Pop Culture and Japan

Yamato Magazine Reaches 100 Followers (Thank You!)

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When it comes to writing, I find it’s one of the best ways to express myself and to improve my knowledge of the world. I founded Yamato Magazine as a way of increasing my awareness of Japanese culture, and since embarking on this journey, I’ve started to learn about aspects of Japan that I might not have thought about previously, such as sake.

Having a steady readership is another great motivator, which is why I’m happy to say that Yamato Magazine recently hit 100 followers! Thank you to all the people who’ve read, liked or commented on the articles so far. It’s inspired me to think about creating more Japan-centric content and continue to build the publication. Continue reading “Yamato Magazine Reaches 100 Followers (Thank You!)” →

Japanese Fashion · Japanese Mythology

Dissecting The Parts Of Traditional Samurai Armour

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The legend of the samurai is woven into the culture of Japan. Dutiful, stoic and formidable, samurai were bound to the code of bushido, protecting their lords and masters at any cost. In order to carry out their duty, samurai relied on a variety of equipment, and one of their most important assets was armour.

Traditional samurai armour is striking for how intimidating it looks. This was deliberate on the part of the warriors, as they wanted to terrify their opponents in battle. A great amount of detail went into the forging of the armour, with each piece being intricate and durable. Let’s take a closer look at  samurai armour and see how it was made. Continue reading “Dissecting The Parts Of Traditional Samurai Armour” →

Women Warriors

Women Warriors: Nakano Takeko

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In every culture around the world, you’ll find stories of women who stood out for their bravery and courage. They are the women who went against tradition and did what they believed to be right. Women Warriors is a series that investigates the lives of Japanese women who forged their own destinies.

During the heyday of the samurai, women were assigned traditional roles of house keeping and cooking. The idea of them being fighters was frowned upon, with men being responsible for going off to war. But Nakano Takeko defied societal norms by taking up the role of a samurai and fighting during the Boshin War In the 19th century. Her story is one of bravery, defiance and tragedy. Continue reading “Women Warriors: Nakano Takeko” →

Poetry

Izakaya

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On a night where anything can happen

follow the trail of red lanterns

into backstreets heavy with anticipation

where the pulse of society crackles at your fingertips

Otoshida arimasuka?

Ikura desuka ka?

Nomihoudai!

Tabehoudai!  

Come, come

Down into the rabbit hole

To worship at the altar of crooners

Humming to jazz on that old jukebox in the corner

Watch salarymen rub shoulders with wastrels

Bonding at the banquet fit for a shogun

Yakitori, yakisoba, yaki-get me another beer

No, make it sake

Gingo, schminjo

Drink until the break of dawn

And stagger back into the half-formed world

Called Monday

Japanese Cuisine

Roku Gin Review: Multi-Layered And Memorable

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Japanese drinks are some of the most diverse beverages on the planet. There’s a certain craftsmanship that must be admired in the brewing process of Japanese alcohol. This can be seen in the amount of effort that toji, master sake brewers, put into the production of sake. The same level of care is given to other beverages like gin, and my favourite type happens to be Roku gin. Continue reading “Roku Gin Review: Multi-Layered And Memorable” →

Pop Culture and Japan

Kaiyodo Dragon Jizai Okimono Full Colour Review

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When it comes to decorative statues, good craftsmanship is essential, which is why I enjoy collecting them. A type of figure I’ve appreciated for some time is jizai okimono, a Japanese design that was started in the 17th century by makers of samurai armour. The words roughly translate as ‘move freely decorative object,’ and the way to describe jizai okimono is a type of highly-detailed articulated statue that has moving parts. The most common designs are animals, which is why I was excited to purchase a jizai okimono dragon created by Kaiyodo. Continue reading “Kaiyodo Dragon Jizai Okimono Full Colour Review” →

Japanese Cuisine

Enjoy An Authentic Japanese Street Food Experience At Intoku In Manchester

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Street food is one of my biggest loves. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover meals you might never have tried unless you happened to wander into a market or took a wrong turn down some dodgy back alley. Manchester is a mecca of street food, and the best place to find delicious portions on a regular basis is to visit the food market in the Manchester Arndale Centre.

On a recent visit I came across Intoku, a Japanese food stall that piqued my curiosity. Within minutes, my curiosity developed into a full stomach that left me feeling wholly satisfied. Intoku is a place where big things are happening in the kitchen. Continue reading “Enjoy An Authentic Japanese Street Food Experience At Intoku In Manchester” →

Japanese Cuisine · Poetry

Soul Food

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Did I ever tell you about the time

I discovered the meaning of life

in a bowl of ramen?

I mean it’s not like I planned it

I was hungry, that’s all

So, I ordered this big plate of tonkotsu

with noodles long enough to

stretch back to my childhood

The tomango bobbed up and down

winking at me like a crystal ball

I ate that first

Tasted of the future

with a side of nori

and before I knew what was happening

The broth was parting like the Red Sea

revealing secrets of the universe

 more enlightening than a thousand conversations

To this day I only eat ramen

because everything else is a disappointment

Japanese Mythology

The Hyakki Yagyo: How To Survive The Night Of One Hundred Demons

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Japanese folklore is filled with all kinds of supernatural tales that have been passed down from generation to generation. Creatures like the tengu and kitsune are as complex as the stories that have spawned them. Perhaps one of the most significant events in Japanese folklore is the Hyakki Yagyo, otherwise known as the night parade of one hundred demons.

As a Japanese idiom, the Hyakki Yagyo represents the concept of utter pandemonium. It’s the breaking down of the barrier between the human and supernatural world. The time of evil spirits and tricksters running amok through the streets. Continue reading “The Hyakki Yagyo: How To Survive The Night Of One Hundred Demons” →

Pop Culture and Japan

The Way Of The Ronin: Yukio And Overcoming Disability

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There’s a great variety of Asian characters in comics, and one of the most underrated is Yukio. Best known for her connection with Wolverine, Yukio was born in Japan and operated as a thief and rōnin, a masterless samurai.

She worked as an assassin for the Yashida family, but was eventually crippled and became wheelchair bound. This didn’t stop her from living her life, which demonstrated how strong Yukio is. Most people will be familiar with the character because of 2013’s The Wolverine, where she was played by Rila Fukushima. Although the film did her justice, there’s far more depth to her. Continue reading “The Way Of The Ronin: Yukio And Overcoming Disability” →