Japan’s Largest Self Publication Market (Comiket In Tokyo)

Japan’s Largest Self Publication Market (Comiket In Tokyo)

 

Japan has a number of events at which people sell their own publications. The largest of these is Comic Market — Comiket for Short — a comic book fair held twice a year in Tokyo. The Comiket held this past August was the 82nd since it was first held in December 1975. The scale of the fair is enormous, with 35,000 exhibitor booths, which attract more than 550,000 visitors over the three-day event. One surprising aspect is the large number of female visitors. According to the organizer, some 70% of the exhibitors are women, who also make up about 60% of the visitors. The average age of the exhibitors is around 29, with the visitors averaging two to three years younger. Long lines of visitors can be seen snaking around some of the most popular booths, which may sell as many as several thousand comics over the period. The booth fee is 8,500 yen ($106). But the entrance fee is free.

投稿者:Ryoji 投稿日時:

Cycling in Saitama, Japan

Cycling in Saitama, Japan

Rent-a-cycles are commonly regarded as something to be used by tourists, but in June, an unmanned bicycle rental facility was opened adjacent to a rail station in Saitama City, located north of Tokyo. Once registered, people will receive a special IC card that permits them to borrow vacant bicycles at a cost of 100 yen (US$1) per six-hour period. Payment is automatically deducted from users’ credit cards. It is also possible to log on to the Internet and determine availability of bicycles at any given moment. As this station is used by many students who commute to Saitama University which is about three kilometers away from the station, it is certain that they have been targeted as the primary users.

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Japan’s Graffiti-resistant Paint Treatment

Graffiti-resistant Paint Treatment

In order to eliminate unsightly graffiti on the walls of supports beneath train tracks, East Japan Railway Co. has begun utilizing a “special coating” material on the walls. While applying it entails costs, not only does it make it difficult for spray paint to adhere, but its sheen has the effect of brightening up the area. “By helping to prevent crime, it’s killing two birds with one stone,” the railway claims. Spray paint can also be easily removed with a special solvent, making cleanup easy.

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What is Shinto and Shitoism?

People from abroad often ask me, “What is Japan’s original religion?” I answer Shinto, which means the “way of the gods.” From ancient times, the Japanese have lived worshipping multiple gods. The sacred buildings where these gods dwell are called jinja or shrines. 

Torii at Meiji Jingu, Shinto shrine

At the entrance of the shrine is a torii or archway. The torii is the gateway to the shrine as well as a symbol that clearly separates the outside and the inside of the shrine. Outside the torii is the place where human beings dwell (general secular world) and inside the torii is the sacred place where the gods dwell. Buddhism reached Japan in the 5th century, after traveling from India through China and Korea. The Japanese at that time built temples to worship the Buddha as a god. You can see the sculptures of the Buddha at the temples, but at shrines there are no such physical forms of gods. From long ago, the Japanese had worshipped unseen gods imagining them existing as powerful forces. Presently, there are about 80,000 shrines throughout Japan. I’ll introduce a brief history and types of these shrines here. To the ancient Japanese, growing rice was an important aspect of their lives. From planting of the rice shoots to harvesting, the people were grateful for the abundance of sunshine and rain, worshipped them as gods, and prayed to them. This is why Japanese Shinto is said to be a religion that worships nature. Shinto has worshipped mountains, rivers, ocean, trees, sky and even the universe itself as gods, and prayed to them. These practices became Japanese events which still continue to be held as festivals. Even today, at the Imperial Palace, the Emperor prays for an abundant harvest for the year (Kinensai or prayer festival held every February) and celebrates the year’s harvest (Niinamesai or harvest festival held every November). These events have continued to this day as important ceremonies entrusted only to the Emperor by his ancestor Amaterasu-omikami (the Sun Goddess). These are both annual events as well as ceremonies for gods. On the same days as these ceremonies at the Imperial Palace, festivals are held at shrines throughout Japan to pray for an abundant harvest of rice and other crops for the year or to celebrate the year’s harvest. It is said that Shinto began around 2600 BC during the period when rice cultivation started and people prayed for the blessings of heaven, earth and nature. When tracing the history of shrines, there were no such shrine buildings as those we see today in ancient times. Shrines started when Shinto priests or priestesses began calling gods onto large sakaki trees (large evergreen trees like laurels), natural stones or rocks. 

