Japanese Mythology

Yomi And The Fate Of Izanami And Izanagi

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Every culture has their version of hell, and Japan is no different. The Japanese equivalent of the underworld, Yomi, forms an important part of Shinto religion. But unlike the traditional image of hell being a place where the dead are punished for their misdeeds, Yomi is considered a place where all souls exist in a state of purgatory.

One of the most interesting stories from Yomi depicts the lives of the creator gods of Japan, Izanami and Izanagi. Their tale features themes of sorrow, hope, and sacrifice. Continue reading “Yomi And The Fate Of Izanami And Izanagi” →

Poetry

Sky Lantern

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An epiphany is like a match struck in total darkness
it illuminates a road you never knew was there
keep the spark alive until it becomes an anchor

But what happens when your tether
is made from grief and regret?
It becomes a spectating sport
a ghost trapped behind glass walls

Cut the strings
turn all doubt into a lantern
wrap it with wishes
until the wick burns brightly
with hope exhumed from
a place of happy memories

Cast your latern off
let it rise among a thousand others
who want the world to see
they aren’t defined by a single moment
let it become a celebration for everything
left behind in the dirt

Worries drift away
into a night filled with small mercies
when final twinkle appears on the horizon
you’ll know you’re free

(This poem originally appeared in EastLit Magazine)

The Kokoro Files

Calling All Japan Enthusiasts For The Kokoro Files

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Japan attracts visitors from all over the world because of its unique culture and outlook. The Land of the Rising Sun features various philosophies, and one of the most interesting is the concept of kokoro. Translating to ‘heart’ in Japanese, it should not be confused with shinzou, which represents the physical organ. Continue reading “Calling All Japan Enthusiasts For The Kokoro Files” →

The Kokoro Files

The Kokoro Files: John Callow

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The Kokoro Files is a series that celebrates Japan through the stories of everyday people. Sake is a well-known aspect of Japanese dining, but some people may be unware of how it’s brewed or what kind of temperature the drink can be enjoyed at. That’s why it’s worth asking an expert like certified sake sommelier John Callow.

I enjoyed interviewing John about his experiences as a sake sommelier and the differences between specific blends of sake. Read on to find out what kind of sake John would recommend and the types of food that work best with this classic Japanese concoction. Continue reading “The Kokoro Files: John Callow” →

Pop Culture and Japan

Batman: Ninja Review: An Entertaining Blend Of Comic And Japanese Themes

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When it comes to superheroes, Batman is one of the most popular comic characters of all-time. The Dark Knight’s story has been told across multiple platforms, constantly reinterpreted to entertain new audiences. With the popularity of anime and Japanese culture, it seemed inevitable that Batman would find his way into a Japanese style setting, and that’s exactly what happened with Batman: Ninja. Here’s my review of a film that takes the best of the Caped Crusader’s world and mashes it together with Japanese culture. Continue reading “Batman: Ninja Review: An Entertaining Blend Of Comic And Japanese Themes” →

The Otaku Armoury

The Otaku Armoury: Samurai Jack’s Katana

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The Otaku Armoury focuses on pop culture weapons that have been inspired by Japanese culture. Perhaps the most famous Japanese weapon is the katana, and it’s been used in various films, comics, cartoons and games. One of the most powerful Japanese swords in the history of pop culture is Samurai Jack’s katana. Continue reading “The Otaku Armoury: Samurai Jack’s Katana” →

Book Reviews

After Dark Review: The Passage Of Time Is Like A Long Sleep

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Haruki Murakami is known for writing surreal fiction, and that can be seen in After Dark. Taking place in a single night, the novel focuses on Eri and Mari Asai. The sisters are vastly different to each other, but are connected by a sense of loneliness. After Dark stirs up a lot of emotions, with Murakami using various techniques to keep the reader guessing what will happen next. Continue reading “After Dark Review: The Passage Of Time Is Like A Long Sleep” →

Poetry

Toji

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Every morning I awaken

to pickle my heart in sake

bury my fingers in koji

plant the sakabayashi above my door

until the bones ache

with the satisfaction of a hard day’s work

Futusu-shu for you, sir

try our Junmai, madam

here’s to your health

a cure for melancholy

distilled happiness inside kikichoko

ginjo-aroma on the breeze

the fragrance of life has never been sweeter

all your worries carried away for another night

surrounded by laughter, love and friendship

is the finest ikigai of all

Book Reviews

In The Miso Soup Review: Revealing The Dark Heart Of Japan

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Japan is known for its beauty and rich history, but the country has a dark side that isn’t explored as much as it could be. Japan’s seedy underbelly is exposed by Ryu Murakami’s In The Miso Soup, which focuses on the sex trade and Tokyo nightlife. Kenji, a young tour guide, takes an American tourist called Frank on a journey. But Frank is far more sinister than he appears to be and it’s not long before Kenji is dragged into a nightmare he wishes he could escape from. Continue reading “In The Miso Soup Review: Revealing The Dark Heart Of Japan” →

The Otaku Armoury

The Otaku Armoury: Yamato

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For centuries, Japan has been associated with a warrior culture, due to the influence of the samurai and their code of bushido. Japanese weaponry is known all over the world, and weapons like the katana and shuriken have been immortalised in popular culture.

The Otaku Armoury is a segment that puts the spotlight on pop culture weapons inspired by Japanese culture. For the first edition of the Otaku Armoury, I’m investigating Vergil’s Yamato from the Devil May Cry franchise. Sleek, deadly and elegant, Vergil’s signature blade is one of the most powerful weapons in the gaming universe. Continue reading “The Otaku Armoury: Yamato” →