Live in Japan

Samurai were members of the warrior class in ancient Japan, who pledged loyalty to their lords and upheld martial arts and etiquette. They were not only skilled in combat and martial arts on the battlefield but also valued spiritual training and cultural refinement. They adhered to specific codes of conduct and moral principles, respecting loyalty, honor, and duty. The sword, specifically the katana, symbolized their status and the spirit of bushido, the way of the warrior.

Ninjas were clandestine spies and assassins in ancient Japan who operated using ninjutsu, or the art of stealth. They possessed various skills and engaged in activities such as intelligence gathering, espionage, and assassination. Their techniques, known as ninjutsu, encompassed physical abilities, weapon handling, reconnaissance, and disguise. They were often referred to as 'kunoichi' or 'shinobi' and were active from the Sengoku period to the Edo period.

Osaka Castle is a historic castle located in Chuo Ward, Osaka City, Japan. Constructed by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, it served as a significant stronghold from the Sengoku period to the Edo period. Today, the main keep, secondary citadel, and the tower have been reconstructed, and the castle grounds feature museums and exhibits, attracting numerous tourists. The castle stands as a symbol of Japan's history and culture.

A shrine is a building used for worship and rituals in Shinto, the traditional religion of Japan. Shrines are believed to be the dwelling places of gods and are revered as places to show respect to nature, ancestors, and various deities. Shrines typically consist of structures such as torii gates, main halls, and ritual dance halls. Visitors purify themselves at a chozuya before entering the shrine, where they offer prayers and make monetary donations. Shrines play important roles in Japanese culture and tradition, participating in various events and festivals.

Kinkakuji (Kinkakuji) is a temple of the Shokokuji branch of the Rinzai sect located in Kita Ward, Kyoto City, and its official name is Rokuonji. It was built at the end of the 14th century by Yoshimitsu Ashikaga, the third shogun of the Muromachi shogunate. Particularly famous is the three-story Golden Pavilion, which is covered in gold leaf and is characterized by its beautiful reflection in the pond. It is a fusion of different architectural styles: the upper floor is Zen style, the middle floor is Samurai style, and the lower floor is Shinden style. . It was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.

Tokyo Tower is a tourist attraction located in the capital city of Japan, Tokyo, and also functions as a telecommunications tower. It was constructed in 1958 and was the tallest tower in the world at that time. With a height of 333 meters, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Tokyo from the observation decks. It is illuminated at night, providing a beautiful landscape. It is also utilized for cultural events and radio broadcasts, and is cherished as a landmark of Tokyo.

Mt. Fuji is an active volcano located in Honshu, Japan, at an altitude of 3,776 meters, and is the highest mountain in Japan. It straddles Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures and is known for its beautiful symmetrical conical shape. In 2013, it was registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site as "Mt. Fuji: Object of Faith and Source of Art." It has been an object of faith since ancient times, and appears in many ukiyo-e prints and poems. The climbing season is summer (July to September), when many climbers visit. It is also a popular tourist destination as you can reach the 5th station by car.

Hot springs refer to naturally heated mineral water that wells up from underground. Hot springs contain various minerals and are believed to have health and beauty benefits. Japan is home to many hot spring resorts, which are used for therapeutic purposes and tourism. Hot springs often have a distinct smell of sulfur or sodium chloride, and it's common to bathe in outdoor or indoor baths. Additionally, hot spring resorts offer accommodations, restaurants, and souvenir shops, allowing visitors to enjoy the local scenery and regional cuisine throughout the seasons.

The koi fish holds significant meaning in Japanese culture. Regarded as an auspicious symbol since ancient times, koi are often kept in gardens and ponds, with the multicolored varieties symbolizing luck and prosperity. During the Children's Day festival (Tango no Sekku), carp-shaped streamers called 'koinobori' are displayed to pray for the health and growth of boys. Additionally, koi are widely used as motifs in traditional Japanese paintings, embroidery, ceramics, and more, deeply rooted in Japanese culture.

The Tancho crane is Japan's national bird and the largest species of crane in the world. It is characterized by its distinctive red bill and white plumage and inhabits the Hokkaido region of Japan. It lives in wetlands and marshes, migrating to warmer areas during the winter. Although it was once on the brink of extinction, conservation efforts have helped increase its numbers, and it is now protected as a national treasure of Japan.

