Sorry to my readers for having taken so much time before writing again on my blog.
but I am preraring now for new articles to publish very soon.
Next weekend I will post about Shichi-Go-San.
Have a great week!
Dana
Sunday, 15 November 2015
Wednesday, 5 December 2012
Japanese’s bath customs
In Japan typical bathroom are divide in two to 3 rooms. One room is the changing room (you normally have a small sink there). The second room place is the washing space where you have the tub and a shower that you can adjust to your height. The third part is the toilet, so even if someone is taking a bath you can still use the sink and the toilet.
Steps to follow:
At your house or friend’s place in Japan
 |
| normal Japanese Bathroom |
- Get your clothes off.
- Go to the washing space and sit on the stool and wash carefully the lower parts of your body. You can use a washing towel, body brush and other tools in the space.
- Rinse carefully your body to not transfer any soap in the tub.
- If you are a woman and have long hair please tight up your hair to not let any hair in the tub.
- Enter the tub and soak for short or long time as you wish. Relax and enjoy a nice moment.
- When you ready get out of the bath and go wash the rest of your body.
- You can also go back in the tub if you want to enjoy more relaxation time.
- Please make sure to rinse the place where you washed carefully to not leave any soap or shampoo behind and leave the place clean as it was when you came in.
- Go to the changing room and put some clothes on (yukata – pajama – clothes)
- Please make sure to install your used towels to a place they can dry.
At Sentou (Public bath)
- Normally in Japan people bring two towels (one for washing - one for drying) – shampoo & conditioner – soap with a change of clothes in a bag.
- Put your shoes in the shoes lockers (kutsu bako- kutsu tansu).
- Get your clothes off and put it in the basket. Keep your shampoo and all personal goods with you to the washing room.
- Go to the washing space and sit on the stool and wash carefully the lower parts of your body. You can use a washing towel, body brush and other tools in the space. Sentou can offer some soap and shampoo if you forgot to bring those from home.
- Rinse carefully your body to not transfer any soap in the tub.
- If you are a woman and have long hair please tight up your hair to not let any hair in the tub.
- Enter the tub and soak for short or long time as you wish.
- When you ready get out of the bath and go wash the rest of your body.
- You can also go back in the tub if you want to enjoy more relaxation time.
- Please make sure to rinse the place where you washed carefully to not leave any soap or shampoo behind and leave the place clean as it was when you came in for next customers.
- Go to the changing room and put some clothes on.
- Please place your used towels soap-shampoo and other personal tools into your bag before leaving.
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| #1 = oke #2 = furo-isu #3 = Katate-Oke |
At Onsen (Hotel with public or private bath)
- You get to your room. Put your shoes in the shoes lockers (kutsu bako - kutsu tansu).
- Change into yukata.
- When you are ready you can go take a bath outside your room or in your room depending the lodging you have chosen.
- Get your yukata off and put it in the looker. Normally Onsen offers soap and shampoo to their customers (but you can bring yours).
- Go to the washing space and sit on the stool and wash carefully the lower parts of your body. You can use a washing towel, body brush and other tools in this space.
- Rinse carefully your body to not transfer any soap in the tub.
- If you are a woman and have long hair please tight up your hair to not let any hair in the tub. Rinse your space carefully before leaving for the inside or outside bath.
- Enter the tub and soak for short or long time as you wish.
- When you ready get out of the bath and go wash the rest of your body.
- You can also go back in the tub if you want to enjoy more relaxation time.
- After your second wash please make sure to rinse your body and the place where you washed carefully to not leave any soap or shampoo behind and leave the place clean as it was when you came in for the next customers.
- Go to the changing room and put back your yukata on.
- Please place your used towels in the basket assigned for it before leaving back to your room or other activities.
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| Basket where you leave your yukata or clothes |
Different kind of lodging is possible.
Sunday, 17 July 2011
National symbol flowers of Japan - Part 1 Sakura
Sakura - Cherry blossom flower
Japan has two national flowers: the cherry blossom and chrysanthemum, wich is the imperial family's crest.
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| Sakura from Kyoto by Danann_1 |
the cherry blossom is a flower of spring which has been loved by Japanese since ancient time.When they are full bloom and then fall, they are indescribably beautiful.
