Ever wonder...

Rakugo and Christmas in Japan

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November 21st 2009
Despite a distinct lack of snow, it only takes on short trip to Nagoya to solidify that the Christmas Season has indeed arrived in Japan. You wouldn't know it out in my quiet shanty town, but in the big city there are lights and Christmas trees galore, skating rinks in the shopping mall and Christmas music playing in every other store. It was almost like being back at home - but not quite. One hug ... read more

Asia » Japan » Mie

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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