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creditwire90 · 3 years

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The Castles, Shrines, And Temples Of Japan

The Great Buddha was preceded by a wood monument of the identical granduer that took 10 years of fixed labor to complete. Today's landmark took its place after being damaged in a storm again in 1248. Near the main shrine's entrance is certainly one of the area's most picturesque attractions, Sorihashi Bridge , which arches high arch over the still, reflective pond. Similar to Meiji Jingu in Tokyo, throughout hatsumode, the times surrounding the New Year, Sumiyoshi Taisha becomes one of the most popular websites in the nation. With 1000's of temples and shrines in Japan, it can be hard to decide which ones to suit into one short journey. To allow you to slim it down, we’ve rounded up the most effective temples and shrines in Japan that you won’t wish to miss. Outside the shrine you’ll discover a basin of water for washing your palms, which is done by filling the ladle and washing every hand, beginning together with your left hand. Sengen shrines, as a substitute, are devoted to the spirt of Mt Fuji, while there are additionally ones founded to honour the heads of important Japanese clans. Another difference comes from who builds the shrine, whether or not it's Imperial shrines created by governments of the previous or local shrines constructed by a area people. With so much variety within the Shinto faith, it is sensible you’ll discover all sorts of various Shinto shrines across the islands of Japan. Perhaps the most important difference in shrines is the kami to which they are dedicated. Some are shrines to kami that represent struggle like within the case of Hachiman shrines or rice as represented by Inari shrines. Kanazawa, the capital city of Ishikawa Prefecture, sits on the Sea of Japan, bordered by scenic mountain ranges and nationwide parks, has well-preserved art and tradition. Since the exact construction dates of Izumo Taisha Shrine positioned in Shimane prefecture are unknown, it is considered to be the most historical Shinto shrines in Japan. This essential shrine is also called Izumo Oyashiro is devoted to Okuninushi no Okami, the Shinto deity of marriage and good relations. Folklore also suggests that every one the Shinto gods assemble at this shrine annually during the Kamiari Festival and visitors try to go to during this time to obtain their blessings. This Shinto shrine is one of the bigger shrines in the area and hosts the annual in style rice planting ritual. The conventional architecture of the shrine, torii gate, statues, sculptures, lovely backyard, carp pond, and so on. are salient features of the shrine. Popular occasions to visit the shrine are during the rice planting competition, cherry blossom season and Iris Festival of June-July when the 150 species of irises in the shrine backyard are in full bloom. Visitors can also enjoy traditional performances, meals stalls and booths with traditional craft demonstrations through the festival. Buddhist structure in Japan just isn't native, but imported from China and different Asian cultures over the centuries with such constancy that the building kinds of all Six Dynasties are represented. Its history is, as a consequence, dominated by Chinese and other Asian methods and types on one aspect, and by Japanese unique variations on those themes on the other. Such well-known temples as Kiyomizu-dera, Enryaku-ji and Kōtoku-in are temples which use the described naming sample. Many shrines are dedicated to local kami with out association to different shrines. Some powerful clans in Japanese historical past established and dedicated shrines to the their clans' founders. Information On Collections Of Japanese Artwork Complementing these objects is a number of Chinese mortuary works that served in burial rituals associated with Buddhist, Daoist, and Confucian beliefs. The M. Ripley "Rip" Hudner Buddha Gallery is the setting for the grand Dainichi Nyorai Buddha. The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Japanese Print Gallery exhibits woodblock prints, and the adjacent gallery presents Asian textiles in addition to exquisitely crafted objects in jade, lacquer, ceramic, and steel. This sort of museum’s main objective is to show the artwork collections from noble folks, as an example, Louvre Museum. The options of such a museum are old-fashion coloured partitions and heavy frames with elaborate decoration. The Printing Museum focuses on the historical past, method, and tradition of printing. It is a historic and cultural useful resource with imaginative displays, interactivity, and user-friendliness. Its exhibitions embrace Regular Exhibitions made up of works from the museum's collections and deposited articles from temples or shrines, and Special Exhibitions which would possibly be large-scale exhibitions based on a sure theme. Tokyo has an abundance of museums, giving glances into Japan's wealthy and diverse history, ranging from artifacts of the Jomon interval to delicate screens and lacquered boxes within the Rinpa-style, favored by residents of the Edo interval. Videos of greater than 300 victims speaking of their experiences can be viewed at any time. Furthermore, audio guides in 17 languages and pamphlets in 9 languages can be found. An exhibition of “Hiroshima’s History in Light of the Atomic Bombing” is displayed at the East Building by which historical facts ofHiroshimafrom the occasions before and after the bombing are introduced. Located in Shimane Prefecture, this museum has been devoted to promoting trendy Japanese artwork since it opened in 1970. The museum is particularly famous for its beautiful gardens, designed by founder Zenko Adachi, which rank among the finest public gardens in Japan. Located within the old capital of Japan, Kyoto, this museum is deemed simply as noteworthy as the museums in Tokyo. Kyoto National Museum was founded in 1897 and its power lies in its Japanese and Asian art from the pre-modern period. Their online museum dictionary can also be an insightful device which provides enlightening information on the history of the held works. Three Types Of Sizzling Spring Baths At An Onsen Ryokan Not far from Beppu, Yufuin is a rural hot spring town, which presents a novel environment somewhat totally different from a daily sizzling spring resort. Besides its baths, Yufuin attracts with its cafes, boutiques and artwork galleries. Be positive to place your valuables in lockers, if there are any, and take the key with you into the bath. Let us encourage you with weekly particular provides and stories about what's new and thrilling in luxurious travel. Park Hyatt TokyoWho says onsens are best enjoyed in the countryside? For centuries, the ample hot spring waters of Kusatsu Onsen have been considered among Japan's greatest and most effective, if not the most effective. Much of the resort's water bubbles up within the yubatake ("sizzling water area") within the city heart. Spas will normally embrace each indoor and outside baths , often with an electronic temperature gauge . The place we went to had a Jacuzzi and you can even watch Japanese baseball on a television in the sauna. Tips On How To Plan A Family Vacation In Japan You might additionally visit the Shitamachi Museum close to the exit of Ueno Zoo which displays items from Tokyo’s previous in life-like settings and has hands-on exhibits upstairs. While it’s true that DisneySea has sights geared largely toward older children and that when you had been going to pick just one Disney with younger kids, there’s more to do at Disneyland. But DisneySea shouldn’t be discounted if you want to do both. There are loads of rides for kids 3 and older at DisneySea, including Toy Story Mania, Turtle Talk, the electrical railway, Nemo and Friends SeaRider, a carousel, Mermaid’s Lagoon, and some more. Wonderful evaluation of your trip to Japan, very helpful ideas. I do have 2 youngsters – 6 & 2 so this positively helps a ton in planning as most vlogs on youtube chronicle singles or couples with no youngsters. No consuming, ingesting or speaking on the cellphone within the prepare or subway. The Japanese are very considerate to other folks, so please try to do the identical. Keep in mind that putting chopsticks upright in your meals, crossing them or passing meals with them are what people do at funerals. The Dai Ichi Inn Hotel is steps from the Ikebukuro station and thus very handy. If you guide via Booking.com you can guide any room you want and easily write a message stating who shall be staying there. They will write again saying that’s okay or is not – and you'll cancel the room without cost if it’s not allowed. Inka You have forgotten to mention one place which might be very fascinating for youngsters and equals the Ghibli museum and thats the Doraemon museum in Kawasaki. Kids on Trains I think it would be important to add that kids ride free on the trains when they are underneath 6 . Public Holidays And Annual Events In Japan Dosojin Matsuri is amongst the three biggest fireplace festivals in Japan and is yearly held on January 15. Please remember that the sales deadline is commonly 1 month forward of the pageant. The Emperor of Japan, together with key members of his household, make a quantity of quick appearances all through the day on a windowed balcony. They wave back to the ocean of supporters who gather in the cold for a uncommon glimpse. Tourists are welcome to stand within the queue to affix the spectacle. The first vacation of Golden Week is Showa Day on April 29, the observance of the birthday of Emperor Hirohito. From bonsai to doll-making; from tea ceremonies to origami and sword making, there is a wealth of historic arts and culture to be loved at this pageant. The Sakura Matsuri in Washington DC is the largest pageant of Japanese tradition in the entire United States, and it comes around yearly throughout cherry blossom season. Turns pink, and the Sakura Matsuri takes full benefit of this to placed on a large present. There’s additionally the Ginza Marketplace which specialises in promoting hand-crafted traditional items from Ginza. The Japanese love celebrations and there are lots of of events throughout the year. Food performs an essential part in Japanese celebrations, with many delicacies made particularly for every occasion. Nip into a local comfort store to see what’s available — particular types of mochi are made for each festival. Japanese Popular Culture ジェイポップ "We're actually big on cute," says Keith Carollo, who began the e-commerce website with Chris Bick in 1998. One of the most-anticipated summer films, "Speed Racer," starring Emile Hirsch, is based on a '60s anime. Help & Support FAQ Short, easy how-to and demos of regularly asked questions on utilizing the Libraries and information assets. Graduate Funding Info Service Assistance with finding funding for analysis, tuition, journey, and different graduate school-related bills. Off-Campus Access & Technical Support Using library assets from off-campus and different technical tips. Open Scholarship Commons One-stop store for data creation and dissemination services. A historical past of promoting in Japan from the Edo interval to the present as presented by the Advertising Museum in Tokyo. Available in both Japanese and English, and illustrated with digitized items from the museum's collection. Includes articles, information about brands, features, and road photographs, in addition to a "fashion map." Payne says he's seen a definite increase in demand for Japanese products recently, due in giant part to the power for fans to access Japanese media, trends and culture on the Internet. Kelts additionally sees "a lot of room for progress, particularly in associated product lines" to in style manga and anime. “Sites and Spectacles” delineates the influence of globalized JPC as related to the notions of city, rural, and spectacular. Damien Liu-Brennan opens by specializing in the deeply rooted Japanese custom of fireworks . Japan Excursions & Holidays Enjoy your Japan expertise at the consolation of your personal tempo to truly take in every web site because it comes. See all Japan has to offer between the trendy & traditional capitals of the country. Witness the beautiful Takayama Festivals in Japan, not as quickly as, but twice a 12 months. We offer a list of Japan tour packages that let you expertise the lavishly embellished floats, generally recognized as yatai, which characteristic karakuri that dance and move impressively. Whichever season you prefer, we've a Japan tour bundle reserved for either Takayama Festivals. Located in the higher regions of the Shimane region, the Adachi Museum of Art is not simple to go to during normal instances, but may be visited on-line with only a couple clicks. At first look when walking around Huis ten Bosch, it very a lot looks like a European town. However, once you start looking at the details, then you start seeing the Japanese influence on things. Finish up this tour with a spot of purchasing at Aqua City in the extremely fashionable Odaiba area, before you and the tour group finish up at Tokyo Station. Afterwards you possibly can shop for quirky and enjoyable souvenirs at the Nakamise Shopping Street – this long street is a conventional purchasing avenue that goes all the way in which to the well-known Sensoji Temple in Asakusa – complete with its big lanterns. Get picked up from your lodge for a two and a half hour drive to Mt Fuji. You will then carry on by coach to the mountain’s 5th station, which is roughly halfway up the mountain. At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we've compiled a straightforward to navigate travel information section devoted to Japan tours. Garden design is an important Japanese art kind that has been refined for greater than 1000 years and in Japan, gardens have developed into a wide selection of styles with different purposes. If you're arriving at Haneda airport, click right here to e-book your personal transfer. While 5 and 7-day Japan tours are well-liked decisions, especially for first-time visitors, a 10-day japan package tour is in my view the perfect length for a primary visit. Explore the breathtaking natural scenery of the Noto Peninsula in this 6-day tour, beginning in the bustling cities of Kyoto and Kanazawa. Finish your journey on Notojima Island and within the city of Ogi, stopping at Sojiji Temple and a conventional hot-spring onsen earlier than returning to Kyoto. Explore the breathtaking natural scenery of the Noto Peninsula in this 7-day cycling tour, starting within the bustling cities of Kyoto and Kanazawa. Japan's Stock Market Emerges As Clear Winner Of Suga's Abrupt Resignation Explore curated example itineraries based mostly on the best time of the 12 months to get pleasure from them. Asia's uptick in coronavirus instances has put all the area's equity markets under stress. Global stocks, as measured by the MSCI All Country World Index, have outperformed their Asia-Pacific peers by 8.four percentage points since Feb. 1. Aichi Prefecture (pop. 7.5 million) is the political, economic, and transportation center of the area, and has ranked number one in shipments of manufactured items every year since 1977. The U.S. Consulate Nagoya is positioned within the metropolis of Nagoya (pop. 2.three million), the prefectural capital. For instance, it's the world’s largest net purchaser of meals merchandise in the world. The United States is the leading supplier of its agricultural imports, in addition to agricultural capital equipment and related technologies. Total U.S. food, agricultural, and fishery exports to Japan have been price more than $13 billion in 2018. Japan is the world's largest importer of liquefied pure gasoline and the third-largest coal importer. The Central Japan Railway Company began construction on the Chuo Shinaksen in December 2014. When accomplished, the maglev will cut back Nagoya-Tokyo travel time from 100 minutes to only 40. The plant, located alongside the coast of Shizuoka Prefecture, remains shuttered right now. The utility is, due to this fact, specializing in slicing costs and securing different sources of power. The region accounts for one quarter of Japan’s industrial output and 13% of its GDP.

