'Itasha'

Itasha (痛車, literally "painful car"), is a Japanese term for an otaku fad of individuals decorating the bodies of their cars with fictional characters of anime, manga, or video games (especially bishoujo game or eroge). These characters are predominately "cute" female. The decorations usually involve paint schemes and stickers. Automobiles are called itasha, while similar motorcycles and bicycles are called itansha (痛単車) and itachari (痛チャリ), respectively. The cars are seen prominently in places such as Akihabara (Tokyo), Nipponbashi (Osaka), or Oosu (Nagoya).

'Akihabara Anime'

Akihabara is sacred ground for Japan’s famous “otaku” (anime and video game fan) culture. The Tokyo Anime Center is located in Akihabara UDX, the core facility inside Akihabara Crossfield that serves a central role in the area.  Limited-time exhibitions will take place in the main space inside the centre, creating a PR booth that mainly features a large monitor showing popular movies and other offerings. Other monitors are placed at various locations to show the newest anime-related information from Japan. In addition, charity “mini concerts” are held in the recording studio inside the center, and anime charity auctions are held in the event space with unique items from anime-related companies. 

'Maid Cafes'

Maid cafes are cosplay themed restaurants where guests are served by waitresses that are typically dressed as French maids. In addition to serving food, the maids engage in conversation and games with the customers and treat them with the care and respectful language due to the master of a house. Maid cafes are popular with both men and women, especially men that are crazy with maids like Otaku.

'Akihabara'

Akihabara (秋葉原), also called Akiba after a former local shrine, is a district in central Tokyo that is famous for its many electronics shops. In more recent years, Akihabara has gained recognition as the centre of Japan's otaku (diehard fan) culture, and many shops and establishments devoted to anime and manga are now dispersed among the electronic stores in the district.

'The Way of The Empty Hand'

Karate is primarily a striking art, featuring punching, kicking, knee/elbow strikes and open hand techniques; however, grappling, joint manipulations, locks, restraints, throws, and vital point striking are inherent in the finer points of the art. Karate is characterized by the use of the hips and stances to generate striking power, by the distinctive use of breathing to focus power, and by the practice of prearranged forms. The prearranged forms are called kata. A person who practices karate is sometimes referred to as a karate-ka. In Japanese, karate-ka means "karate practitioner". Karate is also called karate-dō.

'The Way of Harmony of The Spirit'

Aikido, also known as 'The way of the Harmony of The Spirit', is a Japanese martial art. Aikido techniques allow one to overpower their opponent without much strength, and without injury to either party.

Aikido was created in Japan by Ueshiba Morihei in the first half of the 20th century. As in all the Japanese martial arts, mental training is essential in aikido. Students of aikido try to achieve harmony of their spirits.

'The Way of Softness'

The literal meaning of Judo is the Way of Softness. The kanji character for 'ju' is taken from a Chinese military saying that 'softness defeats hardness'. The emphasis in this sport is not on physical size or strength but on agility, balance and practise of waza, or techniques. The never-ending, repetitive practise of these waza or kata (forms) until they become as natural as breathing is central to all martial arts and takes up most of the time spent in the dojo.

'The Way of Bow'

Kyudo (the Way of the Bow) is Japanese archery, which has been practised since ancient times. Archery from horseback is still part of several festivals held each year. Archers wear a traditional costume which includes a yugake(deerskin glove) on the drawing hand and tabi (Japanese-style socks). They stand with a stance equal to half their height. The 2.21 meter bow is held with two thirds of the bow above the grip. As a martial art influenced by Zen Buddhism, the emphasis is on form rather than accuracy. In competition, there are long-range and short-range matches. In the former, the target is 100cm in diameter and 60m from the archer while in the latter, there is a 36cm target at a distance of 28m.