Omiwa Jinja © JNTO

The Omiwa Jinja in Nara Prefecture believed that a god was dwelling on Mt. Miwa and thus worshiped the mountain as goshintai or an object that contains the spirit of the god. Of the gods of Japan, Amaterasuomikami is at the highest position. That is, Amaterasu-omikami, the goddess of the sun, tops all other gods in Shinto. The Japanese Emperor is said to be a far-distant but direct descendent of Amaterasu-omikami. Japan’s oldest chronicle the Kojiki (Record of Ancient Matters) records the history of shrines. Ordering a search for a holy site to enshrine the mirror that represented Amaterasuomikami, the 10th Emperor Sujin entrusted the mirror to his daughter Toyosukiiribime-no-mikoto. Later, the 11th Emperor Suinin’s daughter Yamatohime-nomikoto carried on the order and continued the search, finally reaching the holy site of present day Ise, Mie Prefecture. 

Amaterasu-omikami (center)

According to the words of Amaterasu-omikami who was pleased with the site, the mirror was enshrined in a building at Naikuu, the Inner Shrine. In addition, Toyoukenoomikami was enshrined in a building at Gekuu, the Outer Shrine as the god in charge of the food, clothing and shelter for Amaterasu-omikami. This is the history of the Ise Jingu, which is also the top shrine (building) in Japan. Later, Ninigi-no-mikoto, a grandson of Amaterasu-omikami, descended from Heaven. Okuninushi-no-kami who had been presiding over the country handed the country over to Ninigino-mikoto at that time. In exchange, Okuninushi-no-mikoto demanded the largest shrine in the country. Because of this, it is said the Izumo Taisha shrine in Shimane Prefecture was built. In this way, the shrine buildings gradually developed. 

Types of Shrines 

In ancient times, the local ruling families that supported the emperor worshiped the shrines to which they were connected as their guardian gods from generation to generation. Representative shrines which famous families worshiped as their guardian gods include the Kasuga Taisha in Nara Prefecture for the Fujiwara family, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine (A) in Kanagawa Prefecture for the Minamoto family, and Itukushima Shrine (B) in Hiroshima Prefecture for the Taira family. Moreover, Shinto shrines branch out from the main shrine to branch shrines by god type. 

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu © JNTO

For example, the main shrine that enshrines Susanoono-mikoto is the Hikawa Shrine in Saitama Prefecture and its branch shrines across the country exceed 200. The Suwa Taisha in Nagano Prefecture worshiped as the god of prowess has 5,590 branch shrines all over the country. 

Itukushima Shrine © JNTO

The Kumano Hongu Taisha in Wakayama Prefecture revered as a sacred and holy site has 3,000 branch shrines throughout the country. The Usa Hachimangu shrine in Oita Prefecture venerated by the samurai (warrior) class has 24,000 branch shrines. The Kotohira shrine in Shikoku island worshipped as the god of sailing has 700 branch shrines throughout the country. The Inari Shrine dedicated to Ukanomitama-no-kami, the god of grain, is familiarly called Oinari-san and worshiped. Its main shrine is the Fushimi Inari Taisha (C) in Kyoto, and there are more than 32,000 branch shrines across Japan. 

Fushimi Inari Taisha

In recent years, the Inari Shrine is worshiped not onlyas the god of grain but also as the god of farming and the god of commerce and industry.

