Wanna be an evangelist of Japanese culture: 2012

Thursday, March 22, 2012

on(Kanji)

Today, I want to introduce a kanji to you.

The word is "音".

This word has on-yomi and kun-yomi.
(If you don't know on-yomi and kun-yomi, please read a past entry of this blog!)

on-yomi : 音 / on
kun-yomi : 音 / oto : =sound

This kanji's on-yomi is often put before other words.
For example, "音楽"(on-gaku=music) is one of them.

*If you have an Android, you can practice Hiragana and Katakana using our apps.
HIRAGANA Training free
KATAKANA Training free

Monday, March 19, 2012

SAMURAI app released

We released Android app which gives you short descriptions of SAMURAI.
It's "20 SAMURAI".

This app's contents are collection of entries about SAMURAI in this blog.
You can read those entries anytime, anywhere in this app.

Please download this app!!

<20 SAMURAI>
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.A20samurai&feature=search_result

If you want to download free version, check this URL.

<20 SAMURAI free>
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.A20samuraifree&feature=search_result

*Since this app is free version, our product advertisements are shown,
if you would like to remove them, how about considering to purchase the premium version.

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Looking for the best gift for Japanese lovers?

●Gifts for kanji lovers.


You can't miss this good offer if you like Japan or look for the gift to friends who are kanji lovers.We deal in unique original items.
These items are combination of kanji and illustration with an original "kawaii" character.


●Items with one kanji printed.

You who have looked for a gift to a friend in various ways may already know it is easy to find kanji-printed items such as T-shirts.
It's not too much to say T-shirts with Kanji are not original any more, and they became boring gifts.
The time will come when people appreciate the product with new charm more than just kanji-printed item.


●"kawaii" design


The Japanese word "kawaii" is translated as "lovable","cute" or "adorable" in English.
A "kawaii" boom is now taking place all over the world now. The items which we offer are the fusion of the "kawaii"-designed original illustration and kanji.You can get these kawaii-designed items such as T-shirts, mugs, or iPhone cases.
Your Japanese lover friends should be happy to get these items.


●Take your pick!


Any kind of combination of items are possible.
How about giving two kinds of mugs to your special person. You and your special person will share the wonderful tea time with these mugs when you visit that person.


●How to get these items


Please access this site to get our original items.
You can purchase by paypal or a credit card.
Please look carefully, don't forget to choose the size of T-shirts.


●A tip make your girlfriend or boyfriend happy.


There's another way to make your girlfriend or boyfriend happy other than giving her or him this gift.
That's you will give her or him explanation about the kanji which is included in the gift.
Don't you know the meaning of these kanji?
No worries, it is easy to find it.
Visit our website in order to find it.
Our website gives you some plain information about various kanji such as meanings and pronunciations, if you tell her or him about the kanji, it is sure you two will be closer sooner or later.


●Hurry!


The kanji which are included in the items are commonly used.
These kanji are very commonly used.
Anybody can find the meaning of those easily, if they try.
You need to get these articles ASAP in order to give her or him this gift with a proud look.
Your partner or friend may look up about kanji in detail while you are browsing this website now.
It depends on the speed of your purchasing decision, if the gift will be an attractive one or a ordinary one.


●P.S.


A unique gift.
It is always difficult to find the best gift to make people happy.
Our original kanji items are perfect!
Since our items the fusion of the "kawaii" design and cool "kanji" are valuable.
If you are looking for innnovative gifts, our items are the best choice for you!
We are confident that you will be satisfied with our products!

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Dear everyone who looks for a Japanese girlfriend.

●Looking for a slim, moderate, and beautiful dark-hair Japanese sweetheart?

People who are reading this letter must want to get a Japanese sweet heart.
A lot of you must lose your heart to the slim, moderate and beautiful black-hair Japanese women.
However, even if there is an opportunity to meet some Japanese woman who came to sightseeing, it is difficult to take her out during her short trip.

No worries!

Even you have few opportunities to get to know Japanese women.
Here is the best method to get close to Japanese women!

●"REKIJO (History-loving-woman)" boom

Recently, many Japanese women are interested in Japanese history due to the influence of video games or comics.
They study about samurai's life and Japanese history and visit the famous historical place on the weekend and during the holidays.
Although the object of their interest is different, there is no doubt that "SAMURAI" is their common interest.
It means, if you are going to familiarize yourself with samurai, you will get more opportunity to talk to "REKIJO" friendly!

●how to get to know about samurai

It is easy to study about a samurai.
After you simply type "samurai" in the box of search engine and press the enter key.
A lot of samurai related sites bring you a huge amount of information.
However it is hard to get all information what you need with one click.
If you search things like lives of samurai, their swords, battle fields in Japan and so on, you will get a huge number of results.

●The first thing you need to do is getting to know what a samurai is.

If you do not know at all about samurai, I will recommend you this e-book.
It is "The SAMURAI Manga links Japanese and English".
This original ebook comic tells you what a samurai is.
This book is written in both Japanese and English, so you can understand the story of the comic without stress.
Furthermore, there are some columns in the comic which gives you some infomation about culture and a language of Japan.

Why don't you start studying about Samurai with this book?
After reading, let's browse through websites for more information about samurai.
After you have some knowledge of what you want to know, I'm sure you can find the Information you want.

●How to get this ebook

Please access this site, in order to get this original e-book.
The thing which you need is only user registration and entering your credit card information.
It is not necessary to wait for delivery.
You can start to read it immediately.
Once you purchase it, you can read this e-book with any electric devices such as your desk top, iPad or iPhone.
It's your choice!

