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Tech & Games
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Mitochondrial Horror Innovations
In the world of Japanese sci-fi novels of the late last century, "Parasite Eve" by Hideaki Sena deserves attention. Not only is it the foundation of an important series in popular culture (film, games, manga), but it
'When you suffer and fear for so long, your pain and fear turn into hatred. And hatred begins to change the world.' - Alessa
Until 1999, I lived in peace, playing on my console, believing I knew what survival horrors
We first have met under the DOS...
We remember Scorpion from the very beginning – from that groundbreaking day in 1992 when Mortal Kombat debuted (for those few lucky ones – on arcade machines, for most of us – a
Zelda and Shinto – Foreword...
What resonates at the heart of Hyrule?
The "Legend of Zelda" series has long held a place in the pantheon of iconic video games, exerting significant influence on gaming culture and its enthusiasts worldwide. Since
AI Enters the World of Creativity
Japanese anime, enchanting viewers worldwide for decades, has become a cultural symbol transcending borders and language barriers. Characterized by its unique style, rich themes, and depth of narrative, anime has transformed from a niche
Among Gods and Demons - The Journey of the Shin Megami Tensei Series
In the world of virtual entertainment, there are titles that transcend the boundaries of an ordinary game, becoming a cultural phenomenon. The Shin Megami Tensei series, also
What Does AI Look Like in Japan Now?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Japan in 2023 represents both the pinnacle of the nation's technological pursuits and a reflection of its current cultural values. As early as 2017, the Japanese government introduced
Manga with Fantasy
Final Fantasy VII, released by Square Enix in 1997, stands as one of the most iconic and revolutionary video games of all time. It gained fame for its epic storyline, captivating characters, and pioneering graphics, setting new
Representatives of Japanese folklore in Tekken series
Representatives of Japanese Folklore in the Tekken Series The Tekken game series, initiated in 1994 by Namco, quickly became one of the most recognizable and esteemed brands in the fighting game world. Its
A Tiny Yellow Dinosaur in the World of the Mishimas
Tekken 3, released in 1997, marks the third installment of one of the most popular fighting game series, while also being one of the most innovative titles in its history.
Tech & Games
Category:
Article Titles
03 April 2024
Mitochondrial Horror Innovations
In the world of Japanese sci-fi novels of the late last century, "Parasite Eve" by Hideaki Sena deserves attention. Not only is it the foundation of an
22 March 2024
'When you suffer and fear for so long, your pain and fear turn into hatred. And hatred begins to change the world.' - Alessa
Until 1999, I lived in peace,
20 March 2024
We first have met under the DOS...
We remember Scorpion from the very beginning – from that groundbreaking day in 1992 when Mortal Kombat debuted (for those few lucky ones
18 February 2024
Zelda and Shinto – Foreword...
What resonates at the heart of Hyrule?
The "Legend of Zelda" series has long held a place in the pantheon of iconic video games, exerting
14 December 2023
AI Enters the World of Creativity
Japanese anime, enchanting viewers worldwide for decades, has become a cultural symbol transcending borders and language barriers. Characterized by its unique style, rich themes,
08 December 2023
Among Gods and Demons - The Journey of the Shin Megami Tensei Series
In the world of virtual entertainment, there are titles that transcend the boundaries of an ordinary game,
29 November 2023
What Does AI Look Like in Japan Now?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Japan in 2023 represents both the pinnacle of the nation's technological pursuits and a reflection of its current
31 October 2023
Manga with Fantasy
Final Fantasy VII, released by Square Enix in 1997, stands as one of the most iconic and revolutionary video games of all time. It gained fame for
30 October 2023
Representatives of Japanese folklore in Tekken series
Representatives of Japanese Folklore in the Tekken Series The Tekken game series, initiated in 1994 by Namco, quickly became one of the most
27 October 2023
A Tiny Yellow Dinosaur in the World of the Mishimas
Tekken 3, released in 1997, marks the third installment of one of the most popular fighting game series, while also
26 October 2023
Introduction: From Street Fights to the Legendary Arena
When Namco released the first installment of "Tekken" in 1994, few could have predicted that it would become one of the most
04 September 2023
Below you'll find a brief glossary that explains the basic and most frequently appearing concepts/memes on the Nico Nico Douga platform. For those interested in what this platform is, refer
04 September 2023
Japan's Video Culture Oasis
When we think of online video-sharing platforms, the first that likely springs to mind is YouTube. However, in Japan, there's a platform that has gained monumental
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History & Culture
Category:
One July night...
