Hiroshima, a prefecture waiting to be discovered
Friday November 20th, 2020
Japan Italy Bridge promotes Japan and creates a real bridge between Japan and Italy and today we focus on Hiroshima.
Okinawa and The case of the over centenarians
Thursday November 19th, 2020
(Italiano) Continua la rubrica di Japan Italy Bridge per promuovere gli approfondimenti legati al mondo del Giappone, oggi parliamo di Okinawa e il caso della popolazione ultra centenaria.
Jidai Matsuri
Friday October 16th, 2020
From October 14th to 15th of every year in Himeji is held the Nada no Kenka Matsuri (灘のけんか祭り) one of the biggest autumn festivals in Japan.
Nada no Kenka Matsuri
Friday October 9th, 2020
From October 14th to 15th of every year in Himeji is held the Nada no Kenka Matsuri (灘のけんか祭り) one of the biggest autumn festivals in Japan.
Nagano Firefly Festival
Thursday September 10th, 2020
With the advent of COVID-19, many events have been cancelled all over the world, but the firefly festival in Japan doesn't stop and this year the luminous insects dance by themselves.
Introduction to Japanese poetry
Tuesday August 25th, 2020
Italy, France, England, America and many other countries in the world offer a vast poetic production, but what is Japanese poetry like?
Shinrin-yoku, forest bathing
Tuesday August 11th, 2020
The Shinrin-yoku so loved by the Japanese is what we call "forest bathing" and can be healing and regenerating.
Focus on: Nambu ironware
Thursday July 23rd, 2020
If we think of typical Japanese furniture, we immediately think of an iron teapot, also known as Nambu ironware.
Photo Gallery: Kyoto without tourists
Wednesday July 15th, 2020
One of Japan's most characteristic cities is Nara together with its deers and every year it is here that the Shikadamari takes place. But what exactly is this strange and unique phenomenon? What drives hundreds of deers to gather for an hour at this…
Shikadamari, the deer gathering in Nara
Tuesday July 7th, 2020
One of Japan's most characteristic cities is Nara together with its deers and every year it is here that the Shikadamari takes place. But what exactly is this strange and unique phenomenon? What drives hundreds of deers to gather for an hour at this…
Wood and Japanese architecture
Tuesday June 30th, 2020
"Have a break, have a Kit Kat" was the famous slogan of the world's most famous snack commercial. However, staying on simple chocolate after a few years is almost "boring". That's why the Japanese have invented several new flavors and associations…
Everything there is to know about Maneki Neko
Tuesday June 23rd, 2020
Surely you have seen Maneki Neko, whether or not you are a fan of Japanese tradition. Shall we give this wonderful and lucky Japanese kitten special attention? Let's take a closer look at them.
Three ways to say “I Love you”
Tuesday June 16th, 2020
"Ti Amo, I love you" How do you say that in Japanese? There are so many kinds of love, why should we express love only one way? The Japanese know a lot, they know that every kind of love needs a way to be expressed, a completely personal way.
Japanese Patterns
Thursday June 11th, 2020
"Have a break, have a Kit Kat" was the famous slogan of the world's most famous snack commercial. However, staying on simple chocolate after a few years is almost "boring". That's why the Japanese have invented several new flavors and associations…
Things to do in quarantine: Building a miniature Akihabara
Tuesday May 19th, 2020
Although things are starting to get better here in Italy, we continue our section on things to do in quarantine, and today we share with you how to build a mini Akihabara.
Cose da fare in quarantena: Learn Japanese cuisine
Thursday May 14th, 2020
In the absence of things to do during the lockdown, today we share a new idea with you: create an edible zen garden in your kitchen!
Things to do in Quarantine: the best podcasts about Japan
Thursday April 30th, 2020
In the absence of things to do during the lockdown, today we share a new idea with you: create an edible zen garden in your kitchen!
Things to do in Quarantine: create an edible Zen garden
Tuesday April 28th, 2020
In the absence of things to do during the lockdown, today we share a new idea with you: create an edible zen garden in your kitchen!
Things to do during Quarantine: Watching the Kabuki Theater
Friday April 17th, 2020
The coronavirus pandemic and lockdown continue all over the world, but today we share with you the classics of Kabuki theater available online to spend time in quarantine.