 

投稿者:Ryoji 投稿日時:

Rail Fans’ Paradise, Yokohama, Japan

Rail Fans’ Paradise, Yokohama, Japan

Yokohama, the terminal of Japan’s earliest railway line, is now home to one of the world’s largest rail georamas, measuring approximately 310 square meters. In addition to the georamas, the Hara Model Railway Museum (operated by Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd.), which opened on July 10, features some 6,000 railway cars from the collection of Nobutaro Hara, a world-renowned collector of model trains. The trains boast authentic details, including self-propelled models (which run on their own power, without electricity, once they reach a certain speed) and models that, like real trains, run with electricity supplied via the electric wires, not through the rail track which is more common for miniatures.

  Japan’s first railway, from Shimbashi station in Tokyo to Yokohama, 29 kilometers to the southwest, began running in 1872, 140 years ago. Presently, according to data from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, railways in Japan extend to over 27,000 kilometers, and represent one of the most important forms of transport in the country.

  Foreign visitors regularly praise Japan’s railways for their meticulous operation, an attribute that can be found in the Hara Museum’s georamas as well.

Hara Model Railway Museum

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Japanese Calligraphy Girls

Japanese Calligraphy Girls

Japanese Calligraphy Girls
Japanese Calligraphy Girls

While the number of practitioners of the traditional art of brush calligraphy is in decline, high school clubs that practice the art have been enjoying popularity. From 2007 to 2008, a popular manga series titled “Tomehane! Suzuri Koko Shodobu” attracted many readers, and in 2010 a film called “Shodo Girls: Watashitachi no Koshien” became a hit. This year, a national high school competition for calligraphy called International High School Shodo Exhibition attracted more than 16,000 entries. Some of the really strong schools’ clubs have as many as 50 members. Behind the reason for the popularity are that the “calligraphy performances,” at which teams, writing out large characters to musical accompaniment is so much fun.

投稿者:Ryoji 投稿日時:
Jinrikisha

Jinrikisha

Jinrikisha
Jinrikisha

In olden times, the jinrikisha was people’s main form of urban transportation. Now the few that remain are mostly used for sightseeing purposes. As passengers are seated at a high position, they enjoy a good view as they ride along, and they can also enjoy a comfortable breeze. Another secret of their appeal is that while en route, the puller will serve as your guide. The general fare for a 30-minute ride is 5,000 yen for one passenger and 8,000 yen for two. They can often be found in quaint urban neighborhoods, and the pullers of some are also able to speak foreign languages. The accompanying photo, shot in Kyoto’s Higashiyama district, shows two jinrikisha, carrying tourists decked out in a geisha attire. Following just behind is a modern-day taxi. Which is older?

投稿者:Ryoji 投稿日時:

What is Furin or Fuurin?

Furin are Japanese wind chimes, which are customarily hung out during summer. They were once traditionally crafted from metal or glass, but nowadays ceramics, wood, charcoal, crystal or other substances are also utilized. Typically a furin includes a tanzaku, a piece of elongated paper which catches the wind and flutters to generate sounds, like the clapper in a bell. The tinkling sounds have a relaxing and refreshing effect on listeners during Japan’s hot and humid summers.

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Tengu warning

What is Tengu?

Tengu warning
Tengu warning

Watch out for Tengu!

Tengu are one of the best known types of goblins in Japan, recognizable by their fearsome expression and protuberant noses. They are said to have supernatural powers, possessing both aspects of good and evil. Mt. Takao, less than one hour by train from central Tokyo, offers a superb view that was awarded 3 stars in the Michelin Green Guidebook. Each weekend young and old, families and others visit the area, with visitors totalling about 2.6 million per year. According to old legends, Tengu used to inhabit remote parts of the mountain. Perhaps they still do. But this “Watch out for Tengu!” warning sign seems to have been posted as a joke.

投稿者:Ryoji 投稿日時:
All about Hokkaido

What is Hokkaido in Japan all about?

All about Hokkaido

Explore Japan’s Extreme North! Hokkaido!