In 1864, within the culturally and commercially vibrant Nakagyō district of Kyoto, an event unfolded that permanently marked the pages of Japanese history in blood. The Ikedaya Incident, named after the inn where it occurred, was not
Looking at a Gray Day from a Different Perspective
Sei Shōnagon is a woman of confidence, courage, and self-worth. Her rival, with whom she resided in the imperial palace— the famous Murasaki Shikibu (author of the world's first novel)—described her
Katana is not merely a weapon
The katana is more than just a weapon—it is a potent symbol of Japanese culture that has significantly impacted various aspects of life in Japan over the centuries, from social rituals to martial arts.
Honorable Cutting
Harakiri [腹切り], also known as seppuku [切腹] (we will discuss the difference further on), is a brutal, painful, and, contrary to appearances, excruciatingly lengthy act of suicide, which in Japanese culture has become a symbol of the highest
神靈山林之中，社寺立於巨木之下，為祭祀之地
"In the spirit-filled mountains and forests,
temples and shrines stand beneath giant trees,
serving as places of worship."
- Nihon Shoki, Nara, 720 AD.
Deep in the dense, green forests of Japan lurk mysterious beings known as Kodama. These
The Dramatic Life of the Master
'From heaven, through this world, to hell, my image should depict everything that exists between heaven and hell.' – Katsushika Hokusai
Katsushika Hokusai appears to be a man of immeasurable depth of feeling, though
Mitochondrial Horror Innovations
In the world of Japanese sci-fi novels of the late last century, "Parasite Eve" by Hideaki Sena deserves attention. Not only is it the foundation of an important series in popular culture (film, games, manga), but it
The Legend of an Outsider
The rich mythology of Japan is full of gems – stories that can be drawn from it – borrowed and used for inspiration in our own lives. On the other hand, the colorful and diverse
The Girl Who Changed Literature
Murasaki Shikibu, a figure shrouded in mystery and admiration, is considered one of the most important pillars of world literature. Her greatest work, "The Tale of Genji," is recognized as the world's first novel. By
The blade of Muramasa suspended over the Tukugawa clan...
The legendary katana blades, forged by the mysterious blacksmith Muramasa, were not ordinary tools of war but blood-soaked works of art that, according to legend, craved blood more than their owners.
History & Culture
Category:
Article Titles
10 May 2024
One July night...
In 1864, within the culturally and commercially vibrant Nakagyō district of Kyoto, an event unfolded that permanently marked the pages of Japanese history in blood. The Ikedaya
07 May 2024
Looking at a Gray Day from a Different Perspective
Sei Shōnagon is a woman of confidence, courage, and self-worth. Her rival, with whom she resided in the imperial palace— the
26 April 2024
Katana is not merely a weapon
The katana is more than just a weapon—it is a potent symbol of Japanese culture that has significantly impacted various aspects of life in
23 April 2024
Honorable Cutting
Harakiri [腹切り], also known as seppuku [切腹] (we will discuss the difference further on), is a brutal, painful, and, contrary to appearances, excruciatingly lengthy act of suicide, which
13 April 2024
神靈山林之中，社寺立於巨木之下，為祭祀之地
"In the spirit-filled mountains and forests,
temples and shrines stand beneath giant trees,
serving as places of worship."
- Nihon Shoki, Nara, 720 AD.
Deep in the dense, green
09 April 2024
The Dramatic Life of the Master
'From heaven, through this world, to hell, my image should depict everything that exists between heaven and hell.' – Katsushika Hokusai
Katsushika Hokusai appears
03 April 2024
Mitochondrial Horror Innovations
In the world of Japanese sci-fi novels of the late last century, "Parasite Eve" by Hideaki Sena deserves attention. Not only is it the foundation of an
29 March 2024
The Legend of an Outsider
The rich mythology of Japan is full of gems – stories that can be drawn from it – borrowed and used for inspiration in our
27 March 2024
The Girl Who Changed Literature
Murasaki Shikibu, a figure shrouded in mystery and admiration, is considered one of the most important pillars of world literature. Her greatest work, "The Tale
26 March 2024
The blade of Muramasa suspended over the Tukugawa clan...
