osaka-based restaurant chain, has apologized on its website after one of its stores posted a sign refusing service to anyone of Chinese nationality. The chain has closed the store and reiterated its commitment to treating all customers equally.

https://unseen-japan.com/japanese-restaurant-no-chinese-sign/

#japan #unseenjapan #ujwebsite #discrimination #travel #tourism

A couple from the UK attempted to hike up Hokkaido's Mt. Yōtei in short sleeves and shorts. Predictably, they required a helicopter rescue at around 1,750 meters (5,741 feet) after they got too cold. Around 80% of those who get stuck yearly on Yōtei are foreigners.

https://unseen-japan.com/mt-yotei-uk-couple-rescued/

#japan #unseenjapan #ujwebsite #travel #tourism

Title: Flowering Plum and Full Moon (c.1920s-30s)

Artist: Ohara Koson

https://www.space.com/stargazing/mays-full-flower-moon-2025-blooms-on-may-12-heres-where-to-look #ShinHanga #Showa #Taisho #Art #OharaKoson #Spring #PlumBlossom #Moon #FullMoon #FlowerMoon #Japan

https://www.alojapan.com/1274097/japanese-poetry-translation-documents-wwii-incarceration/ Japanese poetry translation documents WWII incarceration #history #humanities #Japan #JapanNews #Japanese #JapaneseNews #literature #news #RaceAndEthnicity A collection of Japanese poetry written by a Japanese immigrant couple incarcerated during World War II has been translated into English for the first time, offering rare, first-person emotional insights into the losses and injustices of those detained during wartime in the United States. …

Title: Flowering Plum and Full Moon (c.1920s-30s)

Artist: Ohara Koson

https://www.space.com/stargazing/mays-full-flower-moon-2025-blooms-on-may-12-heres-where-to-look #ShinHanga #Showa #Taisho #Art #OharaKoson #Spring #PlumBlossom #Moon #FullMoon #FlowerMoon #Japan

Quick #linguistic-landscape post on the blog I share with students.

https://llll.minami-2-413.net/L4/one-sign-noticing-and-reflecting/some-political-positioning/

#japan #politics #posters

Quick #linguistic-landscape post on the blog I share with students.

https://llll.minami-2-413.net/L4/one-sign-noticing-and-reflecting/some-political-positioning/

#japan #politics #posters

2) 玉の輿に乗る💎

"To ride a jeweled palanquin"...
"to marry into wealth".

This rags-to-riches expression was born from the tale of Otama (お玉 later known as Keishō-in 桂昌院), a greengrocer's daughter who would become mother of the 5th shōgun, Tokugawa Tsunayoshi (徳川綱吉).

#Keishoin #桂昌院 #Japan #kyotoidioms

The jump was seen as an act of faith in Kannon (十一面千手千眼観音). Those planning on making the jump would typically retire for a period of prayer and reflection within the main hall.

If you did not survive the fall your soul would be carried directly to "Kannon's Pure Land", Mount Potalaka (補陀洛).

#Japan #Kannon

A lawyer for ex-SMAP member Nakai Masahiro says that there are "serious problems" with the Fuji TV independent commission finding that he sexually assaulted an ex-Fuji announcer, saying the conclusion damages his "reputation & social standing."

https://buff.ly/ZFREFf1

#japan #unseenjapan #women #law #crime #entertainment #jpop

Good morning from Japan on a bright Wednesday!
Today, I have something different than usual - 4 photos from the annual Firewalking Festival at Yugasan Rendaiji in Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture / see ALT texts for more info.