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| Sakura from Kyoto by Danann_1 |
Any of numbers of deciduous trees of the family rosaceae that grow wild in mountainous areas throughout Japan and are also widely cultivated. The word Sakura is generally used for those species of cherry appreciated for the beauty of their blossoms rather than those grown for their fruit.
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| Sakura in Tokyo by Miura-san |
The wood is used for fine furniture, carving, and woodblock printing.
The Sakura is mentioned frequently in Japanese literature.It ia been reported to betraditional Japanese values of purity and simplicityare thought to be reflected in the form and color of its blossoms.Since it flowers very briefly and then scatters, the cherry blossom has also become a symbol of the Japanese appreciation of ephemeral beauty.
Hanami - Cherry blossom viewing parties were popular among the Japanese nobility in ancient times, and by the early 17th century the custom had spread to the common people. Picnicking and drinking sake with family, friends and co-workers beneath flowering cherry trees remains a popular rite of springtime even in actual Japan.
This video was made by my friend Iitani-san in Tamba city in Hyougo prefecture.
Popular spots for Hanami - Cherry blossoms-viewing Yoshinoyama in Nara, Arashiyama in Kyoto, Ueno, Sumidagawa, Koganei and Asukayama in Tokyo.
I went to Kyoto, Kanazawa and Takaoka for Sakura... Kenroku-en in Kanazawa is also a beautiful place for Sakura viewing.
Tuesday, 21 June 2011
My friend the Japanese bag maker - Hideaki Iitani
Hello everyone,
I want to share with you a discovery I made some time ago.
I have a friend who is a designer & maker of Japanese style bag.
My friend name is Hideaki Iitani he was born on February 17, 1968 and lives in Hyougo city, Japan. He studied and graduated in Art at Musashino University in 1998.
He is designing bags for the last 3 years. He uses materials such as crepe, cotton printed in Japanese pattern and leather. All bags are handmade by Iitani-san and other local artisans.
If you wish to buy some of his bags please contact me by EMAIL
I want to share with you a discovery I made some time ago.
I have a friend who is a designer & maker of Japanese style bag.
My friend name is Hideaki Iitani he was born on February 17, 1968 and lives in Hyougo city, Japan. He studied and graduated in Art at Musashino University in 1998.
Hyougo has a great reputation for his artisan’s bags.
Iitani-san’s Family is in wholesale business of bag made by artisans in their region.
Iitani-san has started helping his sister and brother-in law in family business and learned to make bag under the keen eye of a master.
Iitani-san’s Family is in wholesale business of bag made by artisans in their region.
Iitani-san has started helping his sister and brother-in law in family business and learned to make bag under the keen eye of a master.
He is designing bags for the last 3 years. He uses materials such as crepe, cotton printed in Japanese pattern and leather. All bags are handmade by Iitani-san and other local artisans.
If you wish to buy some of his bags please contact me by EMAIL
Monday, 14 March 2011
HELP JAPAN - TSUNAMI & EARTHQUAKE
If you wish to help and save Japan...
Traditions in Japan will contribute a part of our earnings to the Japanese Red Cross Society for each goods you will buy from us.
Traditions in Japan will contribute a part of our earnings to the Japanese Red Cross Society for each goods you will buy from us.
Japanese people are disparately in need of FOOD… FUEL… BABIES MILK… DIAPPERS….
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| Photo de Japonation |
Many shelter and refuges are short of water and many other essentials goods.
All victims are now at a very high peak of stress.
Please help us to help them.
Let’s help Japan!!!
HELP JAPAN - EARTHQUAKE & TSUNAMI 2011
Hello everyone,
You can read about Japan's tsunami everywhere I have post also some information here:
http://danannfromjapan.blogspot.com/2011/03/earthquake-and-tsunami-in-japan.html
You can help people here Google have created a place to make donation:
2011 Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami
To offer a shelter to some victims of the Tsunami or Eathquake. (Within Japan please)
Please contact here:
Homes offered in Japan
I have contacted the Japanese ambassy in here to know how we can help more.
I will come back to you very soon with more details.