Shinjuku Nightlife This stylish underground club is hidden down an not noticeable pathway and located within the basement where Shibuya’s Trump Room used to kick it. Behind the unassuming black door is a sprawling dance house decked out with a gaudy but glorious mixture of antiques, mirrors and decor. With drink prices too low to consider, Oath rolls your pregame and after-party into one marathon club expertise. When your ears need a break from the usual home, techno and EDM tracks playing at other golf equipment, slide down to Shibuya and into the Room. This low-key, laid-back basement bangs out R&B hits, in addition to soul and jazz tunes. The Room is much from the go-go-go of your average Tokyo nightclub, but when you’re scoping out a spot to take pleasure in a drink, a dance and a date, this bar’s obtained a scotch on the rocks waiting for you. Popular nightclub in Shibuya with a number of flooring and famous DJs each weekend. Another great pre-drink bar and a Tokyo basic, no cover and the drinks are low-cost. Cozy alley means loaded with tiny traditional Japanese bars next to Shibuya station. If you need a memento that is fully completely different to something you might discover in the retailers, create your own in this glass blowing experience at the Tokyo Glass Art Institute. Choose what you wish to create, in addition to the colour, shape, and design, and, underneath close instruction, create your own distinctive glass paintings. This strolling tour of Shinjuku Golden Gai and Kabukicho showcases one of the best bars, restaurants, and meals stalls the districts have to offer. Feast on Japanese dishes like Ramen, and yakitori , and delve into the area’s wealthy historical past with your guide. This small-group tour is proscribed to 10 people, making for an intimate expertise. Tokyo has many nightclubs that keep open late so your exploration of the nightlife can lead nicely into the night time. These nightclubs are usually in style with the younger technology, however anybody who enjoys dancing and loud music could take pleasure in popping into one for the night time. Fifty Four Best Issues To Do In Japan For An Unforgettable Trip There is no map or ‘right method to go’, you move freely from room to room of three-dimensional 10,000 square meter building exploring and discovering. You will find issues just like the Athletic Forest that helps you think of the world three-dimensionally and, the most instagrammed room, the forest of lamps the place hundreds hang from the ceilings. Japan is dotted with plenty of onsen cities, most of which boast non-public onsen alongside their public choices. Traditional ingredients in a Japanese barbecue can include some type of meat or fish, and summer season seasonal greens like Japanese pumpkin and eggplant. Onigiri and yakisoba (stir-fried noodles) are additionally typically a half of the menu. It is a fun, wholesome way to soak up the season with one thing scrumptious. Hiking at the high-altitude Japanese Alps in Nagano, Gifu, and Toyama prefectures is an ideal summer season exercise for nature lovers. The climate is snug, and the large-scale mountains listed beneath are a must-see. The elevation of these areas retains the local weather cool, even in summer time. Beaches can supply just the proper aid from the warmth on a summer time's day. NOTS also specializes in helping schools and company organizations with organizing outdoor activities and trainings. Soaking in a scorching spring is an excellent method to loosen up and actually expertise Japanese culture. The mineral wealthy water makes you're feeling rejuvenated after an extended day of sightseeing. Many sizzling springs offer accommodations, or you'll be able to simply go to one for a few hours. Urbanization is extremely superior in Japan, because the share of the city population surpasses 90 %. The majority of people live within the metropolis and contact with nature is not self-evident. Despite this remoteness to nature, about half of the grownup population has engaged in tenting earlier than, and likewise, roughly one in two adult Japanese had experiences with mountain climbing or climbing. 61 Incredible Souvenirs From Japan Bringing again “omiyage” for pals and for your self to help keep in mind the amazing experiences, however, can be a time-consuming and expensive problem. Having a listing of probably the most convenient and attention-grabbing purchasing places may help facilitate it for you and allow you to easily discover nice locations to buy nice and low cost souvenirs. A real samurai sword may be very expensive and it could value a small fortune when bought from a real master. We never purchased a samurai sword as they were method out of our price range, therefore we aren't sure what are the principles and rules when transporting one. They are technically a weapon so make sure to examine together with your nation's laws and customs earlier than buying one. A delicate art native to Edo, present-day Tokyo, these glassworks characteristic intricate patterns etched towards a background of colour, similar to purple or blue. With products starting from vases to teacups, these glass items can be utilized each as everyday home items or eye-catching display items. [newline]If your beloved one ceramic pieces inevitably get broken, kintsugi is an efficient way to increase their shelf-life. Ever the proponents of mottainai , the Japanese believe that there is value and beauty even in an object’s flaws. This easy yet elegant artwork has evolved from its roots in the royalty to an art enjoyed by all, with some even deliberately breaking pieces to have them fastened up! While you can make use of the providers of an skilled or join a kintsugi workshop, outlets like Tokyu Hands also have kintsugi kits where you probably can attempt the artwork out for yourself. If you’re considering getting Bento packing containers, why not contemplate getting what they are carried in? 10 Magical Gardens You Should Go To In Japan The Japanese Garden Society of New Orleans after many years of effort has created an genuine Japanese Garden within the Botanical Gardens of New Orleans City Park. The backyard additionally offers elevated consciousness and appreciation of Japanese culture, aesthetics and love of nature among all individuals in the New Orleans area. JFG offers a wide range of educational applications, reveals, and festivals as nicely as accredited horticultural lessons to reinforce and deepen visitor appreciation for Japanese culture. As a valued group useful resource, it is well known for its unique setting, stone arrangements, koi ponds, water options, sukiya-style buildings and landscape. “As the primary Black girl to hold the workplace of President of the Unit 86 Garden Guides, for me the Garden is a spot that touches my soul. “My favourite reminiscence of the Seattle Japanese Garden occurred in the course of the autumn a couple of years ago. I was driving by with a good friend on the method in which to the Arboretum when we seen a lot of people close to the Japanese Garden entrance and realized the Maple Festival was underway. The pleasant Jo-an teahouse which now stands in the garden, was originally inbuilt Kyoto in 1618 by Oda Urakusai, a younger brother of native Chubu space warlord Oda Nobunaga. The name of Kenrokuen literally means, "the backyard of six sublimities" or, "a garden combining the 6 aspects of a excellent backyard". These six options had been what the Chinese historically believed had been needed for the best garden. An necessary contribution to the project was First Lady Nancy Reagan’s 1982 donation of cuttings grown from the “Taft Cherry Tree” which had been planted by President Taft’s wife in 1912. The Mayor of Tokyo and others proposed to send a second donation of timber. With 搬家公司推薦 from Tokyo City Council, they increased the number of bushes from 2,000 to three,020. Japanese Eating Places In Monterey, California While we normally go for beer with sushi, a wise cocktail record contains seaweed-infused Japanese whiskey with yuzu-pineapple bitters, a considerate way to start the evening. This Financial District lunch spot presents ramen, sandwiches, pastries, bowls topped with raw fish, and rice balls. But their finest deal is their bento box, the place you'll be able to pick six of their sizzling dishes, meaning you can try all kinds of dishes, for round only $10. Within a blonde wood-bedecked minimalist area, Uino shapes approximately 18 programs hinged around wild-caught, sterling seasonal seafood. His $250 omakase spans from otsumami to a succession of nigiri rigorously fashioned using rice seasoned with a mix of Japanese salts and red vinegars. Think DIY-style cooking with raw units of premier meats and seafood and a giant hot pot of broth and sauces to dip all of it in. Kagaya is small and refined, but when you’re on the lookout for that go-big experience in Little Tokyo, Kagaya is where it is at. The Escondite is one of those uncommon downtown bars that you just either know about or you don’t. And that’s as a end result of this considerably hidden spot seemingly has all of it. Live music, no cowl, glorious drinks, strong bar food, and a cool vibe with great patio views of the downtown skyline. There is also an everyday izakaya menu to select from too, with grilled meat, sushi and sides. This article lists eating places in Naha and Urasoe where you can take pleasure in your food with the view of Okinawa's ocean, which is taken into account to be one of the best sceneries in Japan. One is a powdered form of steamed green tea leaves, which is used to taste issues like ice cream or sweets. The other meaning is a thick and mildly bitter tea made by frothing the matcha powder with scorching water. They have one of many greatest kinds of curry to choose from that we now have ever seen, together with fish curry, rooster curry, pork curry and even fruit curries such as the Strawberry-flavored one. There are Udon retailers in all places and they are sometimes crowded, however do not be stunned or worried as you usually do not have to wait for a really long time to be seated. This izakaya, or Japanese bar, may be tucked away in the basement of a nondescript workplace constructing in Midtown, but don’t be fooled. Come right here for lunch to try the set menus, which get you a substantial quantity of food and prime out at $23. The finest deal right here is the soba set menu, the place for $12.50 you will get soba with a primary dish, similar to grilled fish or chirashi . Pike/Pine izakaya Suika spun off this extra cavernous sibling up the street, serving the same masterful mashup of Japanese ingesting food. A sashimi sampler is served on a tiny wood staircase, the dan dan noodles are gorgeous in both seems and flavor, and sizzling hot stones serve as tabletop grills for skinny slices of wagyu beef.

