Nishijin-ori

E1

Kyoto Lacquerware

E2

Sake

E3

Katsura Rikyu

E4

Bonsai

E5

The Four Seasons

E6

Hina Dolls

E7

Nagasaki

E8

Five-Storey Pagodas

E9

Cherry Blossoms

E10

Chopsticks

E11

Aizome

E12

Bunraku

E13

Kiriko Cut Glass

E14

Traditional Folk Houses

E15

Tea Ceremony

E16

Soba

E17

Origami

E18

Imari Porcelain

E19

Folding Fan

E20

Kaiseki Cuisine

E21

The Sounds of Japan

E22

Masks

E23

Satoyama

E24

Kendo

E25

The Fragrances of Japan

E26

Spinning Tops

E27

Rock and Stone

E28

Ink Brushes

E29

Since ancient times, people in Japan have devoted themselves to the traditional art of calligraphy, shodo. Writing characters with ink on paper, they create works that express the inherent beauty of the Japanese written language. In shodo, brushes are used for applying the ink to the paper. The expressiveness of the characters derives from variations in the speed and force that the calligrapher uses to move the brush. The brushes themselves are simple objects, made from bundles of animal hair or other materials bundled together and fixed to a shaft. The actual materials used will depend on the style of calligraphy that is desired. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, we examine the history, development and contemporary applications of ink brushes, introducing these simple implements that have been so essential to the development of Japanese writing and painting.

Tsukemono

E30

Dogs

E31

Ramen

E32

Rice

E33

Shinto Shrine

E34

Festivals

E35

In Japan, festivals are known as matsuri. Many matsuri are colorful and boisterous occasions. Matsuri are typically associated with a Shinto shrine. Local people gather to pray and give thanks to the enshrined deity for agricultural bounty, health, safety and security. Over the years, these gatherings have evolved into elaborate events that frequently feature dancing, masks and magnificent floats. Entire local communities may be drawn into the preparations for festivals, which have nurtured some of the most refined arts and crafts in Japan. Even the sophisticated Noh theatre has festival origins, and, in some communities, apprentices will spend years learning a craft such as woodcarving specifically for its application in an annual matsuri. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, we present some of the most famous festivals in Japan and consider the links to community and culture.

Shinkansen

E36

Gagaku

E37

Marriage

E38

Shogi

E39

Nabe Cuisine

E40

Sword

E41