Kodo drumming

New Year Bond fires in Tokyo (1.1.09)

---

February 14th 2009
New Year is the most important holiday time in Japan. People have one week off and spent time with the inner family circle. Forget about any fire crackers or parties. This is Western style, some clubs might do it; otherwise it is a quiet time with most shops closed starting in the afternoon. I never saw Shinjuku station so empty as on December 31st. Everybody was at home or with family. My Ameri ... read more

Asia » Japan » Tokyo

---

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