Fukai Nihon 深い日本 - Shades from Japan
The memorable Yuru-kyara the Japanese mascots
The original Japanese mascots, or as they are called in the rising sun, Yuru-kyara (contraction of yurui masukotto kyarakutā) ゆ る い マ ス コ ッ ト キ ャ ラ ク タ ー are among the popular culture phenomena that most passionate the Japanese and beyond.
The term was coined by the illustrator and cultural critic Jun Miura in 2009, who didn't stop at the name alone, he was the one who helped to determine the fundamental components of the mascots.
Raijin 雷神 and Fujin 風神 the God of Thunder and the God of Wind
Among the most important and well-known deities in Japan, Raijin and Fujin through the centuries have always had an important presence in Japanese culture and society. By transcending religion and folklore we can now find them almost everywhere as in commerce (clothing, gadgets, accessories, ect.) And in entertainment.
kintsugi 金継ぎ The art of repairing with gold that transcends philosophy
The kintsugi 金 継 ぎ, is an ancient technique used to repair ceramic objects using gold, silver, or lacquers with gold powders or other colors. We'll discover togther in detail how this deeply rooted art functions and how it transcends philosophy.
This technique, which we can also find under the name of kintsukuroi 繕 い, dates back to the 15th century when a Japanese commander sent his teacup to China to be repaired.
Yamadera 山寺 a Jewel Among the Mountain
Yamadera or the "Mountain Temple", as more commonly called, is easily reached in about twenty minutes by train from the city of Yamagata, Yamagata Prefecture.
The Yamadera Temple, historic site that is within the cultural-landscape protected monuments of Japan, is a few minutes walk from Yamadera Station.
The station is served by JR Senzan line that connects the city of Sendai and Yamagata, and you can get there either from Yamagata Station in about 20 minutes, or from Sendai station in about one hour.