Yoshiwara: the Glittering World of the Japanese Courtesan by Cecilia Segawa Seigle is a great social history of Edo’s pleasure quarters.
Author: marky star - JapanThis.com
I'm a Japanese history nerd and lover of languages. Geek out with me!
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.
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What does Ginza mean?
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.
After reading the Rock Cave Myth, let’s explore what scholars say about it.
Amaterasu and the Rock Cave Myth – the most important Japanese legend.
What does it all mean? This is my in depth breakdown of the Japanese Creation Myth.
Japanese mythology is confusing, but let’s break down in easy, bite-sized parts and start at the beginning of everything.
Welcome to the wonderful world of Japanese Mythology
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What does Hatsudai mean?
The women of Edo Castle are often a mystery to us. Let’s see what we can learn about one special woman, Lady Hatsudai.
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What does Tennōzu Isle mean?
A rags to riches story. From sandbar to waterfront boardwalk. What does Tennoze Isle mean?
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What does Miyakezaka mean?
The Miyake clan may not be very famous, but they definitely left their mark on Edo-Tokyo topography.
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What does Jinnan mean?
Shibuya – shopping paradise? tourist trap?
What does Jinnan mean?
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What does Udagawacho mean?
Have you ever been to Shibuya? It’s made of many neighborhoods. Let’s explore!
What do foxes and subways have in common?
Lovers and human sacrifice?
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What does Aomonoyokochō mean?
Exploring one neighborhood in Japan’s largest medieval post town.
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What does Takaido mean?
What do cedar trees, post towns, and sexxxy parties have in common?
What does Takaido mean?
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What does Narimasu mean?
The greatest fast food capital you’ve never heard of (plus, the shittiest castle ever).
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What does Shimbamba mean?
Let’s explore the old Tōkaidō road on the outskirts of Edo.
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What does Tachiaigawa mean?
A neighborhood in Tōkyō forgotten by time, but cool af.
A common sight in both the city and country, earthen storehouses called “kura” are a quintessential part of the Japanese architectural landscape.
Follow up to the last article on Kanda & Kanda Shrine.
People have been asking for this one since 2013. I finally did it in 2 parts.
Beat the heat with the best Japanese summer songs!
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What does Taitō mean?
Taitō Ward and Minato Ward are the hubs of Edo-Tōkyō History, but how did Taitō get its name?
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What does Koganei mean?
Today, let’s get out of central Tōkyō and explore a popular Edo Period hanami day trip spot.
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What does Hachiko mean?
Ever wonder how Japan’s most famous dog got his name?
Let’s take a video tour around one of Edo’s execution grounds♪
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What does Iogi mean?
Iogi is a minor station, but it gives us an excuse to explore Edo’s sanitation system.
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The History of Hanami
We all love hanami and sakura, but where did it all start? Let’s take a look at the history of hanami.