●Don't miss the chances for an encounters just $4.99.

This e-book is just $4.99, less than $5.
If you abstain from drinking one glass of beer and having snacks at a pub tonight, the chances of encounters will be expanded!

●How to meet Japanese women.

SNS such as facebook and twitter which have more than hundreds of millions users all around the world is very popular among Japanese women as well.
You will get the chance to meet Japanese women through these SNS.
What if you tweet about your favorite samurai and some Japanese women follow it?
It's up to you to make the next move!

●Shop now!

The number of users of facebook and twitter continue to increase rapidly in Japan.
While you are slow, somebody might get wonderful, quiet "Japanese girlfriend".You must have more sense of humor than somebody does.
That person probably stingy and a show-off.
A guy like him might swoop in on wonderful Japanese girlfriend.
You don't think this is OK, do you?

●P.S.

Even if you get many chances to get to know Japanese women, please don't hit on more than one person at once.
We can not take responsibility the trouble that you caused between women and you.
I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.



STUDIO Via-Rex

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Japanese Training

I have been run facebook page about SAMURAI.
It is "Japanese Training".

I gather together the entries of kanji(chinese character) in this page.
If you like kanji, please click "LIKE" button for me!

I may introduce the kanji that is not included in this blog in this page.

Monday, March 5, 2012

Love SAMURAI

I started facebook page about SAMURAI.
It is "Love Samurai".

I gather together the episodes of SAMURAI which appeared in this blog in this page.
If you like Samurai and this blog, please click "LIKE" button for me!

Friday, March 2, 2012

kou(Kanji)

Today, I want to introduce a kanji to you.

The word is "光".

This word has on-yomi and kun-yomi.
(If you don't know on-yomi and kun-yomi, please read a past entry of this blog!)

on-yomi : 光 / kou
kun-yomi : 光 / hikari : =light

This kanji's on-yomi is often used with other Kanjis.
For example, "光源"(kou-gen=a light source) is one of them.

*If you want to know about this kanji more, please leave comment on this blog!



*If you have an Android, you can practice Hiragana and Katakana using our apps.
HIRAGANA Training free
KATAKANA Training free

Thursday, March 1, 2012

yuu(Kanji)

Today, I want to introduce a kanji to you.

The word is "友".

This word has on-yomi and kun-yomi.
(If you don't know on-yomi and kun-yomi, please read a past entry of this blog!)

on-yomi : 友 / yuu
kun-yomi : 友 / tomo : =friend

This kanji's on-yomi is often used with other Kanjis.
For example, "友愛"(yuu-ai=friendship) is one of them.

*If you want to know about this kanji more, please leave comment on this blog!


Wednesday, February 29, 2012

dai(Kanji)

Today, I want to introduce a kanji to you.

The word is "大".

This word has on-yomi and kun-yomi.
(If you don't know on-yomi and kun-yomi, please read a past entry of this blog!)

on-yomi : 大 / dai
kun-yomi : 大(きい) / oo(kii) : =big
*If you have an Android, you can practice Hiragana and Katakana using our apps.
HIRAGANA Training free
KATAKANA Training free

Monday, February 27, 2012

shin(Kanji)

Today, I want to introduce a kanji to you.

The word is "心".

This word has on-yomi and kun-yomi.
(If you don't know on-yomi and kun-yomi, please read a past entry of this blog!)

on-yomi : 心 / shin
kun-yomi : 心 / kokoro : =heart

This kanji's on-yomi is often put after other words.
For example, "自尊心"(ji-son-shin=pride) is one of them.
*There are the words that this kanji is put before other words.
 For example, "心臓"(shin-zou=a heart(internal organs))

This kanji is often used for a part of other kanjis.
Do you know what the kanji is?

*If you have an Android, you can practice Hiragana and Katakana using our apps.
HIRAGANA Training free
KATAKANA Training free

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

[Japanese anime]Maison Ikkoku

Do you know "Maison Ikkoku" which is anime of Japan?
This is an old anime, but is still known as a masterpiece.
In this anime, the life of residents living in the apartment called "Maison Ikkoku" is drawn.
Main characters are Kyoko Otonashi who is a widow and Yusaku Godai who is a college student.
The love between them is the main story of this anime.
Moreover, many unique residents are appear in this anime.
Their conversational give and take with main characters is one of the highlight of this anime.
If you would like to see this anime, you may search a word of "Maison Ikkoku" at video-sharing web site.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

SAMURAI's sons

In old days, sons of SAMURAI who was not the eldest son were often left with temples.
This is because they were afraid of a feud about a succession to a house.
Therefore many SAMURAI left their boys with temples except the oldest son and fixed him for their inheritor.

On the other hand, they used their daughters in a political marriage.
They made their daughters married other SAMURAI or nobles for defending their territory or getting bigger power.

Sons of SAMURAI who left in temples could come back to SAMURAI only when the eldest son died or was considered don't deserve to be a successor by vassals.

Monday, February 20, 2012

Shougun(Shogun)

"Shougun" is the chief of SAMURAI.
The position was given from "Tennou".
"Tennou" was the Japanese sovereign until after World War II and it was the same also at the time when SAMURAI governed Japan.
SAMURAI who wanted to be a "Shougun" defeated other SAMURAI and gave the Imperial Court much money and gift items.

The SAMURAI who became a "Shougun" obtains a right to establish their government(Bakufu(=Shogunate)).
In other words, Japan was ruled by two government while the Shogunate existed.
(The real power was held by the Shogunate.)

