Fukai Nihon 深い日本 - Shades from Japan
Amezaiku 飴細工 sugar fantasies from the distant past
Amezaiku is an ancient Japanese art form that involves creating hand-blown sugar sculptures. It is an art of incredible beauty that has been handed down for centuries and which has become one of the representations of how beauty, craftsmanship and dedication shape beautiful, and in this case also good, works.
Komainu 狛犬 are the guardian statues of Japanese temples and shrines
The Komainu, also known as Japanese shrine guardians, are an important and revered figure in Japanese culture. These statues of lions or dogs (but not only we can also find foxes or even raccoons) have an imposing and elegant presence and a fascinating and compelling history that dates back centuries.
Pachinko パチンコ gambling among the most popular in Japan
Pachinko is a very popular game in Japan, where halls are present in every city. It is a gaming machine similar to slot machines, but with some differences that make it unique. A small paradox because Pachinko is a game of chance, but halls are springing up like mushrooms, why?
Itako イタコ the Japanese Shamans
The Itako, also known as ichiko 市子 or ogamisama オガミサマ, are Japanese figures who practice divination and communication with spirits. These women, who can be considered the Japanese version of shamans or mediums, are often seen as mysterious, powerful and controversial figures.