'The Way of Sword'

Also known as 'Kendo'. Sword fencing was probably introduced to Japan from 6th or 7th century China.The shinai is made of four bamboo shafts, bound with a silk or nylon cord and a leather thong. The length of the shinai depends on the age group of the fencer. The protective clothing has many parts, including a men or face mask, a do (chest) protector, quilted tare or flaps to protect the thighs and kote or fencing gloves. The strike zones are the head, throat, chest and forearms. The key elements are stance, footwork, cuts, thrusts, parries and feints. When training, fencers practise a series of offensive and defensive waza. Competition consists of a match of up to 5 minutes with the winner being the first to score 2 points. A clear hit to the opponent's head, torso or forearm or a thrust to their throat scores a point.

'Hanami'

The word hanami literally means "looking at flowers," but it is used to refer to one flower in particular, the sakura or cherry blossom. Every spring, people turn out in their millions across the country to celebrate the transient beauty of these flowers, one of the symbols of Japan itself. The appeal of the sakura goes beyond their evident beauty. It lies in the fact that the flowers are only in full bloom for a few days. The real "moment" of hanami is not so much looking at the flowers on the tree but watching with a tinge of sadness as they fall from the tree, flutter in the spring breeze on their short journey to the cold earth below. It's a beautiful but melancholy reminder that all life must come to an end. And to take the edge off what could become a depressing experience, the Japanese go all out to have a good time. They get roaring drunk, sing songs, tell stories, laugh and enjoy life to the fullest, if even just for a few hours. And if you want to get a good spot, you need to start early. In some cases, such as popular firework displays or on a warm weekend when the sakura are in full bloom, people will even start claiming their spots the night before. They'll put down their blue plastic sheets and maybe even camp out for the night.

'Chichibu Yomatsuri'

The Chichibu Night Festival (秩父夜祭, Chichibu Yomatsuri) is the festival of Chichibu Shrine in Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture, just 90 minutes from central Tokyo. It is held every year on December 2nd and 3rd, with the main action taking place on the 3rd. Its floats are ornately decorated with lanterns, tapestries and gilded wood carvings and are accompanied by drum and flute music. Festival's other attraction is its fireworks display, which lasts almost two and a half hours and gives you the rare opportunity to enjoy Japanese fireworks during winter. Additionally, the streets are lined with stands selling festival foods and amazake (sweet rice wine) to combat the cold December night.

'Jidai Matsuri'

The Jidai Matsuri (時代祭) is a festival that takes place every year on October 22, the anniversary of the foundation of Kyoto. Jidai Matsuri is Japanese for "Festival of Ages", and the participants of the parade are dressed in accurate costumes from almost every period of Japanese history, as well as famous historical figures. There are about 2000 participants and it takes two hours to watch the entire procession pass by. The Jidai Matsuri is held by Heian Shrine, and both the festival and the shrine were established in 1895 to celebrate Kyoto's history and culture.

'Nagasaki Kunchi'

The Nagasaki Kunchi is the festival of Suwa Shrine, held annually in Nagasaki on October 7-9. The Nagasaki Kunchi has been celebrated for more than 370 years and incorporates different aspects of Chinese and Dutch cultures, which have played a role in the city's history. The festival's name is believed to come from ku-nichi ("9th day"), the ninth day of the ninth month of the lunar calendar. The festival highlight are dance and show performances by groups representing Nagasaki's various city districts. Each district (odori-cho), participates only once every seven years, so this festival remains fresh to even the regular viewer. About five to seven groups perform each year, presenting traditional Japanese dances, Chinese influenced dragon dances or performances involving large floats, many of which are shaped like ships. While some performances are calm and peaceful, others get wild and hectic.