There are three SAMURAI who established Shogunate.
Minamoto no Yoritomo, Ashikaga Takauji, and Tokugawa Ieyasu.
The Shogunate was inherited by their descendant.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Correction

I revised grammars and commentaries of past some entries of this blog.

Tokugawa Ieyasu
Saitou Dousan
Mouri Motonari

If you couldn't understand about the contents of these entries, please give me comments.
I want to revise it so that you are satisfied.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Valentine's Day in Japan

Today, February 14th, is Valentine's Day.
In Japan, girls and females give confectioneries or other presents to males whom they like(love).
The most common present is chocolate and much chocolate is sold at this time of year.

In addition, Japan has a unique custom.
It's called "Giri-choco".
This custom is that women give chocolate to men who is their classmates and co-workers in schools and companies.
Some give chocolate under joint signature and others give it personally.

For many Japanese boys, the Valentine's Day is one of the most important  events.
They spend a day in a restless mind whether they get chocolate on that day.

Saturday, February 11, 2012

[Japanese anime]kill me baby

Do you know "kill me baby" which is anime of Japan?
In this anime, three main character appear.
One is a ordinary girl, and another is a girl of assassin, and the other is a ninja girl.

The stage of this anime is high school where these three girls go to.
Despite of a girl of assassin appear, there are no serious battle scenes.
Despite of a ninja girl appear, there are also no ninjutsu(the art of the ninja) scenes.
There are only gag scenes of everyday life of these girls.
Almost all scenes are enjoyable but some scenes include a little violent expression.

If you would like to see this anime, you may search a word of "kill me baby" at video-sharing web site.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

[Japanese anime]Working!!

Do you know "Working!!" which is anime of Japan?
In this anime, many amusing characters appear.

The stage of this anime is the family-style restaurant in Hokkaido Japan, and main characters of this anime are workers of the restaurant.
These characters have a unique characteristic each.
The boy who loves small creatures, the girl who hit any male who comes to her, and the woman who somehow carries a Japanese sword, and so on.
The highlight of this anime is an exchange of pleasantries of these characters.
It always makes me laugh.
If you would like to see this anime, you may search a word of "Working!!" at video-sharing web site.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

SAMURAI App

I sometimes write SAMURAI's episode in this blog.
I'm going to gather up those contents and produce Android App.

Are you interested in it?
If you are so, I do my best to produce them more quickly.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

daimyou(daimyo)

I often wrote a word of "daimyou", but do you know that word?
"daimyou" is a feudal lords in Middle ages of Japan.
Some "daimyou" were given a territory by "Shougun" but others took a territory from other "daimyou" by using military power.
*"Shougun" is the leader of SAMURAI.

In the Sengoku era, many samurai wanted to be a "daimyou", so they often betrayed their masters and took the land of them.
This is called "Gekokujou"(social upheaval).

Monday, February 6, 2012

Kanji design goods

I deal some design goods using kanji.

Do you like kanji?
I heard that many foreigners like kanji, and sometimes have a kanji tattooed on their body.
However, I don't see precisely why they are attracted by kanji.

What do you want to know about kanji?

Meaning?
usage of it?
reading?
a way of writing?
classification?

Please tell me about points of which you are interested in kanji.
I want to write this blog about what you want to know as much as possible.


Sunday, February 5, 2012

[Japanese anime]BRAVE 10

Do you know "BRAVE 10" which is anime of Japan?
In this anime, many samurai and ninja appears.

This anime's main character is Sanada Yukimura and "Sanada ju yushi" which is 10 samurai who served Yukimura.
"Sanada ju yoshi" is a fiction characters, but they often appear in many Japanese novels and games and so on.

This anime is classified in a battle anime.
I enjoy many battles of samurai and ninja every week.

If you would like to see this anime, you may search a word of "BRAVE 10" at video-sharing web site.

Saturday, February 4, 2012

[Japanese anime]danshi koukousei no nichijo

Do you know "danshi koukousei no nichijo" which is anime of Japan?
In this anime, everyday life of high school boys in Japan is described.
(danshi = boy, koukousei = high school students, nichijo = everyday life)
However, I think this anime is "everyday life of junior high school boys" in fact.
Because characters of this anime are very childish boys.

This anime is classified in a gag anime.
I enjoy conversations of many characters of the anime every week.

If you would like to see this anime, you may search a word of "Mirrai Nikki" at video-sharing web site.

Friday, February 3, 2012

Setsubun

Today, February 3rd, there is an event which is called "Setsubun" in Japan.
In this event, Japanese people do "Mamemaki" in their house.
("Mamemaki" means bean-throwing.)

Japanese people had believed that "Mamemaki" rid themselves all unfortunate things.
Therefore they threw beans with saying "Oni wa soto, Fuku wa uchi".
*Oni wa soto = Demons out
 Fuku wa Uchi = Luck in
After that, they eat beans which is same number as their age.
This custom is performed with wishes their own good health.

In these days, "eho-maki" is also supported by Japanese people.
In this event, we turn to "Eho" and eat "Futomaki"(thickly rolled sushi) in silence.
"Eho" is different every year and this year's "Eho" is north-north west.
Originally this event was peculiar to West Japan, but spread through the all over Japan recently.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

[Japanese anime]Mirai Nikki

Do you know "Mirai Nikki" which is anime of Japan?
In this anime, 12 owners of "Mirai Nikki" kill each other.

