Sayaka Motomura 's page

Articles

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  Relax with Soothing Scents! A Guide to Japanese Incense

  Incense can make everyday life feel a little richer. A pleasant fragrance instantly helps you relax. In Japan, there is a long-standing culture of enjoying incense as a way to refresh the mind in the midst of busy modern life. Here, we introduce the deep and fascinating world of Japanese incense, which has been part of daily life for centuries.

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  The Complete Guide to Shodo: A Japanese Tradition That Calms the Mind Through Brush and Ink

  One of Japan’s traditional arts is shodo (Japanese calligraphy). Writing characters may seem simple at first, but the time you spend holding a brush, surrounded by the scent of ink, and facing each stroke one by one naturally settles the mind and becomes a moment of quiet self-reflection. In the process of aiming for beautiful characters, you can learn valuable things such as focus, etiquette, and the habit of approaching everything with care. In this article, we’ll introduce shodo in detail-its history, tools, and basic posture-while also sharing what an actual calligraphy experience is like.

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  The Complete Guide to Okonomiyaki, Osaka’s Soul Food

  Okonomiyaki is a traditional Osaka dish made by mixing cabbage with ingredients like squid and pork into a wheat flour batter, grilling it on a hot plate, and finishing it with sauce. Delicious and affordable, it has long been loved by locals in Osaka. In this article, we introduce the roots of okonomiyaki, how it differs from other flour-based dishes, and hands-on classes where you can learn how to make it. If you're planning a trip to Osaka or want to discover this beloved local comfort food, this is a must-read!

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  The Appeal of Kintsugi, Rooted in Japan’s Sense of Beauty

  Kintsugi was born from the Japanese aesthetic of accepting damage and finding beauty even in imperfection. It grew out of the spirit of wabi-sabi that emerged within tea culture during the Muromachi period. In this article, we’ll introduce the history of kintsugi, its process, and why it has come back into the spotlight.

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  A Complete Guide to Okashi Museum Tempozan: Get Sweets and Dagashi from All Over Japan!

  Kids and adults alike love sweets. Why are people of every age, gender, and nationality drawn to them? Sweets have always been close to our daily lives, quietly staying with us through every stage. Dagashi we picked out at the corner candy store after school, clutching a few coins. Snacks chosen under the school rule of “up to 300 yen” for field trips. Treats received as souvenirs or small gifts. Every one of them-along with its flavor, aroma, texture, and even packaging-stays in our hearts for a long time.

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  [Complete Guide to Umeshu] The Appeal of Umeshu, Created in Japan, the Land of Plums

  Plums have such a long history that they are often called one of the "oldest seasonings," alongside salt. The plum tree belongs to the rose family and the Prunus genus. In Japan, people have long enjoyed plum blossoms with their eyes and plum fruit in many different ways. This time, we introduce how to enjoy plums through the lens of umeshu, Japanese plum wine. From the history of umeshu to an umeshu-making experience facility produced by the umeshu maker that helped spark the umeshu boom, this article will tell you everything you need to know about umeshu.

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  [Complete Guide to Kaleidoscopes] Step Into the Beautiful World Inside a Kaleidoscope

  Beautiful repeating patterns, yet once a pattern appears, you can never see the exact same one again. That fleeting, delicate beauty is the greatest charm of the kaleidoscope. In this complete guide, we’ll explore how kaleidoscopes were born and their history, introduce the Kyoto Kaleidoscope Museum where you can experience their fascinating world and appeal, and even cover hands-on kaleidoscope-making workshops. Let us take you into the infinite world that opens up when you look inside.

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  The Ultimate Ukiyo-e Guide: A Uniquely Japanese Art Form Admired by Van Gogh-Step Into the World of Ukiyo-e

  Ukiyo-e, which blossomed as a form of popular culture during Japan’s Edo period, is drawing renewed attention today. Mass-produced and enjoyed as woodblock prints, ukiyo-e vividly captured everyday life, landscapes, and the people of the time-and went on to have a major impact not only on Japanese art, but on art around the world. In this article, we’ll break down its origins and appeal from the basics and introduce places where you can experience ukiyo-e for yourself.

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  Artisan Prestige Traced in Hand-Crafted Wagasa 〜A Comprehensive Guide to Japanese Wagasa Umbrellas〜

  Traditional Japanese umbrellas (wagasa) are craftworks deeply rooted in everyday life, made using natural materials such as washi paper and bamboo through time-honored techniques. Each production region has its own distinct character: Gifu is known for its delicate designs with a playful touch, Kyoto for its understated beauty that embodies wabi-sabi, and Tottori and Toyama for their sturdy construction designed to withstand heavy snow.

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  Kyoto’s Geisha District Complete Culture Guide: Elegance Caught in Time with Geiko and Maiko

  Stroll the streets in Kyoto and you might just happen upon a lady dressed in kimono, noticeable by the white face paint and a hair style that beams with tradition. Known even in English as geiko and maiko, these are the purveyors of Kyoto’s most famed performing art and traditional culture that dates back to the Edo period. Below is a comprehensive look into exclusive world of geiko and maiko, complete with a guide on how to get a front seat to this coveted experience yourself.

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  The Ultimate Guide to Enjoying Noh, the Pinnacle of Japanese Traditional Performing Arts

  Noh is a traditional Japanese musical drama made up of chanting (utai), musical accompaniment (hayashi), and dance (mai). It is a kind of musical theater and is often described as a "traditional Japanese musical". This article introduces the profound appeal of noh.