'Kanto Matsuri'

This festival praying for an abundant harvest of the five grains, namely wheat, rice, beans, foxtail millet and Chinese millet. A kanto is a bamboo pole eight meters high with a number of cross poles attached which have 46 paper lanterns shaped like rice bales hanging from them, and is decorated at the very top with thin shreds of paper between wooden sticks. They act to drive away evil spirits through prayers offered to Shinto and Buddhist deities. At the festival, energetic youths dressed in short jackets, hachimaki headbands, white tabi socks and zori straw sandals take turns in hoisting up the kanto one at a time to the sound of flutes and drums. Then they parade through the town while ensuring that the lights of the paper lanterns do not go out. Hands are not used to support the kanto. The men prop the poles upright on their hips, shoulders or foreheads and change their postures while shouting stoically as they try to outdo each other. The origins of this festival lie in the serene Tanabata ritual, from an annual festival held on the evening of July 7th to worship stars, which is called neburi-nagashi for wiping out diseases and malicious energy inviting illness.

'Tenjin Matsuri'

The Tenjin Festival (天神祭, Tenjin Matsuri) of Osaka is ranked as one of Japan's top three festivals, along with the Gion Matsuri of Kyoto and the Kanda Matsuri of Tokyo. The festival started in the 10th century and today takes place on July 24 and 25 every year. The main celebrations are held on the festival's second day, July 25, including a land procession and a river procession with fireworks. Tenjin Matsuri is the festival of the Tenmangu Shrine and honors its principle deity Sugawara Michizane, the deity of scholarship. The festival involves inviting the deity out of the shrine and parading him through the city, carrying out various exuberant festivities to entertain him, before taking him back to the shrine. For the people, the lively festivities manifest in a wonderful occasion to enjoy the hot summer day, filled with traditional costumes, spectacular processions and a celebratory atmosphere.

'Gion Matsuri'

The Gion Matsuri, familiarly known as "Gion- san," is a festival held at Yasaka-jinja Shrine, and the highlight is the splendid pageant of some 30 floats called yamaboko proceeding along the main streets of Kyoto on the 17th. Each float, two- storied and about 6 meters tall, is topped with a long pole shaped like a spear. Adorned with exquisite craftwork such as woven fabric, dyed textiles and sculptures, these floats are so gorgeous that they are sometimes even described as "mobile art museums."  During the parade, children wearing make-up and musicians playing the flute, drums and bells are seated on the second level of the floats. Some floats have dolls propped up on the second level. This festival is believed to have started 1,100 years ago when floats were made and paraded in the town to appease the deity of plague and illnesses. 

'Hakata Gion Yamakasa'

The Hakata Gion Yamakasa (博多祇園山笠) is one of the most interesting festivals in Japan. It is held every year during the first half of July and climaxes with a spectacular time trial race in the early morning hours of July 15. In the race, seven neighborhoods of Fukuoka's Hakata district compete in pushing beautifully decorated festival floats along a five kilometer long course through the city. For the race, smaller sized kakiyama floats, about five meters tall and one ton heavy. The floats do not have wheels and are dragged through the streets, while water is spread in front of the float in order to reduce friction between the float and the road surface (and cool down the participants). From July 10 to 14, the seven teams hold several practice runs and parades in preparation for the main race. On July 15 just after 1am, all teams line up behind the start line, which is located in front of Kushida Shrine, the festival's host shrine.

'Sanja Matsuri'

The Sanja Matsuri (Sanja Festival) is an annual festival in the Asakusa district that takes place over the third full weekend in May. It is held in celebration of the three founders of Sensoji Temple, who are enshrined as Shinto gods (kami) in Asakusa Shrine next door to the temple. The Sanja Matsuri features about one hundred mikoshi, portable shrines, in which Shinto gods (kami) are symbolically placed into and paraded about the streets to bring good fortune to the local businesses and residents. Smaller neighborhood mikoshi can be seen about the streets of Asakusa throughout the festival, while the focus of the festival, the three large mikoshi belonging to Asakusa Shrine, make their appearance on Sunday. For the entirety of the festival, Asakusa is packed with food stalls, festival games and revelers amid a lively atmosphere of Japanese drums and flutes.

