[Page of 9] Culture | TATE: The Diary of a Japanese Man

2021-08-08

“Unagi” have started to give up on Japan

The selling season for Unagi, Japanese eel, starts every year in Japan in late July. For Japanese people, eating Unagi in this season is a tradition. Accordingly, Unagi restaurants have their busy season, and major convenience store chains or supermarkets are focused on selling pre-prepared Unagi. However, I wonder how many Japanese people recognize that Unagi (Anguilla japonica) is an...

Culture

2021-07-25

“ARIWARA no Narihira” is often introduced as a kind of womanizer, but I don’t think so

A historical Japanese picture scroll is in the possession of the Tokyo National Museum. It is the “Ise Monogatari Emaki” drawn by Jyokei Sumiyoshi over 350 years ago. A male aristocrat who is carrying a noble lady on his back is depicted in a part of that picture scroll. TOKYO NATIONAL MUSEUM Digital Research Archives I found it very interesting...

Culture

2021-06-06

The ”Ranbyoshi” is a high psychological expression

Dojoji is one of the most massive piece of work among every Noh program. For Noh actors, performing in Dojoji is a great honor. Fortunately, I got a chance to appreciate it at a Noh Theatre in Tokyo. In addition, I got a front-row seat. Though I have seen Dojoji on video and TV, it was the first time for...

Culture

2021-05-02

My way of appreciating “Saigyo-zakura”

“Saigyo-zakura” is a spring-like Noh play. Actually, it is performed between March and May. Saigyo-zakura has a particularly quiet and static mood. If you appreciated it without prior knowledge, you would fall asleep in the middle of the play. In other words, Saigyo-zakura is not suitable for a novice in Noh. This time, I will write some points so that...

Culture

2021-04-07

I just want Japanese people to consider our Kimono culture before blaming VALENTINO

An advertisement by a luxurious Italian brand called, VALENTINO, is being strongly criticized by many Japanese people. Valentino’s advertisement is a video that shows a female Japanese model walking on a Kimono Obi with her shoes on. Many Japanese people feel her act is an insult to traditional Japanese culture. VALENTINO’s advertisement has made sensational headlines throughout Japan. Even though...

Culture

Category: Culture

“Unagi” have started to give up on Japan

“ARIWARA no Narihira” is often introduced as a kind of womanizer, but I don’t think so

The ”Ranbyoshi” is a high psychological expression

My way of appreciating “Saigyo-zakura”

I just want Japanese people to consider our Kimono culture before blaming VALENTINO