Japan's Military Base #1 Largest Community Japan Culture

Japanese English

Johnny Seattle — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 16:45:33 GMT

What is a "Virgin Road"?

Traditional Japanese Dance in Okinawa

Julia — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 14:49:17 GMT

Does anyone know of friendly Nihon Buyo, Noh Mai, or Bon Odori dance groups/lessons in Okinawa? I'm interested in picking it up again when I come over.

If you are of mixed Asian ancestry, how is being a gaijin?

Julia — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 21:33:05 GMT

My husband and I are Americans, and both of us are mixed Asian and European ancestry. We are preparing for a PCS to Japan, and are considering living off base. I am assuming despite being partially Japanese that I/we will be lumped into "Gaijin" status (which is accurate, we are foreigners and I am not fluent), but I am curious to hear other's personal experiences on this. I know that the Japanese can be pretty racist against other Asians, and in many parts of Asia mixed kids were regarded as a stigma because of associations of war and rape. Even if that is not true, do you think we will still get the gaijin grace extended to us? I have no experience living in Japan and it is quite possible that my minor apprehension is outdated or irrelevant; please bring me up to speed.

Can I get a translation on this sign..?

30MM — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 23:48:53 GMT

private onsen

jk1 — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 01:50:24 GMT

I saw that this question had been asked before, but I wasn't able to find an answer. We are looking to go to a place with a private onsen, attached to the room. It can be near Yokosuka or far, just looking for one that some one has been to and the really loved it. Any suggestions?

shinto shrines

jk1 — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 15:43:16 GMT

Is it disrespectful to walk your dog through a shrine? We have one near our house that's a nice walk through the trees. I'd like to take my pup, but I don't want to disrespect their culture..

Vegetable garden

MrsRJM — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 22:40:58 GMT

I am looking to plant a small vegetable garden in my backyard and would like to grow some local Japanese produce. Anybody have any experience/recommendations? What are some good places to get seeds/supplies?

gardening

jk1 — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 01:50:28 GMT

Does anyone have any ideas as to what kind of winter flowers Japan has, specifically in Yokosuka? I'm building a garden and am not sure what to plant for the cold months..

Japans New Trend: Japanese Bagelheads Body Modification

Adam Jones — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 07:20:55 GMT

Have you seen this new trend in Japan? Its called Japanese Bagelheads Body Modification.

See more pictures from google: http://goo.gl/x18aV

"Bagelhead" is a form of extreme body modification that sees saline injected into the forehead causing swelling, after finally being pushed in the middle to form the shape of a bagel (see video below).

Read More:

http://www.vice.com/en_uk/read/japanese-bagelheads-wtf

Spouse or Servicemember blog?

jcwriter — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 18:35:42 GMT

Hi there, hope I am posting in an acceptable area...

I was just wondering if you know of any spouse- or servicemember-written blogs (online journals) about living in Japan? My husband got selected for orders in Yokosuka and though I lived there as a kid for six years (94-2000) I really don't remember much. Just trying to get a feel of what life will be like living overseas for the first time in over a decade.

Thanks in advance.

Yokosuka Mikoshi Parade Route - 2012/10/21 Sunday

JB Staff — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 00:26:16 GMT

Yokosuka Mikoshi Parade Route (Sunday, 21 Oct)

Japanese futons

jk1 — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 08:25:02 GMT

Are they comfortable? I can't decide if I should purchase a used mattress set or buy a futon. Is it ideal for 2 people to sleep on one?

Mikoshi

JB Staff — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 01:02:23 GMT

Mikoshi
By Capt. David A. Owen,
Commander Fleet Activities, Yokosuka

A mikoshi is a divine palanquin, often improperly translated as a portable Shinto shrine. Shinto followers
believe that it serves as the vehicle to transport a deity in Japan while moving between main shrine and temporary shrine during a festival or when moving to a new shrine.