The legendary katana blades, forged by the mysterious blacksmith Muramasa, were not ordinary tools of war but blood-soaked works of art
22 March 2024
'When you suffer and fear for so long, your pain and fear turn into hatred. And hatred begins to change the world.' - Alessa
Until 1999, I lived in peace,
20 March 2024
We first have met under the DOS...
We remember Scorpion from the very beginning – from that groundbreaking day in 1992 when Mortal Kombat debuted (for those few lucky ones
14 March 2024
More Than Just Protective Gear
The samurai armor, more than just a protective element, epitomizes the Japanese warrior spirit, symbolizing honor, bravery, and resilience. From the earliest forms of body
06 March 2024
A Wild Youkai Ride
Sometimes, under favorable conditions, when the alignment of both planets and earthly matters coincides with a secret pattern, a night arrives when history intertwines with the
03 March 2024
Among the Frosty Peaks of Hokkaido
The Ainu people, indigenous inhabitants of Japan, have maintained a unique culture and tradition for centuries, setting themselves apart from the dominant Japanese community.
29 February 2024
Introduction
At the heart of Japan's centuries-old tradition of horror lies the "Great Trio of Kaidan" (日本三大怪談, Nihon san dai kaidan) - three stories that have attracted and terrified for
25 February 2024
The Legend of the Two Warriors' Encounter
Nearly 900 years ago, more precisely in the summer of 1179, on the fifth bridge of Kyoto, two men stood facing each other
23 February 2024
The Philosophy of Spatial Composition
Japanese gardens, with their rich history and philosophical underpinnings, stand as one of the most fascinating and refined forms of landscape art in the world.
18 February 2024
Zelda and Shinto – Foreword...
What resonates at the heart of Hyrule?
The "Legend of Zelda" series has long held a place in the pantheon of iconic video games, exerting
14 February 2024
Design (of a helm) that kasted half a thousand years
In the world of cinematography and history, it is a rare, though not unheard-of, occurrence for a figure from the
07 February 2024
Japanese Robin Hood
We all know him from popular anime, video games, and films - Ishikawa Goemon, often referred to as the Japanese Robin Hood, is a character who, over
30 January 2024
Cat Youkai
As darkness envelops Japan and the silvery eye of the moon casts its glow upon trees and rooftops, the sinister youkai of the night awaken. Slipping unnoticed among
27 January 2024
Historical Jigsaw Puzzle
Immersing oneself in the history of Japan is like traveling through a complex yet fascinating labyrinth of time, where every corridor and turn hides extraordinary stories and
19 January 2024
"Kiso no Yoshinaka had brought with him from Shinano two attendants - Tomoe and Yamabuki. Yamabuki had fallen ill and stayed in the capital. Tomoe was exceedingly beautiful, with snow-white
18 January 2024
Let's Explore Kami - Japanese Gods and Goddesses
Let us delve into a world where the ordinary and extraordinary intertwine in a fascinating weave of mythology and belief. This is
Article Miniatures
Manga & Anime
Category:
One July night...
In 1864, within the culturally and commercially vibrant Nakagyō district of Kyoto, an event unfolded that permanently marked the pages of Japanese history in blood. The Ikedaya Incident, named after the inn where it occurred, was not
Looking at a Gray Day from a Different Perspective
Sei Shōnagon is a woman of confidence, courage, and self-worth. Her rival, with whom she resided in the imperial palace— the famous Murasaki Shikibu (author of the world's first novel)—described her
Katana is not merely a weapon
The katana is more than just a weapon—it is a potent symbol of Japanese culture that has significantly impacted various aspects of life in Japan over the centuries, from social rituals to martial arts.
