Sakazuki and Tokkuri
Sakazuki and Tokkuri Tokkuri, a ceramic bottle used for heating and serving sake (Japanese rice wine), and matching sakazuki (also called ochoko), a cup for drinking sake, were started to be produced in Bizen, Okayama Prefecture in the Kamakura period (1192-1333). Bizen ware is known for its rustic simplicity and refined elegance and has retained […]
Montsuki Hakama
Montsuki （紋付き もんつき）and Hakama （袴 はかま） A montsuki is garment bearing a family crest or (a kimono with one's family crest on it). Considered formal wear, montsuki were traditionally worn to weddings, official meetings, and other special occasions, though they are rarely seen today. The family crests which appear on these montsuki, however, originated in […]
Undokai
Undokai 運動会 Undokai is a term referring to a field day held every year by schools, companies and other organizations. It is usually held in the fall, often around Sports‐Health Day (the second Monday of October). There are various races and competitive events such as tug‐of‐war. Other events are just for fun, so everyone can […]
Akachochin
Akachochin 赤ちょうちん Akachochin, literally “red lantern,” is a typical Japanese‐style cheap drinking place. At the entrance is often hung a signature red lantern, which has become synonymous with taverns. In Japanese business, the secret to getting along well with others is to drink and communicate with people in the same company, which is called "nomi-nication" […]
Engawa
Engawa (縁側 えんがわ) An engawa is a wooden‐floored porch along the outside of tatami rooms. It is separated from the rooms by shoji (sliding paper doors). It connects the house to the garden and provides a place to chat with family or neighbors. An increasing number of offices are incorporating the concept of engawa in […]