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Found 21 notes tagged as “japan”, as shown below. All notes in chronological order.

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11 Oct 2025 @ 17:03:37

Kaizen is a Japanese concept that emphasizes continuous improvement. That is, it focuses on small, ongoing, positive changes with the belief that those will lead to significant results. Another Japanese philosophy I can subscribe too.

japan philosophy
16 Sep 2025 @ 18:53:00

I have been in love with Expedia’s “Two Step” commercial for a long time. Not only is it well produced, but the smile of the main actress captivated me from the very first time I saw it. Yeah, a silly crush. 🤭

japan videos
11 Sep 2025 @ 08:20:56

Thanks to Claudine I learned about, yet another, Japanese phrase—and concept—embodying cultural and philosophical meaning. The word, mottainai, means “what a waste”, as in “don’t throw that away yet; it can still be useful.” I wonder how long is the list of Japanese’s concepts/philosophies, but I am in love with each I have come across with!

claudine japan philosophy
09 Jul 2025 @ 17:16:18
Some famous wave painting
Some famous wave painting /s.

The above depicts some famous wave, which is big—see the size of the boat in comparison. It is a woodblock print from a now superfamous person. Do you know the name (「富嶽三十六景 神奈川沖浪裏」) of the print without searching for it? How about the name of the artisan who made it?

japan woodblock
30 Jun 2025 @ 19:26:32
Reading a Sutra by Moonlight
“Reading a Sutra by Moonlight”, by Jifey Ruyi. The Met.

I am feeling a very strong urge to practice Zen Buddhism.

Zen begins with an understanding that human beings suffer, and it offers a solution to this suffering through recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings and learning to live in a way that aligns with this truth.”

japan themet
29 May 2025 @ 18:24:07
Snow at Miyajima, by “Tsuchiya Koitsu.”
“Snow at Miyajima”, by Tsuchiya Koitsu.

Because it is so very hot in here, and I also happen to adore Japanese woodblock prints, here it is “Snow at Miyajima”, by Tsuchiya Koitsu. Isn’t it lovely?!

japan woodblock
29 May 2025 @ 17:48:39

“Japanese universities and students are scrambling for information after the U.S. government paused its student visa application process just as preparations for overseas study from the new academic year get underway.”

This is so unneccessary, so uncaring, so absurd. It accomplishes nothing, and places an unneeded burden on international students which enrich our country, and contribute to our economy. To mention two, Sundar Pichai, Alphabet’s and Google’s CEO, was an international student. So was Sergei Brin, the co-founder of Google.

japan politics
26 May 2025 @ 12:25:10

Kaihōgyō, a Tendai Buddhist monk’s practice, is beyond gruelling, and it “would rank among the most demanding physical and mental challenges in the world”. I cannot begin to fathom this, considering that at the end of my—maximum—12,000 daily steps I feel tired enough not to think about the tomorrow. Imagine walking many kilometres daily, without a miss, for hundreds of days!

japan
25 May 2025 @ 18:26:04
Takahashi Method presentation
Takahashi Method exhibition.

I have never had to do a presentation—yes, I am that lucky. Yet, if I ever needed to do one, I would opt for the Takahashi Method.

“Unlike a typical presentation, no pictures and no charts are used. Only a few words are printed on each slide—often only one or two short words, using very large characters. To make up for this, a presenter will use many more slides than in a traditional presentation, each slide being shown for a much shorter duration.”

➝ Via 47nil.

japan via
23 May 2025 @ 20:35:20

“You are imperfect, I am imperfect, and that’s perfect.” — Unknown. Enter Kintsugi, and how it can help with stressful situations..

“Kintsugi is the Japanese art of putting broken pottery pieces back together with gold—built on the idea that in embracing flaws and imperfections, you can create an even stronger, more beautiful piece of art. Every break is unique and instead of repairing an item like new, the 400-year-old technique actually highlights the “scars” as a part of the design.”

japan philosophy
21 May 2025 @ 08:24:16
Anna Sawai as Mariko-San, in the Shogun series
Anna Sawai as Mariko-San, in the Shogun series.