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tgtg6ch · 4 years

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SixTONES - Ishikawa Zoo

#monkey #zoo #funny

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snknews · 6 years

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Kaji Yuuki (Eren) & Ishikawa Yui (Mikasa) Visit the SnK x Tobu Zoo Collaboration Event

Kaji Yuuki (Eren) & Ishikawa Yui (Mikasa) shared candid photos of their visit to the SnK x Tobu Zoo collaboration event in Saitama yesterday!

Kaji Yuuki shared solo photos of himself “roaring” against a white tiger (Mikasa’s animal in the collaboration), as well as photos of him and Ishikawa Yui posing in the event photobooth. Ishikawa Yui also shared photos of her with the tiger and her autograph on the chibi Mikasa cardboard stand.

The Tobu Zoo collaboration event will continue until October 8th, 2018.

Related News: Events || Photos: Cast & Crew || Seiyuu Archival News: Events || Seiyuu

#snk news #eremika #kaji yuuki #ishikawa yui #eren yeager #mikasa ackerman #snk events #snk seiyuu #photos: cast & crew

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theredpalace · 5 years

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Japanese Wizarding World Headcanons

Just a series of ideas I had for my AU and how I think it works in Japan. Credit goes to JK Rowling for creation of the Harry Potter series and I just made these up for funsies

-The wizarding community is governed by the Japanese Delegation of Sorcery, which has a group that decides on finalizing laws and bills regarding wizarding safety and care.

-Muggles...or “Wandless” as they prefer to call them in Japan, are taken care of more subtly whenever they come across magical locations or phenomenon. This is thanks in part to Obliviators taking on simple day jobs both within JDS and in the Wandless government. If a Wandless observes magic by accident, an Obliviator will calmly take their case, listen to their full story, and have their memories wiped in a tidy manner

-While there is very little importance on pureblood, both the JDS and the Mahoutokoro School of Witchcraft and Wizardry place high value on witches and wizards with talent, often encouraging them to later marry or associate themselves with peers that have similar skills. This makes competition in the school very, very serious

-Mahoutokoro is a day school, with only a small handful of students living on campus in dormitories. These cases are usually for wards of the state, young witches and wizards who are orphans or whose families are unable to care for them.

