Former KCP student Alex Tada recently paid a visit to KCP and brought us up to date on his happenings. Thanks for dropping by, Alex! It has already been two years since I graduated from KCP. Time passed fast. Thanks to KCP, I passed level N1 of the JLPT. I found work after returning to Read more …
Student Views
This year, Japanese architect Toyo Ito was awarded the Pritzker Prize, one of the most prestigious awards for any living architect. The Pritzker Prize honors the talent, vision, and commitment of an architect who has produced consistent, significant contributions to humanity through his/her art and designs. Background on Japanese Architecture Much of Japanese traditional architecture Read more …
Japan/Tokyo News
KCP is located in Shinjuku, the business, entertainment, and shopping center of Tokyo. There’s always something that catches the eye, whether it’s the bright store lights by the streets or the spectacular foliage in Shinjuku Park. Fall 2012 student Emily Cole leads us around the KCP neighborhood through her photos. Uniqlo stores can be found all over Read more …
Student Views
The month of May ushers in a number of festivals in Japan, starting with the much anticipated Golden Week (Gōruden Wīku). This week-long holiday starts on the 29th of April with the Emperor’s birthday and Showa day, followed by Constitution Memorial Day on the 3rd of May, Greenery Day on the 4th, and culminating with Children’s Day Read more …
Japanese Culture
Cleanliness is important in Japanese culture. The traditional custom of removing shoes when entering a home and even a doctor’s clinic in Japan is still observed today. Toilets were always kept separate from bathing areas until only recently. But many of us may squirm at the idea of using a squat toilet when having to do the deed, not to Read more …
Japanese Culture
Nakamura Jirokichi (仲村次郎吉, 1797 – 1831) was a Japanese thief who became a folk hero by stealing from the rich and giving to the poor, much like the infamous Robin Hood. He was also nicknamed Nezumi Kozō (鼠小僧). Nezumi means “rat” and Kozō is a term used for errand-boys in the Edo period. Kozō is a nickname usually given to Read more …
Japanese Culture
When asked about Japan’s traditional theater, noh, kabuki, and bunraku immediately come to mind. But there is one other form of theater that has captivated the Japanese audience – Takarazuka. It is considered Japan’s youngest form of traditional theater, and it turns 100 this year. Takarazuka Revue. The Takarazuka Revue (宝塚歌劇団 Takarazuka Kagekidan) is an all-female musical theater Read more …
Japanese Culture
In Japan, April is always an exciting month with spring flowers all in full bloom. The highly anticipated blossoming of sakura (cherry trees) makes our lives more colorful and never fails to bring a smile to our faces. April ushers in many festivals to cap off the first quarter of the year. Here are some of the Read more …
Tokyo Things to Do
Summer in Japan is extra special with traditional Japanese desserts such as kakigōri to stay cool. Kakigōri (かき氷) is a Japanese type of shaved ice dessert. It differs from a snow cone because it is flavored with syrup and condensed milk. The ice in Kakigōri is fluffier and smoother, much like newly-fallen snow, and is best enjoyed eaten Read more …
Japanese Culture
Ancient Japanese folklore is full of fascinating stories rich with fated love, spiritual artifacts, and the supernatural. Due to their popularity, many museums dedicated to Japanese folklore are scattered around the country. Murotsu Museum of Folklore. | 663highland A prime example of a classic folk story is the Golden Hairpin, a tale of supernatural love. Read more …
Japanese Culture
Student Views