The fight for the Japanese Mind
Isolation as a means of mind control Japan’s history is one of furious independence, in feudal times from its big brother China and then later from the West. Japan’s closed…
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Sumo wrestling is the world’s oldest organized sport
Sumo wrestling is the national sport of Japan and a must see for visitors. Once patronized by the Japanese emperors Sumo’s origins go back at least 1,500 years and thus…
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Is Japan Racist?
Japan is experiencing a surge in visitor arrivals as the destination is now on the hot list. The vast majority of visitors find it an easy destination, with helpful friendly…
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Japan’s most heroic samurai
Changing history without needless bloodshed Today Sakamoto Ryoma (1835-1867) is regarded as the most heroic samurai in history and a founding father of Japan’s modern age. He devoted his life…
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Mount Fuji – Climb or View from afar?
Mount Fuji (3776 metres) is Japan’s highest and most prominent mountain, and climbing Mount Fuji can make for lifelong memories. The mountain is named for the Ainu (the aboriginal inhabitants…
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Face is everything in Japan
Saving, losing and giving face in Japanese culture Of all the idiosyncrasies of Japanese culture, the concept of ‘Face’ is perhaps the most difficult for Westerners to fully grasp. And…
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Who was the last Samurai
A story of self-sacrifice A leader of Japan’s 19th Century drive to modernize, and at the same time a defender of its ancient samurai values, Saigo Takamori’s dramatic last stand…
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The best season to visit Mount Fuji
Japan is a country with distinct four seasons. What is the best time to go to Mount Fuji for visibility and weather? Nothing can be more frustrating than to plan…
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Back to the Future
It took the re-establishment of ancient Imperial Power for Japan to modernise The Meiji Restoration was originally brought about by ancient clan loyalties to the Emperor Komei and a hatred…
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What does the Meiji Restoration reveal of today’s Japanese psyche
In 2018 Japan celebrates its 150th anniversary of the Meiji Restoration, the event that opened Japan to the modern world and created a new nation. During this time Japan transformed…
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