-Much like their Wandless neighbors, the JDS focuses a lot of its efforts on making everything as simple and convenient as possible. A majority of wizarding patents for inventions and spells come from the JDS Department of Wizard Patents, and as such their department has the second largest number of employees aside from the Wandless Liason Office with their Obliviators. Some of the most celebrated household charms were invented here, including the Degriming Charm and the Anti-rust Jinx.

-The JDS has one of the most difficult Auror programs in the world, rivaled only by MACUSA and the Ministry of Magic. This is mostly due to the fact that Aurors are constantly in the field and abroad, dealing with practitioners of the Dark Arts

-Japan has absolutely ZERO TOLERANCE for the Dark Arts, due to a long history and war that happened during the early years of Mahoutokoro. Using Dark magic at the school results in automatic expulsion and the removal of wand privileges, whereas adults similarly lose their wands and are sentenced to many years in prison. During wartime, the council of the JDS can even vote for a death penalty on these cases

-Almost all Japanese witches and wizards are part of hobby clubs or sports teams, and often save up money donated throughout the year for one group trip abroad to a location of interest to their clubs. Quidditch teams however compete rigorously against teams from other provinces for the right to go overseas and join tournaments outside of Japan

-Mahoutokoro is only one of several Asian schools of magic, but is regarded as the most important due to the intensity of their final examinations and the age of the establishment in question. They do however maintain good relations with the smaller schools throughout the country and in China, Korea, India and various other Islands and countries.

-While it is not illegal to marry a Wandless or adopt Wandless children, both the witch or wizard and the person joining their family from a Wandless background have to swear and sign jinxed papers to secrecy, wherein breaking this causes the secret-breaker to become instantly and irreversibly Confunded. This punishment has been contested for forty decades and continues to be the most heavily debated law in JDS and wizarding history.

-Japan originally had a difficult time passing laws protecting endangered magical species native to their region, due to their importance to wand cores and potion ingredients. Thankfully, famous potioneer and Mahoutokoro headmaster Ishikawa Kabuto published his master work Ingenious Substitutes for Magical Use which singlehandedly cut costs for potion ingredients and saved forty three species from extinction.

-The three main wand cores used in Japan are Occamy feathers, Zouwu tail hairs, and Ryusui (a breed of water dragon) heartstrings. Due to protective laws, these can only be gathered from respective sanctuaries from what the animals drop...the latter being painlessly removed and healed using a simple surgical charm. Wandmakers can use other cores, but they have to submit requests to the JDS so as to make record of appropriate and inappropriate cores

-Although to be an Auror is a challenging job, those who do not have the marks for an Auror can still apply to work with maintaining magical sanctuaries for enchanted creatures. While JDS struggles to keep its plethora of mystical beasts in check, the majority of them live in the four large animal sanctuaries where witches and wizards often go visit like modern day zoos.

-A popular past time for the Japanese wizarding community is finding shrine carts....special food carts that disappear and reappear without any known schedule. Though some claim to know the trick to finding them, no one is entirely certain how they work as the food is sold and served magically with no visible employees. Those who have attempted to run out on the bill have suffered permanent jinxes that make it difficult to sit down

-Because the making of wand is given such reverence of skill, it is considered very bad luck to snap a wand...even for a punishment. The Department of Magical Law has an entire vault where wands taken from criminals and expelled students are kept under heavy guard, each detailed with the name of the owner, the wood, core and length, how old it is, who made it and the last spell used.

-One of the biggest nuisances in the JDS is dealing with Sugata gates....a term used for random spaces that instantly teleport you to a random location throughout the country. The Wandless have often been “spirited away” when encountering these Sugata gates and the JDS has yet to discover a reason to their existence

-The capital of the JDS resides in Kyoto, which had always been the spiritual capital of Japan before the Wandless relocated it to Tokyo. Unbeknownst to the Wandless, this was a move executed by the JDS and the Emperor of that time to safely eliminate suspicion of the JDS working privately with the Wandless leader to assure stability between the Wandless and wizarding world

-Like the Ministry of Magic, the JDS works directly with the leading power of the time to continue obscuring their world from the Wandless. The single exception to this rule was the council of 1931, who in a huge scandal used the Imperius Curse to control the Emperor and members of his cabinet. Several of the council members were under the Imperius Curse themselves, but over half of them did so due to having been converted by Grindelwald a year prior. It was the first and only standing case where an entire council was arrested for Dark Arts, corruption, and obstruction of justice and took sixteen years to finally prosecute them all in court.

-Because of the public disdain for the Dark Arts, one of the most difficult duties of a witch or wizard in Japan is uncovering countercurses and spells to undo Dark magic damage. The exception to this case is former student Kinben Shani, who in spite of her expulsion from Mahoutokoro was very knowledgeable about how to reverse a plethora of curses and often called upon for advice on the subject.

-Rather than using owls, which are not numerous or as common in Japan, they use varying sizes of storm petrels to carry letters. Most families have two or three small ones for letters, while delivery services provide medium sized ones for packages. Mahoutokoro keeps the giant storm petrels for commuting students to and from the school.

-According the the History of Magic they hold for Japanese history, the first wizards ever to write their history were Shinto priests and monks who mistook their skills for sorcery as divine enlightenment. After legendary shaman, wizard, and scholar Wu Xian traveled over from China and educated them otherwise, they agreed to keep their powers a secret, aware they would face persecution if they did not have the safety of the state religion. Wu Xian was one of ten warlocks who founded Mahoutokoro before returning to China.

-Japan’s coastal islands have one of the highest nesting grounds for dragons in the world. The JDS has spires manned 24-7 around the islands to insure they do not fly to civilian areas and maintain their numbers.

-Two subjects taught at Mahoutokoro are not taught anywhere else; Haraemancy (the magical art of purification, specializing in restoring natural habitats affected by pollution, blight or plague) and the Art of Fuujin (a class that teaches students how to seal magical creatures, curses, jinxes, and violent wizards). Both of these classes are only taught to the best students and due to their high demand, they have a limited number of students permitted to attend per year.

-Mahoutokoro robes change color as a student progresses through their academic career, starting with pink for beginners and leading up to gold for fully realized students. These robes are charmed to also detect Dark Magic, and the realized potential for certain areas of specialty, and thus the way they are made are trade secrets known only to a few families passed down through the generations.

-Mahoutokoro remains on very cold terms with the wizarding school Durmstrang, due to their differing views on teaching Dark Arts. This bitter rivalry festered further when the two schools competed in Quidditch with Mahoutokoro taking the win...and half its team suffering from jinxes when the Durmstrang Keeper lost his temper.

-Because children can start learning magic at age 7, there is the choice of advancing to different wands as they age. Whereas most wizards are chosen by a wand before they begin school, a Mahoutokoro student can go through three from beginning to end.

-Family wands are considered to house the spirit of the family member who wielded them, and are regarded as family heirlooms, kept on display or in a house shrine devoted to the family member in question. This results in a great deal of criticism shot at poorer families who have to pass on the wands of deceased elders to their children when they cannot afford new wands.

-The level of skill in Mahoutokoro students ranges in these colors from beginner to graduate; pink (for new students, usually from ages 7-9), red (for underclassmen with basic understanding of the introductory cirriculum), orange (for underclassmen beginning to take on more classwork and courses), green (for students in the middle on their way to advanced courses in their chosen fields), dark blue (for advanced students who have shown proficiency in their skills), purple (for students at the top of their class taking on the most difficult exams) and ending in pure gold, for students who have completed school. Depending on the student and how long they have been there, skilled student can graduate ahead of their peers, or simply gain the golden robes at 17 when they become of age.

-One of the animals that is a protected species, beloved icon of the Japanese wizarding community, and also native only to the forests of Japan is the Greater Fire Salamander. Mistaken initially for a dragon in the early years of history, this gentle lizard nests peacefully in the wetlands of Japan. It only uses fire to cook its meals, having a delicate digestion, and eating giant, magical insects that nest in its habitat. Most of them grow to roughly seven feet long once they reach adulthood, but a few infamous ones have been known to stretch up to twenty feet.

-While their tolerance for the Dark Arts is nil, the JDS has a more lax approach to applying Perpetual Charms and Jinxes on everyday items, and in some cases animals. If a Perpetual Charm is strong enough to power an item for one hundred years, they believe it has become its own being

-One of Mahoutokoro’s lingering social problems lies in its high rate of bullying in the school. Because of the fierce competition for standing out as excellent alumni, many students suffer from bullying by competitive classmates. Though teachers are pressured to cut down on bullying by actively intervening, there have been over a hundred cases of teachers caught ignoring or aiding in bullying.