'Kanda Matsuri'

The Kanda Matsuri is one of Tokyo's three most famous festivals, along with the Sanja Matsuri and the Sanno Matsuri. It takes place in mid May in odd numbered years, alternating with the Sanno Matsuri which is held in even numbered years. The Kanda Festival consists of numerous events held over an entire week, but the main action happens over the weekend closest to May 15. The highlights are a daylong procession through central Tokyo on Saturday, and parades of portable shrines (mikoshi) by the various neighborhoods on Sunday. The Kanda Matsuri is the festival of the Kanda Myojin Shrine which enshrines three deities: Daikokuten - the god of good harvest and matrimony, Ebisu - the god of fishermen and businessmen, and Taira Masakado - a feudal lord of the 10th century who was revered and deified. Over the years, the Kanda Festival came to be a celebration for the wealth and good fortune of the people.

'Aoi Matsuri'

Predating Kyoto's establishment as the national capital in 794, the Aoi Matsuri began in the 7th century, although its precise origins are uncertain. There were most likely natural disasters occurring that were believed to be caused by the deities of the Kamo Shrines. After the Emperor made offerings to the gods, the disasters subsided and a tradition was begun. The festival's official name remains Kamo Matsuri, because of its association with the shrines. The festival grew in prominence so that during the Heian Preiod the word festival became synonymous with the Aoi Matsuri. Nowadays, the massive procession illustrates the high regard in which the festival would have been held. There are men on horseback, giant bouquets of flowers, ornately decorated ox drawn carts, and a large retinue of women in kimono accompanying the year's Saio.

'Takayama Matsuri'

The Takayama Festival (高山祭, Takayama Matsuri) is ranked as one of Japan's three most beautiful festivals. It is held twice a year in spring and autumn in the old town of Takayama and attracts large numbers of spectators. The Spring Festival (April 14-15) is the annual festival of the Hie Shrine in the southern half of Takayama's old town. Since the shrine is also known as Sanno-sama, the spring festival is also called Sanno Festival. The Autumn Festival (October 9-10) is the annual festival of the Hachiman Shrine in the northern half of the old town, is also known as Hachiman Festival. Each festival features its own set of about a dozen festival floats (yatai). During the year, the tall and heavily decorated floats are stored in storehouses, which are scattered across Takayama's old town (except the floats exhibited in the Yatai Kaikan).

'Omizutori'

Omizutori is the commonly used name for Shunie, a series of events held annually from March 1 to 14 at Todaiji Tmeple. This collection of Buddhist repentance rituals has been held every year for over 1250 years, making it one of the oldest reoccurring Buddhist events in Japan. Omizutori is performed at Nigatsudo Hall, a sub complex of Todaiji, which stands not far from the temple's main hall on the slope of a hill. Nigatsudo literally means "second month hall", referring to the second month of the lunar Calendar, when Omizutori has traditionally been held. The second month of the lunar calendar roughly corresponds to March of the solar calendar.

'Kamakura Festival'

Kamakura Festival- February 15th-16th. The citizens eschew the modern conveniences of warm homes in the middle of February and pile into small snow huts known as Kamakura(igloos) with an altar to the Shinto water gods. They've been doing this for over 400 years. Inside Kamakura is a charcoal brazier in the middle to keep the place warm. The temporary inhabitants of these Kamakura sit on cushions while cooking sweet mochi which is a type of a chewy rice cake and heating up a type of non-alcoholic sweet-tasting type os sake known as 'Amazake'.

'Yuki Matsuri'

Also known as 'Sapporo Snow Festival' hosts for 7 days in early February(5th-11th). Odori Park in Sapporo is the venue for an incredible array of huge elaborate snow and ice sculptures. Its the coldest month of the year in Japan. Its began in 1950 when the local high school students built a handful of snow statues in Odori Park. Now, people travel from all around the world to compete in the competition and view the spectacular sculptures. Snow sculptures take up a moth to build. Traditional Japanese themes are buildings, anime characters, world landmarks and many more sculptures can be seen.

