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紅まどんな – Beni Madonna
Beni Madonna is a premium citrus fruit from Ehime Prefecture, known for its incredibly soft pulp that feels just like eating jelly. It took 15 years of careful breeding to combine the best traits of its parent varieties: the juicy Nanko and the tender Amakusa.
Every year, farmers cross-breed about 1,000 different varieties in search of something new, but they consider themselves lucky if they can produce just one successful variety every 15 to 17 years. The odds are a staggering 1 in 15,000. Even with its premium price tag, Beni Madonna is selling like hotcakes. Peak season is in December, and it’s expected to be available through early January.
愛媛県が生んだ最高級の柑橘「紅まどんな」。果肉が非常に柔らかく、まるでゼリーを食べているような食感が特徴。これは15年もの歳月をかけ、ジューシーな「南香（なんこう）」と、果肉が柔らかい「天草（あまくさ）」の長所を掛け合わせて作られた品種。
農家では毎年1,000種類ほど掛け合わせて新種の開発を行っているが、新しい品種が誕生するのは15年〜17年に一度あれば良い方だと言われている。その確率はなんと約15,000分の1。現在、紅まどんなは決して安くないけれど、その美味しさから「飛ぶように」売れている。12月が旬のピークで、1月初めまで販売される予定。
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納豆 – Nattō
Nattō is made by fermenting soybeans with nattō bacteria. It has a distinct smell and a sticky texture, which even many Japanese people find unappealing despite growing up with it. However, nattō is a nutritional powerhouse—rich in protein, essential for the body; iron, which supports blood production; and potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure. It also promotes a healthy gut environment. When it comes to nutritious foods, nattō is often the first thing that comes to mind for many Japanese people.
Interestingly, the bacteria responsible for nattō’s fermentation have remarkable resilience and an astonishing ability to reproduce. Experiments have shown that nattō bacteria can survive extreme conditions—temperatures as high as 100°C, as low as -200°C, the vacuum of outer space, and even the acidity of gastric juices. Incredibly, a single nattō bacterium can multiply to about 4 billion within just 16 hours.
納豆は大豆を納豆菌で発酵させて作られる。納豆は癖のある匂いと独特の粘りがある食べ物で、納豆文化の中で生活している日本人でも嫌いな人は多い。しかし納豆は体に大切なタンパク質、血を作る鉄分、高血圧防止に効くカリウムが豊富で、腸内環境も整えてくれるという超優れ物で、健康食品の代名詞として日本人が一番最初に挙げるのは納豆だ。
ところでこの納豆を作っている納豆菌なんだが、驚異的な生命力と物凄い繁殖力を持っている。実験の結果、納豆菌は100度の高温やマイナス200度の低温、宇宙空間、胃液の中でも生き延びることができ、1個の納豆菌は16時間後には約40億個まで増殖可能ということが分かっている。
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Neo Hina Dolls
March 3rd is Hinamatsuri, a festival for families with girls. However, in recent years, many younger people have lost interest. During Japan’s economic boom, a seven-tiered Hina doll display cost around 1 million yen, nearly the price of two new cars, symbolizing wealth. Nowadays, space and cost concerns lead families to buy only the main couple dolls or even just small figures or pictures. To attract younger generations, flashy Hina dolls with long eyelashes, bright hair, and vibrant kimonos have emerged. While some find them too flashy, these changes aim to keep the tradition alive.
3月3日はひな祭り。女の子がいる家庭は既に何かしら準備していることだろう。でも実は近年、若い世代の節句離れが起きている。高度経済成長期の7段飾りのひな人形は100万円。新車2台がほぼ買える値段。豪華なひな人形が豊かさの象徴だった。でも今は「家が狭くて置く場所がない」「高い」などの理由で、買っても男雛と女雛の2体だけ、それどころか従来の人形の代わりに手のひらサイズの飾りや絵などで済ませる家庭も多い。そこで少しでも若い世代に興味を持ってもらおうと、最近ド派手なひな人形が売られている。長いまつげ、鮮やかな色の髪の毛、派手な着物など、とにかく従来のひな人形とは全然違う。ド派手は少しやりすぎな気がしないでもないが、伝統を守るには変わっていかないといけないのだろう。
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白神山地 – Shirakami Sanchi
Japan currently hosts 26 World Heritage Sites, including Shirakami-Sanchi, a mountainous region spanning Aomori and Akita Prefectures. Recognized in 1993, Shirakami-Sanchi boasts vast primeval beech forests, among the largest untouched natural reserves globally. These ancient forests, free from modern development, provide sanctuary to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including the elusive black woodpecker and the Japanese serow, a designated natural monument.