#harry potter #fantastic beats and where to find them #jk rowling #also thanks to #misxnderstccd #magic #mahoutokoro

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symphonic-scream · 5 years

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Difficult Times

Hibiki had been in Lit Class when the alarms sounded. His Mama had just instructed 1-A to pull out their reading homework from the night before when the lights cut out and the alarms rang out. The red emergency lights flashed, bathing the class in red light. They’d had three drills so far this year, so they all knew what to do. But it was the panicked look on Yaoyorozu Momo’s face that made Hibiki’s nerves surface. The class flooded for the door, but he hung back to look up at his Mama. “Is this a drill?” She shook her head, lightly pushing him out the door. “No, it’s not a drill, ‘Biki. Please, go to your dorm, follow procedure. Please.” The stress she put on her pleads made Hibiki want to cry, so he quickly embraced her before running after his class. Sero Chiaki was at the back with Hagakure Hiroki, who looked like he was hyperventilating. Ojirou Kazuya was glaring at anyone who looked back at him, while the class reps guiding the along the designated route. Once they were all inside the door to Alliance Heights, Hibiki flipped the lock, and joined his classmates in the living room. Someone had already drawn the curtains, leaving them in almost complete darkness, the only light coming from Himura Miyoko’s eyes. Hiroki was whimpering, clutching his head and curled into Chiaki’s side. “Is everyone here?” Akiyama Keiko whispered, leaning about to try to count everyone. “Hoshiko? You here?” “Yes.” A quiet voice came from beside the couch. Hoshiko was hidden under Yoshida Fumiko’s arm, seeming surprisingly small despite being taller than the girl beside her. “I don’t remember another drill being on Pa’s schedule.” Bakushima Tadashi murmured, turning his red eyes to Hibiki. “Did your Mama mention anything? I saw that you left last.” “Well, I, uh.” Hibiki stuttered, trying to decide whether to tell them or not. “It wasn’t on her schedule, but it could be a special drill. I’ve heard of them running drills without telling the staff first before.” A click came from their door, and everyone turned to watch as it quickly opened, before shutting behind whoever had entered. Minata Yui, one of Awase Masuyo’s friends, waved, as she flipped on the lights. “Class 1-A, yeah?” “Who are you?” Keiko practically barked, standing defensively in front of the class. Yui held up her hands, smiling sheepishly. “Minata Yui, Class 3-F. I’m supposed to be supervising you guys.” “Then why did you turn on the lights?” Ishikawa Rai asked, squinting his cat-like eyes. It was against school policy to have any lights on during an emergency drill. “Look, this isn’t a drill, and due to special circumstances, you’re basically on house arrest, not emergency shut down.” “It’s not a drill?” Fujioka Katsumi squeaked, ducking behind Kita Tomoko. Yui sighed, taking a seat in one of the lounge chairs still set up from last night’s movie marathon. “Please, sit on a couch or something, and I’ll explain.”

So, things went from bad to so much worse. A terrorist group that had started in America had shown up in Musutafu today, attacking the city with all their might. All heroes, even those off call or teaching, were called in, along with the third year hero students. So, not only were both Hibiki’s moms out fighting dangerous terrorists, but his older brother was there too. If things went really bad, he’d have no family left. Hiroki was sobbing, clutching Chiaki, who was crying silently. Kazuya was sitting completely stunned on Hibiki’s right while Tadashi, on his left, stared down at his own hands. Tomoko was biting her lip, but was still comforting Katsumi. Tokoyami Hoshiko was hiding her face in Fumiko’s shoulder, and Hibiki, well, he wasn’t taking it too well either. He couldn’t get the image of himself sitting in Principle Aizawa’s office, his Uncle Tomohiro and his wife sitting beside him, as the news that he was orphaned and brother-less was repeated to him, over, and over, and over- He felt a warm hand enclose around his own, and raised his eyes to look at Tadashi. The black haired boy didn’t smile, but squeezed his hand, as if offering Hibiki support. Hibiki squeezed back, leaning into his best friend. Yui said it would be a long night; that when things were finally over, if any of their family were involved they’d be called down to be shuttled out to see them. Someone had turned on the TV, but had left it on the news. They were covering the attack, showing blurry shots of hundreds of heroes and students alike using their full power to keep the destruction where it was. Once in a while a green flash or explosion would go off, and once he swore he heard a blast of a Nickel Back song. Watching the footage was somehow both worse and better than not, until they watching one of the towering buildings begin to collapse. Yao-Managing Co.’s headquarters was falling fast, and Hibiki’s heart stopped. He knew deep down that everyone, including his Uncle Reiji and grandpa-Yorozu, had been evacuated hours ago, but he couldn’t help it. It hovered above on the spot for a spell, before slowly dropping to the ground safely. “Uravity.” He heard someone mutter in relief, before suddenly the footage was cut off. The class began to shout, before it cut back in. Half of the district was gone, leaving a large crater where downtown once stood. It was all too much for Hibiki, who ran towards one of the back rooms. He closed the door to the game room, hugging himself and panting, trying desperately to get the image of his family lying lifeless in that crater out of his head. Tadashi was by his side in a moment, tugging him close. His body ran warm, immediately chasing away the cold, chilling feeling that had settled in Hibiki’s stomach. “Hey.” He whispered, swaying slightly to a silent tune. “Are you alright?” “I don’t think so.” He mumbled, gripping his waist like a lifeline. “I just - why did Toshi have to go?” Tadashi hummed, dropping them both onto the largest beanbag. “I don’t know, Hibiki, but I do know he has Ryoko, and Daichi, and all our parents with him. They’re strong, and they took down the League.” Not once did Tadashi say things were going to be okay, and Hibiki suspected he understood that no one could guarantee that everyone would return in one piece. But he was right, after all. Toshiro was tough, as were Ryoko, Daichi, and the other teens he knew on the site. And the Pro Heroes, they had faced something similar and gotten out alive. “Thanks, Tadashi.” Hibiki whispered, cuddling closer to the warmer teen. He knew neither would be able to actually doze off, but sharing warmth away from the scenes of carnage on the screen was as close as they’d get. “Any time.”

