What is cute? Actually, the English word “cute” is a poor substitute for kawaii. Kawaii looks to be a simple word, but it hides a host of meanings and implications. Kawaii is more than cute writing, fashion, and kikan fanshii – fancy goods. I will look at the history of kawaii and move toward what makes someone…
Category: Culture
Nintendo: Video Game Savior and Love Hotels?
How old is Nintendo? Older than computers. Nintendo was started back in 1889! Sony (founded in 1946)! Sega (1951)! Microsoft (the youngest at 1975). Long before the transistor existed, Nintendo was making playing cards called hanafuda. Back in 1633. Japan banned foreign playing cards because of gambling problems. That didn’t stop people from making other…
Japan, Anime, and Manga Essay Ideas for Homework Assignments
It is that time once again: back to school. That means essay writing! Part of the librarian profession is offering research help and writing instruction for high school and college students. Librarians are teachers at the core of the profession. So, it is time I did my part! This article will give you ideas…
Dating and Marriage in Japan
Japan and the United States have different views of dating and marriage. There are many similarities, as well. Marriage has a long history in Japan, a history that is based on gender roles influenced heavily by Confucian views. I won’t get into these views in this article. If you want to learn more about gender…
Geisha: Art and Shamisen
The ultimate goal of a geisha is the find a patron, a danna. The patron frees a geisha to pursue her art, to live outside the okiya, and even help start a business. The key to snagging a patron is in the geisha arts: dance, music, and cultural enrichment. The root gei means art. Sha…
Geisha: Kimono
Kimono is one of the defining characteristics of a geisha. Geisha wear kimono with a neckline that dips low on the back to show off the nap of the neck. That part of the neck is as sensual for Japanese men as the breast is to Western men. Geisha have a formal kimono (called de)…