白神山地は現在日本にある26の世界遺産の一つ。白神山地は青森県から秋田県にまたがる山地帯の総称。「人の影響をほとんど受けていない原生的なブナ天然林が世界最大級の規模で分布」として、1993年世界遺産に登録された。白神山地は幻の鳥と言われるクマゲラや天然記念物のニホンカモシカなどの保護区になっている。
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National Foundation Day
February 11th is National Foundation Day (建国記念の日) in Japan. Established by the amendment of the National Holidays Act in 1966, this national holiday is dedicated to “remembering the founding of the country and cultivating a love for the nation.” February 11th was chosen for this celebration because it is traditionally believed to be the day when Japan’s first emperor, Emperor Jimmu, ascended the throne in 660 B.C., according to Japanese historical records.
建国記念の日は、1966年の祝日法改正により設けられた国民の祝日であり、「建国をしのび、国を愛する心を養う」日とされているんだそう。2月11日が選ばれた理由は、紀元前660年、日本の初代天皇である神武天皇が即位したとされる日だから。
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Japan’s World Heritage Sites
As of February 2025, Japan proudly hosts 26 World Heritage Sites, each contributing uniquely to global heritage.
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Neo Bamboo Craft
In Beppu, located in Oita Prefecture, traditional bamboo craftsmen and modern artisans collaborate to create innovative, non-traditional works. This collaboration is possible because Beppu hosts Japan’s only vocational training school for bamboo crafts, where tuition is free! Inexperienced craftsmen attend this school to learn how to handle and weave bamboo, develop product creation ideas, and gain opportunities to produce innovative products.
大分県別府では伝統的な竹細工職人と現代の職人がコラボして自由で斬新な作品を作りだしている。別府には日本で唯一竹細工の職業訓練校がある。しかも授業料は無料！経験の浅い職人などが通って、竹の扱い方や編み方を習ったり、商品開発の考案から実際の作成を行ったりする。
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Gold Ehōmaki
The price of an ehōmaki made with gold seaweed is 12,800 yen. With the current strong dollar, this converts to approximately 83 dollars, lessening its impact. However, when the exchange rate was 100 yen to the dollar, 12,800 yen would have been 128 dollars. The one with sea urchin on it was from 2019 and cost 15,800 yen, which was around 145 dollars at the then-current exchange rate. Despite the rising costs, I wonder why the price of this particular ehōmaki has decreased…
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Trivia about Setsubun
Setsubun (節分), usually celebrated on February 3rd, marks the day before the first day of spring according to the East Asian lunisolar calendar. However, due to the Earth’s orbital period of 365.2422 days, the date of Setsubun can shift. For instance, in 2021, as well as this year, Setsubun falls on February 2nd, a date that hadn’t occurred since 1984.
On Setsubun, it’s customary to perform mamemaki and enjoy ehōmaki. However, this year, the price of ehōmaki has surged by nearly 15% compared to last year. This increase is largely due to the price of rice, which has skyrocketed by 60% over the same period.
今年の節分は2月2日。節分は2月3日のことが多いが、そもそも節分とは立春の前日のこと。地球の公転の周期は365.2422日なので立春の日付けがずれる。2021年も2月2日が節分だった。その前は1984年まで遡る。
節分には豆まきをしたり恵方巻きを食べたりするのが習慣だが、今年の恵方巻きは去年と比べて15％近く値上がりしているそう。特にお米の値段が去年より6割も高くなっているそうだ。
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College Park Lunar New Year
The City of College Park will be hosting the Lunar New Year Celebration on Saturday, February 1st.
