Fully "getting" what goes on in the Ghibli film Spirited Away may be difficult without some knowledge of Japanese culture. Here are useful cultural insights to enjoy the epic Miyazaki film two fold.
"Japanese culture, once upon a time, encouraged and celebrated sex openly. Now we do so secretly." Shungas are windows to the sexually liberal lives and ideologies of 17th to 19th century Japanese people. And simply fun to look at, too.
What's the point of Japanese tea ceremony? Here's a fun explanation of its enlightening goal, its link with Zen and its intriguing gimmicks.
The lion sculpture protecting the origin of all roads of Japan, the Nihonbashi bridge, drawn in ink.
A quick walkthrough of the bizarre and satisfying world of Kyūdō and places you can casually experience it in and around the Tokyo area.
Cranes used to flock to Tokyo every autumn once upon a time. Some bigger cranes flock nearby modern-day Shibuya River.
An ink painting of Tokyo Station and a mountainous cityscape in the background, coupled with Japanese haiku calligraphy.
Botanical artists SUGISAKI Kiyohiko and Fumiko are at the forefront of Japanese botanical art. Their artwork represents humanity's love towards nature.
The Tokyo Station area is an amusement park of clever cityscape designs. If you are into design, here is a list of locations you can see, admission free, on your next visit.
SESSHU Tōyō was an ink painter who went from nobody to famous nation-wide in his 40s to 80s, all the while maintaining job security. Ideal life of Millennials.