It was maybe four hours later when Hadou Etsuko showed up to take them to the shuttle. She’d been in the school that day talking with Support Classes about career options,and as the oldest taking the shuttle, she was in charge. It wasn’t like anyone was going to misbehave. As they stopped by the middle and primary schools to pick up the others, the mood stayed dismal. When the youngest of Tadashi’s siblings, Takeo, had run onto the shuttle calling for his brother, Hibiki felt his heart sink. What would happen to Takeo if his dads were gone? He was only ten, after all. And losing his sister, the person he was closest to in this world? That would devastate him. When the shuttle pulled into the city’s main hospital, Hibiki froze. He knew that it would ruin him to find out his parents hadn’t made it, that Toshi was gone. Or, for that matter, any of his Aunts or Uncles. He couldn’t imagine Christmas without Denki dressing himself up like a tree. He couldn’t imagine Heroics class without Eijirou. He couldn’t imagine a world where Tenya didn’t patrol the halls, shouting at wandering students. A tug on his arm from Tadashi, and he was walking into the hospital, his family all around him. In the waiting room, Hibiki saw many of his brother’s classmates and his parent’s colleagues. He watched as Hiroki was being cradled by Tooru and Mina. How Hatsuko and Sachiko practically jumped Izuku, before doing the same to Shouto. How Sakurako was met by Tamaki, who hugged his daughter like the world was ending. Some didn’t seem to even find family members, like Kazuya, who was immediately led away by a nurse. It was crazy, like a zoo in the waiting room. And his vision tunneled when he saw his Mom. Hibiki practically rammed into her, tears falling down his cheeks. She grunted, but returned his tight embrace. He sobbed into her jacket as she rubbed his back, soothing him. “Hey, little man, I’m safe, I’m here. I’m okay.” “I love you so much, Mom.” He sniffled, squeezing her tighter for just a moment before releasing her, but not her hand. He needed the contact right now. “I love you too, Hibiki.” “Where’s Mama?” He remembered suddenly. “And Toshi? Mom? Where are they?” His Mom quickly grabbed his shoulders, halting his panicked word vomit. “They’re alive, buddy. Toshiro broke and arm and leg, and your Mama got a little scratched up. We can go see both of them right now, if you’d like?” Mother and son walked hand in hand down the white halls of the hospital, and Hibiki tried to tune out the pained wails of devastated families around him. Soon enough, they turned into a room, and the Yaoyorozu-Jirou family was reunited once more. Toshiro was sitting in a wheelchair, right arm and leg in thick, white casts, face covered in soot, a complex expression on his face. Their Mama was lying in the bed, cloak torn and hanging over a nearby chair. Her hair was down, and she was also covered in dirt and dust. And, the cherry on top, her stomach was covered in thick white bandages. “Hibiki!” She sighed in relief, reaching out for her youngest son. He darted forward, carefully falling into her embrace, watching for her wounds. “My sweet boy, I’m sorry if we worried you. I love you so much.” “I love you too, Mama.” He assured, once again feeling tears fall down his cheeks. “I love you guys so much.” He heard a squeak, and suddenly Hibiki was sitting on his brother’s lap, his uninjured arm holding him close. “Come here, ‘Biki, show your brother some love.” He threw his arms around him, just now noticing his costume was missing the large, thick jacket he used as protection. “Where’s your jacket, Toshi?” His smile faded, his grip tightening. “Ryoko.” This was worrying. Was she okay? She was practically Hibiki’s older sister with the amount of time she spent at their place, and it wouldn’t be right for her to be gone.” “Do you want to see her again, Toshi?” A gruff voice came from the door, and Hibiki turned to see his Uncle Katsuki, arms stained black, his costume torn up, his eyebrows completely singed off. Both his hands were heavily bandaged, and the tips of his hair looked burnt. Hibiki felt Toshiro nod, and held on as their Mom wheeled the two down the hall. Ryoko’s room was a place with a depressing aura. Eijirou was passed out on a small couch, body covered in scratches. Takeo was knocked out in his arms, leaving Tadashi as the only conscious one in the room. He was pulled right up to the bed, where Ryoko lay, connected to a slew of machines. Her hair was down, looking more like black than ashy blonde. Her lips were red and chapped, face looking a little raw. Her head was all wrapped up, and her left wrist was in a cast. She was wearing Toshi’s jacket, and her costume’s accessories were scattered over the furniture. Tadashi looked up as they entered, and Hibiki has never seen him look so lost. Katsuki left them to go embrace his son, literally pulling him out of his chair to get both of them comfortable. Hibiki got off of Toshiro, and watched as his brother wheeled right up next to father and son, placing his left hand on his best friend’s leg. There was some shouting from the hall, before a distraught Uraraka Machiko burst into the room, eyes wild until they landed on her girlfriend. “No.” She muttered, stumbling towards the bed. She looked like she had been crying already, but fresh tears spilled down her cheeks. She stopped at the bedside, collapsing in the chair opposite the girl’s family. “What, what happened?” Toshiro shook a little, not looking up to meet his friend’s eyes. “We, me, her, Tarou and Ayumu, were fighting this one guy, and, the big explosion went off, and, it was really dark for a minute, and when I opened my eyes, she was on the ground, and they said she hit her head pretty hard, and I’m so sorry.” He broke down, his head falling forward as he sobbed. Tadashi leaned over, resting one of his warm hands against his back. “You did all you could, kid.” A new voice came. Tsuyu walked over to her oldest, her younger daughter asleep on her back. “No one saw that coming. We’re just lucky no one died today.” She was in hospital scrubs, her face and hands clean. Under her nails was a different story. They were dark red, still stained with blood. She let Taura off her back, laying the girl over the last couch before placing her hands on her daughter’s shoulders. “She’ll wake up soon, too.” Tadashi muttered, watching the machines keeping his sister stable. “There’s only a small chance of amnesia, too. Some could say you’re worse for wear.” Toshi didn’t lift his head, but his sobs died off. Hibiki felt bad for his brother. He probably saw his best friend lying on the ground, believing she was dead. It was probably going to bother him forever. Hibiki remembered his Mama telling them traumatic memories tended to be the strongest. “Is Ocha in surgery now?” Katsuki asked, looking at Tsuyu. She nodded, squeezing her daughter’s shoulders. “Yes, ribbit. They wheeled her in after the girls got a chance to see her.” Machiko was still crying, and she sniffled as she squeezed her eyes shut. “She was so pale.” She spoke, barely audible. “And she’ll live?” Katsuki inquired, shifting his son in his arms. “Yes, but there’s a 60% chance of paralysis.” Hibiki couldn’t help but feel awful for Machiko. She was probably having the worst day of her life. Her girlfriend is comatose, with a chance of waking up with no memory of her, and her mother might lose the use of her legs. Over the next few hours, tons of people came in to see Ryoko. Hadou Ayumu and Toogata Tarou, on their way back from seeing Tarou’s brother Yuudai. Iida Daichi, accompanied Kimiko, Hayate, Masuya and Misaki, their father, Tenya, leaving with a sad look. Even Shouto, who placed a singular daisy on the bedside table before leaving. It was quiet for a bit, safe for the faint noises of the machines hooked up to Ryoko. Hibiki almost thought everyone dozed off, but he knew better. The only way anyone was sleeping was going to be brought on by pure exhaustion. Soon, his Mom returned, taking him and Toshiro back to their Mama’s room for the night.

A week later, and things are only just looking up. Repairs to the city have started, led mainly by the Yaoyorozu’s company and funds, with large donations from many foreign aid programs. Many international support companies came to help build the city back up again, while heroes from other countries came to watch over the population while those involved in the fight healed. Ryoko had woken up two days after the attack, memories just a little fuzzy at first. She was going to be released tomorrow, alongside Ochako, who’s surgery had been a success, and was participating in physical therapy until further notice. Since most housing was destroyed, UA was closed for the month to house victims while temporary shelters and new homes were being built. Casualties were low, with only seven civilian deaths, and one of Deku’s sidekicks dying of his injuries just yesterday. With nothing better to do, Grandpa-Yorozu had offered to house every member of their UA family until the city got back on it’s feet, even going as far as to offer financial help to the Monomas and Awases, as their buildings were among those destroyed. While things were never going to be the same for the group, it was nice to have them all so close. Having everyone under the same roof was comforting, even if Hibiki was sharing Toshiro’s room with all the other children. The bed had been moved to Hibiki’s room, and mats, bedrolls, and sleeping bags were spread across the floor. Hibiki’s room was housing those like Ochako, who had received more severe injuries. Of the children, only Toogata Yuudai was in that room, as he’d been impaled through the abdomen by a stray beam. In Toshiro’s room, Hibiki could watch everyone. Kendou Moriko, who was sandwiched between her brother, Yuuto, and sister, Reina, both arms in casts. Even Tetsutetsu Isamu, who had Takeo and Monoma Yoshirou on his chest, Awase Kazuharu curled into his side. Machiko had barely left Ryoko's side since she woke up, even during sleep. Tadashi rolled over, elbowing Hibiki in the face. It was rather cramped having this many kids in one room, but it made it feel safer. Even if only six of them (excluding Yuudai) had been in the fight, it was a huge relief to have them close now. This was the life of Pro Heroes, Hibiki realized, pushing Tadashi’s arms away before curling into his best friend further. There were always going to be more battles to fight, and more aftermath to struggle through. They were lucky, having everyone come out alive. Next time, they might not be so lucky. The next morning, Hibiki sits with his Mama as they watch their UA family feast on the large breakfast that had been cooked up that morning. “Mama?” Hibiki asked, turning to look at her. She hummed, turning to face him as well. “Yes, Munchkin?” “Is it worth it?” She seemed to ponder it for a minute, watching Hadou Hideaki and Monoma Takara squabble over a bowl of potatoes. “It is worth it. Because without people fighting the good fight, mornings like these don’t exist. We fight so others don’t have to, Hibiki. That’s what heroes do.” He nodded. Yes, that’s what heroes did. It didn’t matter, in the long run, that Hitoshi had been slashed up, or that Izuku was almost crushed by a building. What mattered was that the group had been stopped, and the citizens could eventually return to their regular lives.

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xitty · 7 years

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The Best Books - 2016 edition

As the tradition goes, here’s my list of the best books I read in 2016. One absolute highlight was Radio Silence by Alice Oseman, and also Jem & The Holograms comics. I also read excellent Chinese and Japanese old poetry. Links take you to Goodreads.