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Flowers with Bulbs
Flowers with bulbs have recently gained popularity in Japan. Despite having bulbs, they bloom only once, with a lifespan of about two weeks. However, they last longer than cut flowers and are easier to care for. Unfortunately, their production period is currently limited, running only from mid-January to mid-February. In Toyama, which accounts for 70% of the production, sales have increased tenfold in the past five years.
最近日本で流行っているのが球根付きの花。球根が付いていても1回咲いたら終わりで、寿命は2週間ほどだが切り花より長く楽しめるし、手入れも簡単だそうだ。残念なことに今現在は生産の時期が限られていて1月中旬から2月中旬だけ。生産の7割を占める富山では売り上げが5年で10倍に。
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Picky Eaters Meals
If you’re reading this, you likely have a love for Japan and might already be familiar with the popular chain, Don Quixote. But have you heard of their unique “hen-ai-meshi,” or “meals for picky eaters”? These quirky dishes are designed to cater to someone’s tastes 120%, rather than aiming for a mediocre 75% for everyone. For instance, they offer just the roots of corn dogs, fried chicken skins only, or pasta overloaded with garlic. Now, that’s definitely catering to the picky eaters!
私の記事を読むほどの日本好きは多分、ドン・キホーテを知っているだろう。だったらドンキの偏愛めしは知っているだろうか。みんなの75点より、誰かの120点を目指すから偏愛なんだそうだ。例えばアメリカンドッグの根本だけとか、フライドチキンの皮だけ、ガーリックだらけのペペロンチーノなど。確かに偏愛めしだ。
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Lucky Cats for Americans
Lucky cats, known as “maneki-neko,” are cherished worldwide, from Japan to far-off lands. But did you know there’s a special version for Americans? These American lucky cats have striking blue eyes and sometimes wear scarves featuring the American flag. Instead of the traditional Japanese koban coins, they hold dollars. And their beckoning gesture? It’s uniquely American—rather than the classic Japanese “come here” motion, they beckon with an American “c’mon” gesture.
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Hot Beverage Vending Machine
Japan has a long history of innovation in vending machines, particularly in the beverage industry. Beverage vending machines were first introduced in Japan in 1957. However, they gained significant popularity in 1962 when Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Vendo manufactured them for Tokyo Coca-Cola, resulting in 880 units being installed nationwide.
By 1973, the innovation of selling hot drinks through vending machines was introduced, revolutionizing the market with machines capable of switching from dispensing cold beverages in the summer to hot ones in the winter. This was further enhanced in 1977 when vending machines that could simultaneously offer both hot and cold drinks hit the market, offering unparalleled convenience to consumers. Since 2002, vending machines with cashless functions have been installed across the country.
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成人式 – Seijin Shiki
“Seijin no Hi” or “Coming of Age Day” is a national holiday celebrated on the second Monday in January with a ceremony called “seijin-shiki.” Since April 1, 2022 the Japanese government has lowered the age of adulthood from 20 to 18. However, there are still certain rights and responsibilities you cannot assume until you turn 20. (See my 成人 post for details.) For many decades, the coming-of-age ceremony was traditionally held at age 20, and most areas continue this practice. Some regions have renamed the ceremony from “seijin-shiki” or “coming-of-age ceremony” to “hatachi no tsudoi” or “20-year-old gathering.”
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ネオ瓦 – Neo Kawara
There is a company in Gifu Prefecture that specializes in making traditional kawara, or roof tiles. Established in 1883, their kawara have been used in many temples and houses, including the famous Tōfuku-ji temple in Kyoto, which is listed as one of Japan’s national treasures. Unfortunately, the number of traditional Japanese houses has been decreasing, leading to a decline in the demand for kawara. To adapt, this company and many others like it have started creating charms, pots, plates, lanterns, and other items using the same traditional techniques of making kawara, ensuring that the tradition will carry on.
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反毛 – Hanmō
Hanmō has two distinct meanings:
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The traditional Japanese technique of transforming clothing back into raw yarn material.
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The fabric produced using this technique.
Skilled craftsmen can quickly identify and sort clothing by material through touch alone. If the fabric contains too much synthetic fiber, it cannot be repurposed through Hanmō. The fabrics are also sorted by color and then processed through a Hanmō machine to return them to their raw state.
