Pop Culture and Japan

10 Must-Follow Instagram Accounts That Celebrate Japanese Culture

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Instagram is a great channel for browsing new experiences and getting travel ideas, especially when it comes to Japan. There are a variety of memorable Instagram accounts that celebrate the Land of the Rising Sun. When looking to learn more about Japan, it’s worth checking Instagram to get an idea of certain destinations and locals.

That’s why I’ve put together a list of 10 brilliant Instagram accounts that celebrate Japan in various formats. Whether it’s tattoos, travel, food or sake, these Instagrammers have an eye for photography. Continue reading “10 Must-Follow Instagram Accounts That Celebrate Japanese Culture” →

Women Warriors

Women Warriors: Meiko Satomura

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Japanese history contains many examples of inspirational women who forged a legacy. Onna-bugeisha like Tomoe Gozen and Nakano Takeko led the way for modern Japanese women to break the mold and make a name for themselves. The wrestling industry is the perfect place for seeing contemporary onna-bugeisha in action, and one of the most decorated modern Japanese women warriors is Meiko Satomura.

With a wrestling career that has spanned over twenty years, Satomura has not only revolutionised  women’s wrestling, but she’s also helped to train a new generation of Japanese female wrestlers and keep the industry moving forward. Continue reading “Women Warriors: Meiko Satomura” →

Pop Culture and Japan

Enter The Anime Review: So Much Wasted Potential

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With anime being one of Japan’s most popular exports, there have been several attempts by documentary makers to dive into the world of otaku and kawaii culture and see what makes it so appealing. The most recent documentary Netflix’s Enter The Anime, features various anime creators taking about their work. As a casual anime fan I was interested to learn more, but what I watched turned out to be a poorly constructed story that barely scratched the surface of the industry. Continue reading “Enter The Anime Review: So Much Wasted Potential” →

The Otaku Armoury

The Otaku Armoury: Wolverine’s Muramasa Blade

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The Otaku Armoury showcases intriguing Japan-inspired weapons that are found throughout popular culture. Many weapons can trace their roots back to legends and mythical figures, such as Sengo Muramasa. An infamous Japanese sword maker, Muramasa’s blades were said to be cursed and caused their wielders to go mad with blood lust. It’s the kind of reputation that makes an engrossing story.

 So, it’s no wonder that Muramasa swords have found their way into mediums like comics. For example, the Marvel superhero Wolverine has wielded a sword that Muramasa created especially for him. Continue reading “The Otaku Armoury: Wolverine’s Muramasa Blade” →

Pop Culture and Japan

4 Characters In One-Punch Man Who Suffer From Mental Health Disorders

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Superheroes are often portrayed as larger than life juggernauts who are able overcome any challenge. It can be difficult to imagine them being vulnerable like a normal person, let alone having a mental health condition. Yet anime series like One-Punch Man aren’t afraid to show how messy the lives of superheroes are, or the types of problems they suffer with on a regular basis.

Mental health is a crucial part of One-Punch Man. There are superheroes and supervillains that battle against disorders throughout the series. Here are four characters from One-Punch Man who struggle with their mental health. Continue reading “4 Characters In One-Punch Man Who Suffer From Mental Health Disorders” →

Poetry

Elixir

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The day oba-chan taught me how to read sencha leaves

Is the day I discovered my calling in life

It started with watching the leaves float

On the surface of cups filled with tea

Each direction leading to a different outcome

 Soon I was able to predict where every path was going

Divine the nature of a man simply by rolling sencha through my fingertips

I predicted good fortune in matcha

Saw the way to calm storms in hojicha

I could even tell you the exact year your life would end

By staring at the patterns of genmaicha

But that kind of foresight comes with a price

The more tea I consumed

The greater my addiction became

At my lowest I was craving an IV drip of caffeine

I stopped doing readings

Switched to decaffe

I may not be able to see the future anymore

But at least I can live in the present

Book Reviews

Audition Review: Hell Hath No Fury Like A Crazy Woman Scorned

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As an author, Ryu Murakami specialises in presenting Japan in a way that few other writers do. His stories combine the seedy underbelly of Japan with the darker side of human nature. One of his most famous works, Audition, became so popular that it was adapted into a film. The novel is a brutal exploration into the psyche of a scorned woman and the hell she can unleash on the men who have wronged her. Continue reading “Audition Review: Hell Hath No Fury Like A Crazy Woman Scorned” →

The Kokoro Files

The Kokoro Files: Mike Garley

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The Kokoro Files is a segment that tells the everyday stories of people who are connected to Japan. The Land of the Rising Sun has served as an inspiration for many writers, and EMMY-nominated author Mike Garley counts himself among that list.

The creator of horror comic Samurai Slasher, Garley took the time to chat with Yamato Magazine about why he chose to tell a story of an unkillable zombie samurai and what it means to mix horror and comedy together during the writing process. Continue reading “The Kokoro Files: Mike Garley” →

Japanese Cuisine

Manzoku Street Food Brings An Epic Taste Of Japan To The Suburbs Of Manchester

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Manchester is known for having some amazing Japanese food venues like Tokyo Ramen and Oishi-Q. The city also has its fair share of street food vendors and one of the most promising to pop up is Manzoku Street Food. Inspired by Asian foods from around the world, Manzoku offers a good range of Japanese dishes like katsu curry and original gems like teriyaki steak and chips. Continue reading “Manzoku Street Food Brings An Epic Taste Of Japan To The Suburbs Of Manchester” →

Women Warriors

Women Warriors: Tomoe Gozen

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Women Warriors is a series that puts the spotlight on Japanese women who have left their mark on history. Many formidable Japanese women could be found among the onna bugeisha, female fighters who became a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield. One of the most badass onna bugeisha happened to be a 12th century woman called Tomoe Gozen.

The wife of Minamoto no Yoshinaka, Gozen earned a reputation as a legendary warrior during the Genpei War. Gozen’s story took place at a time of great social upheaval, making it an even more inspiring tale. Continue reading “Women Warriors: Tomoe Gozen” →