Previous years: [2013] [2014] [2015]

NOVELS AND NON-FICTION

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: We Should All Be Feminists Becky Albertalli: Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda Gillian Anderson & Jeff Rovin: A Dream of Ice (The Earthend Saga #2) Victoria Aveyard: Red Queen (Red Queen #1)

Lauren Beukes: Zoo City Holly Bourne: Am I Normal Yet? (The Spinster Club #1)

M. R. Carey: The Girl With All the Gifts Rae Carson: Walk on Earth a Stranger (The Gold Seer Trilogy #1) Cathy Cassidy: The Chocolate Box Girls series Becky Chambers: The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet Emma Cline: The Girls

Charles Dickens: A Christmas Carol Anthony Doerr: All the Light We Cannot See Carol Ann Duffy: Love Poems

Jostein Gaarder: The World According to Anna Jeff Garvin: Symptoms of Being Human M. E. Girard: Girl Mans Up John Green: An Abundance of Katherines John Green & David Levithan: Will Grayson, Will Grayson

Patricia Highsmith: A Price of Salt (aka Carol) Hiljaiset vuoret, kirkas kuu: Klassista kiinalaista luontorunoutta (Classic Chinese nature poems, Finnish translation) Jim C. Hines: Revisionary (Magic Ex Libris #4)

Lauren James: The Next Together (The Next Together #1) Lauren James: The Last Beginning (The Next Together #2)

Cynthia Kadohata: Kira-kira Jenny Kangasvuo: Sudenveri Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff: Illuminae (The Illuminae Files #1) Kevätsateiden aika (Classic Japanese tanka poetry, Finnish translation) Suki Kim: Without You, There’s No Us: My secret life teaching the sons of North Korea’s elite

Amber Kizer: A Matter of Days

Ursula K. Le Guin: Lavinia Maja Lunde: The History of Bees (coming out in English in 2017)

Sujata Massey: The Kizuna Coast (Rei Shimura Mystery #11) Marissa Meyer: Winter (The Lunar Chronicles #4) David Mitchell: Slade House Haruki Murakami: Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World Julie Murphy: Dumplin’

Patrick Ness: A Monster Calls Patrick Ness: The Rest of Us Just Live Here Jenny Nordberg: The Underground Girls of Kabul: In Search of a Hidden Resistance in Afghanistan Naomi Novik: Uprooted

Yoko Ogawa: The Housekeeper and the Professor Alice Oseman: Radio Silence

Siri Pettersen: Odininlapsi (Korpinkehät #1) (Odin’s Child : The Raven Rings trilogy) Siri Pettersen: Mätä (Korpinkehät #2) (The Rot) Siri Pettersen: Mahti (Korpinkehät #3) (The Might) Natasha Pulley: The Watchmaker of Filigree Street

Joan G. Robinson: When Marnie Was There

Andrzej Sapkowski: Järven neito (The Witcher #7) (The Lady of the Lake) V. E. Schwab: A Darker Shade of Magic (Shades of Magic #1) V. E. Schwab: A Gathering of Shadows (Shades of Magic #2) Shyam Selvadurai: Cinnamon Gardens Ruta Sepetys: Between Shades of Gray Samantha Shannon: The Pale Dreamer (The Bone Season #0.5) Patti Smith: Just Kids

Robin Talley: As I Descended Tero Tähtinen: Kuunkulkema yö: 108 haikua

Wang Wei: Vuorten sini : Wang Wein valitut runot (Selected poems of Wang Wei, Finnish translation) Lisa Williamson: The Art of Being Normal Janis Winehouse: Loving Amy: A Mother’s Story

COMICS AND MANGA

Jason Aaron et al.: Doctor Strange vol. 1 & 2 Jaakko & Lauri Ahonen: Jaybird

Joe Benítez: Lady Mechanika vol. 1 Ed Brubaker et. al: The Death of Captain America vol. 1

Emily Carroll: Through the Woods

Sora Honooki: Wannin’! series Natsumi Hoshino: Kijitoraneko no Koumesan Mamoru Hosoda: The Wolf Children series

Emi Ishikawa: Ushiro no Hikaruko-chan vol. 1

Jay (Story by Steven Moffat & Mark Gatiss): Sherlock: A Study in Pink (manga adaptation)

Janne Kukkonen: Voro (The Thief)

Marjorie M. Liu & Sana Takeda: Monstress vol. 1

Tooko Miyagi: Tale of a White Night Kaoru Mori: A Bride’s Story series Robbie Morrison et al.: Doctor Who: The Twelfth Doctor vol. 1

Kevin Panetta & Paulina Ganucheau: Zodiac Starforce: By the Power of Astra

Amy Reeder et al.: Moon Girl and the Devil Dinosaur vol. 1

Mariko & Jillian Tamaki: Skim Mariko & Jillian Tamaki: This One Summer Kelly Thompson et. al: Jem and the Holograms series Yana Toboso: Black Butler series Yu Tomofuji: Hoshi Furu Makiba!

Brian K. Vaughan & Fiona Staples: Saga series

Konomi Wagata: Et Cetera Konomi Wagata: Let’s Go Home G. Willow Wilson et al.: Ms. Marvel

Satoru Yuiga: At Laz Meridian series Alto Yukimura et al.: Sugar Apple Fairy Tale vol. 1

#book list #books #reading #recommendations #literature #best of #comics #manga

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micaramel · 4 years

Link

Artist: Evelyn Taocheng Wang

Venue: Kevin Space, Vienna

Exhibition Title: Als ich sie entlang des Flusses suchte, stand sie mitten im Wasser (When I sought her along the river, she stood in the middle of the water)

Date: March 7 – April 12, 2020

Click here to view slideshow

Full gallery of images, press release and link available after the jump.

Images:

Images courtesy of Kevin Space, Vienna

Press Release:

Evelyn Taocheng Wang’s artistic practice emerges from an interest in what constitutes identity and culture, and how one’s own body is culturally relative to—and intertwined with—autobiographical structures. Initially trained in classical Chinese painting, Wang’s research is based on different (art) histories, feeding from perceived concepts of East and West, and offers fragmented, diary-like views of embodied personal, and external fantasies and desires.

For her first solo exhibition in Austria, the artist shifts her focus onto the fantasies, prejudices, and stereotypes of Chinese tourists in Vienna that is suggested as the epitome of European culture and civilization. Sourcing from a research trip to the Austrian capital in December 2019 and the artist’s memories of Vienna-tourism commercials broadcast in Chinese state television during the economic reform in the 1980s, Wang investigates—through performance, drawing, text and photography—the city’s imperial past and decadence, tourist attractions, and cultural institutions.

The exhibition borrows its title from a passage of one of the poems of the Shijing (Classic of Poetry), the oldest existing collection of Chinese poetry spanning from the 11th to 7th centuries BC. The poem Jian Jia (Reed) follows the author on his quest of a woman (or, as sometimes suggested: his self) through different landscapes, rivers and abstract forms, leaving the reader uncertain about who the sought person in the poem might be, thus opening up the notion of identity as a moving concept.

Staged as a fictional “tourist office” with opulent neo-baroque furniture and fake stucco, the exhibition consists of a new series of rice paper paintings, produced in immediate reaction to the tourist attractions visited in Vienna, amongst them the Vienna State Opera, the Musikverein and Konzerthaus, the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the National Library, Christmas Markets, the Giant Pandas at the Tiergarten Schönbrunn (Vienna Zoo) as well as Café Demel and its famous cake store. Presented alongside the paintings, a selection of souvenirs and photographs taken from the artist during her site visit emphasize the performative nature of her practice, transforming the installation into a diary-like photo documentation of her performative sightseeing tour.

Though seemingly arbitrary in their nature, Wang’s witty observations and motives of her paintings bear witness to the artist’s deeply personal entanglement between cultures. While images of coffee and cake, fragments of architecture, or scenes from the Vienna State Opera reveal a genuine longing for an imagined old Europe, the viewer is likewise confronted with the controversial logo of the Austrian coffee brand “Meinl” or the image of two Giant Pandas from the imperial zoo in Schönbrunn, mirroring the ambiguity of Austria’s cultural heritage and beauty. By projecting her very own fantasies onto the city, Wang reverses the stereotypes and prejudices about Chinese tourists in Europe, and challenges ostensibly fixed notions of Europeanness and exoticism, belonging and cultural identity — and, thus, continues the trajectory that lies at the core of her practice: the idea that the body is culturally relative, and that what it signifies, continuously shifts according to time and place.

