Statue in Kawaguchi, Near Fuji-san
Erected to recall the actual events of December 3rd, 1472 when the animals of Kawaguchi formed a team to win the local pub quiz. They remained undefeated for over a year until the rooster, who was apparently the brains of the operation and recieved much of the praise for their victories, was found brutally murdered in his pen. Dog denied being involved in the plot, but children today are still taught about "Jealosu Doggu" (Jealous Dog) whose actions split the team apart and ultimately lost the animals their right to free beer and snacks at the Rice Paddy Inn.
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 