Honorable Cutting
Harakiri [腹切り], also known as seppuku [切腹] (we will discuss the difference further on), is a brutal, painful, and, contrary to appearances, excruciatingly lengthy act of suicide, which in Japanese culture has become a symbol of the highest
Meanwhile, "In the Kingdom of the Calendar" 30 years ago...
The 1990s brought Polish viewers countless hours of joy through Japanese anime series, known at that time as "Chinese cartoons." We have already written about some of them, like Yattaman,
神靈山林之中，社寺立於巨木之下，為祭祀之地
"In the spirit-filled mountains and forests,
temples and shrines stand beneath giant trees,
serving as places of worship."
- Nihon Shoki, Nara, 720 AD.
Deep in the dense, green forests of Japan lurk mysterious beings known as Kodama. These
The Dramatic Life of the Master
'From heaven, through this world, to hell, my image should depict everything that exists between heaven and hell.' – Katsushika Hokusai
Katsushika Hokusai appears to be a man of immeasurable depth of feeling, though
Mitochondrial Horror Innovations
In the world of Japanese sci-fi novels of the late last century, "Parasite Eve" by Hideaki Sena deserves attention. Not only is it the foundation of an important series in popular culture (film, games, manga), but it
The Legend of an Outsider
The rich mythology of Japan is full of gems – stories that can be drawn from it – borrowed and used for inspiration in our own lives. On the other hand, the colorful and diverse
The Girl Who Changed Literature
Murasaki Shikibu, a figure shrouded in mystery and admiration, is considered one of the most important pillars of world literature. Her greatest work, "The Tale of Genji," is recognized as the world's first novel. By
Manga & Anime
Category:
Article Titles
10 May 2024
One July night...
In 1864, within the culturally and commercially vibrant Nakagyō district of Kyoto, an event unfolded that permanently marked the pages of Japanese history in blood. The Ikedaya
07 May 2024
Looking at a Gray Day from a Different Perspective
Sei Shōnagon is a woman of confidence, courage, and self-worth. Her rival, with whom she resided in the imperial palace— the
26 April 2024
Katana is not merely a weapon
The katana is more than just a weapon—it is a potent symbol of Japanese culture that has significantly impacted various aspects of life in
23 April 2024
Honorable Cutting
Harakiri [腹切り], also known as seppuku [切腹] (we will discuss the difference further on), is a brutal, painful, and, contrary to appearances, excruciatingly lengthy act of suicide, which
17 April 2024
Meanwhile, "In the Kingdom of the Calendar" 30 years ago...
The 1990s brought Polish viewers countless hours of joy through Japanese anime series, known at that time as "Chinese cartoons."
13 April 2024
神靈山林之中，社寺立於巨木之下，為祭祀之地
"In the spirit-filled mountains and forests,
temples and shrines stand beneath giant trees,
serving as places of worship."
- Nihon Shoki, Nara, 720 AD.
Deep in the dense, green
09 April 2024
The Dramatic Life of the Master
'From heaven, through this world, to hell, my image should depict everything that exists between heaven and hell.' – Katsushika Hokusai
Katsushika Hokusai appears
03 April 2024
Mitochondrial Horror Innovations
In the world of Japanese sci-fi novels of the late last century, "Parasite Eve" by Hideaki Sena deserves attention. Not only is it the foundation of an
29 March 2024
The Legend of an Outsider
The rich mythology of Japan is full of gems – stories that can be drawn from it – borrowed and used for inspiration in our
27 March 2024
The Girl Who Changed Literature
Murasaki Shikibu, a figure shrouded in mystery and admiration, is considered one of the most important pillars of world literature. Her greatest work, "The Tale
26 March 2024
The blade of Muramasa suspended over the Tukugawa clan...
The legendary katana blades, forged by the mysterious blacksmith Muramasa, were not ordinary tools of war but blood-soaked works of art
22 March 2024
'When you suffer and fear for so long, your pain and fear turn into hatred. And hatred begins to change the world.' - Alessa
Until 1999, I lived in peace,
20 March 2024
We first have met under the DOS...
We remember Scorpion from the very beginning – from that groundbreaking day in 1992 when Mortal Kombat debuted (for those few lucky ones
15 March 2024
The newer anime has ascended to the pedestal of legends.
