Japanese　Tradition のアーカイブ

Very strangely, and typically Japanese at the same time, many Japanese go to a Shinto Shrine on New Year’s day, a few hours (or sometimes minutes) lator from visiting a Temple.  Though Shinto and Buddhism is a different religion, well, few Japanese mind that.

Visiting the Shinto Shrine on New Year’s Day is called Hatsumode (初詣).  This means ‘visiting the Shinto Shrine (詣) for the first time (初)’.
Until the 19th century, it was normal to visit the local Shinto Shrine which proteced the family, called Ujigami (氏神), but nowadays it is normal to visit a famous, powerful Shinto Shrine.  Some Shinto Shrines, for example Meiji Jingu, have millions of visitors over the three days.
During Hatsumode, it is common to wear Kimono, and buy a written oracle called Omikuji (おみくじ).  If your Omikuji predicts bad luck (凶), you can tie it onto a tree on the shrine grounds, in the hope that its prediction will not come true.  Omikuji goes into detail, and tells you how you will do in various areas in your life, such and business and love, for that year.

People will also often buy an amulet called Omamori (お守り).  There are various kinds of them, which gives you good luck in studying, health, love, etc.
Another custom is to make a wish on a wooden plaque, called Ema (絵馬).  Ema are hanged up at the Shrine, where the spirits or gods receive them.  They have various pictures, often of animals on it.  In ancient times people would donate horses to the shrines for good favor, over time this was transferred to a wooden plaque with a picture (絵) of a horse (馬).

–
Higherground Co.,Ltd.
2-8-3 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
TEL:03-6459-2230
MAIL:info@higherground.co.jp
HP:http://www.higherground.co.jp/
TOP PAGE: http://livingtokyo.net/

Another regular feature of Ohmisoka is watching Kohaku Uta Gassen (紅白歌合戦), a TV program by NHK, starting at 19:30.  Though this custom is getting weaker, especially among younger people, the program is still one of the most popular in Japan.

The title of the program means ’song festival between Red team and White team’.  Popular singers are split into two teams by gender, women in the red team and men in the white, and sing by turn.  After the final singer finished at around 23:30, the audience and a panel of judges cast their votes to decide which team sang better.  The winning team gets a trophy and the winners’ flag.  The program ends at about 23:45.  Programming then switches to coverage of midnight celebrations around the country.

Usually, people either watch these TV programs at home, or visit a temple to ring the bells of New Year’s Eve.
This bell is nothing like the small handbells used in the choirs.  It is the large bell hang up in the site, which you might have seen if you’ve visited a temple.

The bell of New Year’s Eve is called Joya-no-kane (除夜の鐘).  New Year’s Eve is the night of removing from the present year, so it is called Jo (除, remove) Ya (夜, night)-no-Kane (鐘, bell).
The bell will be rang for 108 times.  107 in the going year, and the last one in the coming year.  In Buddhism, 108 is the number of earthly desires.  Ringing the bell has the meaning of relieving people from suffering these desires.

However, listening to Joya-no-kane isn’t the only way to spend the last hours of the passing year nowadays.
Count down events are held in various places in Tokyo, such as Roppongi Hills, and Sunshine City.

–
Higherground Co.,Ltd.
2-8-3 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
TEL:03-6459-2230
MAIL:info@higherground.co.jp
HP:http://www.higherground.co.jp/
TOP PAGE: http://livingtokyo.net/

Merry Christmas!
…and the next thing to think about is the coming year

In Japanese, New Year’s Eve is called Ohmisoka (大晦日).
Misoka (晦日) means ‘last day of the month’, and New Year’ Eve is the most important month-end, so it is called Oh(大, big)-misoka.

People tend to be very busy on Ohmisoka, because they have much to do to prepare for the new year, and New Year’s Day in particular.
Through cleaning is usually done in spring in the West, as there is a term ’spring cleaning’, but in Japan, it is often done on the last few days of the year.  In Japanese style houses, this cleaning involves changing the paper on Shoji (障子) doors and setting Tatami (畳) mats out to air in the sun.  The purpose doing this in the cold winter is to get ready to welcome in the new year with everything—including people’s minds and bodies—in a fresh, clean state.