In Canada, you can help Japan in here:
http://www.canadahelps.org/News/NewsDetails.aspx?id=64
Please DONATE GENEROUSLY
Its is cold there now in Japan people need food and water and place to stay.
Make a good action!!!
Yours
Danann
Tuesday, 22 February 2011
Japanese House - Minka style
Minka is the general name for traditional-style house of none ruling classes.
It is simple house that was made before the western architecture comes to influence the Japanese construction. Minka in farming village are called “Nouka” (農家) that means farmhouse, in the cities it is called “Machiya” (町屋) that means townhouse and you have the “Gyoka” (魚家) in fishing village.
It is simple house that was made before the western architecture comes to influence the Japanese construction. Minka in farming village are called “Nouka” (農家) that means farmhouse, in the cities it is called “Machiya” (町屋) that means townhouse and you have the “Gyoka” (魚家) in fishing village.
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| Gokayama's Minka (Nouka) by Hanaemon |
These houses are made of wood and were using thick beams and columns for the structure as well as for the walls, floor, ceiling and roof. Bamboo was layered between columns as laths and plastered over with clay to form walls. Clay was also baked to make roof tiles. Grass was used to make thatch for roofing, and straw was used for the coarse, thin mushiro matting and tatami mats to be used on the floor. Rock was used to lay stone foundations for support but was not employed for walls.
You can see some Minka (Machiya):
Following Minka are located in an area called Takashiba Deko Yashiki.
Deko means doll in English.
Deko Yashiki is one of sightseeing spot in Koriyama city in Fukushima prefecture where one of my good friend is living.
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| Koriyama's Minka "Machiya" by Itagaki-san |
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| Inside the Koriyama's Minka "Machiya" collection of tansu by Itagaki-san |
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| Inside the Koriyama's Minka "Machiya" main room by Itagaki-san |
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| Koriyama's Minka "Machiya" by Itagaki-san |
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| Gokayama Village's Minka "Nouka" by me |
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| Gokayama Minka's village "Nouka" by me |
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| Gokayama village's Minka "Nouka" by me |
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| Minka "Nouka" in Shirakawa go in Gifu prefecture. |
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| Minka's roof named Kayabuki yane. |
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| Minka's roof in Shirakawa. |
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| How is Minka's roof done. |
Wednesday, 5 January 2011
Nanakusa - "Seven Spring Herbs"
Nanakusa refers to either of two sets of seven herbs: one is consisting of the seven herbs of the springs "Haru no nanakusa" and the other one refers to the seven herbs of autumn "Aki no nanakusa".
January 7th is the day of Nanakusa or Jinjitsu no Sekku.
It is on this day which "Nanakusa gayu" rice porridge with seven spring herbs is eaten.
The Seven Spring Herbs consist of:
The Seven autumn Herbs consist of:
The Nanakusa Kouro (Incense burner) design on the surface is the seven autumn flowers (aki no nanakusa). This flower arrangement is use at the time of O'Bon Festival and moon-viewing festivities.
These seven autumn flowers are making a very beautiful flowers arrangement to enjoy in pure simplicity.
 |
| Nanakusa gayu |
January 7th is the day of Nanakusa or Jinjitsu no Sekku.
It is on this day which "Nanakusa gayu" rice porridge with seven spring herbs is eaten.
The Seven Spring Herbs consist of:
- Japanese parsley (seri)
- Shepherd’s purse (nazuna)
- Cudweed (gogyou)
- Chickweed (hakobera)
- Henbit (hotokenoza)
- Turnip (suzuna)
- Japanese radish. (suzushiro)
The belief is if you eat this porridge you will stay healthy the whole year.
 |
| Nanakusa gayu |
The Seven autumn Herbs consist of:
- Japanese bush clover (Hagi)
- Eulalia (Suzuki)
- Kudzu vine (Kuzu)
- Fringed Pink (Nadeshiko)
- a perennial herb of the family Valerianaceae (Ominaeshi)
- Boneset (Fujibakama)
- Chinese bell flowers (Asagao or Kikyou)
These seven autumn flowers are making a very beautiful flowers arrangement to enjoy in pure simplicity.
You can find the Nanakusa kouro in here
Thursday, 30 December 2010
Japanese New Year
New Year is very important event in Japan.