"Attack on Titan", known in Japan as "Shingeki no Kyojin" [進撃の巨人], is undoubtedly one of the most significant cultural phenomena
14 March 2024
More Than Just Protective Gear
The samurai armor, more than just a protective element, epitomizes the Japanese warrior spirit, symbolizing honor, bravery, and resilience. From the earliest forms of body
06 March 2024
A Wild Youkai Ride
Sometimes, under favorable conditions, when the alignment of both planets and earthly matters coincides with a secret pattern, a night arrives when history intertwines with the
03 March 2024
Among the Frosty Peaks of Hokkaido
The Ainu people, indigenous inhabitants of Japan, have maintained a unique culture and tradition for centuries, setting themselves apart from the dominant Japanese community.
29 February 2024
Introduction
At the heart of Japan's centuries-old tradition of horror lies the "Great Trio of Kaidan" (日本三大怪談, Nihon san dai kaidan) - three stories that have attracted and terrified for
25 February 2024
The Legend of the Two Warriors' Encounter
Nearly 900 years ago, more precisely in the summer of 1179, on the fifth bridge of Kyoto, two men stood facing each other
23 February 2024
The Philosophy of Spatial Composition
Japanese gardens, with their rich history and philosophical underpinnings, stand as one of the most fascinating and refined forms of landscape art in the world.
22 February 2024
The Land by the Vistula on Japanese Screens
When we think of Japanese pop culture, we envision colorful anime, intricate manga, and video games that meld fantastic universes with complex
18 February 2024
Zelda and Shinto – Foreword...
What resonates at the heart of Hyrule?
The "Legend of Zelda" series has long held a place in the pantheon of iconic video games, exerting
14 February 2024
Design (of a helm) that kasted half a thousand years
In the world of cinematography and history, it is a rare, though not unheard-of, occurrence for a figure from the
13 February 2024
The "Chinese Cartoon" about Wrestlers from Polonia 1
Do you still remember what it was like to turn on the TV and lose yourself in a world where the laws
07 February 2024
Japanese Robin Hood
We all know him from popular anime, video games, and films - Ishikawa Goemon, often referred to as the Japanese Robin Hood, is a character who, over
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ALL
Category:
The Surprising Pirates of Sengoku Japan
In Japanese history, nothing is ever as it seems at first glance. Take pirates, for example—we imagine wild marauders, racing through the waves with swords in hand and fire in their hearts. Yet today’s
That silent moon...
In the pale light of the dispassionate moon suspended over the lonely house on the moors of Adachi-ga-hara, time stands still. An old woman with a torch in one hand and a knife in the other approaches
15,000 km on Horseback
A poem about the fate of Poland under partition became a mandatory reading in Japanese schools for nearly a century, and a song based on it was sung by the Imperial Japanese Army, for instance, during
How Everything Got Mixed Up in the West
Geisha were indeed artists—renowned hostesses, masters of dance, music, and conversation, who some, especially in the West, naively refer to as "Japanese courtesans." However, the truth is different. A geisha was never
Calm and Drama
It is hard to imagine a more symbolic encounter than that between the works of Hiroshige and Van Gogh – two visions of the world: calm and contemplative versus turbulent and chaotic. Let us look at Hiroshige’s
Battle-Breakers
The history of ninja centers around two main schools: Iga and Kōga. In Iga, an independent community developed shinobi techniques to protect its autonomy, while Kōga was known for mercenaries hired by samurai clans for various missions. When Japan
Ukiyo-e in Tattooing
The irezumi tattoo is an unmistakable trademark—a delicate design full of hidden meanings and symbolism drawn from Japanese history and the art of ukiyo-e. Anyone who is even slightly familiar with Japanese culture recognizes this detailed, colorful
The Enemy of My Enemy Is My Friend…
At 4:00 PM on December 11, 1941, Poland declared war on Japan.
Japan responded by saying it didn’t believe it.
The cooperation between Polish and Japanese intelligence continued in full force.
Following
What Do We Have in Common with Edo Japan?
