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Author: marky star - JapanThis.com

I'm a Japanese history nerd and lover of languages. Geek out with me!
Book Reviews6 Comments
Book Review -- Yoshiwara: the Glittering World of the Japanese Courtesan

Book Review – Yoshiwara: The Glittering World of the Japanese Courtesan

January 5, 2021January 5, 2021 marky star - JapanThis.com

Yoshiwara: the Glittering World of the Japanese Courtesan by Cecilia Segawa Seigle is a great social history of Edo’s pleasure quarters. Continue reading Book Review – Yoshiwara: The Glittering World of the Japanese Courtesan

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Japanese History11 Comments
Book Review – Anjin: The Life & Times of Samurai William Adams

Book Review – Anjin: The Life & Times of Samurai William Adams

November 21, 2020December 17, 2020 marky star - JapanThis.com

This is a fantastic book about William Adams/Miura Anjin which aims to tell his story “through Japanese eyes.” A must-read for anyone who wants to live in Japan. Continue reading Book Review – Anjin: The Life & Times of Samurai William Adams

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Japanese History13 Comments
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What does Ginza mean?

October 6, 2020December 13, 2020 marky star - JapanThis.com

Today Ginza is the center of fashion and luxury brands in Japan, but its origin is quite humble and its fame grew over the centuries. Continue reading What does Ginza mean?

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Japanese History, Japanese Mythology, Japanese Shrines & TemplesLeave a comment

Amaterasu and the Rock Cave Explained

July 2, 2020October 13, 2020 marky star - JapanThis.com

After reading the Rock Cave Myth, let’s explore what scholars say about it. Continue reading Amaterasu and the Rock Cave Explained

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Japanese History, Japanese Mythology, Japanese Shrines & Temples4 Comments

Amaterasu and the Rock Cave

July 2, 2020September 14, 2020 marky star - JapanThis.com

Amaterasu and the Rock Cave Myth – the most important Japanese legend. Continue reading Amaterasu and the Rock Cave

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Japanese History, Japanese Mythology, Japanese Shrines & Temples2 Comments

The Japanese Creation Myth Explained

June 22, 2020October 20, 2020 marky star - JapanThis.com

What does it all mean? This is my in depth breakdown of the Japanese Creation Myth. Continue reading The Japanese Creation Myth Explained

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Japanese History, Japanese Mythology, Japanese Shrines & Temples5 Comments

The Japanese Creation Myth

June 22, 2020October 13, 2020 marky star - JapanThis.com

Japanese mythology is confusing, but let’s break down in easy, bite-sized parts and start at the beginning of everything. Continue reading The Japanese Creation Myth

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Japanese History, Japanese Mythology, Japanese Shrines & Temples13 Comments

Japanese Cosmology

June 12, 2020October 13, 2020 marky star - JapanThis.com

Welcome to the wonderful world of Japanese Mythology Continue reading Japanese Cosmology

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Japanese History1 Comment

What does Hatsudai mean?

April 14, 2020October 12, 2020 marky star - JapanThis.com

The women of Edo Castle are often a mystery to us. Let’s see what we can learn about one special woman, Lady Hatsudai. Continue reading What does Hatsudai mean?

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Japanese History2 Comments

What does Tennōzu Isle mean?

April 8, 2020October 22, 2020 marky star - JapanThis.com

A rags to riches story. From sandbar to waterfront boardwalk. What does Tennoze Isle mean? Continue reading What does Tennōzu Isle mean?

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What does Miyakezaka mean?

April 6, 2020October 22, 2020 marky star - JapanThis.com

The Miyake clan may not be very famous, but they definitely left their mark on Edo-Tokyo topography. Continue reading What does Miyakezaka mean?

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Japanese History3 Comments
photo by Arne Müseler / www.arne-mueseler.com

What does Jinnan mean?

March 9, 2020October 22, 2020 marky star - JapanThis.com

Shibuya – shopping paradise? tourist trap?

What does Jinnan mean? Continue reading What does Jinnan mean?

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Japanese History4 Comments

What does Udagawacho mean?

February 15, 2020October 21, 2020 marky star - JapanThis.com

Have you ever been to Shibuya? It’s made of many neighborhoods. Let’s explore! Continue reading What does Udagawacho mean?

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Japanese History, Japanese Shrines & Temples2 Comments

What does Inaricho mean?

