Category Archives: Japanese culture

Tokyo National Museum exhibition

Posted on May 16, 2013 by John D.

MAY 16, 2013 Japan Times “The number of Shinto shrines in Japan has changed over centuries due to various political and social changes. There were about 190,000 shrines during the early Meiji Era (1867-1912), before a drastic change came about … Continue reading →

Posted in General, Japanese culture, Social values | Leave a comment

Japan and beauty

Posted on May 12, 2013 by John D.

One of my favourite writers about Japan, Michael Hoffman, has brought out a long article in the Japan Times today on Japan and notions of beauty, prompted by the current right-wing prime minister’s declaration that he wants to promote a … Continue reading →

Posted in General, Japanese culture | 2 Comments

Yasukuni

Posted on April 27, 2013 by John D.

  With the return of self-avowed nationalists to power in the Abe-led LDP government, Yasukuni has once again become a political football to be kicked with gleeful relish into the faces of those who suffered Japan’s war crimes in WW2.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Emperor (imperial family), Japanese culture, Nationalism, Shrine visits | 4 Comments

Whaling

Posted on April 10, 2013 by John D.

Green Shinto is vehemently opposed to whaling on the grounds of cruelty.  Moreover, there’s a nasty ‘stink’ about every aspect of the Japanese whaling industry.  The downright deceit.  The hidden political subsidies.  The ties to the yakuza.  The nationalist subterfuge.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Animism, Green issues, Japanese culture | 3 Comments

Cherry, cheri-, cherish

Posted on April 4, 2013 by John D.

  The cherry blossom by my house are in full bloom at the moment, a reminder of the joys of spring.  Celebrating the yearly round is an important part of pagan traditions, which signifies our connection with the seasonal cycle … Continue reading →

Posted in Animism, Festivals, Japanese culture, Rites and celebrations | 3 Comments

Omiyage (J. souvenirs)

Posted on April 3, 2013 by John D.

Many aspects of Japanese culture are closely tied to Shinto, and it turns out that omiyage (Japanese souvenirs) are a case in point.  In Japan Today a cultural anthropology professor sees the custom of giving omiyage as unique to Japan, … Continue reading →

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Dirty money

Posted on March 27, 2013 by John D.

uk finance.com has recently come out with an article about how dirty money is.  Nice irony for a financial website.  Especially so in view of the banking crisis and the Cyprus disaster.  It turns out that it’s all filthy lucre, … Continue reading →

Posted in Japanese culture, Social values | 1 Comment

Naked festivals

Posted on March 24, 2013 by John D.

Nakedness used to play a vital role in Japanese festivals and fertility rites.  Under the influence of the sex-obsessed cultures of the West, it has been sadly downplayed or even thought shameful by some.  But the so-called Hadaka Matsuri (Naked … Continue reading →

Posted in Festivals, Japanese culture, Rites and celebrations | Leave a comment

Chosen race

Posted on March 2, 2013 by John D.

An interesting poll has just come out about attitudes to immigrants with Japanese blood.  “80% of Japanese welcome foreigners of Japanese descent’” shouts a headline in the Japan Times.  It’s framed as if it constitutes a new openness to immigration. … Continue reading →

Posted in Emperor (imperial family), Insularity, Japanese culture | 1 Comment

Animals

Posted on February 24, 2013 by John D.

  “I am in favor of animal rights as well as human rights. That is the way of a whole human being.” ― Abraham Lincoln ******************************************************************* Wherever you look in Shinto, there are animals.  Komainu and shishi lions stand as … Continue reading →

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Posted in Japanese culture, Social values | Leave a comment