Japanese Jungle

A Symphony of Spring and Tradition   In the heart of Japan, as the grip of winter loosens, a little bird called the Uguisu begins its song. This isn't just any bird; it's a herald, a tiny vocalist awakening the land with its melodious call, signaling the arrival of spring. But the Uguisu doesn't just live in the wild; its spirit echoes through Japanese culture, inspiring a beautiful human tradition known as Uguisu-jō. The Uguisu's song is clear, beautiful, and uplifting. It's so special that, long ago, people wanted to bring this essence into their own lives, especially during public gatherings and events. This desire gave birth to the role of the Uguisu-jō, women who, much like the bird itself, would use their voices to announce, entertain, and inform, becoming the human counterpart to the bird's springtime call. Imagine you're sitting in an old baseball stadium in Japan. The game is about to start, but instead of electronic speakers, there's a calm, cl...

Ever wandered into a Japanese restaurant or store and been greeted by a cute cat figurine with a raised paw? Say hello to Maneki-neko, Japan's iconic symbol of good fortune and prosperity. These charming felines aren't just adorable decorations; they're steeped in folklore and tradition, holding a special place in the hearts of many. Join us as we delve into the enchanting world of Maneki-neko, uncovering the origins, variations, and cultural impact of this beloved lucky charm. Whether you're a cat enthusiast, a lover of Japanese culture, or simply curious about the story behind the beckoning cat, you're in for a fascinating journey. Let’s embark on this adventure together and discover why Maneki-neko continues to be a symbol of welcome and good luck across Japan. The Legend Behind the Paw: The story of Maneki-neko dates back to the Edo period (17th to mid-19th century) in Japan. While there are several tales about its origin, the most popular one revolves around a ...

Have you ever watched "Spirited Away"?  It's a super cool movie about a girl named Chihiro who ends up in a weird and wonderful world. But guess what? This movie is not just about magic and strange creatures; it's also about stuff we deal with every day, like feeling lost or missing home. Stick with me, and I'll tell you all about it! Is this fun and easy to follow? If you're nodding yes, let's dive deeper into the magical world of Spirited Away! "Spirited Away" is like a magical roller coaster ride into a world of adventure. Imagine being Chihiro, who lands in a place nothing like she's ever seen before. This movie is a bit like a treasure map, showing us all about growing up, sticking with family, and finding out who we really are. Feeling Lost? You're Not Alone: In our everyday lives, things change super fast – new gadgets, moving to new places or even making new friends. Sometimes, it feels like standing alone in a huge, crowded room....

 The Origin of Sushi: From Fermented Fish to Modern Delicacy Sushi has a long history that traces back to a fermented food called "narezushi." People in Southeast Asia used this method around the 2nd century AD. Eventually, it reached Japan in the 8th century, and written records about it appeared in the 10th century. In the Lake Biwa area, "narezushi" became a staple family dish and an important source of protein. Families used rice and salt to ferment fish, preserving them in barrels for months or even years. The most common fish used in this area is the mudfish, known as “nigoribuna.” First, the fish scales are removed, and the entrails are taken out. Then it is salted and left to ferment for several months. Afterwards, it is mixed with rice to continue the fermentation process. The fermented fish can be preserved for months or even decades. In the past, people used to eat only fish and discard the fermented "smelly rice." But around the 1500s, they s...

  How Temperature Affects Our Feelings: A Simple Experiment Did you know that the temperature of what you hold in your hand can actually influence your feelings? Researchers at Yale University conducted an interesting experiment to explore this phenomenon. In the experiment, participants were asked to hold either a hot or iced coffee cup while riding an escalator to a lab. Once there, they were asked to read about a fictional character and share their impressions of them. Surprisingly, those who held the hot drink perceived the characters as warmer and friendlier. The researchers also investigated whether temperature affects people's behaviour towards others. They had participants hold either a frozen or heated therapeutic pad for a few minutes, and then offered them a drink for themselves or a voucher to give to a friend. Interestingly, those who held the warm pads were more likely to choose the voucher to give to a friend. These experiments suggest that people tend to be ki...

  Living as a foreigner in Japan offers several distinct advantages. Let's explore these advantages: Lucrative English Teaching Opportunities: If you are an English speaker, Japan presents numerous opportunities to earn money by teaching English. In fact, English speakers often have the potential to earn more than local Japanese individuals in this field because not many people can speak English. Freedom from Societal Norms: As a foreigner, you are not bound by all the societal expectations and standards that Japanese people typically follow. This grants you the freedom to express yourself more authentically and embrace your individuality. Flexibility in Hierarchy: The hierarchical structure deeply ingrained in Japanese society may hold less influence over foreigners, especially if you are not fluent in Japanese. This means you can navigate social interactions and workplace dynamics with greater flexibility and independence. Better Work-Life Balance: Unlike many Japanese worke...

My Small Land portrays the changes and challenges in Japanese Society ©2022"My Small Land" Production Committee Japan is changing as more foreigners come to live in the country. This brings opportunities and challenges as different cultures mix and communities become more diverse. This article explores these changes and examines the issues portrayed in the movie "My Small Land." The film follows Sarya, a young girl from a Kurdish family who moved to Japan when she was little. By understanding these challenges, we can work towards building a more inclusive and open society for the future. Sarya, a 17-year-old high school student, has a unique background. Her Kurdish family sought refuge in Japan, and she grew up like any other Japanese student. Sarya dreams of becoming a teacher and works part-time at a convenience store to save money for university. She meets Shota, a male high school student, and they become close friends there. However, their lives suddenly turn...

Religion in Japan: Coexistence and Influence When foreigners ask Japanese people about their religious beliefs, they may receive unclear answers or find that many Japanese individuals have little interest in religion. While most Japanese people don't identify with a specific religion, they still practice various religious customs. For example, they celebrate the New Year in the traditional Shintō way. They also attend seasonal festivals at Shintō shrines, visit cemeteries on spring and autumn equinoxes, and pray for their ancestors during the midsummer festival called "obon," which has Buddhist origins. Additionally, it is common for Japanese people to obtain amulets from Shintō shrines or Buddhist temples for various purposes, such as passing school exams or preventing accidents. Weddings are often conducted in either the Shintō or Christian style, while funerals follow Buddhist traditions. One may wonder how the Japanese can embrace Shintō, Christianity, and Buddhism ...