Often, the mikoshi resembles a miniature building, with pillars, a roof, a veranda and a railing. There are various shapes and sizes to include: rectangles, hexagons and octagons. The body, which stands on two or four poles (for carrying), is usually lavishly decorated, and the roof might hold a carving of a phoenix.

Many mikoshis are very heavy and it takes several people to carry one. Even with people right up next to each other the weight is significant, as my sore shoulder from last year can attest to. Many times the groups that carry a mikoshi have to practice for weeks in advance in order to get their alignment of personnel correct and work in tandem.

This year the annual Mikoshi Parade in conjunction with the city of Yokosuka will be Oct. 21. Two to three dozen
mikoshi, including one representing CFAY, will be carried that day starting in downtown Yokosuka and ending on the installation at the bowling alley parking lot. This is a unique opportunity to participate in such an event.

Additionally, it is a great opportunity to earn Captain’s Cup points for your command. So, p lease c onsider t aking a dvantage o f t his annual tradition and take it upon your shoulders (literally) to experience this host country tradition.

Kanji Adventures: Sake

JB Staff — Sat, 06 Oct 2012 02:06:14 GMT

The　IWAKUNI APPROACH CULTURAL LESSONS

Kanji Adventures: Sake

Sake is the traditional rice wine of Japan. It comes in several different varieties and was first made at least
2,000 years ago.

Since then, sake has played an important role in Japanese culture and history. From its origins as the "drink of the gods" to its current status as one of the most popular drinks in the country, the history of sake is steeped in tradition, innovation, and custom.

Sake was first brewed in Japan after the practice of wet rice cultivation was introduced in around 300 B.C. Though the origins of sake can be traced in China as far back as 4,000 B.C., it was the Japanese who began mass production of this rice concoction.

At first, sake was produced for private consumption by individual families or villages. It wasn't until the 1300s when mass production of sake allowed it to become one of Japan's most recognizable drinks. In the years which followed, the production process was improved and sake breweries began appearing throughout the
nation. Japan's Industrial Revolution in the nineteenth century introduced automation and machinery
into the brewing process, making this popular drink even more available.

This has translated today into many prefectures across Japan having various sake festivals throughout the
country. One such event is the “Saijo Sake Matsuri,” or Saijo Sake Festival, located in Higashi-Hiroshima City.

Eight breweries located near the Saijo JR train station offer partakers the opportunity to try more than 900 different assortments of sake each October. Though the brewing process and availability of sake has changed over the years, sake's important role in Japanese culture has not.

From its earliest beginnings, sake has been a drink of reverence, family, and friendship, consumed to
mark important occasions.

gift giving

Tricia2 — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 18:57:06 GMT

We just moved into a Japanese house/neighborhood. We gave the gifts to our neighbors that we were told to give. I think we are the only Americans in this area. We have one neighbor that keeps bringing us fruit from her parents farm. We love the fruit but what I am wondering is she expecting us to give her something in return every time she brings us something. I do not mind I just want to know if that is wha is expected and if so what is the expected turn around time on bringing her something. We did make her some homeade bruchetta the first time she brought us something.

Kanji Adventures: Bonsai

JB Staff — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 01:37:34 GMT

The IWAKUNI APPROACH CULTURAL LESSONS

Kanji Adventures: Bonsai

public domain photo provided by ragesoss

Bonsai (tree cultivation) is an ancient Japanese art of growing miniature trees by using containers.
Bonsai grows smaller trees from normal seeds and stock. Pruning, potting, root reduction, grafting, and defoliation are techniques that Bonsai artists use to create trees that have similar shapes and styles of
full-sized mature trees.

There are many different styles of bonsai trees. The distinctions come from the different shapes that are formed by the trees' branches and all have different names. Many of these styles are shaped to imitate features of the natural world, like cascades and waterfalls. Bonsai is meant to be used to encourage
contemplation, instead of being used to produce food, medicine, or yard or park-sized landscapes, like most other practices of plant cultivation. Bonsai's focus is on growing and shaping trees in containers over long periods of time.