#photography #streetphotography #japaneseculture #japan #japanlife #okayama #kurashiki #firewalking #photographersofmastodon #fotografie

"This is largely Japanese TV these days"

#japan #unseenjapan #ujwebsite

"Put the receipt from the photo frame I bought in the photo frame"

#japan #unseenjapan #daiso

A middle school girl in Kumamoto went to extreme lengths to bully her classmates: she reportedly created over 100 fake social media accounts to threaten three other girls into giving her money over the course of three years. She got them to fork over around 180K yen ($1,220).

https://www.sankei.com/article/20250513-X7XZAGFWFBOEDF3UNSWY6Z5MPY/

#japan #unseenjapan #ujwebsite

Attendance for Osaka Expo appears to be...well, not great. The festival is around halfway to entrance ticket sale goals (11.37 million). However, one-month attendance is only 2.613 million, or below 1/10th of the event's six-month goal.

https://buff.ly/ar2uPFE

#japan #unseenjapan #travel

A Chinese district court sentenced a Japanese man in his 50s to 12 years in prison for espionage. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/05/14/japan/japanese-man-prison-china-spying/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #china #espionage

Japan Diet member Kōno Tarō said the National Police Agency will no longer approve of Chinese tourists doing driver's license exchange here w/o a residence certificate. However, the press secretary for another Diet rep said the NPA denied any such policy change had taken place.

#japan #unseenjapan

A Chinese district court sentenced a Japanese man in his 50s to 12 years in prison for espionage. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/05/14/japan/japanese-man-prison-china-spying/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #china #espionage

”Yo, stop mimicking the tissue boxes lol"

#japan #unseenjapan

It's a drink that some call "the worst cola in the world." It also has its ardent fans. What it doesn't have any longer is a place at Osaka Expo. A South Korean import shop at Expo has pulled McCol from its shelves due to its ties to the Unification Church.

https://unseen-japan.com/unification-church-drink/

#japan #unseenjapan #osaka #osakaexpo #travel #politics #religion

Unlike some countries, Japan has no tipping culture. It can even be considered rude. That leaves a lot of tourists from tipping-heavy countries confused. But now, say reports, some places in Japan have started putting out tip jars. Could it become a trend?

https://unseen-japan.com/japan-tipping-culture/

#japan #unseenjapan #ujwebsite #travel #tours #tourism

Cuatro novelas de la serie V.I. Warshawski, de la escritora Sara Paretsky, con portada ilustradas por de gran Hisashi Eguchi.

Vaya flow más tremendo tiene. Pop total!

#artcurator #art #japan #pop

Why do people in Japan use resignation proxy services? The top reason shouldn’t be any surprise: harassment. 33.9% of respondents used Mō Muri because their boss had harassed them – an enduring problem in Japan, especially for working women.

https://unseen-japan.com/resignation-proxy-company-mo-muri/

#japan #unseenjapan #ujwebsite #news #work

A scary manga derails Japan tourism, Japan's young keep their faces hidden, why Japan is covered in wires, and slander against a war memorial - this and more in our weekly round-up up UJ's best content:

https://us20.campaign-archive.com/?u=e9c0d2fc400d4b96cabfca61a&id=1efefe7795

#japan #unseenjapan

Unlike the more public-orientated Gion Festival (祇園祭), the Aoi Matsuri became 1 of the 'sanchoku-sai' (三勅祭), three great festivals held by imperial order.

🌩️The Kamo Shrines (賀茂神社)
🕊️Iwashimizu Hachimangū (石清水八幡宮)
🦌Kasuga Taisha (春日大社)

#Kyoto #京都 #Japan

Next month, Aeon stores in Japan will start selling California-grown Calrose rice. A 4kg bag will run for 2,680 yen ($18). Japanese-grown rice is currently running 4,214 yen ($28) a 5kg bag - a 172.8 yen/kg difference - due to last year's hot summer.

https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/0a7994a9dfcdc4b1a292b3adc876179d34224b8c

#japan #unseenjapan #rice #news #economy

Unlike the more public-orientated Gion Festival (祇園祭), the Aoi Matsuri became 1 of the 'sanchoku-sai' (三勅祭), three great festivals held by imperial order.

🌩️The Kamo Shrines (賀茂神社)
🕊️Iwashimizu Hachimangū (石清水八幡宮)
🦌Kasuga Taisha (春日大社)

#Kyoto #京都 #Japan

Interestingly it was only after the Tokugawa’s assistance in reviving the festival that it became known as the Aoi Matsuri (葵祭).
Until this time is was known as the 'Kamo Matsuri' (賀茂祭), or simply as 'The Festival' (祭).

#Kyoto #AoiMatsuri #葵祭 #賀茂祭 #祭 #Japan #京都