Ningyo Dolls (人形): An Enchanting Piece of Japanese Culture
Ningyo dolls (人形) are traditional Japanese dolls, iconic symbols of Japanese culture, notable for their intricate designs, vibrant colors, and exquisite details.
Category: Culture
Japanese Calligraphy Set
A Japanese calligraphy set typically includes a brush, ink, inkstone, paper, and a weight to keep the paper in place while you write.
Japanese Lanterns – Illuminating the Cultural Significance
Japanese lanterns, known as “chōchin”, made of washi paper, bamboo, and wood, are a cultural symbol of Japan that have been used for centuries.
Japanese Good Luck Charms – History and Types
A Japanese good luck charm such as Omamori, Daruma Dolls, Maneki Neko, and Ema are believed to bring good luck and protection to their owners.
What is Omamori? – A Symbol of Protection, Luck, and Devotion
Omamori (御守), a Japanese amulet, is believed to bring good luck, protection, and prosperity to the bearer, and to ward off evil and misfortune.
Inari God – The God of Agriculture in Japanese Mythology
The Inari God (大稲荷), often depicted as a fox, is one of the most important deities in Japanese mythology, known as the god of agriculture, fertility, and prosperity.
Shide – The Traditional Japanese Paper Streamers
Shide (紙垂) refers to traditional Japanese paper streamers that are used in various ceremonial and religious events, often attached the sacred ropes used to cordon off holy spaces, such as shrines, temples, and sacred trees.
Shimenawa – The Sacred Rope of Japan
Shimenawa (標縄), meaning “enclosing rope” in Japanese, is a traditional rope made of rice straw or hemp, used in Shinto rituals to mark a sacred space or object.
Japanese Torii Gate – A Symbol of Culture, History, and Spirituality
A Japanese torii gate (鳥居) is an iconic structure found in Japan that marks the entrance to a sacred or holy space, such as a Shinto shrine or a Buddhist temple.
Komainu – The Fierce and Friendly Guardians of Japanese Culture
Komainu (狛犬), also known as lion dogs, are mythical creatures found at the entrance of Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples, and other sacred places across Japan.