"Mirai Nikki" means future diary and these diaries have various types.
One person can know future of a certain person, and another can know future which other people will watch, and the others also can know different future each.
(This ability is given to their possessions such as cell-phones.)

One day, they were given the ability by God suddenly.
God said, "You must kill each other, and I will make the last surviver next God.".
Therefore they began killing each other using their abilities.
In this battle, if your diary was destroyed, you vanish from the world.
Main character cooperate with heroine who is his stalker to survive and fight other owners of Mirai Nikki.

If you would like to see this anime, you may search a word of "Mirrai Nikki" at video-sharing web site.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

huu(Kanji)

Today, I want to introduce a kanji to you.

The word is "風".

This word has on-yomi and kun-yomi.
(If you don't know on-yomi and kun-yomi, please read a past entry of this blog!)

on-yomi : 風 / huu : =wind
kun-yomi : 風 / kaze : =wind

This kanji's on-yomi is often used with other Kanjis.
For example, "強風"(kyou-huu=strong-wind) is one of them.

In addition, this kanji often appears in Japanese game and comics.
The representative thing of it is Final Fantasy series.
*If you want to know about this kanji more, please leave comment on this blog!


Tuesday, January 31, 2012

[Japanese anime]Natsume yuujinchou

Do you know "Natsume yuujinchou" which is anime of Japan?
In this anime, various supernatural creatures called "Ayakashi" appear.

"Ayakashi" is also called "Yokai" or "Mononoke" occasionally in Japan.
These words mean ghosts or evil spirits.
They frequently appear in anime and manga of Japan.
For example, "Kekkaishi" and "Bakemonogatari" are one of them.

The story of this anime is that a boy named Takashi Natsume gives back their names to many Ayakashi.
These Ayakashi had once been taken their name by a grandmother of Takashi Natsume.
Their names had been written in "Yuujinchou".
Ayakashi who are written their name in "Yuujinchou" must obey to owner of "Yuujinchou".
Therefore Takashi Natsume is going to give back their names to Ayakashi.
If you would like to see this anime, you may search a word of "Natsume yuujinchou" at video-sharing web site.

Monday, January 30, 2012

Uesugi Kenshin(revised edition)

Uesugi Kenshin is one of the most famous SAMURAI in Japan.
He conquered the land of Echigo(current Niigata Prefecture) in the Sengoku era.

He lived apart from his parents and grew up at a temple, because he was not the eldest son,
(In the Sengoku era, sons of samurai often grew up at a temple except the eldest son.)
However, Kenshin was eventually chosen the successor to his father, because his oldest brother was sickly.

Kenshin was known as one of the strongest daimyou.
He believed himself that he was  the reincarnation of the god of war, and he was called "Echigo no ryuu"(The dragon of Echigo".
Actually, he was very strong in battles.
Particularly, the battle with Takeda Shingen which is called "Kawanakajima no tatakai"(the battle of Kawanakajima) is the most famous.
In his life, he fought against Takeda Shingen many times.

On the other hand, he was known as SAMURAI who valued honor.
He received daimyous of each place expelled by Takeda Shingen.

Sunday, January 29, 2012

ji(kanji)

Today, I want to introduce a kanji to you.

The word is "時".

This word has on-yomi and kun-yomi.
(If you don't know on-yomi and kun-yomi, please read a past entry of this blog!)

on-yomi : 時 / ji : =hour
kun-yomi : 時 / toki : =hour

In Japanese language, time is expressed by adding "時" to a number.
For example, 1:00 is "1時"(ichi-ji), and 2:00 is "2時"(ni-ji).
*If you want to know about this kanji more, please leave comment on this blog!

Saturday, January 28, 2012

dou(Kanji)

Today, I want to introduce a kanji to you.

The word is "道".

This word has on-yomi and kun-yomi.
(If you don't know on-yomi and kun-yomi, please read a past entry of this blog!)

on-yomi : 道 / dou : =??
kun-yomi : 道 / michi : =road
This kanji's on-yomi doesn't have a meaning in the simple substance.
However, like "剣道"(kendo) and "柔道"(judo), it comes to have a meaning by combining with other kanjis.
*If you want to know about this kanji more, please leave comment on this blog!

Friday, January 27, 2012

getsu(Kanji)

Today, I want to introduce a kanji to you.

The word is "月".

This word has on-yomi and kun-yomi.
(If you don't know on-yomi and kun-yomi, please read a past entry of this blog!)

on-yomi : 月 / gatsu or getsu : =month
kun-yomi : 月 / tsuki : =moon

In Japanese language, 12 months are expressed by adding "月" to a number.
For example, January is "1月"(ichi-gatsu), and Febrary is "2月"(ni-gatsu).

On the other hand, if you want to express about period, for example, like a "one month" or "two months", you could use a word of "1ヶ月"(ikka-getsu) or "2ヶ月"(ni-ka-getsu).

*If you want to know about this kanji more, please leave comment on this blog!

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Shin(Kanji)

Today, I want to introduce a kanji to you.

The word is "新".

This word has on-yomi and kun-yomi.
(If you don't know on-yomi and kun-yomi, please read a past entry of this blog!)

on-yomi : 新 / shin : =new
kun-yomi : 新しい / atara(shii) : =new

If you find a word of "新製品"(shin-seihin) or "新学期"(shin-gakki), it means "新"(shin=new) + "製品"(seihin=product) or "新"(shin=new) + "学期"(gakki=term).

*If you want to know about this kanji more, please leave comment on this blog!


