A bullfight in Okinawa is quite the spectacle – unlike bullfighting in Spanish speaking cultures, there is no Matador to face the bull; it is one bull challenging another and neither will be seriously injured or die in the event. The bullfighting arena is a dome-shaped structure with open sides providing air circulation.  A circular […]

Separated by the milky way, two star crossed lovers are only able to meet once a year on the seventh day of the seventh month based on the lunisolar calendar.  The legend of Hikoboshi (the star known as Alter) and Orihime (the star known as Vega) has roots in China but has been associated with […]

In a recent edition of Views From The Street in the The Japan Times five people were asked “What’s one thing to do in Japan before you die?”  Some of the answers were great and others left me uninspired so I’d thought I’d take my own poll via Twitter as see if we could come […]

The annual Fuji Matsuri or Wisteria Festival is another chance to take advantage of some of the beautiful spring flowers in Japan.  As the season moves on the pink cherry blossoms give way to the purple blooms wisteria vines throughout the country.  In Tokyo the festival is also an opportunity to take in traditional Japanese […]

Celebrate New Years with traditional performances and exhibitions at the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno.  The museum is hosting some great events on January 2nd and 3rd that are sure to entertain visitors of all ages. On the schedule are the Shishimai (Lion Dance), performed to bring good fortune and health for the upcoming year, […]

Whether you live in Japan or are just visiting, festivals, or matsuri as they are known in Japan, are held almost every weekend and special exhibitions and events are almost as common.  If your have a few hours to spare or a hole in your itinerary that needs filling with something fun and interesting then […]