Atsuta Matsuri, lanterns and fireworks
Friday February 28th, 2020
(日本語) There are many Japanese matsuri but today we decide to focus on Atsuta Matsuri, in the prefecture of Aichi. In the Chubu region, more precisely in Nagoya in the Aichi prefecture, if we enter the city, hidden among centuries-old cypresses, we…
Tokyo 2020, everything you need to know about the Olympics
Thursday January 16th, 2020
The new year has finally arrived and there are only a few months to go before the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
2020, the year of the Rat
Tuesday January 14th, 2020
We are in 2020 and the time of the year of the rat has officially struck. Have you ever wondered why in Japan, at the stroke of each new year, the name of an animal is announced? For example "the year of the ram" or "the year of the ox" and so on?
Akira Isogawa: Japanese Australian legend
Thursday January 9th, 2020
Japan is famous and attractive not only to Italy’s eyes but also worldwide and Akira Isogawa’s work is an example. With the opening of Japan to the world, Japanese people have travelled and moved to different countries. Akira Isogawa is now…
2019 Kanji of the year: 令
Thursday January 2nd, 2020
2020 is finally here and like every year, Japan has elected the “Kanji of the year” and for 2019 the choice was very logical.
G-Satellite is ready to accompany us during the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo
Monday December 23rd, 2019
2020 is around the corner and so are the Tokyo Olympics and the G-Satellite has just been completed! But what are we talking about?
An unusual Pokèmon appeared at Yoshinoya in Japan
Friday December 20th, 2019
A whole generation has been affected by these pocket monsters called Pokémon and now you can find them at Yoshinoya in Japan! But how is that possible?
Bushido: ethics and conduct, the way of the Samurai
Monday November 4th, 2019
Between the period of the Kamakura shogunate (1185) and the Muromachi period (1336) the code of moral conduct known as Bushido took shape (武士道, the path of the warrior)
Kitsunebi Matsuri, when folklore comes to life
Monday September 23rd, 2019
In ancient Japanese folklore, the Kitsunebi (狐火, foxfire) was a yōkai that, overnight, suddenly appeared as a glowing red-orange and sometimes blue light.
Japan History: Shimazu Takahisa
Friday September 20th, 2019
Shimazu Takahisa was born May 28, 1514, son of Shimazu Sagami no kami Tadayoshi, adopted by Shimazu Katsuhisa. He became the lord of Kagoshima after Katsuhisa's escape in 1526.
The Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri and the rampant euphoria
Wednesday September 4th, 2019
Every year, generally during a weekend in mid-September, the streets of Kishiwada, a small town near Osaka, are invaded by the fervor and euphoria for the Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri (岸和田だんじ祭).
Japan History: Kusunoki Masashige
Friday August 23rd, 2019
Kusunoki Masashige, (1294 - 4 July 1336) was born in Minato-gawa, province of Settsu, and was a 14th century samurai who fought for the Emperor Go-Daigo in the Genkō war.
Hiroshima and Nagasaki, not to forget
Tuesday August 6th, 2019
Behind the sad story that unites these two cities, there is the great strength of a Nation that has always known how to rise back up. Hiroshima and Nagasaki are historical testimonies that we wanted to remind you of and that too often are considered…
Japan History: Takeda Shingen
Friday July 26th, 2019
Takeda Shingen (Takeda Harunobu December 1, 1521 - May 13, 1573), firstborn of warlord Takeda Nobutora, was born in the powerful Takeda clan.
Yuki-Onna: the mysterious incarnation of the Japanese winter
Friday July 12th, 2019
In the endless world of yokai (supernatural creatures of the Japanese tradition), the figure of Yuki-Onna (雪女) stands out. Legendary snow woman, with her icy and lethal charm, embodies the terrible beauty of winter in the mountains of Japan.
Tanabata, the legend and modern times
Friday July 5th, 2019
Tanabata: on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month we celebrate one of the five gosekku (五節), the most important festivals of the year.
Japan History: Sakamoto Ryōma
Wednesday June 19th, 2019
Sakamoto Ryōma (January 3, 1836 - December 10, 1867) is still recognized as one of the most important figures of the Tokugawa Shogunate and one of the greatest heroes of the Edo period.
Japan Folklore: Oni
Saturday June 15th, 2019
From a benevolent creature to an evil one. This is the slow transformation of the Oni (鬼), the Japanese mythological creatures that we Westerners call "demons", "trolls" or "orcs".
