Japanese food is surged in popularity worldwide and is loved for its healthiness. The Japanese food or washoku that we eat now has gone through many changes, yet still keeps some traditional elements. But what about in historical times, when...
This is the third in our popular series! We will continue introducing Japanese idioms that related to the sword. Seppa tsumaru (The seppa is stuck) Seppa is a long elliptical thin metal piece on both sides of the swordguard. One is...
A 5 working day week has become the norm in Japan, but the concept of a “day off” is something that was only introduced in Japan in the Meiji era. Up until the Edo period, there was no concept of a...
The previous article on seppuku was met with a lot of responses, so I would like to write a follow-up. As mentioned, seppuku initially was not something one did to take responsibility for a mistake but was done in order...
The Search for the Mysterious Sword "Kotetsu" By now, many are aware of Kondo Isami. The broad faced bull of a man with a sharp, piercing stare. He was the head of the Shinsengumi, a secret police force appointed by...