Japanese anime and manga are deeply ingrained in Japanese pop culture. Their influence and popularity have reached other parts of the world, including the United States (e.g., Astro Boy and Dragon Ball Z). The term “manga” refers to Japanese drawings or comics, many of which were created hundreds of years ago and remain popular to Read more …
Learning Japanese
Tokyo’s Sumida River (隅田川) branches out from the Arakawa River at Iwabuchi and flows directly into Tokyo Bay. It passes through the Tokyo wards of Kita, Adachi, Arakawa, Sumida, Taito, Koto, and Chuo. The river meanders for 27 kilometers and runs under 26 bridges which are spaced about a kilometer per bridge. Some of the Read more …
Travel in Japan
The concerts of Hatsune Miku (初音ミク) are very popular—thousands of fans flock to the spectacle of her shows and rave over her singing prowess. Her appearance is unique yet appealing, with her long bubblegum blue locks of hair and schoolgirl/spy attire. But it’s not just all this that makes her extraordinary. Hatsune Miku is a singing Read more …
Trends
Recently, KCP staff and students attended a sumo extravaganza. It was not a regular tourney, but an event in honor of the renowned sumo wrestler Futenno, who has retired and will become an Oyakata, a master of Sumo house. Over a dozen culture class students went with Michiko-san to see the sumo spectacle. Extra tickets were Read more …
Japanese Culture
It’s been a week or so since the start of the term. As you can see in the photos below, the teachers are already in full-throttle! The photos were taken at 6 pm; even at that time there were still teachers and some students at school. Deep in concentration, checking a student’s papers. | KCP Read more …
KCP Program
One of the must-see spots in Tokyo is the Tokyo Imperial Palace (皇居). Also called Kōkyo, it is the main residence of Japan’s Imperial Family. Located in Chiyoda area, the Palace is composed of several interconnected buildings, including the main palace hall (Kyuden), function halls, and administrative offices. The grounds are a massive park with Read more …
Travel in Japan
What do you get when you combine the Japanese’ unique fashion sense with their expertise in light technology? A whole lot of brilliant flashing lights used in most intriguing ways! LED Teeth Everyone knows that a smile can brighten up one’s face. But the Japanese have taken this concept a giant step further with one Read more …
Japanese Culture
Asakusa Hanayashiki (浅草花やしき) first opened as a flower park in Tokyo in 1853, when US Navy Commodore Matthew Calbraith Perry visited Japan in the latter part of the Edo period (1603-1867). Nowadays, Asakusa Hanayashiki is known to be the oldest amusement park in Japan. It houses 20 types of attractions and eateries. It also has Read more …
Travel in Japan
For any business to be a success, one of the key tactics is the free exchange of ideas that can provide improvement. Nemawashi (根回し) is a Japanese process being implemented by numerous companies to arrive at a consensus. It is a subtle alternative approach to the Western-style business meeting which can publicly display a clash Read more …
KCP Program
This winter break, KCP-USA student Brennen Kendall and some friends headed for the snowy slopes of Niigata Prefecture for some thrills on the ice. Niigata is situated on Honshū island, on the coast of the Sea of Japan. It is known for its high production of cut lilies, tulips, and azaleas, although these colorful and Read more …
Travel in Japan
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