It is a national holiday and some people can have from 3 to 7 days off duty or school at this moment. Many companies are close or very low staff at this time of the year. This time is served to make a lot of “Time Honoured” to family and friends.
There is an old Japanese proverb that says like this about January 1st;
Let’s see more about it...
Preparation for seeing the New Year were originally undertaken to greet Toshigami, or deity of the incoming year. These began on December 13th, when the house was given a thorough cleaning; the date is generally closer the end of the month now.
Although local customs differ; the entrance of the house is decorated in traditional fashion way with “Kadomatsu” pine branches and bamboo besides the entrance way, sacred straw ropes “Shimenawa” with dangling white paper stripes (Shide) is hung over the front door to demarcate the temporary abode of the “Toshigami” and to prevent bad spirits from entering.
A special altar, known as “Toshidana” meaning Year Shelf is piled high with “Kagami mochi” (flat round rice cake), sake (rice wine), natural salt, persimmons, and other foods in honour of the Toshigami.
The night before New Year is called “Oumisoka” and many people visit the Buddhist temple to hear the bells rung 108 times at midnight to dispel the evils of the past year. It is also customary to eat “Toshikoshi Soba” that means year crossing noodles in the hope that one’s family fortunes will extend like the long noodles.
January 1st is called Ganjistu or Gankan.
This day is to celebrate the coming of the New Year in family.
On the second and third day of the New Year Holidays friends and business acquaintances visit one another to extend greetings named “Nenshi” and to sip some “Toso” a spiced rice wine.
New Year dishes...
In Japan during the Holiday people are eating traditional dishes called “Osechi” meaning feast for the New Year.
The Typical Osechi includes rolled kelp, mashed sweet potato with chestnut, sweetened black soybeans, teriyaki style small dried sardines, fried burdock root, fish cake, salted herring roe, rolled sweet omelette and so on...
Each dish has a blessed meaning such as happiness, prosperity, long life and so on...
This food is prepared in last days of December and placed in very beautiful lacquered boxes (Special type of Bento) so this way housewives do not have to worry about cooking during the New Year. In our days, Osechi are available in supermarkets and department stores to be even more convivial.
Otoshidama (Pochi bags)...
It is a special monetary gift to children from their parents and relatives during the New Year holiday. The money is put in a small cute envelope called pochi bag and handed to children. In old days this gift was not money but round rice cakes.
Nengajou...
New Year postcards...in Japan there is the custom to exchange New Year postcards with personal or business acquaintances. On these cards fixed phrases of thanks for the year gone by and greetings for the New Year are written, along with beautiful design of the Oriental zodiac sign of the New Year.
This year 2011 is the year is the year of the Rabbit...
These cards fulfill much the same purpose as Western Christmas cards. Interesting facts is that Japanese are sending much more postcards the average mailing is 100 postcards by family. The cards must be posted in between December 15th to December 25th to then the postcards are held by post office and they are delivered on January 1st.
Kakizome...
First calligraphy of the year is to practice with Japanese brushes and ink for the first time in the year. It is custom to do it on January 2nd and to write favourite kanji or phrase facing the lucky direction of the year. Some people write their New Year resolutions.
We hope you have liked to read us this year... we say Bye bye to 2010 now... and we will face 2011 with new aims new goods and new articles for you .
We wish you a Happy New Year....明けましておめでとう。 Akemashite Omedetou...!!!
We hope that you will come back next year... See you soon...
It is a national holiday and some people can have from 3 to 7 days off duty or school at this moment. Many companies are close or very low staff at this time of the year. This time is served to make a lot of “Time Honoured” to family and friends.
There is an old Japanese proverb that says like this about January 1st;
“It is the day to make new plans for the Year and start afresh with a new state of mind.”
Let’s see more about it...