After cleaning and all, it is time for supper.
Around 23:00 on Ohmisoka, people often gather at home to have a bowl of Soba.  This Soba eaten in Ohmisoka is called Toshikoshi Soba (年越しそば, year-crossing noodles).  This tradition has the meaning of a wish to be able to live a very long (like Soba) life.

–
Higherground Co.,Ltd.
2-8-3 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
TEL:03-6459-2230
MAIL:info@higherground.co.jp
HP:http://www.higherground.co.jp/
TOP PAGE: http://livingtokyo.net/

Christmas cards are not so popular in Japan, but there is an equivalent tradition.  Japanese people give greetings on New Year’s Day.  The postcard which is sent for this is called Nengajo (年賀状).
Unlike Christmas cards, nengajo shouldn’t arrive before New Year’s Day.  The post office stocks Nengajo in late December, and delivers them on January 1st all at once.  You should send Nengajo to the post office by Christmas, to have it delivered on the correct day.  This New Year’s card postal system was set up as early as 1899.

Many people use not normal postcards, but special Nengajo with lottery numbers (お年玉付き年賀はがきotoshidama-tsuki nenga hagaki) issued by the Post and Telecommunication Ministry.  On January 15th, the winning numbers are picked and the results are announced the following day on television and in newspapers.  The holders of winning numbers receive prizes.

Usually on Nengajo,a motif of the present year’s Eto (干支, zodiacal animal) is used.   The animal of 2011 is the rabbit (卯).  These Nengajo with Eto motifs can be purchased at the post office, or you can download the designs on the Internet.  Of course, you can design your original Nengajo too.

–
Higherground Co.,Ltd.
2-8-3 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
TEL:03-6459-2230
MAIL:info@higherground.co.jp
HP:http://www.higherground.co.jp/
TOP PAGE: http://livingtokyo.net/

It may be strange to think about new years day when it’s not even Christmas yet.  But not if you are making reservation for Osechi (お節).

Osechi is a traditional Japanese New Year feast. The tradition started in the Heian Period (平安時代, 794-1185).
Osechi is usually put into special boxes called Jubako (重箱), which resemble bento boxes, only more flamboyant. Like bento boxes, jubako are often kept stacked before and after use.

The dishes that make up Osechi each have a special meaning celebrating the New Year.
Some examples are:

Kazunoko (数の子)
Herring roe.  Kazu (数) means “number” and ko (子) means “child”.  It symbolizes a wish to be gifted with numerous children in the coming year.

Kuro-mame (黒豆)
Black soybeans.  Mame (豆, beans) also means “health”, symbolizing a wish for health.

Tazukuri (田作り)
Dried sardines cooked in soy sauce.  The literal meaning of the kanji in tazukuri is “rice field maker”, as the fish were used historically to fertilize rice fields. The symbolism is of an abundant harvest.

The above three are called Iwai-zakana Sanshu (祝い肴三種, three celebrational dishes).  Without these three, the new years feast would not be complete.
Iwai-zakana Sanshu differs by regions.  The above are the Kanto (including Tokyo) style.

Traditionally, Osechi is made in each house, but it can be purchased at department stores, and even on the internet.
At the department stores, for example Mitsukoshi or Takashimaya, you can buy Osechi from famous Ryotei (exclusive restaurants).
The deadline of reservation is around Christmas, or some times the 20th of December.  Some are in a limited quantity so it finishes even earlier!  If you are interested, an early reservation is recommended.

–
Higherground Co.,Ltd.
2-8-3 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
TEL:03-6459-2230
MAIL:info@higherground.co.jp
HP:http://www.higherground.co.jp/
TOP PAGE: http://livingtokyo.net/

If you have recently walking around Tokyo, you may have seen little boys and girls (and sometimes their parents) dressed up in beautiful Kimono.  This is for a celebration for children, Shichi-go-san (七五三), held around November 15th.
Shichi-go-san means ’seven-five-three’.  It is called this way because it is a ceremony for 3 and 5 year old girls, and 3 and 7 year old boys, to celebrate their growth and health.  The ages 3, 5 and 7 are consistent with Japanese numerology, which dictates that odd numbers are lucky.

