Japanese_culture

Websites to support the study of Japanese culture

Japan Reference

http://www.jref.com/

This directory site provides links to a wide variety of topics on Japan. Categories include: art & culture; business & economy; computing & internet; education; gastronomy; government & politics; history; language; law & regulation; lifestyle & society; media, pop culture; reference; religion; science & technology; sports; and travel & tourism. Many links are briefly annotated. Searchable.

Sumo: East and West

http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/sumoeastandwest/

Fatures profiles of wrestlers, history, and links to related sites.

Kimono, Kimono Fabric & Japanese clothing

http://www.japanesekimono.com/

Provides images and information about kimonos and yukata robes. Includes tieing an obi, types of Japanese shoes, special kimonos, etc.

Traditional Crafts of Japan: Bamboo

http://www.kougei.or.jp/english/bamboo.html

This essay examining the use of bamboo for craft objects in Japan offers illustrated historical briefs on fishing poles, archery bows, tea whisks, bamboo basketry, and other bamboo crafts in the country. From the Association for the Promotion of Traditional Craft Industries, a group that promotes and displays traditional crafts designated by the Japan Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.

Look for Flying Carp on Boy's Day

http://www.japanesegarden.com/culture/2007/04/look-for-flying-carp-on-boys-day.html

Introduction to this Japanese holiday celebrated on May 5, known as Kodomo no Hi (Children's Day). "To call it 'Children's Day' is a modern attempt to be inclusive, but most Japanese still consider it Boy's Day." Includes a description about how this day is celebrated, such as the hoisting of large paper koi (carp) with one koi for each son in the family. From the Japanese Garden in Portland, Oregon. (LII, 2007)

Japan Information Network

http://www.jinjapan.org/

Provides information on the economy, government, culture, sports, geography, flora & fauna, and society of Japan. Includes photographs. (02/02)

Japan: Traditional and modern Culture

http://newton.uor.edu/Departments&Programs/AsianStudiesDept/japan-culture.html

Provides annotated links to information on Japanese culture, sorted by the following categories: art & architecture; language & literature; traditional arts & crafts; cinema & photography; popular culture; and food & drink. Links to other countries in east and southeast Asia.

Japan Information Network

http://nippon-jin.com

Provides information on the economy, government, culture, sports, geography, flora & fauna, and society of Japan. Includes photographs.

Tokyo Food Page

http://www.bento.com/tokyofood.html

A complete guide to Japanese cuisine and eating in Tokyo, with recipes, culinary travel tips, restaurant listing, etc. Includes Japanese specialty cuisines. Articles are updated monthly.

Kyoto National Museum

http://www.kyohaku.go.jp/

Features comprehensive technical descriptions of categorized works of East Asian art from China, Japan, and Korea. Categories include: archaeology, calligraphy, ceramics, textiles, sculpture, lacquerware, paintings, and metalwork.

WebMuseum Artist Index

http://metalab.unc.edu/wm/paint/auth/

Extensive textual information about artists from 1280 through the 20th Century. Focuses on European art, but some Japanese artists are also included. Links to images of the work of each artist make the site quite complete.

The Floating World of Ukiyo-e: Shadows, dreams, and substance

http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/ukiyo-e/

Showcases Japanese prints, books and drawings from the 17th to the 19th centuries.

Viewing Japanese Prints

http://spectacle.berkeley.edu/~fiorillo/

Presents illustrated discussions about selected artists and their prints, as well as explorations into various themes in Japanese printmaking. Links to related sites.

A Fun Guide to Origami

http://library.thinkquest.org/5402

Provides a wide variety of resources for origami, Japanese paper folding. Includes the history, uses & benefits, terms, symbols, tips, poems, information about its role in peace, as well as activities and resources.

Music: A Fundamental activity of humankind

http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/cultural/music/index.shtml

Provides information on the history of music. Topics include: Ethnomusicology; Important people; African music; Music of the US; South American music; Chinese music; European music; Indian music; Japanese music; and Russian music. Links to related sites.

Masks theme page

http://www.cln.org/themes/masks.html

Features information and instructions on masks and mask making. Includes Japanese Noh masks, Nigerian masks, First Nations masks, etc. Both curriculum resources and instructional materials are included.

Noh Plays

http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/japanese/noh/

Features the full text of 13 traditional Noh plays from the medieval period in Japan. Translated into English. Includes background information, a glossary and technical terms of the drama form.