Etsuko and Dan, Tokyo

Japan

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December 19th 2007
Nippon (the Japanese name for Japan) is unique, as the Japanese are very fond of telling people. And they are right. Japan is a unique blend of old and new, traditional and modern, ancient beliefs and hi-tech gadgets, Zen Buddhist monks and fad-obsessed teenagers, peaceful shrines and noisy pachinko gaming halls, lovers of nature and destroyers of endangered species, beautiful temples and co ... read more

Asia » Japan

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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