February 27, 2010 in Sekaione Press, e-magazine by adminsekaione

e-Mag: March event in Japan

???? In the middle of the Edo Period (1603-1867), people made elaborate dolls that they displayed only red-felt-carpeted special steps inside the house, as you today.The set is made up of fifteen dolls in formal classic court costumes-Emperor  and Empress  on the top shelf in front of a golden folding screen , three-ladies-waiting, five musicians , two retainers  and there guards . Two bonbori lanterns , a miniature cherry blossom tree , and an orange tree  lend a festive air on the steps. Special hinamatsuri goodies such as colorful hishimochi (diamondshaped rice cakes) , shirozake  and hina arare are offered. Miniature furniture, lacquered tableware and vehicles on the lower shelves symbolize a bridal dowry. Read more »

January 26, 2010 in Sekaione Press, e-magazine by adminsekaione

e-Mag: February event in Japan

Winter Weather Chart - ???????

Typical winter weather chart shows high pressure over the Asian continent to the west, and low pressure east of Japan at sea .This pressure pattern causes heavy snow on the Japan Sea coastal areas and sunny dry weather on the Pacific Coastal areas.

__________________________________________________________________________

Snowfall in Tokyo – ???? Read more »

December 17, 2009 in Sekaione Press, e-magazine by adminsekaione

e-Mag: January event in Japan

Japanese calls the first day Ganjitsu; this is the most important day of the year’s beginning. People decorate their entranceways and gates for the New Year. In the past, the decorations were kodamatsu or Shimekazari, buttoday’s decorations are simpler, like a wreath on the door. The morning of Ganjitsu is called Gantan. At Gantan families drink O-toso together and eat O-zoni and osechi in celebration of the New Year. Children receive otoshidama from their parents.It is customary to make the first year visit to a shrine or a temple to pray for happiness in the New Year. Read more »