'Awa Odori'

This festival folk dances performed to welcome the souls of ancestors in the Bon season, from July to August. It is well known throughtout Japan for these words, which are voiced to set the rhythm, regardless of their meaning: 'Its a fool who dances and a fool who watches! If both are fools, you might as well have fun dancing!' The dance dates back to 1587 when the feudal lord Hachisuka Iemasa (1558-1638), in celebration of newly-built Tokushima Caste, offered sake to the people of the castle town; the citizens became so drunk they started to dance in an unsteady gait. Awa is the former name of Tokushima. The Awa-Odori is characterized by irregular steps and by the jovial and energetic up-tempo rhythm. Separated into groups of men and women, the dancers parade through the city while dancing to music played on drums, gongs used when praying to Buddha and at festivals, three-stringed Japanese musical instruments, and flutes. The basic rule of this dance is to move your right arm forward with your right leg and your left arm forward with your left leg in turns to the two-beat rhythm.

'Nebuta Matsuri'

Recognizes as one of Japan Big Fire Festivals, the Aomori Nebuta Festival is renowned internationally and is designed as a significant intangible folk culture asset of Japan. During the festival, more than twenty large Nebutas - large lantern floats decorated with human figures - are wheeled along the parade route in the city of Aomori. Ahead of each float, Nebuta dancers, as haneto dance wildy to the hayashi music of the Nubuta Festival, making the summer night festival lively and exciting. It certainly is a genuine fire festival of Japan.

'Sanja Matsuri'

'Sanja Matsuri' is one of the most famous festivals in Japan and implemented on a national scale. The purpose of the celebration is Sanja Matsuri is to bring good luck, blessings and prosperity for the citizens of Japan, and especially for those who celebrate it. It has been celebrate since about 200 years ago. It is celebrated for around three days in mid-May. This festival takes place precisely at the third week in May.

'Matsuri

In Japan has at least one 'Matsuri' (festival) a year. Matsuri fall into two broad categories - smaller matsuri in rural areas, held in spring and autumn and based around the rice-growing cycle; and extravagant matsuri held in cities, often in summer with lot of interpersonal activity. Matsuri have their origins in ancient 'Shinto' rituals and beliefs. Important elements include purification, offerings to the gods (such as rice, sake or fruit) and contests or games held on the day. Most community Matsuri have 'Omikoshi', or portable shrines which are carried from house to house or shop to shop to bestow good fortune on all.

'Onsen'

A visit to an onsen (hot spring) can provide one of Japan's most relaxing experiences. There's certainly nothing like dashing through the winter cold, sinking into steaming rotenburo (outdoor bath) and sipping on sake as snow falls on the mountain landscape all around you. Most women come to onsen. Not only it gives relaxing, but also help to stiff our body and have good skin for women.

'Shinto'

hinto(the way of the gods) is the native Japanese religion. It originated in prehistoric times and has long played an important role in Japanese society. The major jinja(shrines) around the country have often been power bases, closely tied with Imperial and shogunal powers. Most Japanese quite easily incorporate Shinto into their way of life alongside Buddhism. Its easily distinguished from Buddhist o-tera (temples) by the distinctive torii gates that mark the entrance (photo). Sacred objects, such as rocks or trees, can be recognized by the shimenawa ropes and white paper strips attached to them. Many of the matsuri(festivals) originated from Shinto rites, including prayers of thanksgiving, offerings of food and valuables, and purification rituals.

'Sumo'

Sumo is one of the most popular professional sports in Japan and the image of two of these huge wrestlers grappling is one of the most famous images of Japan abroad. The colorful traditional costumes worn by the rikishi (wrestlers) and gyoji (referees), the distinctive oichomage (gingko leaf knot) hairstyle and the various rituals give the sport the exotic air that appeals to many foreigners.

