Japan and the Green Tea Ceremony in history Olivier LeCourt and Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times The Japanese green tea ceremony is internationally famous because of the many angles to this rich cultural tradition. In historical terms this ceremony dates back to the ninth century and once the spiritual angle became associated then new dimensions [...]
Dragons of the Orient “Hengeyokai” Shape-shifters By Ledia Runnels Mysterious Japan The awesome Dragon of the orient is sacred, beautiful, and blessed with infinite wisdom and vast knowledge. They are playful by nature, but also have the capacity to destroy entire cities with one swipe of their mighty claws and terrifying magic. They are associated with [...]
The Death Rock (Japanese Mythology) By Ledia Runnels Mysterious Japan You sit in the garden near the Palace in the once Imperial City of Kyoto. It is a beautiful spring day. In fact you are fortunate to have planned your visit to Japan the very day the cherry blossoms are at the most glorious. A [...]
Three “Brother” Mountains of Dewa (Japan) By Ledia Runnels Mysterious Japan Your name is Hachiko, Prince Hachiko. It is the year 593 AD. Your father, Shusun, the emperor of Japan, has been murdered by the Soga clan. You barely escaped with your own life before they could kill you as well. Broken-hearted and afraid, your home stolen by the [...]
Japanese culture and history behind Green Tea Ceremony James Jomo and Lee Jay Walker Modern Tokyo Times The Japanese green tea ceremony dates back to the ninth century but modifications and reasons behind its popularity have changed. Matcha, powdered green tea, is served based on certain rites and the ritual nature is a vital element [...]
Onmyōdō: Ancient Magic in Japan (Film, Manga, Anime, Novels and Games) By Ledia Runnels Mysterious Japan The magic and mystery of onmyōdō and the onmyōji, who practice the ancient art, are an esoteric combination of Wu Xing, Yin and Yang, Taoism, Buddhism and Shintoism. It came to Japan in the fifth and sixth centuries. In the popular culture of film, manga, anime novels and video games, there are a [...]
A Saga of Seduction in Japan: Tale of Genji (The first novel ever written) By Ledia Runnels Mysterious Japan Many things can be said of Murasaki Shikibu’s fictional account of the Heian aristocracy, set in eleventh century Japan. Yet the true heartbeat of The Tale of Genji, is the recurring rhythm of artful seduction that pulsates through Hikaru [...]
Japanese Green Tea Ceremony By Ledia Runnels Mysterious Japan Also called the “Way of Tea“, where matcha, powdered green tea, is presented in a ritualistic fashion. In Japan, the ceremony is called chanoyu or chadō, also pronounced sadō. The the art of the performance is called otemae . The primary influence for the ceremony is Zen Buddhism. Tea gatherings fall into two classifications: ochakai or chaji . Chakai [...]
Obon, the Dance of the Dead (Japanese Festival) By Ledia Runnels Mysterious Japan In the village square, Chinese lanterns and fireflies cast a ghostly glow over the tightly packed shops and houses along the narrow avenue. The sound of clapping hands and beating drums draw you toward a drum tower, situated just below the elevated train station. Atop [...]
Onmyōdō: Ancient Magic in Japan (Film, Manga, Anime, Novels and Games) By Ledia Runnels Mysterious Japan The magic and mystery of onmyōdō and the onmyōji, who practice the ancient art, are an esoteric combination of Wu Xing, Yin and Yang, Taoism, Buddhism and Shintoism. It came to Japan in the fifth and sixth centuries. In the popular culture of film, manga, anime novels and video games, there are a [...]
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