Wednesday, January 25, 2012

on-yomi, kun-yomi(Kanji)

Kanji usually has two readings of. It's on-yomi and kun-yomi.

On-yomi is a reading of Kanji based on pronunciation of Chinese.
In the case of the combinatorial words of some kanjis, it is often read by on-yomi.

Kun-yomi is a reading of Kanji peculiar to Japan.
Therefore kun-yomi may be read with a hiragana letter.
These hiragana are called "okuri-gana".

For example, in the case of "美", it is as follows.

on-yomi : 美 / bi : =beauty
kun-yomi : 美しい / utsuku(shii) : =beautiful

In this case, "しい" is "okuri-gana" and it is necessary for the composition of the word.
In the case of on-yomi, "美" is often used in combination with other kanjis, like "美女 / beautiful woman" and "美観 / beautiful sight".

*I deal some design goods using kanji of "美".
Please check sidebar of this blog!

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Toyotomi Hideyoshi(reveised edition)

Toyotomi Hideyoshi was a subordinate of Oda Nobunaga.
He was a so-called upstart, he became a daimyou from a farmer.

He successfully brought about the unification of Japan in the Sengoku era.
He forbade other daimyou to have battles.(Sou-buji-rei).
Moreover, he confiscated the weapons such as swords from all farmers.(katana-gari)
In this way he became the actual Japanese king.

However, he was not able to fulfill his dream that his son would take over his position.
After Hideyoshi's death, Tokugawa Ieyasu attacked Toyotomi clan and took the rulership of Japan from them.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Oda Nobunaga (revised edition)

Oda Nobunaga was a SAMURAI who lived in the Sengoku era.
He is one of the most famous person in all SAMURAI.

He adopted the innovative method of politics and military affairs, and ruled a great deal of the land of Japan.
He was originally a daimyou of Owari(current Aichi prefecture), but he expanded his territory one after another.

Nobunaga is also known by "Okehazama no tatakai"(The  battle of Okehazama).
In this battle, he defeated armies of Imagawa Yoshimoto who was great daimyou.
It's said that Nobunaga's army was a one-tenth numbers of the army of Yoshimoto then.

He had many other great legends, but he was short-tempered by nature, and despised his subordinates.
For that reason, he was killed at age of 49 by Akechi Mitsuhide who was his subordinate.

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Houjou Ujiyasu

Houjou Ujiyasu was a famous SAMURAI in the Sengoku era.
He was a daimyou who ruled the land of Sagami(current Kanagawa prefecture).

He is known as a master of strategy.
He won many battles with his neighborhood daimyous, and was feared.
The "Kawagoe Yasen"(The night battle of Kawagoe)  is the most famous in those episodes.
He defeated 80,000 enemies with only 10,000 soldiers in this battle.

He entered into an alliance with Takeda Shingen, and expanded his territory at Kantou region.
On the other hand, Uesugi Kenshin protected daimyous of Kanto region, so they opposed intensely.
However, Ujiyasu entered into an alliance with Kenshin in conflict with Shingen afterwards.
Ujiyasu dedicated his life to rule the Kanto region, but it didn't come true.

Ujiyasu had a talent of the domestic administration, he governed well his territory.
When he died, it's said that citizens of his territory sobbed and grieved.

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Satake Yoshishige

Satake Yoshishige was a SAMURAI and he isn't so famous.
He became a daimyou by succeeding Satake Yoshiaki who was Yoshishige's father.

Yoshishige entered into an alliance with Uesugi Kenshin, and expanded his territory.
However, on the other hand, daimyous of his neighborhood were on their guard against Yoshishige.
Particularly, the opposition with Houjou clan and Date Masamune were very intense.
Yoshishige defended his territory from attacks of other daimyou by his diplomatic skill.

He was known as a brave and clever SAMURAI.
He had a legend that he was involved in politics at only 10 years old and he killed 7 enemies with a sword in an instant in a battle.
With his intrepid spirit, he was called "Oni Yoshishige"(ogre Yoshishige).

Yoshishige appointed his son Yoshinobu for a successor, and then Yoshishige retired.
However Yoshinobu showed stupid behavior that he took both sides of Tokugawa Ieyasu and Ishida Mitsunari in the battle of Sekigahara.(It was the battle to be determined the Japan's ruler.)

As a result, he had to move to the land of Dewa(current Akita prefecture).
His Descendant is involved in politics of Akita as a governor even now(As of January 2012).

Friday, January 20, 2012

Azai Nagamasa

Azai Nagamasa was the lord of North Oumi(current Shiga prefecture) in the Sengoku era.
Azai Hisamasa who was Nagamasa's father obeyed Rokkaku clan who was the lord of South Oumi.
However the vassals of Azai clan disliked this obedience, they made Hisamasa retire, and then Nagamasa became Hisamasa's successor.
Nagamasa broke with Rokkaku clan, and entered into an alliance with Oda Nobunaga by marrying Oichi who was Nobunaga's younger sister.
(Oichi married Shibata Katsuie who was the chief vassal of Nobunaga after the perish of Azai clan.)

Nagamasa is known as a strong SAMURAI.
He led the military at only 15 years old and He showed a great talent of battles.

When Nagamasa was allied with Nobunaga, Nobunaga promised that he would inform Azai clan in advance when Nobunaga attacked Asakura.
(Azai clan had been allied with Asakura clan before that.)
However Nobunaga broke the promise, he attacked Asakura clan.
For that reason, Nagamasa betrayed Nobunaga, and attacked him with Asakura clan.