The Polish people know all too well what censorship is and how to outwit it. From the long decades under partitions through the times of the Polish People’s Republic, Polish artists
The Father of Karate
In the depths of the Ryūkyū Archipelago, now the modern-day Okinawa Prefecture, a martial art was born that would revolutionize the philosophy of self-defense and become a symbol of inner discipline. This was karate—originally known as
ALL
Category:
Article Titles
20 November 2024
The Surprising Pirates of Sengoku Japan
In Japanese history, nothing is ever as it seems at first glance. Take pirates, for example—we imagine wild marauders, racing through the waves with
19 November 2024
That silent moon...
In the pale light of the dispassionate moon suspended over the lonely house on the moors of Adachi-ga-hara, time stands still. An old woman with a torch
18 November 2024
15,000 km on Horseback
A poem about the fate of Poland under partition became a mandatory reading in Japanese schools for nearly a century, and a song based on it
18 November 2024
How Everything Got Mixed Up in the West
Geisha were indeed artists—renowned hostesses, masters of dance, music, and conversation, who some, especially in the West, naively refer to as "Japanese
13 November 2024
Calm and Drama
It is hard to imagine a more symbolic encounter than that between the works of Hiroshige and Van Gogh – two visions of the world: calm and
13 November 2024
Battle-Breakers
The history of ninja centers around two main schools: Iga and Kōga. In Iga, an independent community developed shinobi techniques to protect its autonomy, while Kōga was known for
12 November 2024
Ukiyo-e in Tattooing
The irezumi tattoo is an unmistakable trademark—a delicate design full of hidden meanings and symbolism drawn from Japanese history and the art of ukiyo-e. Anyone who is
09 November 2024
The Enemy of My Enemy Is My Friend…
At 4:00 PM on December 11, 1941, Poland declared war on Japan.
Japan responded by saying it didn’t believe it.
The cooperation
06 November 2024
What Do We Have in Common with Edo Japan?
The Polish people know all too well what censorship is and how to outwit it. From the long decades under partitions
04 November 2024
The Father of Karate
In the depths of the Ryūkyū Archipelago, now the modern-day Okinawa Prefecture, a martial art was born that would revolutionize the philosophy of self-defense and become
04 November 2024
「二十五まで生き過ぎたり」
(Nijūgo made ikisugitari)
“Life is too long for someone who has lived 25 years”
- Ichibei Ōtori, 1612, before his death
The True Image of Kabukimono?
In the dim
03 November 2024
A Treasury of Wise Words
Proverbs are true cultural treasures. Sometimes simple, sometimes imbued with unexpected wisdom and subtlety of observation, they are not only wise words passed down through
29 October 2024
The Birth of an Archetype
Oyuki was a young girl working as a geisha in 1760 at the Tominaga house in the city of Ōtsu, Ōmi Province. A beautiful singer,
28 October 2024
Walking through cemetery paths...
November 1st—All Saints’ Day in Poland—is approaching. For this occasion, today’s article will discuss how Japan commemorates the deceased and, more specifically, what Japanese cemeteries are
28 October 2024
On a crisp morning…
In a cool, misty dawn, across vast fields bathed in the gentle light of daybreak, the silhouettes of samurai led by Tokugawa Ieyasu loom. Proud and
27 October 2024
Tree of Generations
Goshin, the "Guardian of the Spirit," captivates with its powerful presence. A single composition made up of eleven juniper trees stretches out like a majestic, tall, ancient
21 October 2024
The Faithful Aide of the Samurai
Shiba Inu is a true force of nature in a dog's body – small, independent, and full of character, as if it carried within
21 October 2024
An Extraordinary Woman
She was over 70 years old. Her peers mostly talked about rest, a well-deserved retirement, slowing down, and health problems. But not her. She packed her backpack,
18 October 2024
Eccentric Jakuchū
Imagine Japan three hundred years ago – isolated islands where life moved to the quiet rhythm imposed by the strict rules of the Tokugawa shogunate. In the bustling,
17 October 2024
The Samurai Father of Japanese Martial Arts
The world of Japanese martial arts is incredibly rich, and among the most popular forms are disciplines such as karate, aikido, and judo.