Preparation for seeing the New Year were originally undertaken to greet Toshigami, or deity of the incoming year. These began on December 13th, when the house was given a thorough cleaning; the date is generally closer the end of the month now.
 |
| "Kadomastu" |
Although local customs differ; the entrance of the house is decorated in traditional fashion way with “Kadomatsu” pine branches and bamboo besides the entrance way, sacred straw ropes “Shimenawa” with dangling white paper stripes (Shide) is hung over the front door to demarcate the temporary abode of the “Toshigami” and to prevent bad spirits from entering.
 |
| "Shimenawa" |
A special altar, known as “Toshidana” meaning Year Shelf is piled high with “Kagami mochi” (flat round rice cake), sake (rice wine), natural salt, persimmons, and other foods in honour of the Toshigami.
 |
| "Kagamimochi" |
The night before New Year is called “Oumisoka” and many people visit the Buddhist temple to hear the bells rung 108 times at midnight to dispel the evils of the past year. It is also customary to eat “Toshikoshi Soba” that means year crossing noodles in the hope that one’s family fortunes will extend like the long noodles.
 |
| “Toshikoshi Soba” |
January 1st is called Ganjistu or Gankan.
This day is to celebrate the coming of the New Year in family.
On the second and third day of the New Year Holidays friends and business acquaintances visit one another to extend greetings named “Nenshi” and to sip some “Toso” a spiced rice wine.
 |
| “Toso” |
New Year dishes...
In Japan during the Holiday people are eating traditional dishes called “Osechi” meaning feast for the New Year.
 |
| "Osechi" |
The Typical Osechi includes rolled kelp, mashed sweet potato with chestnut, sweetened black soybeans, teriyaki style small dried sardines, fried burdock root, fish cake, salted herring roe, rolled sweet omelette and so on...
 |
| "Other Osechi" |
Each dish has a blessed meaning such as happiness, prosperity, long life and so on...
This food is prepared in last days of December and placed in very beautiful lacquered boxes (Special type of Bento) so this way housewives do not have to worry about cooking during the New Year. In our days, Osechi are available in supermarkets and department stores to be even more convivial.
Otoshidama (Pochi bags)...
It is a special monetary gift to children from their parents and relatives during the New Year holiday. The money is put in a small cute envelope called pochi bag and handed to children. In old days this gift was not money but round rice cakes.
 |
| "Otoshidama" |
Nengajou...
New Year postcards...in Japan there is the custom to exchange New Year postcards with personal or business acquaintances. On these cards fixed phrases of thanks for the year gone by and greetings for the New Year are written, along with beautiful design of the Oriental zodiac sign of the New Year.
This year 2011 is the year is the year of the Rabbit...
These cards fulfill much the same purpose as Western Christmas cards. Interesting facts is that Japanese are sending much more postcards the average mailing is 100 postcards by family. The cards must be posted in between December 15th to December 25th to then the postcards are held by post office and they are delivered on January 1st.
Kakizome...
First calligraphy of the year is to practice with Japanese brushes and ink for the first time in the year. It is custom to do it on January 2nd and to write favourite kanji or phrase facing the lucky direction of the year. Some people write their New Year resolutions.
We hope you have liked to read us this year... we say Bye bye to 2010 now... and we will face 2011 with new aims new goods and new articles for you .
We wish you a Happy New Year....明けましておめでとう。 Akemashite Omedetou...!!!
We hope that you will come back next year... See you soon...
Friday, 24 December 2010
Merry Christmas to all of you...
The best part of the season is remembering
those who make the holidays meaningful.
We wish you all the love and happiness
this season can bring,
and may it follow you throughout
the coming new year.
Merry Christmas !!!
Thank you to have start to follow my blogs all long this year...If you ever need anything leave me a message... I will answer to you as soon as possible.
Saturday, 25 September 2010
Kimono - Part 2 Type of Kimono
Do you know that there is many types of Kimono?
For women we have:
Furisode
Who is wearing a Furisode ?
This one is for young unmarried women.
The sleeves of Furisode have an average between 39 and 42 inches (1,100 mm) in length. In fact, there are three lengths possible the oburisode that have a length of 105 cm, the chuuburisode have a length of 90 cm and the kofurisode is 75 cm length at last.
In the past, Furisode was black and with time it becomes such a beautiful and colourful design. It is richly design kimono.
When to wear it?
They are usually worn at coming-of-age ceremonies (seijin shiki).
At a wedding, unmarried female relatives of the bride are wearing it.
This Kimono is for all formal and ceremonial occasion of the unmarried women.