Shichi-go-san is said to have originated in the Heian period (794-1185) among court nobles, to celebrate the passage of their children into middle childhood.
Over time, this tradition passed to the Samurai class.  They added some rite to this celebration.  The rites are:

Kamioki (髪置) - Children were allowed to grow their hair from the age of 3 (up until, children were required by custom to have shaven heads).
Hakamagi (袴着) - Boys of age 5 could wear Hakama (袴, Japanese formal male skirt) for the first time.
Obitoki (帯解) - Girls of age 7 replaced the simple cords they used to tie their Kimono with the traditional Obi (sash).

By the Meiji period (1868-1915), the practice was adopted amongst commoners as well, and included the modern ritual of visiting a Shrine to drive out evil spirits and wish for a long healthy life.

This visit to the Shrine is on November 15th, though this day of visit is not determined so strictly.  This date was chosen because the 15th every month was thought to Kishuku (鬼宿, the day when evil spirits do not come out) in the old calender.  Also, November was the month of thanks giving, to be grateful to the Gods.

If you’ve seen the children holding a long, thin bag, that is Chitoseame (千歳飴), literally ‘millenium candy’.  This candy is made very long, with a wish for the children to enjoy a long life, even 1000 years!  Chitoseame is usually colored white and red (or pink), the 2 colors thought to be auspicious in Japan.

–
Higherground Co.,Ltd.
2-8-3 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
TEL:03-6459-2230
MAIL:info@higherground.co.jp
HP:http://www.higherground.co.jp/
TOP PAGE: http://livingtokyo.net/

Autumn is an active season in Tokyo.
All the hotness and humidity gone, people get much more active than they were in summer.  There are Japanese proverbs showing how exciting a season autumn is:
スポーツの秋 (”Autumn, a season for sports”)
読書の秋 (”Autumn, a season for reading”)
食欲の秋 (”Autumn, a season for strong appetite”)

Definitely, it is better to read or play sports in the cool, comfortable season, than in the hot summer.
Also, autumn is the season of harvest.  There are various delicacies of the season, such as sweet chestnuts (栗), brevoorts (秋刀魚)、and Matsutake mushrooms(松茸).  Rice is also harvested in autumn, and is most delicious in this season.

Brevoorts.
The Kanjis “秋刀魚”, literally mean ‘autumn’, ’sword’, ‘fish’.  It is written like this because brevoorts are fish which are in season in autumn, and look like swords.

Autumn is also a season of art.  It is said “芸術の秋 (geijutsu no aki)” in Japanese.  Many art events take place in this season.
Tokyo Designers Week, an event of design, is one of them.

Work from Tokyo Designers Week 2009

Many works by top designers, shops, and art students would be exhibited.  Marking its 25th anniversary, this year’s theme is ‘Environment’.
Of course Japan is a treasure trove of unique tradition, but don’t forget that new designs and technologies are always being created too!

・Location: Meiji Jingu Gaien
・Period: Oct. 29 - Nov. 3
・Website: http://www.tdwa.com/

–
Higherground Co.,Ltd.
2-8-3 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
TEL:03-6459-2230
MAIL:info@higherground.co.jp
HP:http://www.higherground.co.jp/
TOP PAGE: http://livingtokyo.net/

Have you ever heard of ‘Tsukimi (月見)’?
As the word literally mean ’see (見) the moon (月)’, it is a traditional event when we admire the full moon in autumn.

Tsukimi takes place on August 15th in the old calendar.  The day differs from year to year, because the old calendar is lunisolar, and is different from the solar calendar that is used today.  This year, tsukimi is on September 22nd.  The moon at this night is called ‘Chushu no meigetsu (中秋の名月, harvest moon)’.
There are several stories regarding the origin of Tsukimi, but one powerful theory is that this event came from China around the Nara period or Heian period.  It is said that this event was a harvest festival of aroid in China.

The white spheres are Tsukimi Dango (月見団子, Tsukimi Dumplings).  We offer the dumplings and Japanese pampas to the moon.

If you would like to enjoy Tsukimi, there are several events where you can see the moon beautifully.

On September 22, Tokyo Tower will be opening the external stair cases, which are usually opened only on Saterdays and Sundays.

At Roppongi Hills, you can see the moon at the Sky Deck and Tokyo City View.  The moonrise, which is not so easy to see in Tokyo, can be seen from the  270 meters high deck.

