Created by Masaaki HiroiIn these days of eye-popping game consoles with seemingly endless applications to amuse yourself, you may think tops — spinning tops — have been relegated to the dustbin of history. If so, you are in for a happy surprise with Edo spinning tops. Besides being an ideal item to add a Japanese…
Created by Tetsuya KishidaEdo kites are said to have started in Edo Period (1603 – 1868) in Tokyo when ukiyo-e was at its prime. They feature stunning graphic designs of amazingly dynamic impact, in themes typically having to do with stalwart warriors or symbols of good luck. There are other regions, such as Niigata, Aomori,…
A traditional New Year decoration “kadomatsu” (literally, gate pine) are typically made of pine branches and bamboos and is placed on both sides of the entrance to the house (or a building). These pine branches serves as the welcome sign for this year’s God to come visit the house. To prepare for the coming year,…
