In this third part of this Spirited Away cultural walkthrough series, show host Kyota clarifies the mystery of Chihiro's sudden maturing and the trick Miyazaki plays in the scene where Chihiro signs an employment contract. Hello world! You are listening [...]
Hello world! You’re listening to the Metro-classic Japanese. I’m Kyota Ko, and here’s Part 2 of sharing cultural insights into Ghibli’s Spirited Away.Last time, we left off where Chihiro sees a lantern with the logo of Aburaya. So next, she [...]
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.
