January 24, 2010

Daruma doll

Daruma is a popular Japanese symbol of perseverance.

January 20, 2010

January 17, 2010

Fortune slip / Omikuji



Some people draw fortune slips to know how new year will be. "Daikichi" is best and "Kyo" is worst.

January 16, 2010

Hatsumoude



Many people pay a visit to a temple or shrine on New Year's Day. We call it "Hatsumoude" in Japanese.

January 15, 2010

Hakama



Boys attend to ceremonies for Coming of Age Day wear Hakama. Some men wear them at their wedding.

January 14, 2010

Long-sleeved kimono / Furisode



Long-sleeved kimono is for single women. Many girls attend ceremonies for Coming of Age Day wear them.

January 13, 2010

Coming of Age Day / Seijin-shiki



20 years old is considered as Adult. We hold a ceremony to celebrate and welcome new adults.

January 09, 2010

Traditional Japanese Games 6 - Igo


Igo is a game played on grid of 19 x 19 squares using black and white stones.

January 08, 2010

Traditional Japanese Games 5 - Shogi


Shogi(Japanese chess)is a two-player board game.

January 05, 2010

Traditional Japanese Games 2 - Hyakunin Isshu


Hyakunin Isshu is a set of japanese old-songs playing cards.

January 04, 2010

Traditional Japanese Games 1 - Hanafuda


Hanafuda are a set of Japanese playing cards. Hanafuda is often referred to as 'Flower cards'