Hōmongi
Who is wearing a Hōmongi?
Worn by both married and unmarried women
This one is characterized by patterns that flow over the shoulders, seams and sleeves and a little more “Chic” then other Kimono (Tsukesage).
When to wear it?
At a weddings and receptions they may also be worn to formal parties.
Iromuji
Who is wearing an Iromuji?
It is worn by married and unmarried women.
Only one color kimono (monochrome) and the material making of this kimono is satin ( mon rinzu), crepe (chirimen) or tsumugi.
When to wear it?
Those kimono are worn to do Tea ceremonies.
Komon
Who is wearing a Komon?
It is worn by married and unmarried women.
This Kimono has a small and repeated pattern throughout the garment.
When to wear it?
It is to wear all around. To make it more formal for going out to restaurant or to go for a diner you put a more formal obi.
Edo komon
Who is wearing a Edo Komon?
It is worn by married and unmarried women.
What is typical difference with other kimono?
This is komon characterized by tiny dots arranged in dense patterns that form larger designs. It can be decorated with some Kamon too.
When to wear it?
May be worn as visiting wear
Mofuku
Who is wearing a Mofuku?
The completely black kit is reserved for family and others that are close to the deceased.
What is typical difference with other kimono?
The mofuku is a formal garment intended for mourning. It is made of pitch black silk, without any embellishment other than the 5 kamon.
All accessories are also black.
White being symbolic of death in Japan, the mofuku was made formerly of white. These days, the modern mofuku is now a black garment, to contrast with the white kimono of the dead
When to wear it?
The mofuku is worn on the days of the wake, funeral, and cremation of the deceased in a Buddhist funeral ceremony.
Due to white being symbolic of death in Japan, the mofuku was formerly a white garment; however, the modern mofuku is now a black garment, to contrast with the white kimono of the dead.
Tomesode
Iro Tomesode
Who is wearing an Iro Tomesode?
It is worn by married and unmarried women.
What is typical difference with other kimono?
It is a single-color kimono, patterned only below the waistline.
An Iro tomesode may have three or five kamon.
When to wear it?
Iro Tomesode are slightly less formal than Kuro Tomesode so it worn for close relatives of the bride and groom at weddings.
Kuro Tomesode
Who is wearing an Kuro Tomesode?
It is worn by married.
It is a black kimono patterned only below the waistline.
Kuro Tomesode usually have five kamon printed on the sleeves, chest and on the back of the kimono. The length of the sleeves are more shorter then a formal Furisode and opening of the sleeves are smaller too.
When to wear it?
They are often worn by the mothers of the bride and groom at weddings.
Tsukesage
Who is wearing a Tsukesage?
It is worn by married.
What is typical difference with other kimono?
It is more modest patterns that cover a smaller area under the waist.
When to wear it?
It is worn to visiting, school entrance, ceremony, parties
Uchikake
Who is wearing a Uchikake?
Back in time this kimono was worn by ladies of warrior or noble families.
In our days it is only worn by Japanese bridal ceremony.
What is typical difference with other kimono?
Uchikake is a highly formal kimono.
The Uchikake is supposed to be worn otherwise then the actual kimono and obi, it is taken as a sort of coat now. You can understand that we never tie the obi around the Uchikake. It is meant to trail along the floor. The color is all white or red.
When to wear it?
It is Japanese bridal ceremony costume.
Shiromuku
Who is wearing a Shiromuku?
A bride.
It is a whole white kimono that signify the pure intention of the bride to fit into her husband’s family.
When to wear it?
It is Japanese bridal ceremony costume.
Susohiki / Hikizuri
Who is wearing a Susohiki / Hikizuri?
Maiko (apprentice geisha), Geisha or stage performer.
It is a longer kimono then a traditional one. The skirt of is supposed to trail along the floor. Susohiki literally means "trail the skirt". The length of such a kimono can be 2 m long. That’s why Geisha and young Maiko are lifting up their Kimono while walking in the streets.
Here is a chart to help you with all this:
| Kimono | Formality | Occasion |
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| | Visiting School Entrance
Ceremony Parties
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I hope you enjoy this reading.
Next post on Kimono will be Part 3 – Parts of a Kimono and accessories.
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