As a result, Azai and Asakura clan were defeated.
There is a legend that Nobunaga led his subordinates to make cups using Nagamasa's skull, and drank sake at that time.
However some people say that the legend was a fiction.

e-manga released!

We published e-manga which gives you a chance to learn something about the Japanese language and culture through an original-manga(comic) featuring SAMURAI.

The text contains both Japanese and English.
Each Japanese and English page are placed next to each other with the same illustration.
There are some articles and explanations about Japanese language and culture listed after the story.

If you like SAMURAIs and Japanese culture, please buy this e-manga!
You can buy this e-manga to click on the link of the below image or sidebar's image!!


Thursday, January 19, 2012

Shibata Katsuie

Shibata Katsuie was a chief retainer of Oda Nobunaga.
Katsuie originally served Nobuhide who was the father of Nobunaga, and after the death of Nobuhide, he served Nobuyuki who was the younger brother of Nobunaga.
After that, Nobuyuki revolted against Nobunaga and he was killed by Nobunaga, and Katsuie served Nobunaga.

Katsuie is known as a strong general.
He performed great deeds in many battles.
For that reason he took the position of the chief retainer.
He was known as a valiant military commander, in addition, he had a talent of domestic administration, so he governed his feudal estate well.

After death of Nobunaga, he was reversed the position by Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
He opposed Hideyoshi, then it developed into battle, and Katsuie defeated.
At that time, he killed himself with his wife named Oichi who was the younger sister of Nobunaga.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Takenaka Hanbee

Takenaka Hanbee was one of the most famous strategist in the Sengoku era.
He was sickly and slender, and the record that he looked like a woman was left.

He served Saitou Yoshitatsu, and prevented attacks of Nobunaga well.
After Yoshitatsu death, he served Saitou Tatsuoki who was the son of Yoshitatsu.
However Tatsuoki was the foolish lord, he spent his life chasing women and drinking.
Therefore Hanbee occupied the castle with only 16 soldiers where Tatsuoki lived , and he remonstrated with Tatsuoki about his foolish behavior.

After Yoshitatsu was defeated by Nobunaga, Hanbee served Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
He showed the abilities continually and played an active part in many battles as an excellent schemer.

It's said that Hanbee gave Hideyoshi the strategy of "the bloodless surrender of the Castle".
The strategy was cutting off the food supply for the castle by surrounding it with soldiers.
Hideyoshi was good at the strategy for many years.

Hanbee died in 36 years old.
Sickly Hanbee chose death in battle rather than death from an illness, so he participated in war though he suffered from a disease.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Akechi Mitsuhide

Akechi Mitsuhide was a SAMURAI who is famous by having rebellion against Oda Nobunaga at Honnouji.
He was given an important post when he started to serve Nobunaga because he was a very intelligent SAMURAI.
However, it's said that the difference in their way of thinking lead to a worse relationship.

He has long been considered that he was betrayer, since he murdered Nobunaga.
However, he was really talented in both the domestic administration and military affairs and seemed to be respected as the Lord.

No one knows the real reason why he murdered Nobunaga.
There is a theory that he hated Nobunaga, on the other hand, another theory is that there was a wirepuller other than him.
However, many Japanese dramas and novels adopt the opinion that he disliked Nobunaga.

By the way, there is an interesting story concerning him.
It's known that after Mitsuhide murdered Nobunaga, he was murdered by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu conquered Japan after death of the Hideyoshi.
However, some people believe that in fact, Mitsuhide was not murdered, and he became a Buddhist priest named Tenkai and served Ieyasu.
There are many mysteries in history, but this is one of the most interesting thing in those.

Monday, January 16, 2012

Ishida Mitsunari

Ishida Mitsunari is famous as a faithful retainer of Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
He was a very smart SAMURAI, and contributed to Toyotomi administration very much.

After the death of Hideyoshi, he was opposed to Tokugawa Ieyasu who had aimed to rule over Japan.
Although, once they were reconciled, they had originally disliked each other, so their opposition eventually developed into big battle.
It's the famous battle called "Sekigahara no tatakai"(The battle of Sekigahara).

Though he won in number of soldiers in this battle, but he was betrayed by his mates and was defeated.
The cause for defeat was that he was disliked by many daimyou,  because he was arrogant to have lots of power in Toyotomi administration.

He is known as a clever SAMURAI, but on the other hand, he is believed that he was weak in a battle.
However, it was only a story people made later days, and some people believe he was a great strategist.

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Matsunaga Hisahide

Matsunaga Hisahide is famous as a dirty SAMURAI who served Miyoshi Nagayoshi in the Sengoku era.

He was a very excellent SAMURAI, but after Nagayoshi died, he and his Nagayoshi's sons assassinated Ashikaga Yoshiteru, the shougun of the Muromachi shogunate.
(In those days, it was very unusual for Shougun to be murdered.)

He became the subordinate of Oda Nobunaga as soon as Nobunaga extended his influence on the neighborhood's daimyou.
He was treated as an excellent SAMURAI by Nobunaga, but he revolted against Nobunaga and lost.
Although Nobunaga offered that he would not kill Hisahide, if Hisahide gave Nobunaga Hisahide's tea-set, Hisahide committed suicide by bombing that tea-set.
(for samurai, the tea set was one of the best treasures, and Nobunaga wanted to get Hisahide's tea set passionately.)
This is said to be the initial suicide by bombing in Japanese historical documents.
He is famous as a dirty SAMURAI, but is also known as the benevolent lord who established a good local government for the citizen.
Nobody knows which personality was really his own.

