Tamaki SAITO（西東たまき）

Calligraphy in Japan, known as Shodo (書道), is more than just writing beautifully.It is an art form that expresses both character and emotion through brush, ink, and balance. The black ink on white paper creates a striking contrast, where every line and curve reflects the writer’s spirit and discipline.Shodo is considered one of the most refined expressions of traditional Japanese aesthetics. What Is Shodo? The word Shodo literally means “the way of writing.”It combines artistic beauty with spiritual concentration — a practice deeply rooted in Zen philosophy. When you watch a calligrapher move the brush, each stroke seems alive.The rhythm, ...

It is quite common for kids from 6 years old under age 12, i.e. children of primary school age, to enrol the activity club called ‘Kodomo-kai’. ‘Kodomo’ means children and ‘Kai’ means society, club or gatherings in Japanese. The purpose of the kodomo-kai is to provide children with a chance to communicate and cooperate with younger and elders in the community and give them variety of experiences outside of the family and school life, with the backup of their parents.   Funding source of "Kodomo-kai" A few coins of the fee are collected from every member monthly to keep up ...

Do you have any idea how Japanese crockery could look like? If the bowls and plates you know are the ones with smooth surface and round shape, you shall be betrayed. To suit with Japanese dishes whose nature is principally simple by singling out the spirit of the ingredient, crockery has got a chance to flourish itself. Japanese table is consisted of many plates and bowls whose material and shape are varied. They are chosen according to the image of the dishes and also four of the seasons of Japan. For instance, the cool and handsome look of glassware and ...

Whenever and wherever Japanese people travel, what they always have in mind is about souvenir (Omiyage). Souvenir for them is sharing of the memory and experience with friends, co-workers and neighbours not to mention own family and relatives. Actually, it might be almost impossible to come back without any souvenir to share once you have announced that you were travelling. You could even feel embarrassed if you are found you had travelled but came back with no souvenirs.   Local products are Best Kyoto: Yatuhashi Mie: Akafuku-Mochi They can be anything but shall be something to display where you travelled, ...

Antique lovers will be delighted to know that Japan has a thriving market scene filled with charm and history.From small local gatherings to large monthly events, these markets offer a fascinating glimpse into Japan’s past — and maybe, a chance to find your own little treasure. A Serene Setting Beneath the Shrine Trees One of the most beautiful things about Japanese antique markets is their setting.Many are held in the precincts of shrines, where tall trees sway quietly and the air feels calm.It’s a perfect match — the sacred atmosphere of the shrine and the nostalgic charm of timeworn objects. ...

Is it because Japanese culture value minimalism and simplicity? Japanese people seem to be very enthusiastic in shortening the words. For instance, we call a remote controller ‘Remo-Con’ and a smart phone is usually called ‘Sma-Pho’ in Japan. Even the world’s big names have been converted into Staba (Starbucks) and Bana-Ripa (Banana Republic). Will Mr Brad Pitt ever know that he is most commonly called ‘Bra-Pi’ in Japan?! Often the words are abbreviated paying no attention to English syllables so it would sound quite peculiar for the people who speak English; they are rather created much depends on the sound ...

If the spices are the base of Indian cuisine, Soy sauce is undoubtedly the base of Japanese cuisine. Soy sauce which is called ‘Shoyu’ in Japanese is made from nothing but soybeans, salt and wheat. No any additives.     There are 5 main categories in Japanese shoyu.   Koikuchi which means thick taste -- type is the mainstream. It develops mainly in the Kanto area, and it is characterized by excellent balance of scent, color and taste.   Usukuchi "Usukuchi" means "color is pale". Salt is 18 ~ 19% and it is about 2% higher than Koikuchi soy sauce. ...

Every school classes or group of certain members would like to organise ‘Renrakumou’. Renrakumou is a list on which the member’s name and contact details are written. With renrakumou, you won’t need to collect member’s contact by asking individually. Especially, renrakumou made in schools has a purpose of emergency network When school has got some notices that they want to spread to the students/guardians urgently is when the renrakumou will play its roll. It is usually arranged in the tree-form network, starting from the teacher at the top then it comes down to the 2nd layers downwards. The teacher passes ...

In many countries, people’s name is written the first name first and the last name at last. In many cases, Japanese also follow the order when they spell in alphabet. But infact, Japanese name never comes that way. Japanese name starts from the last name then first name. Japanese name is consisted of only those two unlike some people in other culture have middle name or any other kind.   When they get married, they have to share one family name either husband’s or wife’s. Whichever is fine as the law stipulates equality of both sex. However, most of the ...

Every culture has its own set of superstitions. Some are good teaching and some are lacking sensible foundation. But any of them are simply fun and interesting.   In English-spoken world, people give a response ‘bless you!’ whenever they hear someone sneeze. While in many other countries the words for health instead will be thrown, but not in Japan. When someone sneeze, that’s the sign that someone is talking about you － nicely or badly is unknown.   It may be noticeable how entirely Japanese eat up the dish on the plate. That’s how they are taught. Or if you ...