Historically, these materials were labeled as “secondary used cheap material,” leading to a decline in the Hanmō technique’s popularity. However, today, such techniques are highly valued by environmentally conscious consumers worldwide. For instance, the American outdoor brand Columbia Sportswear utilizes Japan’s reused wool, made using the Hanmō technique.
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お子様ランチ – Kid’s Lunch
Family restaurants, and many other dining establishments, offer a dish called okosama lunch, or kid’s lunch. Despite being called a kid’s lunch, it is served at any time of the day. The tradition began in 1930, during the early Shōwa era (1926–1989), before WWII. The chef who created okosama lunch was a mountain climber, which inspired him to shape the rice like a mountain and decorate it with a flag on top. He hoped this meal would bring dreams and smiles to children during challenging times. Since then, the flag has become a hallmark of okosama lunch, symbolizing joy and adventure, at all restaurants that serve it. In recent years, some restaurants have started offering okosama lunch for adults as well. The photo below is an adult version of okosama lunch.
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Japanese vs American Gesture 1
If you love Japan, you might already know that the Japanese gesture for “come here” looks similar to the American gesture for “go away”.
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天のウズメ – Ama no Uzume
Ama no Uzume, also known as Uzume of Heaven, is the goddess of entertainment in Japanese mythology, prominently featured in the legend of Iwatogakure. The following is written about Iwatogakure.
– Amaterasu, the sun goddess, could no longer tolerate the violent behavior of her brother Susanoo. In response, she withdrew into Ama no Iwato, or the “heaven’s rock cave,” plunging the world into darkness and chaos. To coax Amaterasu out of her seclusion and restore light to the world, Uzume of Heaven performed a spirited dance, even stripping naked, which caused the gathered gods to erupt in laughter. Curious about the commotion, Amaterasu peeked out from the cave, only to be pulled out by the other deities, thus returning light and order to the world. –
「岩戸隠れ」の伝説などに登場する芸能の女神。日本神話には「岩戸隠れ」についてこう書かれている。「太陽の神、天照大神（アマテラスオオミカミ）がスサノオの粗暴に耐えかねて天岩戸に隠れてしまった。すると世界が暗闇に包まれ、さまざまな禍（まが）が発生した。天のウズメは裸で踊って数えきれないほどたくさんの神々を笑わせた。天照大神が騒ぎの様子を見ようと岩戸を開いた時、神々に引き出されて世界に光と秩序が戻った。」
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白湯 – Hot Water
In November 2022, a renowned beverage company in Japan began selling bottled hot water at stores and vending machines. Around that time, drinking hot water became a new norm for many men and women in Japan. This health-conscious trend is believed to be inspired by principles from Indian alternative medicine. Research has shown that drinking hot water can improve sleep quality, boost metabolism, enhance immunity, and help alleviate dry skin, fatigue, and constipation.
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Building Demolition
Japan leads the world in its plans, methods, and techniques for demolishing buildings. It has developed and successfully implemented many of the world’s best demolition methods. Often, demolition operations are conducted without blocking traffic or shutting off electricity in the area. Ensuring that building demolition is prompt, safe, and environmentally friendly requires elaborate methods, careful planning, and simulated practice by skilled workers. As of 2023, the construction waste recycling rate in Japan is 97.2%, the highest in the world.
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Yamagata Beniō
Yamagata Beniō (やまがた紅王) is a new brand of Japanese cherries from Yamagata Prefecture. They finally made their debut in June 2023. The distinguishing characteristic of Yamagata Beniou cherries is their size. They are huge, sweet, and visually appealing, ranging from 1 to 1.45 inches in size. The photo below shows a wooden box of 30 cherries priced at 30,000 yen (approximately $215 USD according to the current exchange market).
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牧野富太郎 – Tomitaro Makino
Tomitaro Makino (1862-1957) is known as the Father of Japanese Botany. Despite not graduating from elementary school, he earned a Doctor of Science degree. Makino discovered over 600 species and named over 1,000 new species and 1,500 new varieties of plants. Until his death at the age of 94, he traveled all over Japan creating botanical specimens. It is believed that he documented over 400,000 pages of specimens.