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Saitou Dousan

Saitou Dousan was a SAMURAI and the father-in-law of Oda Nobunaga.
He originally was a priest, and then he worked as oil man.
Next he became a samurai and he finally took a position of the daimyou of the land of Mino (Current Gifu Prefecture).
It was rare case that a commoner was promoted to a daimyou, because Japanese people in those days regarded family's social standing is the most important thing,
People who made a great achievement as he did were only Houjou Souun and Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
He made his daughter marry Nobunaga for a political reason.
It's said that he said that "My sons will be subordinates of him sometime." when he saw Nobunaga first.
This episode means that at early stage, Dousan already spotted out Nobunaga's competence.

After he retired, he appointed his son Yoshitatsu as a successor.
However they came to dislike each other intensely, finally he was killed by Yoshitasu.
At that time, he left a will that he would leave the land of Mino to Nobunaga.
For that reason, Nobunaga attacked Mino many times, he conquered Mino at last.

It seems obvious that he was a great samurai even though he was assassinated by his son.

Friday, January 13, 2012

Maeda Toshiie

Maeda Toshiie was a SAMURAI who lived in the Sengoku era.
He was the subordinate of Oda Nobunaga.

He was known as a master of the spear, so that he performed very well in many battles.
Therefore he was given the land of Noto(current Ishikawa Prefecture) from Nobunaga later.

After death of Nobunaga, he served Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
Later, Toyotomi Hideyoshi conquered whole of Japan, and Toshiie held one of the position of the five chief ministers called "Go-tairou"(Council of Five Elders).

Toshiie passed away a while after Nobunaga's death.
However, his clan became subordinate of Tokugawa Ieyasu and was given the land of Kaga(current Ishikawa Prefecture).
The territory was very huge compared with other daimyou, and Maeda clan was known as a great daimyou.

Minamoto no Yoritomo

Minamoto no Yoritomo was a SAMURAI who lived in the Heian era.
He is the first samurai who established the shogunate which is the government of samurais apart from the Imperial Court.
The shogunate was located at Kamakura in Japan, so it was called "Kamakura Bakuhu".
It was 1192.(According to another view, it's said in 1185)

He was defeated by Taira no Kiyomori at the battle in his boyhood, and then he was exiled to the land of Izu.
However he made a comeback, and waged battle against the Taira clan, and won in the end.

He is known by establishing the shogunate, on the other hand he is also known as a cruel SAMURAI, because he even killed his brother Yoshitsune to protect his position.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Taira no Kiyomori

Taira no Kiyomori was a SAMURAI who lived in the Heian era.
He was a lower class samurai in his youth.
However, he made his daughters marry Tennou(The emperor of Japan) or nobles, so that he rose rapidly in the world.
At last, he was promoted to the government's chief minister.
He appointed the members of his clan to the important posts of the Imperial Court one after another.

As they got higher position, they became more arrogant.
For this reason, they were ruined by Minamoto no Yoritomo after Kiyomori died.
He is known as not only a samurai but also a businessman who succeeded the international trade.
He performed large-scale trade with China and built the wealth, and it became the base of economic power of his clan.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Why did I begin this blog?

I have never been abroad, but was interested in an international exchange for some time.
My English is too poor, and it will be hard to be understood by a partner.
However, I thought that I could write a message which I want to tell in a short sentence if it was blog.
I knew that many foreigners were interested in SAMURAI, anime, and Kanji by Japanese media.
I like SAMURAI, anime, and Kanji, too.
So, I came to want to provide some information to those who like these things.
If there is even one person who want to read this blog, I would like to update this blog as frequently as possible.

So, if you have friends who like SAMURAI, anime, and Japanese culture, please tell this blog to them.
In this blog, I'm going to write about many SAMURAIs for a while.
Then I plan to change the theme to Kanji so that I will introduce to you the reading and meaning of some Kanjis.
Please visit my blog from now on if interested in these themes.

If you run a blog or a homepage, please tell me your URL.
I want to know your hobby and way of thinking, etc.

my twitter: @rey0807_jtb02
please follow me^^

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Date Masamune

Date Masamune is one of the famous SAMURAI in the Sengoku era.
He lost the right eye by illness in his childhood.
For that reason, he is called "Dokuganryuu"(one-eyed dragon).

He is known because he was very brave.
As soon as he became daimyou of the land of Dewa(current Yamagata prefecture), he defeated enemies of the neighborhood one after another.

However, by the time he started showing his excellence, Toyotomi Hideyoshi had almost conquered Japan.
Although he yielded to Toyotomi Hideyoshi at last, if he had been born a few years earlier, he could have changed the history of Japan.

Monday, January 9, 2012

Sanada Yukimura

Sanada Yukimura is known as one of the most resourceful general in the Sengoku era.
He is generally known for the name of "Sanada Yukimura", but his real name was "Sanada Nobushige".

His clan originally served the Takeda clan.
After the extinction of the Takeda clan, the Sanada clan became a daimyou after many complications.

Sanada Yukimura and his father, Sanada Masayuki, are known as old enemies of Tokugawa Ieyasu.
They defeated the army of Tokugawa clan in a few armies.
Therefore it is said that Tokugawa Ieyasu was so afraid of the Sanada clan.

In addition, the army of Sanada clan was well known for its all red armors.
It's called "Sanada no akazonae"(red arms).

He was defeated by Tokugawa Ieyasu at last.
However, the excellence of his ingenuity is famous even now.