Japan Modern Culture: Studio Ghibli
Thursday May 2nd, 2019
If you are among those who love Studio Ghibli productions, then you are in the right place! Today we talk briefly about this fantastic world and a particular exhibition!
Japan Modern Culture: 令和 ReiWa, the new Era
Wednesday April 3rd, 2019
Exactly one month ahead of Prince Naruhito's accession to the throne, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga announced the beginning of the new Era for Japan. Reiwa, formed by the kanji 令 (rei) "auspicious", "ordered" and 和 wa "harmony", "peace",…
Japan Folklore: Nippombashi Street Festa
Thursday March 7th, 2019
Every year since 2005, between early days and mid-March, the streets of Den Den Town located between Ebisucho Station and Nihonbashi are closed to car traffic for the biggest cosplay event in all of Japan: the Nippombashi Street Festa…
Japan Folklore: Versailles no bara, the best-selling manga
Thursday February 14th, 2019
In 1972, Riyoko Ikeda created what became the manga and, later, the most famous anime of all time: "Versailles no Bara" The Roses of Versailles, known in Italy as Lady Oscar. The talented mangaka, whose meticulous and elegant style has come to stand…
Japan Folklore: Setsubun, how to drive away the demons of winter to welcome spring
Thursday February 7th, 2019
Traditional Japanese culture has always been characterized by a constant and loving observation of the natural world, its manifestations and its seasonal cycles. Therefore, the attention given to spring, the special moment when nature awakens in all…
Japan Traditions: Wakakusa Yamayaki Matsuri
Thursday January 24th, 2019
One of Japan's most famous matsuri is the Wakakusa Yamayaki Matsuri held in the city of Nara on the fourth Saturday of January. The Yamayaki festival (burning mountain) comes from superstitions to calm the spirits of the dead at the Uguisuzuka Kofun…
Japan Travel: The imperial Palace & Gardens
Thursday January 3rd, 2019
I’ve been to Tokyo a few times now and one of my favourite spot in the whole city are the Imperial East Gardens in the Chiyoda area. whenever I’m in the city, I always find a moment (sometimes even more than one) to visit this amazing place, a green…
Japan History: Tokugawa Ieyasu
Thursday December 20th, 2018
Tokugawa Ieyasu (徳川家康, Jan. 30, 1543 - June 1, 1616) was the founder and first shōgun of the Tokugawa shogunate, who effectively commanded the Battle of Sekigahara in Japan in the 1600s until the reconstruction of Meiji in 1868.
Japan Modern Culture: The New Tsukiji Fish Market opens and is called Toyosu Market
Thursday December 13th, 2018
All the fans of Japan have heard of the Tsukiji Fish Market at least once. Tsukiji's wholesale fish market (in Japanese 築地市場, Tsukiji shijō) was the largest fish market in the world. It was in Tokyo, in the Tsukiji district, and it moved to the…
Japan Folklore: Kanamara Matsuri
Wednesday March 21st, 2018
The Kanamara Matsuri (かなまら祭り) is often welcomed by foreigners as yet another quirk from Japan, but in fact, the origins of this festival are very old and they are related to Shinto religion. It all began in the Edo period, in 1603, when the town of…
Japan Folklore: Miko
Wednesday March 14th, 2018
We have seen them in many different anime: Rei Hino, the brave Sailor Mars from Bishōjo senshi Sērā Mūn, the mysterious Kikyō from Inuyasha, or the cheerful Hiiragi twins from Lucky Star. All these characters shared the same occupation: they were…
Japan Folklore: Hōnen Matsuri
Wednesday March 7th, 2018
The Honen Matsuri is celebrated every year on March 15 throughout Japan. The most famous one takes place at the Tagata Jinja, in the small town of Komaki, outside Nagoya, with photos and videos available on the Internet. But in other parts of Japan,…
Japan Folklore: Tennin
Thursday February 15th, 2018
The roots of Buddhism in Japan are very deep and follow the history of the country itself, thus evolving together with it. In fact, Japanese Buddhism largely consists of the continuation or evolution of ancient schools of Chinese Buddhism. Some of…
Japan Modern Culture: Kimi no Na wa – Your Name
Thursday December 28th, 2017
Your name (original title: 君の名は。- Kimi no Na wa.) is the popular Japanese animated film directed by Makoto Shinkai and produced by CoMix Wave Films. Between 2016, year of the release, and 2017 it has become a big box-office hit not only in Japan but…
Japan Folklore: Christmas Traditions
Wednesday December 20th, 2017