In the latter half of his life, Tomitaro visited various places in Japan to teach citizens the joy and attraction of plants. He treated people equally, from kids to the elderly. Some of these people sent him botanical specimens, sometimes resulting in new research. When scientists and the general public collaborate on research, it is called citizen science. Tomitaro is a pioneer of this concept.
After elementary school, Tomitaro taught himself and conducted his research independently throughout his life. Because he disliked placing importance on authority, he did not care much about degrees. However, due to the encouragement of those around him, he finally received his doctoral degree from the University of Tokyo in 1927 at the age of 65.
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超深海魚 – Hadal Zone Fish
The hadal zone, also known as the hadopelagic zone, is the deepest region of the ocean. It lies within long narrow V-shaped depressions or “trenches” that range from around 6 to 11 km (3.7 to 6.8 miles) below sea level. In August, 2022, an international research group sent a deep sea exploration vessel with two crew members (one of whom was Japanese) to the 9801 meter deep seabed in the Izu-Ogasawara Trench in Japan. At that depth the water pressure is 1 ton per square centimeter. That is like holding a rhinoceros on the tip of your finger. They saw sea cucumber, sea anemone, shrimp, etc. at this depth. On the way there, they saw deepsea armored grenadier fish (シンカイヨロイダラ) and a species of eel, bassozetus robustus (ソコフクメンイタチウオ) at 6000 meter depth, and a snailfish (スネイルフィッシュ) and ghost snailfish (ゴーストスネイルフィッシュ) at 7000 meter depth. A snailfish has been successfully photographed at a depth of 8336 meters, and this was confirmed by the Guinness Book of World Records as “the deepest hadal zone fish ever found”.
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Sustainable Development Goals
The term SDGs was adopted at the United Nations Summit in September 2015. SDGs stands for Sustainable Development Goals, which are international goals to be achieved by 2030. In Japan, awareness of the SDGs has gradually increased, and now everyone from small children to the elderly recognizes the term. While Japanese people believe that SDGs is a universal term, as of 2023, in the United States, it is more commonly referred to as “sustainability” or “Sustainable Development Goals”. Therefore, when I say SDGs in the U.S., many people don’t understand me right away.
SDGsという言葉は2015年9月に国連サミットで採択された。SDGsとは、Sustainable Development Goalsの略で、2030年までに達成すべき国際目標のこと。日本ではSDGsの認知度は少しずつ高まり、今では小さい子供からお年寄りまで知っている言葉に。日本人はSDGsは世界共通の言葉だと思っているが、2023年現在アメリカではsustainabilityとかSustainable Development Goalsと言われることが多く、SDGsと言っても伝わらない。
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Men & Women in Society
As of 2023, Japanese companies often divide roles into two types: general positions (e.g., sales) and general office positions (e.g., clerical work). Men are typically assigned to general positions, while women are placed in office roles without their input. General office work involves specialized tasks like accounting and human resources, requiring self-study, but lacks a promotion system, leaving employees in low-ranking roles until retirement.
Managers are predominantly male, with women serving as assistants. Many women quit after marriage, while men face criticism for prioritizing childcare over overtime. Women who choose work over marriage are often deemed selfish. Although societal attitudes are shifting individually, systemic change remains limited.
2023年現在、日本の企業は普通、営業などの総合職と事務などの一般職の二つのタイプに分かれている。そしてなぜか本人の希望も聞かずに、男性は総合職で女性は一般職に振り分けられる。一般職は経理、人事、総務などの事務をする。一般職というと雑用のように聞こえるが、経理や労務など専門的な知識が必要で、社員は自分で勉強してこなさないといけない。それでいて総合職は昇格制度があるのに、一般職にはなく、定年退職するまで平社員のまま。
管理職は男性が普通でそのアシスタントに女性が選ばれる。更に女性は結婚したら仕事を辞めるのが普通。男性が育児のために定時に帰りたいと言えば「そんな状況で管理職に就くのは無理だね」と上司に言われてしまう。子育ては女の役目、女の幸せ。「だったら仕事が好きだから結婚しない」と言う女性がいれば、その女性は自分勝手だと非難を浴びてしまう。日本社会は変わってきているとは言え、それは個人レベルで社会全体はまだまだだ。
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化粧まわし – Keshō Mawashi
A mawashi is like a loincloth or woven cloth belt that sumo wrestlers wear when they wrestle. A keshō mawashi has a special silk apron-like thing attached in front. Only wrestlers in the Makuuchi and Jūryō divisions are allowed to wear it. Each wrestler is supported by a sponsor company or an individual, and the keshō mawashi is given them as a reward. One keshō mawashi will cost at least $10,000 USD, and can cost more than one million dollars. A keshō mawashi is usually made from a traditional high quality material like, Nishijin-ori, Hakata-ori, etc., and are only woven by skilled craftsmen.