*The anime which he comes out started recently in Japan.
 It's "BRAVE 10".
 If you are interested in Sanada Yukimura, you should check it out this anime.

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Uesugi Kenshin

Uesugi Kenshin is one of the most famous SAMURAI in Japan.
He conquered the land of Echigo(current Niigata Prefecture) in Sengoku era.

He was left in a temple, because he was not the eldest son.
But because his oldest brother was sickly,  Kenshin had been  a successor to his father finally.

Kenshin was known as one of the strongest Daimyo.
He believed himself that he was  the reincarnation of the god of war, and he was called "Echigo no ryuu"(The dragon of Echigo" by other people.
Actually, he was very strong in the battle.
Particularly, the battle with Takeda Shingen which is called "Kawanakajima no tatakai"(the battle of Kawanakajima) is the most famous.
While he lived, he fought against Takeda Shingen many times.

On the other hand, he was known as SAMURAI who valued honor.
He received daimyos of each place expelled by Takeda Shingen.
In addition, he was known to have sent salt to Takeda Shingen himself who was rival of him because Takeda Shingen was in trouble with lack of salt.

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my twitter account: @rey0807_jtb02
please follow me!!

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Takeda Shingen

Takeda Shingen is one of the most famous SAMURAI in the Sengoku era.
His father was conqueror of the land of Kai(current Yamanashi prefecture), and Shingen was his the oldest son.

His father gave more affection to his youngest son than Shingen.
The father intended to appoint a younger brother of Shingen as his successor.
Therefore Shingen expelled his father, and he himself became the conqueror of Kai.

After that, he became a famous daimyou in high political ability and strategic skill.
Particularly, cavalry of Takeda's army was famous, and they were considered the strongest army in Sengoku era.
Shingen was called "Kai no tora"(The tiger of Kai) and was feared by other people.

Friday, January 6, 2012

KAMAKURA

Winter in Japan, people create "Kamakura" with snow.
It's the snow dome which hardened and made snow.

Japanese eat something in there or make an altar.
It's not only a sacred rite, but also means of child's play.
You could see this "KAMAKURA" in the land which snow often.

If you are interested in "KAMAKURA", you could see that in this site.
Although the text of this homepage is written in Japanese, you could see some photographs of "KAMAKURA".

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Edo-Tokyo museum

If you are interested in SAMURAI, you would go to the Edo-Tokyo Museum in Ryogoku, Tokyo.
In there, you could see the diorama which is reproduced past Japan.

The museum is divided into two area.
That is, it is Edo area and the Tokyo area.
In Edo area, you could see the piece of life of SUMURAI.
And in Tokyo area, you could see the Japanese people's life which is after the SAMURAIs disappeared.
Thus, Edo-Tokyo Museum is very important institution to know the life of Japanese people.

Moreover, you could meet sumo wrestlers in Ryogoku.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Mouri Motonari

Mouri Motonari was a SAMURAI in the Sengoku era.
He was one of the most resourceful daimyou in the Chuugoku region.
He was originally a powerless daimyou(feudal lord), but he attacked neighboring enemies with his matchless ingenuity.
Then, he became a conquerer of Chuugoku region at last.

There is Motonari's famous lesson to his three sons.
He advised them to work together for the prosperity of the Mouri clan in this lesson.

One day, he summoned them, and handed one arrow for each.
He said, "Break the arrow.".
They broke the arrow easily.
Then, he handed three arrows for each, and he said, "Break the arrows.".
However they couldn't break the arrows this time.
Motonari said, "You can break one arrow  easily, but can't break three arrows. You must help each other like these arrows.".
Since then, three sons helped each other until they died.
This episode is very famous even now and called "Mouri no sanbon no ya(Three arrows of Mouri)".

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Kanji of the year

In Japan, at the end of each year, "Kanji of the year" is decided. It chooses the Kanji which is reflecting the social trend most in the year.

In 2011, it was decided in "Kizuna(絆)".
"Kizuna" means "bond" in Japan.

The year of 2011 is a year which many disasters occured and Japanese people had recognized again of the importance of bonds with surrounding people such as the family, the sweetheart, and the friend.
For that reason, the Kanji would have been chosen probably.

I hope that "Kanji of the year" in 2012 will be more cheerful and happy character than ever before.

Monday, January 2, 2012

When Chonmage was disappeared?

"Chonmage" is the hairstyle of Japanese SAMURAI.
Many SAMURAIs tied topknot in Sengoku and Edo era.
And It was called "Chonmage" in Japan.
"Chonmage" disappeared with SAMURAI in Meiji era.(It's probably 1860~70s.)

You can see no "Chonmage" in Japan now except for dramas or anime.
But you can see the hairstyle similar to "Chonmage" even now.
It's the hairstyle of Sumo wrestlers.
That isn't strictly same hairstyle, but it closely resembles at some points.

If you want to meet sumo wrestlers, you should go to Ryogoku in Tokyo.
There is the Ryogoku Kokugikan which is their holy place in there.
I have previously worked there, I have seen them several times.

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Akita prefecture

Akita prefecture is my hometown.
It's located in the Tohoku district in Japan.

It's not as popular the city as a Tokyo or Osaka.
But There are beautiful landscape and good old customs in Akita.
That's neighborly relations which were forgotten in the big city.

If you visit Japan, I want you to consider going to Akita.
Winter of Akita is much cold with deep snow, but Summer is cool climate.

Moreover, although there is a legend of "namahage" in Akita, I'll introduce it with another entry.