During the 1970s, Bonsai experienced a resurgence in global popularity. Three periodicals began publication at this time. These magazines were called Bonsai Sekai, Shizen to Bonsai, and Satsuki Kenkyu.

Bonsai is accepted as a beautiful art form and a great way to find relaxation and refocus the mind. It is a unique art that is enjoyed by many people in Japan and around the world.

Kanji Adventures: Cha-no-yu

JB Staff — Sat, 22 Sep 2012 02:31:58 GMT

IWAKUNI APPROACH CULTURAL LESSONS

Kanji Adventures: Cha-no-yu

Japanese culture can be considered to be deeply rooted in a love for nature and traditions. One of those traditions is Cha-no-yu, the Japanese tea ceremony.

The purpose of Cha-no-yu is to cultivate the Japanese way of Furyu, a feeling of love toward nature and peace for mankind and the world.
The ceremony, as it is practiced today, is an evolution based on the teaching by Senno Rikyu. Rikyu's ceremony practices originated in the 1500s and are carried on in two major styles of cha-no-yu; uransenke and omotesenke. While the basic idea of the ceremony and its purpose remains the same in both schools, the differences lie mainly in the movements performed during the ceremonies.

Ferry transportation

JB Staff — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 22:22:43 GMT

IWAKUNI APPROACH CULTURAL LESSONS

Kanji Adventures: Ferry transportation

public domain photo prov ided by Albatross

Japan is known worldwide for its outstanding transportation system. There are multiple modes of transportation available throughout Japan, including airplanes, ferries, busses, local trains and the Shinkansen. This week’s transportation information will focus on ferry travel throughout Japan.

Japan is an archipelago consisting of four main islands and thousands of smaller ones.
The main islands are all connected by bridges or tunnels but most of the smaller islands are only accessible by air or ferry.

Even with that fact, ferries can be a relaxing alternative for both short and long distance traveling.
While shorter travels may only have smaller ferries available, which typically have the capcity for several vehicles and a few dozen passengers, longer voyages are usually accompanied with larger ferry liners equipped with more room and ammenities. Including restaurants, entertainment, public baths and more, large ferries can be compared to luxury cruise liners.

Kanji Adventures: Samisen

JB Staff — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 23:56:58 GMT

IWAKUNI APPROACH CULTURAL LESSONS

Kanji Adventures: Samisen

photo by cpl. charlie clark

Something like a mandolin or banjo, the Samisen is thought to have originated in the Ryukyu Islands in
1562, but the style was gradually changed to suit Japanese mainlanders.

Japanese samisen makers began to use cat skin instead of snake skin, like the Ryukyu makers did, since snakes are less plentiful on the main islands and snakeskin is less durable.

Another noticeable difference is Ryukyu samisen normally have round bodies, but since mainland
samisen players place the instrument on their knees to play it, the body is square.

The samisen was played by the masses when they sang folk songs, narrated poems and chanted
ballads. Instruments like the "koto," the flute and the "tsuzumi," a hand drum, were played by the
upper class of society during the feudal days. The instrument became popular among geisha, who were
regarded as the most enlightened among Japanese women during the feudal period. Later, the daughters
of merchants began to learn the samisen, while those in high society took koto lessons.

Samisen music is customarily played during Bunraku (puppet) and Kabuki plays. Long epics, ballad
dramas and folk lore are traditionally told to the accompaniment of this instrument

Not all samisen are the same. The better, more expensive samisens are made from sandalwood,
while ordinary samisen are made with quince wood.

Both types of wood must be imported from India, Burma or Thailand. Silk thread is used for its strings
though synthetic thread is sometimes used.

ZAZEN(Meditation) Experience at KAMAKURA

KSGGNAVY — Sat, 25 Aug 2012 19:10:24 GMT

ZAZEN(Sitting Meditation) Experience at KAMAKURA
DATE:Sept.6(Thu)
TIME:12:30 Muster at JR Kita-Kamakura station.

More information: ksggnavy@yahoo.co.jp