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大相撲 – Grand Sumo Tournament
The Japan Sumo Association holds tournaments every other month and each tournament lasts for 15 days. Each sumo wrestler must fight a match everyday during the tournament otherwise it’s considered a loss. There are six ranking divisions; Makuuchi, Jūryō, Makushita, Sandanme, Jonidan, and Jonokuchi. Furthermore, there are five rankings within the top Makuuchi division; Yokozuna, Ōzeki, Sekiwake, Komusubi, and Maegashira. After each tournament, a wrestler’s ranking will be revised based on their result except for Yokozuna. Once a wrestler becomes a Yokozuna, he will never be demoted. But Yokozuna are expected to be the top sumo wrestlers and it is disgraceful and dishonorable if one does not achieve good records for several tournaments. Usually a Yokozuna will retire when he starts failing to win or even to be included in championship matches. Please click here for details on sumo.
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ドール – Doll
In Japan, traditional dolls are called ningyō, but contemporary dolls are called dolls. These dolls are gaining popularity nowadays. They are made with cast resin and their joints are spherical so that you can move their body parts. Doll sizes are usually about 40-60cm (15-24 inches). There are custom made dolls, anime character dolls, and dolls called one-off models, etc. The one-off models are unique and are usually sold by lottery. They often cost more than one thousand dollars.
This doll is a one-off model and was sold by auction at a charity event for about $60,000.
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推し活 – Fan Activities
There are many fans of anime, novels, movies, artists, singers, actors, celebrities, sports teams, etc. These fans support what or who they love in many ways. Collecting subject-related consumer goods, and attending special events are the most common fan activities. These commercialized events are usually just fan activities, but sometimes fans help to support a social cause. For example, many fans have volunteered to clean and rebuild an old structure (a swimming pool, garden, park, monument, etc.) which was featured in a story, or happens to look similar to a scene from a movie. Fans may also support the area where a celebrity comes from. There are people who donate money as a fan activity so that professionals can repair things like old swords and statues. There are even young fans who move to the location where a story took place even though it may lie deep in the countryside where mostly only old people live. Traditional Japanese culture may not be so popular among the young, but it is becoming common for young fans to gain an interest in it because of a movie or the influence of a celebrity. Fan activities like these help to keep Japan’s traditional culture alive.
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小町絵図 – Komachi Ezu
Gokusaishiki Umeiro Komachi Ezu (極彩色梅匂小町絵図) is the title of a fusuma painting by contemporary painter Daruma Shōten (だるま商店) in 2009. The life of the mysterious poet, Ono no Komachi is depicted in this painting. You can see it in Zuishin-In temple (随心院) in Kyoto. This temple is believed to be related to Ono no Komachi.
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小野小町 – Ono no Komachi
Ono no Komachi (小野小町) is a Japanese female poet from the 9th century. There are no pictures or sculptures of her, but she was believed to be the most beautiful woman in Japan. She is described as having been as beautiful as Cleopatra. In contrast to the popularity of her poems, we know almost nothing about her life, such as her birthday, birth place, her family, where she lived, the date of her death, etc.
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神社の池 – Shrine Pond
If you go to a Shinto shrine, there may be a bridge over a pond or a stream. It is said that water can purify your body and mind when you cross it, the same as using a chōzuya. Using chōzuya is a good respectful gesture, but it may still be off-limits due to the COVID pandemic. Crossing a bridge is another way to enjoy your visit and feel the sacred energy.