–
Higherground Co.,Ltd.
2-8-3 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
TEL:03-6459-2230
MAIL:info@higherground.co.jp
HP:http://www.higherground.co.jp/
TOP PAGE: http://livingtokyo.net/

【“Onsen” Country Japan!】
As you know, Japan is blessed with hot spas (“Onsen (温泉)” in Japanese) and the public bathhouse (“Sento (銭湯)”) which is a still popular place for the those who living downtown.
The Japanese,unlike most other countries, bathe at night before going to bed, and it’s needless to say that the benefits for the body and sleeping well are amazing!

【Super Sento reproducing Edo-Period.】
It seems that for many foreign visitors, no trip to Japan would complete without experiencing a Japanese spa (onsen) or a local community, public bathhouse (sento).
Visitors without the time for a rustic spa in the country can take a dip in a natural hot spa in Tokyo.
“Ooedo-Onsen-Monogatari (大江戸温泉物語)” is the grand super sento with full marks for Edo-period charms.
It is located in Daiba area and opened in 2003 as the first onsen theme park in Tokyo.

It’s easy access from the metropolitan area within 30 minutes. The baths are blessed with 100% natural hot spring water from a source 1400 meters below the ground and said to be good for health and beauty.
There are a variety of baths including open-air outdoor baths (perfect for enjoying fine weather or night skies.) and footbath facilities in a Japanese-style garden.One of the features is a re-created traditional street from the days when Tokyo was called Edo (江戸), which enables visitors experience the retro atmosphere.

Picture of Daimon, Minato-ku, drawn in the Edo period.

And also, there are so many other enjoyments that we can spend pleasant time all day long.
A wide variety of restaurants, amusements,Japanese-style massages・・much more attractions are available.

【the Japanese-style bathing etiquette.】
If it is your first time in a Japanese onsen (spa) or sento, be sure not to forget the Japanese-style bathing etiquette and please remember the following points before and during bathing;
1)You will be bathing with other people (men and women are separated.)
2)Wash yourself well with soap at the knee-high showers before you go into the bath.
3)In the hot tubs, no soap or bathing suits.

【One more lesson.】
The following differences exist between onsen and sento.
1)Onsen contain mineral components while sento don’t.
2)Sento are located in residential areas because they are public baths while onsen are often found in volcanic areas.
3)Sento are considered as a part of daily life while onsen are resorts where people travel to for vacation or therapeutic purpose.
If you’ve come this far, you’re a connoisseur of Japan!!

【External Links】
▼Ooedo-Onsen-Monogatari Official Web Site here.▼
http://www.ooedoonsen.jp/higaeri/english/index.html

–
Higherground Co.,Ltd.
2-8-3 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
TEL:03-6459-2230
MAIL:info@higherground.co.jp
HP:http://www.higherground.co.jp/
TOP PAGE: http://livingtokyo.net/

For example in Paris, you will see many cafes and restaurants in architectures built in the 19th century.
However, in Tokyo, the case is different.  Not many old architectures are reused in daily life.
Exceptions always exist, though.  There are few places where you can dine while feeling the weight of history.

Le Trianon French Restaurant
Restaurant in the old wing of Grand Prince Hotel Akasaka.  The old wing was built in 1930 as the mansion of Euimin, crown prince of Korea.
Le Trianon is on the second floor, while there is a bar, Napoleon, on the first floor.

Ogasawara Tei (小笠原邸)
Spanish restaurant in Kawada-cho, Shinjuku-ku.
This Spanish-style mansion was built in 1927 for Court Nagayoshi Ogasawara (小笠原長幹).  It is now designated as historical architecture by the Government of Tokyo.

Takemura (竹むら)
While the two restaurants above are rather ‘Western’, Takemura is a more Japanese architecture.
Takemura is a sweets shop & cafe in Kanda, Chiyoda-ku.  Its initiation was in 1930, and is also designated as historical architecture by the Government of Tokyo.

–
Higherground Co.,Ltd.
2-8-3 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
TEL:03-6459-2230
MAIL:info@higherground.co.jp
HP:http://www.higherground.co.jp/
TOP PAGE: http://livingtokyo.net/