No33 [Gunma] Ancestral tradition under threat
The combination of an ageing population and a rural exodus is threatening the existence of matsuri in the provinces. As summer approaches Iwai Toshio gets […]
Month: July 2015
No33 [Kumano] Celebrating paintbrushes
The spirit of the paintbrush is celebrated annually just twenty kilometres from Hiroshima. In the soft morning drizzle a dozen men and women line up […]
No33 [Tokyo] Even the yakuza are here…
The matsuri is a communal event which unites all Japanese, whatever their origin. In his office in the heart of the old Asakusa district Watanabe […]
No33 [Focus] Festivals!
Whatever the season or the region there is always a traditional festival to go to. Here is a short guided tour. You can’t imagine visiting […]
No33 [Language] Omoshiroi yo NIHONGO!
Welcome once again, to the fascinating world of the Japanese language. In everyday life Japanese love to abbreviate words and phrases. However this can be […]
No33 [Restaurant] Ramen, a very tasty bite at Muga
Ramen, ramen, ramen, ramen, ramen. Five choices of soup make for a tasty trip to Muga. The latest arrival on the growing London nooble bar […]
No33 [Travel] Ishinomaki Faith in a rebirth
Badly damaged by the tsunami in March 2011, the city has high hopes with its manga museum. I f one has heard the name Ishinomaki, […]
No33 [Culture] Japan according to Barakan
He has lived in Japan for over 40 years, and every week this Briton puts forward his views on his adopted country. On a beautiful […]
No33 [Music] The Bawdies are coming
The Tokyo-based band is about to make its first attempt to win over European audiences. Japan has a pretty good rock and R&B revivalist scene, […]
No33 [Cooking] Chicken and Bamboo Shoots with Soy Sauce and Ginger
Chicken and Bamboo Shoots with Soy Sauce and Ginger Lovely hot or cold, it’s a one-pot dish very simple to make. The combination of […]