'Origami Tsuru'

Serrated strips of white paper were used to mark sacred objects, a custom which can still be seen in every shrine to this day. In Japan, the most complicated design is the tsuru (crane), which has developed into a worldwide symbol of children's desire for peace. Till now Japanese people still folds 1000 cranes to often visit people at hospital or to have wish come true.

'Origami'

Origami is regarded mainly as an activity for children, who are taught just a few standard designs. Origami has a long history and was originally not for children at all. Like many things in Japanese culture, origami (from "oru" meaning to fold, and "kami" meaning paper) has its origins in China. Paper was still a rare enough comodity that origami was a pastime for the elite. Paper was folded into set shapes for ceremonial occasions such as weddings.

'Omozukai'

The omozukai, or main puppeteer, manipulates the head and features and the right arm while the two lower ranked puppeteers operate the left arm and the legs (with a 10-year long apprenticeship on each before becoming an omozukai). The omozukai is visible to the audience - he is the star of the show, after all - and often colorfully dressed while the other operators are 'invisible' - actually they're just cloaked in black robes and hoods. Puppets of female characters usually don't have legs as they are clad in full-length kimono.

'Bunraku'

Bunraku, or Japanese puppet theater, is probably the most developed form of puppetry in the world. It is closer in style to Punch and Judy than Pinnochio as there are no strings and in its early days the puppeteers were hidden behind a curtain. The puppets are large - usually about one-half life size - and the main characters are 'Musume' as the maiden puppet, and the 'Bunshichi' as warrior puppet, operated by three puppetters. Many bunraku plays are historical and deal with the common Japanese theme of giri and ninjo - the conflict between social obligations and human emotions. The greatest works by Japan's most famous play was 'Chikamatsu Monzaemon' (1653~1724).

'Kabuki'

Kabuki is performed entirely by men. Strangely enough however, this art form was created by Okuni, a female shrine attendant, in the 17th century. Traditional kabuki is highly melodramatic but strictly historical. Kabuki are still widely popular among all ages, kabuki is no longer of much interest to younger Japanese people. Audiences tend to be made up of older people and refined young ladies. 

'Japanese Musical Instrument'

To play, must have 2 membranes which are nailed or laced and stuck with sticks. This 'Odaiko'(big drum), need physical energy and sheer excitement of an Odaiko performance is an intergal part of many Japanese 'Matsuri' (festivals). Each year, Kodo host Earth Celebration, a festival of taiko drumming, international music and performance art in their home base on Sado island. Many people come to Japan to enjoy this festival and is certainly a highlight of the Japanese cultural calendar.

'Curry House Coco Ichibanya'

Coco Ichibanya (or Cocoichi as the locals call it), is that they let you custom your own curry. Select your rice and add the ingredients and toppings that you would like in it. And also, you choose the spice level of how hot you want. For people who can't bear the hot spice, I prefer choose level 1-3. Not most people are able to choose above level 5.

'Matsumoto Castle'

Matsumoto Castle, also known as the 'Crow Castle', was the most beautiful castle in Japan. It's black and white facade are of an unspeakable elegance. The town of Matsumoto doesn't stand out in any other way, but even so, the castle in itself it's well worth the trip. Visiting Matsumoto Castle is an interesting experience to say the least. Expect to have to take off your shoes at the entrance, steep and slippery stairs, low ceilings and dark interiors. Matsumoto Castle is one of the four castles designated as 'National Treasures of Japan' and the oldest castle donjon remaining in Japan.

'Takayama'

Nowadays 'Takayama' is famous for its well preserved old town dating back to the Edo period. One doesn't visit Takayama seeking religious enlightenment, but rather a certain enlightenment related with design and architecture. The old wooden houses hosting souvenir shops, restaurants and sake breweries are charming, and walking along the little pedestrian streets is like stepping back in time. There is a wealth of detail related to the daily life and Japanese traditions to be discovered here. It's like the time stood still. Some of the houses are even open to the public, exhibiting local crafts and arts, providing a window into understanding the lives of the local merchants.

