Upclose and Personal

Spring and Sakura

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April 15th 2006
Shining spring day Falling cherry blossoms With my calm mind ~ Kino Tomonari They have inspired poetry, songs, festivals, and picnics. No, it's not a rock band, or some other cultural icon that most of us would ini ... read more

Asia » Japan » Hiroshima

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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