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  A Complete Guide to Enjoying Washi, Japan’s World-Class Traditional Paper We Want to Preserve for the Future

  Washi is traditional Japanese paper with a warm, natural feel. These days, people rarely use washi in daily life, even for New Year’s cards or letters. Concern over this decline in the use of washi led the Japanese government to support its inscription on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. In response, hands-on facilities have also appeared to help more people discover the warmth and appeal of washi. In this article, we’ll introduce the charm of washi, made using Japan’s traditional techniques.

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  Uncover the Secrets of the Mysterious Ninja!

  Ninja are one of Japan’s most iconic cultural symbols, yet much about them remains a mystery. Learning about ninja also offers insight into the Japanese mindset. In this article, we introduce the lesser-known activities of these globally popular figures and museums in Japan where you can experience ninja culture for yourself!

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  Complete Guide to Shiseido Beauty Park

  Discover how to enjoy Shiseido Beauty Park in Yokohama Minato Mirai-a place where simply wandering can enhance your beauty. In a space where cutting-edge science and art converge, you can become beautiful in both mind and body through a wide range of experiences-from an audiovisual program and cuisine to cosmetics and a Beauty Checkup service. This article highlights each area and offers a detailed half-day model course.

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  Discover the Appeal of Mead, the Oldest Alcoholic Drink in Human History, in Kyoto!

  Mead is an alcoholic beverage made by fermenting honey with yeast and water. Long enjoyed in Europe and other regions, it is a well-known drink, but in fact, more and more producers in Japan are crafting distinctive meads, creating a quiet boom. This time, we introduce the world of carefully crafted Japanese mead.

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  A Traditional Japanese Culture That Reflects on the Life of Flowers and Brings Life to Them —Kado (Ikebana)—

  Kado (ikebana) is a traditional Japanese art form unique to Japan that expresses beauty by arranging flowers and plants in a vessel. More than simple decoration, it reflects the preciousness of life even in buds and withered flowers, embodying the spirit of wabi-sabi. This article introduces the birthplace of kado, the representative school Ikenobo, the historical development and diverse styles of ikebana, as well as the basics of floral materials and tools, offering a closer look at the Japanese sense of beauty passed down since ancient times.

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  Discover the Rich, Radiant World of Kinkinshi Gold and Silver Thread

  From kimono obi and ornate ceremonial robes to Buddhist and Shinto ritual objects, and even stage costumes, one brilliantly shining material stands out: kinkinshi, or gold and silver thread. In this article, we explore the history of kinkinshi, how it is made, and how its uses have changed over time. Follow the dazzling and surprisingly deep world contained in a single fine thread.

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  [Complete Guide to Kumihimo] The World of Kumihimo, Filled with Japanese Aesthetics

  In the 2016 anime film "Your Name.", kumihimo was used for the heroine’s hair cord and the protagonist’s bracelet, and was depicted as an important item in the story. Right after the film’s release, kumihimo bracelets became hugely popular across Japan, and production in manufacturing areas could not keep up, turning it into a social phenomenon. Among them, kumihimo developed in a unique way in Japan alongside the culture of each era. Made by braiding threads together, kumihimo has been used not only as a practical item, but also as an expression of Japanese aesthetics. In this article, we introduce the delicate and beautiful world of kumihimo.

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  Get Your Hands on the Traditional Japanese Fortune Calendar: Takashima Koyomi!

  Do you know what kind of day today is? Whether it be weddings, funerals, moving house, or planting crops, Japanese people have long relied on a calendar called "Takashima Koyomi" to guide them through daily life. This article introduces how the Takashima Koyomi has become an integral part of Japanese life.

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  The Complete Guide to Bamboo Craft: Discover Artisan Skills!

  The bamboo fence, essential in creating a Japanese garden, and bamboo baskets used for washing rice and vegetables are just a few examples of how bamboo crafts have been a part of daily life for the Japanese people throughout history. In this article, we’ll introduce the charm of bamboo craftsmanship, showcasing its diverse applications-from bamboo fences to items like rings and bottle stands that fit seamlessly into today’s lifestyles!

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  Guide to Enjoying Japanese Candles: Soothe Your Soul with Their Flickering Light!

  Light has always been essential to human life. Before electricity and gas became widespread, people relied on candles to illuminate the night. While Western candles are more common globally, Japan has long had its own traditional candles known as "wa-rousoku," which have been closely tied to Japanese daily life. In this guide, we'll explore the history of these Japanese candles, how they have been cherished by the Japanese people, and the craftsmanship of the artisans who make them.

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  Guide to Discovering Kabuki and Enjoying Its Performance: Experience Japan’s Traditional Performing Art

  Kabuki is a traditional Japanese performing art. Kabuki, with its various charms, has been a popular form of entertainment in Japan for centuries. Stepping into a Kabuki theater transports you to an extraordinary world. For over 400 years, Kabuki actors, who are the pride of Japan, have preserved and carried on this tradition, dazzling audiences with their vibrant performances and magnificent stages. You can experience a special time, enjoying the brilliance of the costumes, the sounds of traditional Japanese instruments like the shamisen, and the refined beauty of the dances down to the fingertips. This world is traditionally an all-male domain, where both the actors who play male roles (“tachiyaku”) and those who play female roles (“onnagata”) have their own distinct aesthetic styles. Even if you don’t understand the language, as long as you grasp the key points of how to watch, you’ll be fine! When you see a performance, there will surely be something that moves your heart.