15 October 2024
The Most Japanese of Entertainments
When we think of Japan, what comes to mind? Sushi, samurai, manga? Or maybe… karaoke? It is Japan that is the cradle of this form
14 October 2024
Stylized Beauty, Grotesque, and Decay
Should I admire the beauty, or feel disgust? As I look at Fuyuko Matsui's paintings, I wonder...
Fuyuko Matsui – an artist whose paintings resemble
13 October 2024
#1. Roadside Stalls
Imagine you're driving a car, the road winds between fields, passing small villages from time to time, and the terrain gently undulates. On the roadside, there's a
07 October 2024
A Meaningful Gesture of Empathy
Imagine a group of nearly 900 children—frozen, hungry, and sick—lost in the chaos of the Russian Civil War, fighting for survival in the cold, harsh
06 October 2024
Let’s Listen to the Old Madman
Katsushika Hokusai doesn't just create woodblock prints – he sculpts philosophy in water. His series "Eight Waterfalls" is a manifestation of nature’s untamed force,
Article Miniatures
Contemporary Japan
Category:
One July night...
In 1864, within the culturally and commercially vibrant Nakagyō district of Kyoto, an event unfolded that permanently marked the pages of Japanese history in blood. The Ikedaya Incident, named after the inn where it occurred, was not
Looking at a Gray Day from a Different Perspective
Sei Shōnagon is a woman of confidence, courage, and self-worth. Her rival, with whom she resided in the imperial palace— the famous Murasaki Shikibu (author of the world's first novel)—described her
A Busy Week or a Moment for Reflection
The Japanese May holiday, known in Japan and throughout East Asia as ゴールデンウィーク (Golden Week), is a unique period in the Japanese calendar that includes a series of national holidays from April
Katana is not merely a weapon
The katana is more than just a weapon—it is a potent symbol of Japanese culture that has significantly impacted various aspects of life in Japan over the centuries, from social rituals to martial arts.
Honorable Cutting
Harakiri [腹切り], also known as seppuku [切腹] (we will discuss the difference further on), is a brutal, painful, and, contrary to appearances, excruciatingly lengthy act of suicide, which in Japanese culture has become a symbol of the highest
Gaman - to bear difficulties in silence
Gaman is a Japanese concept that emphasizes patience, endurance, and the ability to bear hardship without publicly showing pain or frustration. It is a virtue deeply rooted in Japanese culture, often manifesting as
Meanwhile, "In the Kingdom of the Calendar" 30 years ago...
The 1990s brought Polish viewers countless hours of joy through Japanese anime series, known at that time as "Chinese cartoons." We have already written about some of them, like Yattaman,
Cherry Blossom Forecast
Hanami, also known as the cherry blossom viewing festival, is one of the most picturesque and charming traditions of Japan, celebrating the annual bloom of cherry blossoms, known as sakura. This unique phenomenon, celebrated for centuries, symbolizes
神靈山林之中，社寺立於巨木之下，為祭祀之地
"In the spirit-filled mountains and forests,
temples and shrines stand beneath giant trees,
serving as places of worship."
- Nihon Shoki, Nara, 720 AD.
Deep in the dense, green forests of Japan lurk mysterious beings known as Kodama. These
The Dramatic Life of the Master
'From heaven, through this world, to hell, my image should depict everything that exists between heaven and hell.' – Katsushika Hokusai
Katsushika Hokusai appears to be a man of immeasurable depth of feeling, though
Contemp. Japan
Category:
Article Titles
10 May 2024
One July night...
In 1864, within the culturally and commercially vibrant Nakagyō district of Kyoto, an event unfolded that permanently marked the pages of Japanese history in blood. The Ikedaya
07 May 2024
Looking at a Gray Day from a Different Perspective
Sei Shōnagon is a woman of confidence, courage, and self-worth. Her rival, with whom she resided in the imperial palace— the
28 April 2024
A Busy Week or a Moment for Reflection
The Japanese May holiday, known in Japan and throughout East Asia as ゴールデンウィーク (Golden Week), is a unique period in the Japanese
26 April 2024
Katana is not merely a weapon
The katana is more than just a weapon—it is a potent symbol of Japanese culture that has significantly impacted various aspects of life in
23 April 2024
Honorable Cutting
Harakiri [腹切り], also known as seppuku [切腹] (we will discuss the difference further on), is a brutal, painful, and, contrary to appearances, excruciatingly lengthy act of suicide, which
19 April 2024
Gaman - to bear difficulties in silence
Gaman is a Japanese concept that emphasizes patience, endurance, and the ability to bear hardship without publicly showing pain or frustration. It is
17 April 2024
Meanwhile, "In the Kingdom of the Calendar" 30 years ago...