November 28, 2019October 22, 2020 marky star - JapanThis.com

What do foxes and subways have in common? Continue reading What does Inaricho mean?

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Haunted Tokyo, Japanese HistoryLeave a comment

What does Meotobashi mean?

October 26, 2019October 22, 2020 marky star - JapanThis.com

Lovers and human sacrifice? Continue reading What does Meotobashi mean?

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Japanese History1 Comment

What does Aomonoyokochō mean?

September 25, 2019October 31, 2020 marky star - JapanThis.com

Exploring one neighborhood in Japan’s largest medieval post town. Continue reading What does Aomonoyokochō mean?

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What does Takaido mean?

May 29, 2019October 17, 2020 marky star - JapanThis.com

What do cedar trees, post towns, and sexxxy parties have in common?

What does Takaido mean? Continue reading What does Takaido mean?

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Japanese History2 Comments

What does Narimasu mean?

May 13, 2019October 11, 2020 marky star - JapanThis.com

The greatest fast food capital you’ve never heard of (plus, the shittiest castle ever). Continue reading What does Narimasu mean?

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Japanese History3 Comments

What does Shimbamba mean?

February 6, 2019October 22, 2020 marky star - JapanThis.com

Let’s explore the old Tōkaidō road on the outskirts of Edo. Continue reading What does Shimbamba mean?

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Japanese History4 Comments

What does Tachiaigawa mean?

January 18, 2019 marky star - JapanThis.com

A neighborhood in Tōkyō forgotten by time, but cool af. Continue reading What does Tachiaigawa mean?

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Japanese History, Travel in Japan10 Comments

Kura – All About Kura – Japan’s Traditional Storehouses

November 30, 2017December 15, 2022 marky star - JapanThis.com

A common sight in both the city and country, earthen storehouses called “kura” are a quintessential part of the Japanese architectural landscape. Continue reading Kura – All About Kura – Japan’s Traditional Storehouses

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Japanese History, Japanese Subculture, Travel in Japan1 Comment

What does Kanda mean? (part two)

August 28, 2017October 22, 2020 marky star - JapanThis.com

Follow up to the last article on Kanda & Kanda Shrine. Continue reading What does Kanda mean? (part two)

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#rivered, Japanese History, Travel in Japan3 Comments

What does Kanda mean?

August 23, 2017October 11, 2020 marky star - JapanThis.com

People have been asking for this one since 2013. I finally did it in 2 parts. Continue reading What does Kanda mean?

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Japanese Festivals, Japanese Music, Japanese SubcultureLeave a comment

Japanese Summer Songs

August 13, 2017August 14, 2017 marky star - JapanThis.com

Beat the heat with the best Japanese summer songs! Continue reading Japanese Summer Songs

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Japanese History4 Comments

What does Taitō mean?

June 28, 2017October 13, 2020 marky star - JapanThis.com

Taitō Ward and Minato Ward are the hubs of Edo-Tōkyō History, but how did Taitō get its name? Continue reading What does Taitō mean?

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Japanese History3 Comments

What does Koganei mean?

June 12, 2017October 13, 2020 marky star - JapanThis.com

Today, let’s get out of central Tōkyō and explore a popular Edo Period hanami day trip spot. Continue reading What does Koganei mean?

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Japanese History15 Comments

What does Hachiko mean?

May 10, 2017September 12, 2020 marky star - JapanThis.com

Ever wonder how Japan’s most famous dog got his name? Continue reading What does Hachiko mean?

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Edo Execution Ground Spectacular!, Japanese History6 Comments

A Tour of Denma-chō Prison & Execution Ground

April 27, 2017October 6, 2020 marky star - JapanThis.com

Let’s take a video tour around one of Edo’s execution grounds♪ Continue reading A Tour of Denma-chō Prison & Execution Ground

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Japanese History10 Comments

What does Iogi mean?

April 19, 2017October 12, 2020 marky star - JapanThis.com

Iogi is a minor station, but it gives us an excuse to explore Edo’s sanitation system.
Continue reading What does Iogi mean?

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Japanese History23 Comments

The History of Hanami

April 4, 2017March 26, 2022 marky star - JapanThis.com

We all love hanami and sakura, but where did it all start? Let’s take a look at the history of hanami. Continue reading The History of Hanami

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