Tag: samurai

Pop Culture and Japan

Appreciating The Beauty And Craftsmanship Of Jizai Okimono

yamatomagazine2 Comments

Japan is known for having some of the most unique art in the world. Building on centuries of feudal culture, Japanese art has its own style. A famous example of Japanese art is jizai okimono, which translates to ‘move freely decorative object.’ Jizai okimono involves the crafting of articulated sculptures. Beginning in 17th century Japan, the art form is highly specialised and fascinating.

But what are the origins of this beautiful artform and how has it evolved in modern times? Continue reading “Appreciating The Beauty And Craftsmanship Of Jizai Okimono” →

Pop Culture and Japan

Japan’s Deadly Female Ninjas: Walking The Path Of The Kunoichi

yamatomagazine3 Comments
The phrase 'female ninja' has only gined popularity in the modern day. Even kunoichi was rarely used during the Edo period.

Ninjas are undoubtedly one of the most well-known tropes in Japanese pop culture. As practitioners of ninjutsu, the warriors who followed this path were referred to as shinobi. But it would be incorrect to assume that the role of black-clad assassin was reserved solely for men.

Women could be moulded into the ultimate expression of death as well and they were known as Kunoichi, a term that’s evolved to mean ‘female ninja’ in the modern day. So, what is the history of these mysterious figures and how did they function within Japanese society? Continue reading “Japan’s Deadly Female Ninjas: Walking The Path Of The Kunoichi” →

Poetry

Kika Sai

yamatomagazineLeave a comment

Furusato

The house of the heart

Where memories collect dust on the shelf

Bottled and stored for safe keeping

Childhood painted across every wall

Coloured gold and silver

A tableau for every joy and triumph

Weighed against sorrow and disappointment

Each room has been built to the exact measurement of your ribcage

No bone or strand left out of place

Preserved as a monument to all the lives that you touched

A system pumping the lifeblood of laughter

As they remember every moment spent in your company

Beautiful, bittersweet

Hana wa sakuragi, hito wa bushi

You are home

Top Collection Bronze Samurai Figurine Review
Pop Culture and Japan

Top Collection Bronze Samurai Figurine Review

yamatomagazineLeave a comment

Samurai have earned a reputation for being honourable and stoic warriors. They have come to represent the spirit of Japan. Portrayed across countless mediums, the image of the samurai has fascinated scholars, writers and fans of popular culture.

 I count myself among the people who are interested in the history of the samurai. And everything they represent has been captured beautifully by figurine manufacturer Top Collection. The company’s bronze samurai figurine is highly detailed and evocative. Continue reading “Top Collection Bronze Samurai Figurine Review” →

Japanese Cuisine · Pop Culture and Japan

The Dos And Don’ts Of A Japanese Tea Ceremony (According To A Legendary Samurai)

yamatomagazine3 Comments

A traditional Japanese tea ceremony is one of the most important aspects of Japanese culture. A celebration of harmony and the transience of life, the tea ceremony can be a transformative experience, and like many traditions, the ceremony was a crucial part of the samurai lifestyle.

In addition to being fierce warriors, samurai were meant to be cultured and poetic. They placed great value on the Zen nature of the tea ceremony and believed it needed to be carried out in a certain way. The famous samurai Umawatari Bogyu was one of many warriors who adhered to strict tradition, and in his opinion, the tea ceremony could only be enjoyed under a set of specific rules. Continue reading “The Dos And Don’ts Of A Japanese Tea Ceremony (According To A Legendary Samurai)” →

The Kokoro Files

The Kokoro Files: Mike Garley

yamatomagazineLeave a comment

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” →

Women Warriors

Women Warriors: Tomoe Gozen

yamatomagazine11 Comments

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” →

Book Reviews · Pop Culture and Japan

Samurai Slasher: Volume 1 Review: A Darkly Entertaining Graphic Novel

yamatomagazine1 Comment

Samurai were known for their deadly skill in combat and over the years they have been reimagined in various forms of media. But few stories have reframed the legend of Japan’s greatest warriors quite like the Samurai Slasher graphic novel series. Created by Mike Garley, the Samurai Slasher comic is based on an idea for an ‘80s movie that never came into being. Pulpy, violent and darkly entertaining, Samurai Slasher: Volume 1 follows the birth of a terrifying new monster. Continue reading “Samurai Slasher: Volume 1 Review: A Darkly Entertaining Graphic Novel” →

Women Warriors

Women Warriors: Mariko Yashida

yamatomagazine4 Comments

Women Warriors is an ongoing series that celebrates the lives of inspirational Japanese women throughout history. And while historical figures like Empress Jingū laid the groundwork for what can be accomplished, it’s worth looking into fictional characters as well to appreciate how Japanese women are represented in popular culture.

Mariko Yashida is a great example of a badass female warrior who broke away from traditional Japanese societal norms. A love interest of Wolverine, Mariko is by no means a damsel in distress. Continue reading “Women Warriors: Mariko Yashida” →