Grandma, Ryoji, Dad

Japanese Graduation - 大学卒業式

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March 18th 2006
Today I was lucky enough to view my first college graduation ceremony, which just happened to be a Japanese ceremony. The rain that has been falling everyday recently, put a little damper on the day, but everyone was still shining - Girls wearing traditional Kimono and even some Guys wearing traditional male garments was undeniably a nice little cultural twist to the ceremony. Unfortunately I only ... read more

Asia » Japan » Osaka » Hirakata

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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