Despair of the Oni

Setsubun Weekend

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February 3rd 2008
Fun-Filled Weekend This weekend was filled with unexpected events. My Friday begins as always with me heading to class. Our teacher (sensei) informed us that this weekend's (shumatsu) culture class excursion will correspond with Sunday's holiday. According to Japan's old lunar calendar, the start of the new year took place on Setsubun. There is also the tradition that the people born d ... read more

Asia » Japan » Tokyo » Akihabara

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In 1603, a Tokugawa shogunate (military dictatorship) ushered in a long period of isolation from foreign influence in order to secure its power. For 250 years this policy enabled Japan to enjoy stability and a flowering of its indigenous culture. Fol... ... read more