'Magome'

'Magome-juku' was the 43rd of the 69th stations of the ancient road that connected Kyoto and Edo(today's Tokyo) during Edo period. Nowdays, it consists of beautiful restored row of wooden houses along former post road. Most houses were built in the mid-18th century and thats what make this place interesting. the trip to Magome both are relaxing and educative. It has the joys of daily life, lined along a pedestrian only cobblestone street, which make it quite unusual and unique. Also, a 3 hour hike away, there is the post town of 'Tsumago'. However, the hike in the street quite trouble to walk.

'Kamakura'

'Kamakura' is a quite little residential town that can make for a very pleasant and relaxing day trip. Its most famous sight is the Great Buddha (Daibutsu) at Kotoku-in, the second largest bronze Buddha in Japan. There are also many Zen temples and Shinto shrine to be discovered here and a day not be enough to explore them all. Compared to big cities like Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo or Nagoya, Kamakura is an oasis of peace and quiet thet most people will come to apprieciate the shrines and temples for having bless in peace, quite place, and still full of nature around them in Kamakura.

'Nara'

At 'Nara', the attractions are pleasant and entertaining. Everything is inside the 'Nara Park' and intriguing Japanese elements can be found every step of the way, and over 1,200 the 'Sika' deer  roam freely all over place and visitors can buy them crackers and feed them. Can be consider quite lucky if 'Sika' deer near the visitors without having their food as a bait to lure them. This place is a MUST VISIT for animal lover like me.

'Nikko'

'Nikko', is the most lavish decorated temples and shrines in Japan. Far from the tempered traditional Japanese Architectural style, the buildings here are gilded and adorned in excess. Its have beauty and unique sight. The paths connecting the temples are framed by a forest of giant cedar trees, no less impressive than the man-made structures. The whole complex can be seen in 3 hours.

'Kyoto'

In Kyoto, it has more temples and shrines than any other place in Japan. Seeinf them all would be a tremendous task, as one would need to spend months to end just by doing nothing but sightseeing. For people who prefer more peace and quiet in the middle of nature, there's the famous 'Arashiyama Bamboo' forest.

'The Way of Tea'

The Way Of Tea, known as 'Chado', is simple act of boiling water, making tea, offering it to others, and drinking of it ourselves. Served with a respectful heart and received with gratitude, a bowl of tea satisfies both physical and spiritual thirst. The frenzied world and our myriad dilemmas leave our bodies and minds exhausted. It is then that we seek out a place where we can have a moment of peace and tranquillity. The four principles of harmony, respect, purity and tranquility. Incorporating them into daily life helps one to find that unassailable place of tranquility that is within each of us.

'Tools to have Tea Ceremony'

A celebrant of the tea ceremony holds 'achasen' (bamboo brush) used to stir and mix the tea. Other utensils used during the ceremony include: the 'cha-ire', a ceramic container used for the powdered tea; the 'kama' (kettle) used for boiling water over a charcoal fire; 'hashi' (chopsticks) made of cedar wood used for eating the simple food; 'the cha-wan' (tea bowls) and many others.

'Japanese Tea Ceremony'

The Japanese Tea Ceremony, is nothing like our afternoon tea. Japanese tea ceremony, also known as 'Chanoyu'. Tea, called as 'O-cha'(green tea), give benefits to people. Its healthy for our body. and study of the tea ceremony is still considered part of the 'proper' education of any aspiring young 'lady'. All these factors ensure that this ancient art form thrives even in modern-day Japan.

'Kimono Fashion'

As we know, for unmarried or young teenage wear kimono with long sleeves. It known as 'furisode'. Until now, Japanese people still often used it in different ways. It is says that this is how they respect their ancestor by using their kimonos for generation to generations. Nevertheless, kimono is also recognise as symbol of Japanese fashion. Their design mostly different types of flowers or cranes.