The 1990s brought Polish viewers countless hours of joy through Japanese anime series, known at that time as "Chinese cartoons."
15 April 2024
Cherry Blossom Forecast
Hanami, also known as the cherry blossom viewing festival, is one of the most picturesque and charming traditions of Japan, celebrating the annual bloom of cherry blossoms,
13 April 2024
神靈山林之中，社寺立於巨木之下，為祭祀之地
"In the spirit-filled mountains and forests,
temples and shrines stand beneath giant trees,
serving as places of worship."
- Nihon Shoki, Nara, 720 AD.
Deep in the dense, green
09 April 2024
The Dramatic Life of the Master
'From heaven, through this world, to hell, my image should depict everything that exists between heaven and hell.' – Katsushika Hokusai
Katsushika Hokusai appears
04 April 2024
Kuchisabishii – “Lonely Mouth”
Kuchisabishii, or “lonely mouths,” is a term that has found its place in the language and culture of Japan, describing the phenomenon of eating not from
03 April 2024
Mitochondrial Horror Innovations
In the world of Japanese sci-fi novels of the late last century, "Parasite Eve" by Hideaki Sena deserves attention. Not only is it the foundation of an
30 March 2024
Ladies and Gentlemen, Introducing the Hare...
As we are in the midst of the Easter holidays, it is inevitable - the main character of today’s article will be the figure
29 March 2024
The Legend of an Outsider
The rich mythology of Japan is full of gems – stories that can be drawn from it – borrowed and used for inspiration in our
27 March 2024
The Girl Who Changed Literature
Murasaki Shikibu, a figure shrouded in mystery and admiration, is considered one of the most important pillars of world literature. Her greatest work, "The Tale
26 March 2024
The blade of Muramasa suspended over the Tukugawa clan...
The legendary katana blades, forged by the mysterious blacksmith Muramasa, were not ordinary tools of war but blood-soaked works of art
22 March 2024
'When you suffer and fear for so long, your pain and fear turn into hatred. And hatred begins to change the world.' - Alessa
Until 1999, I lived in peace,
20 March 2024
We first have met under the DOS...
We remember Scorpion from the very beginning – from that groundbreaking day in 1992 when Mortal Kombat debuted (for those few lucky ones
19 March 2024
Society Behind the Mask
At the heart of Japan's culture, an island nation that is not always understandable to us, Europeans, lies the concept of Majime - a term that
15 March 2024
The newer anime has ascended to the pedestal of legends.
"Attack on Titan", known in Japan as "Shingeki no Kyojin" [進撃の巨人], is undoubtedly one of the most significant cultural phenomena
14 March 2024
More Than Just Protective Gear
The samurai armor, more than just a protective element, epitomizes the Japanese warrior spirit, symbolizing honor, bravery, and resilience. From the earliest forms of body
13 March 2024
Hidden Messages of Akira Toriyama
For many of us who grew up laughing and being moved by the adventures of Goku and other works of Akira Toriyama, March 1st, when
08 March 2024
Imagine...
Imagine a young Polish woman who penetrates the world of shogi, an ancient Japanese game with a rich tradition dating back over two thousand years. The world of professional
06 March 2024
A Wild Youkai Ride
Sometimes, under favorable conditions, when the alignment of both planets and earthly matters coincides with a secret pattern, a night arrives when history intertwines with the
03 March 2024
Among the Frosty Peaks of Hokkaido
The Ainu people, indigenous inhabitants of Japan, have maintained a unique culture and tradition for centuries, setting themselves apart from the dominant Japanese community.
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