I am, suddenly, feeling the desire to watch the “Shogun” series once more.

“Leave the problems of God to God and karma to karma. Today you’re here and nothing you can do will change that. Today you’re alive and here and honored, and blessed with good fortune. Look at this sunset, it’s beautiful, neh? This sunset exists. Tomorrow does not exist. There is only now. Please look. It is so beautiful and it will never happen ever again, never, not this sunset, never in all infinity. Lose yourself in it, make yourself one with nature and do not worry about karma, yours, mine, or that of the village.”

japan series
01 May 2025 @ 13:57:20

IKIGAI - The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life”, reads the cover of this book. Can it be called a secret, when it’s written in a book? I figure it’s a secret, if you don’t buy the book. Lucky for me, Martin gifted me this one.

Here I go, to live a “long and happy life!” Well, at least to read about it. One must start somewhere, right?

japan martin philosophy
🍚 27 Sep 2024 @ 13:09:39

“It’s always like this, says Yumiko Ukon, who has run this modest rice ball shop and restaurant in the Otsuka neighbourhood of Tokyo for almost half a century. “But we never run out of rice,” she adds, seated in her office near a wall clock in the shape of a rice ball with a bite taken out.”

Onigiri is awesome. Rice is everything. Rice is life.

food japan
06 Aug 2024 @ 10:30:18

I remember, with sadness and constricted heart, the atomic bombing of the cities of Hiroshima (today, 79 years ago), and Nagasaki.

humans japan
11 Jun 2024 @ 21:59:27
Shogun 2024 banner

Just finished watching “Shogun” (★★★★★), the 2024 series. I don’t have the right to spoil it for you, but I sincerely beg you to watch it, if you can. It truly is very well done; all of it.

japan series
23 May 2024 @ 07:39:50
Pagoda, and Mount Fuji
The Chureito Pagoda (忠霊塔, Chūreitō), with Mount Fuji in the background.

It is impossible to encapsulate Japan in just one picture. Or in thousands. So, instead, I am going the stereotypical route in just one click (which I took).

Nothing I could write can describe what I feel for that country, and it’s people. Japan is absolutely amazing in the whole sense of the word, and I can’t wait to return again!

japan
21 Sep 2023 @ 08:24:33

Just as I am in love with the Japanese woodblock prints, I also love the simplicity and beauty of Japanese (and Chinese, and Korean) Sumi-e (ink wash painting).

Japanese: Hasegawa Tōhaku (1539–1610), Pine Trees screen, Right panel of the Shōrin-zu byōbu
Japanese: Hasegawa Tōhaku (1539–1610), Pine Trees screen, Right panel of the Shōrin-zu byōbu.

This one above is a relatively big mural. If you look at a bigger, fuller, version (really big image!) you will see the strokes, made with a—probably huge—straw brush.

japan
17 Sep 2023 @ 12:00:08
“Zojoji Temple in Snow, Japanese woodblock print
“Zojoji Temple in Snow”, Utagawa Hiroshige, late Tenpo era. From The Manichi.

I am totally in love with Japanese woodblock prints. If it weren’t because my taste and Kim’s collide, I would have them framed around the house, and I would collect them.

japan woodblock
03 Jul 2023 @ 09:17:43

This is the first time I hear/read about “kokuhaku”, the Japanese way of confessing your love, and asking to go out in a serious way. I remember that in my teenager years that had to be done in person. Love declarations were a truly elaborated performance that often took guts to carry out. So many broken hearts (mine included)!

➝ Via Tofugo.

japan via
25 Jun 2023 @ 23:23:16

The New York Times “88 Temples, 750 Miles, Untold Gifts: Japan’s Shikoku Pilgrimage” is such a good read! It makes me want to do the pilgrimage myself.

➝ Via Hacker News.

japan via
30 Apr 2023 @ 11:59:16
Japanese Knives
A small collection of Karasu knives.

Such beautiful knives! I am in love. Maybe a year’s end gift? ;-)

japan