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.
An article to find the origin of the beautiful Japanese breeds of goldfish in a single samurai lord who lived and thrived over 250 years ago.
An amusing explanation of the background and potentially embarrassing secrets behind Japanese names.
An amusing explanation of the meaning and cultural background behind the Japanese proverb 困った時の神頼み "Turning to God in times of trouble".
An amusing explanation of the meaning and cultural background behind the Japanese proverb 及ばぬ鯉の滝登り "Waterfall climbs of feeble Koi".
An amusing explanation of the meaning and cultural background behind the Japanese proverb 虎穴に入らずんば孤児を得ず "No entry into a tiger's den brings about no capture of its cub"
An amusing explanation of the meaning and cultural background behind the Japanese proverb 女心と秋の空 "The minds of women and the autumn sky."
"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.
Observing these simple business etiquettes will win you respect from your Japanese counterparts instantly.