Japan’s northern wilderness of Hokkaido offers a stark contrast to the tightly packed skyscrapers of Tokyo and narrow lanes of Kyoto. This northern territory is renowned for its wide open spaces, breathtaking landscapes, tasty food, and abundance of natural hot springs, just to name a few. With subzero temperatures and heavy snowfall in winter, Hokkaido is an absolute paradise for skiers and snowboarders, but despite this image as a winter wonderland, its cool climate allows Hokkaido to remain refreshingly mild even during the sweltering summer months when other parts of Japan resemble a sauna. This makes it the perfect summer getaway for those looking to escape the heat or break away from the typical beach bum holiday. To get you started, here are some of the most popular spots and our recommendations around this spacious island.

All about Sapporo

Sapporo

The most populous city in Hokkaido and just half an hour from New Chitose Airport, Sapporo is a common starting point for many a traveler’s journey north. Sightseeing offerings around Sapporo include a number of museums and parks, such as the famous Odori Park where the Sapporo Snow Festival is held each year. Fans of two of the city’s most famous exports will not be disappointed; the Sapporo Beer Factory is a fun stop, and tasty ramen shops abound.

All about Hakodate

As one of Japan’s first cities opened to international trade, this historical city is known for its foreign-influenced architecture, like the star-shaped fort of Goryokaku, the Motomachi residential district, and the bayside red brick warehouses. Hakodate is also known for its sparkling night view, which is best enjoyed from Mt. Hakodate. With a reputation for excellent seafood and many hotels offering natural hot springs from local Yunokawa Onsen, Hakodate is a favorite among travelers to Hokkaido.

All about Otaru
All about Otaru

Otaru

This small port town is home to a number of historical buildings, beautifully preserved since Hokkaido’s colonial period when it served as a major trading hub and railroad terminus. The scenic canal, which is especially atmospheric in the evening when it is lit by lines of old gas lamps, is particularly popular. The sushi here is famously delicious — said by some to be the best in Japan — and those with a sweet tooth will be delighted by Otaru’s numerous confections.

All about Furano, Hokkaido
All about Furano, Hokkaido

Furano

Located in central Hokkaido and blessed with very heavy snowfall in winter, Furano has been growing in popularity as skiers and snowboarders both domestic and foreign discover the area’s top quality powder. However, summer in Furano is not to be missed either with its picturesque rolling hills, fields of vibrant flowers, and idyllic farmlands. Visitors during the summer months should not pass up the fields of lavender, and the farms and vineyards offer opportunities to sample the local produce.

Shikotsu-Toya National Park
Shikotsu-Toya National Park

Shikotsu-Toya National Park

One of Hokkaido’s numerous, breathtaking national parks, Shikotsu-Toya is home to the pristine caldera lakes of Toya and Shikotsu, volcanically volatile Mt. Usu, and the famous hot spring resort of Noboribetsu which features some nine different types of geothermal delights. The dramatic landscapes and soothing hot springs of the area will relax both mind and body, and those in search of a bit more stimulation can take advantage of the array of walking and hiking trails.

Obihiro, Hokkaido

Obihiro

This quiet town in Eastern Hokkaido makes a convenient point of entry to the wildlife paradise of Daisetsuzan National Park, which is home to Mt. Asahi, the tallest peak in Hokkaido at 2,291 meters in height. The neighboring hot spring resort of Tokachigawa Onsen gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy a rare “moor hot spring” which features springs bubbling up from beneath a marsh rich in organic material; this infusions is purported to give these hot springs particularly rejuvenating and beautifying qualities.

 

Hokkaido Chuo Bus Tours

For those basing their northern vacations out of Sapporo, these full-day excursions using the Chuo Bus to popular destinations including Otaru, Furano, Lake Toya, and Sapporo itself are a great and easy way to get around and see the sights. Better yet, they are very economical and fit nicely into even the tight schedules and budgets.

JR Hokkaido Packages

These discount rail ticket and hotel packages include round-trip, non-reserved seat tickets from New Chitose Airport or Sapporo to Hakodate, Noboribetsu, Toya, Asahikawa, and Kushiro. While one-night stays are included for each package’s destination(s), but the return tickets are valid for a week, allowing you to make it a short trip or extended stay with the freedom to choose your own additional lodgings.

投稿者:Ryoji 投稿日時: