The Edo period (1603-1868) – what do you associate with that Japanese time period? What do you see in your mind’s eye? Perhaps Edo Castle and the romantic image of a city built of wood and paper? Maybe you also see the elegance and ostentatious lifestyle of wealthy citizens, mysterious seductions from the world of…
The Silent Disappearance – About the Phenomenon of Hikikomori
They sit in their tiny rooms, in front of their computers, and lie on their beds during the day. They only go outside at night, and only if they can’t avoid it. Out into life? No, not at all. For these young people, life takes place in a few square meters. It is a life…
Japanese Family Names and Their Meaning
Some time ago, we introduced the most popular Japanese first names and their meaning. But what about Japanese family names? Read along for an introduction to the most common family names in Japan, and a history of how family names evolved over time. This article was kindly provided to Kokoro Media by our partner the German-Japanese…
Tea Varieties From Japan
In Japan, 99.9 percent of the tea produced is green. All the famous Japanese teas, such as sencha, gyokuro, and hōjicha, are green teas. So what is the difference between all the tea varieties from Japan? This article was kindly provided to Kokoro Media by our partner the German-Japanese Association in Munich (Deutsch-Japanische Gesellschaft (DJG) München), and was…
6 Japanese Dog Breeds That Are Natural Monuments of Japan
Japanese dog breeds such as Akita or Shiba have gained popularity beyond the frontiers of Japan. But did you know some Japanese dog breeds are classified as “Natural Monuments of Japan?” This article was kindly provided to Kokoro Media by our partner the German-Japanese Association in Munich (Deutsch-Japanische Gesellschaft (DJG) München), and was originally published in the association’s…
Akiya – Causes and Measures of Vacant Houses in Japan
“Akiya” is the Japanese term for “vacant house”, whose number has been increasing more and more during the last few years and has become a societal issue, especially in rural Japan. Read on learn about the diverse causes behind this phenomenon, and some hints at solving it. This article was kindly provided to Kokoro Media…