Maiko are female entertainers who perform traditional dances in places like Kyoto, Japan. Young women undergo maiko training to learn skills and etiquette such as dance, classical music, tea ceremony, and flower arranging. Upon reaching adulthood, they become maiko and entertain guests with their performances and conversation. They typically wear traditional attire such as kimono and distinctive hairstyles, showcasing their talents at tea houses and restaurants during receptions and banquets. Maiko culture is not only an art form but also a valuable cultural heritage that conveys Japan's history and customs.

Cherry blossoms, known as "sakura" in Japanese, are the iconic flowers of Japan and are considered a symbol of spring. Cherry blossom viewing, known as "hanami," is a traditional Japanese custom where families and friends gather for picnics under cherry blossom trees. There are various types of cherry blossoms, with Somei Yoshino and Yaezakura being common varieties, known for their beautiful pink and white flowers. The blooming of cherry blossoms attracts attention both domestically and internationally, with many tourists visiting famous cherry blossom spots each year. Additionally, cherry blossoms hold symbolic meanings such as elegance, farewell, and reunion, and often appear in poetry and songs.

Anime refers to Japanese animated works that cover a wide range of genres and themes. Combining elements such as character design, storytelling, art, and music, anime possesses its own unique charm. It is beloved not only within Japan but also worldwide, boasting a large fan base. Anime caters to audiences of all ages, with works targeting children to adults, and can be viewed on television, in movies, and via streaming services. There are various genres including robot anime, fantasy, romance, sports, and many others that enjoy popularity.

The Way of Tea, known as "Chado" or "Sado," is a traditional Japanese cultural practice that seeks tranquility and beauty through the art of tea. In Chado, various rituals take place including the preparation of tea (temae) in a tea room, selection of tea utensils, serving of tea and sweets, and appreciation of tea utensils. Chado is primarily practiced by tea practitioners, embodying the spirit of "Chanoyu" (the Way of Tea), valuing hospitality and purity of heart. Additionally, Chado encompasses aesthetic elements such as the architecture of the tea room and arrangement of the garden. It is a wonderful culture that not only focuses on the practice of tea but also delves deeply into Japanese aesthetics and human values.

The Japanese gaming industry is globally renowned, with a wide variety of genres and platforms showcasing its prowess. From major players like Nintendo, Sega, and Capcom to indie game studios, a diverse range of companies offer an array of games. Japanese games are highly praised for their character design, storytelling, music, and innovative gameplay. Genres such as role-playing games (RPGs), action, adventure, and puzzle games are popular and beloved worldwide.

Ramen is a popular noodle dish in Japan, primarily consisting of soup and noodles. The soup base of typical ramen includes ingredients such as chicken, pork bones, and seafood, flavored with miso, soy sauce, salt, among others. The noodles are made from wheat flour and alkaline water, and come in various types such as thick straight noodles, thin noodles, and thick noodles. Common toppings include chashu (braised pork), seasoned boiled egg, green onions, and bamboo shoots. Ramen has regional variations, with Tokyo-style soy sauce ramen and Sapporo-style miso ramen being famous examples. It is cherished as a convenient and delicious dish, loved worldwide.

Sake, or "nihonshu," is a traditional Japanese alcoholic beverage made from rice. It is produced by polishing rice grains and fermenting them with water, koji mold, and yeast. The taste of sake varies depending on the brewing techniques and local conditions, ranging from fruity to dry and smooth. Each region has its own characteristics, with varieties such as Yamada Nishiki and Ginjo. Sake is an integral part of Japanese culture, enjoyed at celebrations, gatherings, and seasonal events.

Sushi is a traditional Japanese dish consisting of vinegared rice combined with raw fish or seafood. Sushi toppings include tuna, salmon, shrimp, and salmon roe, with fresh ingredients being crucial. The vinegared rice is prepared by adding vinegar, sugar, and salt to rice, enhancing its texture and flavor. Sushi comes in various forms such as nigiri sushi (hand-pressed sushi), maki sushi (sushi rolls), and chirashi sushi (scattered sushi), and is enjoyed from casual fast food to high-end cuisine. Sushi symbolizes Japanese culture and is popular worldwide.