On Missing the Aoi Matsuri

 On Missing the Aoi Matsuri

by | Jun 22, 2022 | Japanese Culture

In The Kimono Tattoo, main character Ruth Bennett keeps an eye on the Japanese seasons. She knows when it’s appropriate to wear unlined kimonos or to dispense with long sleeves. Knowing of her fastidiousness, I was surprised when she forgot to celebrate the Aoi...
The History of Japanese Dance

The History of Japanese Dance

by | Aug 12, 2020 | Japanese Culture

The word for traditional dance in Japanese, buyō 舞踊、combines the character mai, 舞, with that of odori, 踊, and suggests the syncretic nature of the art form. Whereas dance has been omnipresent in Japan since the beginning of time, the word buyō is a relatively modern...