In Japanese “Merry Christmas” is translated as “Meri Kurisumasu”, written both in Hiragana (めりーくりすます) and in Katakana (メリークリスマス). Santa Claus, the chubby man dressed in red, is known as Santa-san (サンタさん、サンタクロース), name imported directly from the…
Japan Folklore: Botan Dōrō
Thursday December 7th, 2017
There are many stories where unlucky lovers are separated by destiny that sometimes leads them to death together (Romeo and Juliet and Tristan and Isolde are the most famous). But none is like the story Botan Dōrō or The Peony lantern……
Japanese Culture: Ramen
Wednesday November 8th, 2017
Until a few years ago, for ethnic cuisine enthusiasts, going to a Japanese restaurant strictly referred to taste Sushi: a dish made of raw fish and rice. This dish, with its colorful and evocative shapes, winks at the most fashionable diners (but…
Japanese Folklore: The Ring
Wednesday September 13th, 2017
The Ring is the fortunate American horror movie with Naomi Watson in the role of the protagonist that in 2002 haunted cinemas all around the world. Earning more than $250 million dollars at the box-office it revived a suffering genre giving the…
Japanese Culture: Lolita fashion
Friday September 1st, 2017
Probably, those who have a romantic vein suspended in an undefined past, would like to be like a beautiful porcelain doll. Maybe they would like to have lovely dresses that would rival those of Marie Antoinette ad go to a dreamy Tea Party. All this…
Japan History: Uesugi Kenshin
Tuesday August 22nd, 2017
Uesugi Kenshin,( 上杉 謙信) "The Dragon of Echigo" , powerful war lord and brilliant strategist, wise administrator and man of honor. Many are the names he used in his intense life, many the battles and the enemies he fought. Among them Takeda Shingen…
Japanese Tradition: Oiran
Tuesday August 15th, 2017
In ancient Japan ‘women of pleasure’ were called Yūjo (遊女). This word identified their job and also marked the difference between common prostitutes and courtesans, also called Oiran (花魁). The figure of the Oiran is the one we will analyze in this…
Japanese Culture: Geisha & Maiko
Wednesday July 26th, 2017
The most representative and mysterious artistic figure of the 'Country of the rising sun' is the Geisha (芸者 "Person who embodies art"). She is often confused with the Maiko (舞妓 "Dancing girl") that is the apprentice and aspiring geisha. To become a…
Japanese Folklore: Kappa
Tuesday July 18th, 2017
A Kappa is a funny chimera, its true appearance is still unknown, a bit human a bit monkey-like. But most of the times it is depicted with the face of a tortoise with a yellow beak. From tortoises it borrowed the shell and the scaly skin with its…
Japanese Culture: Vampire Knight
Tuesday April 4th, 2017
Which are the most fascinating and feared creature of the darkness of all times? The answer is simple and obvious: the Vampires. In the common imaginary vampires have their origins in the inland Europe, but ...
Japanese Culture: Shingeki no Kyojin
Monday March 27th, 2017
This time we will talk about Shingeki no Kyoujin (進撃の巨人), translated in English as Attack on Titans, the revelation of this past few years. It's an action horror shōnen manga series already recognised as a cult among anime and manga fans.……
Japan History: Oda Nobunaga
Friday March 24th, 2017
Oda Nobunaga is the son of Oda Nobuhide one of the daymio from the Owari province. When his father died in 1551, he started to go completely crazy taking the distance from the Oda clan allies, preferring his brother Nobuyuki. Even if he was…
Japanese Folklore: Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon
Friday March 10th, 2017
If I tell you that her hairstyle is famous all around the world for its blonde pigtails tied up into cute Odango (lit. Meatballs) can you guess who I'm talking about? No? Her outfit is a mix between a school uniform and a sailor's one and it doesn't…
Japan Folklore: Kitsune
Monday March 6th, 2017
Clever, sly, with a beautiful fur the color of the Autumn leaves, a thick tail and a lovely face that makes them look like they are smiling. Foxes are in many cultures associated with slyness, but in Japan they have something more. In fact they have…
Japan Culture: Harajuku Girls
Monday February 13th, 2017
Harajuku girls - We've heart about the Harajuku girls (原宿ガール Harajuku gāru) at least once, if not for Gwen Stefani's melodies. The singer in 2004 managed to climb the international charts with this hit making this clothing style famous all over the…