Evelyn Taocheng Wang (*1981, Chengdu) lives and works in Rotterdam. She studied classical painting in China, continued her education at the Städelschule, Frankfurt and was resident artist at De Ateliers, Amsterdam (2012-2014). Solo exhibitions and performances have been presented at FRAC Champagne-Ardenne, Reims; S.M.A.K., Ghent; KW Berlin; Carlos Ishikawa, London; Chateau Shatto, Los Angeles; Tale of a Tub, Rotterdam; Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, a.o. Group exhibitions include the documenta 14 Public Programs, Kassel; ICA, London; Manifesta 11, Zurich; The Kitchen, New York; De Hallen Haarlem; The 9th Shanghai Biennale, Shanghai; Galerie Fons Welters, Amsterdam. Wang’s work is part of the collections of the Art Institute of Chicago, USA; Bonnefanten Museum, Maastricht; Centre Pompidou, Paris; Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, a.o.

Link: Evelyn Taocheng Wang at Kevin Space

from Contemporary Art Daily https://bit.ly/3cnevY6

#micaramel

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tohucapy · 4 years

Video

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カピバラ by yuki_alm_misa

#Ishikawa Zoo #ニコン #いしかわ #D5000 #いしかわ動物園 #Ishikawa #Zoo #Nikon #18-200 #18-200mm #animal #動物園 #capybara #カピバラ #水豚 #animals

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leenaevilin · 3 years

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[Update] Zoo-Z the STAGE -コンクリート・ジャングル- (zoo-z stage -concrete jungle-)

cast update under the cut^^

Cast:

Doubutsuen (動物園)

Igarashi Keisuke as(藤堂礼央)

Nakajima Reiki as(新城大輔)

Sorihashi Souichirou as(山田一鉄)

Kawasue Atsushi as(川田勉)

Otowa Mikako as(加藤澄江)

Matsushita Karupi as(仙波美冬)

Squad

Ayukawa Taiyou as Kaoru (カオル)

Oguri Ryou as Shinji (シンジ)

Kiyama Ryuu as Hayate (ハヤテ)

Goroukai (虎狼会)

Higano Shou as(遠井仁)

Cafe Kibatan (喫茶「キバタン」)

Shiozaki Kousei as(木場宗一郎)

Shinozaki Kokoro as Ikuta Mari (生田麻里)

Narimatsu Yoshihiko as(亜久津遼)

Akiba Yuusuke as Teru (テル)

Jounin Tatsuki as(永峯佐喜人)

Mitani Reo as(大平優)

Ishikawa Shou as(嶋村透留)

Arakawa Mashiro as(真鍋ちい)

Hanawa Sayori as(新井久実)

Miyagishi Taisei as Osamu (オサム)

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recentanimenews · 4 years

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Anime vs. Real Life: Does After School Dice Club’s Saikoro Club Actually Exist?

It’s all about the laid-back tabletop gaming anime After School Dice Club in this edition of Anime vs. Real Life! Seeing so many German board games getting highlighted in the anime has been quite entertaining for me as a German native speaker, since I grew up with a couple of these. However, we won’t be looking at all the real board games featured in the show here (that could be an entirely different article in itself after all), but as always, we’ll be taking a look at the show’s surprisingly good-looking real-world locations instead. Real-life location-heavy shows have been few and far between this fall, so it’s great that at least After School Dice Club has been dishing out plenty of Kyoto and Kanazawa locations for me to track down. So without any further ado, let’s get to it!

*Images were taken with GOOGLE STREET VIEW (photos I shot myself are marked ‘WD’)

Kyoto is After School Dice Club’s main setting, and the show has been putting Japan’s picturesque old capital to good use. In the first episode, Aya and Miki get sidetracked and end up exploring some of Kyoto’s lesser known tourist attractions, one of them being the Keage Incline in the picture above. Located in the east of Kyoto, the 582 meter long slope with disused cargo railroad tracks is perfect for a leisurely stroll, and has become a very popular cherry blossom viewing spot in the spring, where they usually bloom from late March to early April. This hasn’t been the first time the scenic photo spot has appeared in an anime, as it’s already been in Sound! Euphonium as well.

Not too far off is the Spiral Brick Tunnel (Keage Tunnel) with it’s twisted brick pattern, behind which you’ll find a couple of quaint temples and shrines, as well as the famous Nanzenji Temple.

The former Gosho Water Pumping Facility is located at the end of the Keage Incline.

Even though Miki has been living in Kyoto for some time now, it was also her first time to visit the large brick aqueduct that passes through the Nanzenji Temple grounds, which was built during the Meiji Period, and was used to transport water and goods from the nearby Lake Biwa to Kyoto. You might recognize the aqueduct from a little show called K-On!

This little bus stop is right next to the entrance of the Kyoto City Zoo. Unfortunately, Miki and Aya didn’t have time to head inside and stop by the tanuki enclosure to pay Yasaburo a visit. You guessed it, the zoo was also featured in The Eccentric Family 2.

The lovely Gion Tatsumi Bridge is one of the most charming places in Kyoto’s famous historic geisha district of Gion, and has become even more popular after being featured in the movie Memoirs of a Geisha.

The Awata Shrine seems to be student council vice-chair Ren’s go-to shrine.

Kyoto is chock-full of shrines and temples, so it shouldn’t be too big of a surprise that there are plenty of them in the anime as well. Another one being the Kyoto Ebisu Shrine, which was built in 1202, and is one of Japan’s three major shrines dedicated to Ebisu, one of the Seven Gods of Fortune.

This is also the shrine where Miki meets Aya’s older sister for the first time.

In episode three, the girls meet up for a gaming session in front of the Nakagyo Post Office. Aya seems to be living close by after all.

The broad Shijo Street runs through the center of Kyoto’s commercial district and has been featured in more anime than I can count.

And after seeing all of these faithfully recreated tourist spots, you have got to wonder whether or not the show’s Saikoro Club, where Midori works part time, also exists? The answer is yes, it does! The place is also a board game café in real life, fittingly called Café Meeple. However, it does look quite a bit smaller in real life.

But Kyoto is not all that After School Dice Club has to offer. In the show’s fifth episode, the girls head on a quick trip to Kanazawa, the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture, during their summer holidays. Much like Kyoto, Kanazawa still has most of its original cultural and historical attractions to boasts. The distinctive Drum Gate outside of Kanazawa Station on the other hand, is one of the city’s most recent landmarks, and has already appeared in other anime such as Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai.

The famous Omicho fresh food market is also where Minko from Hanasaku Iroha goes to shop for ingredients.

Kanazawa’s Oyama Shrine is known for its unusual european-style gate, which was designed by a Dutch architect.

The girls are on their way to the Nomura Samurai House in this image, which is located in the Nagamachi Samurai District.

Kanazawa is also known for its three very well-preserved chaya (teahouse) districts, which can take you right back to the Edo Period, thanks to the district’s cobbled streets that run between the iconic wooden houses. The girls are exploring the Higashi Chaya District here.

And finally, a trip to Kanazawa just wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the city’s main attraction, the Kenrokuen Garden. The spacious Japanese landscape garden is part of Japan’s exclusive ‘three most beautiful landscape gardens’ club (together with Okayama's Korakuen Garden and Mito's Kairakuen Garden), and generally considered to be the most beautiful out of the bunch. And as someone who has already been to all three of them, I can definitely approve of that.

Have you ever been to Kyoto or Kanazawa? Share your experiences in the comments below!

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Wilhelm is an anime tourist, who loves to search for and uncover the real-world spots he sees in anime. You can talk with him on Twitter @Surwill or on Instagram wilhelm_donko.

Do you love writing? Do you love anime? If you have an idea for a features story, pitch it to Crunchyroll Features!

By: [email protected]

#Anime #News #Latest in Anime News by Crunchyroll!

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touristguidebuzz · 6 years

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Travel Guide: Things to Do and See in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Out of Town Blog Travel Guide: Things to Do and See in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Things to Do and See in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam

The country of Vietnam is a beautiful Asean Neighbour. The land area is reportedly almost the same as Germany’s, and almost half of the country is covered in forests, while a considerable percentage of it is composed of hilly areas.

Fruit Vendor in Saigon

Vietnam’s capital city Ho Chi Minh is the most populous city in the country, and it wonderfully blends the concrete and the natural surroundings. The entire city looks like a giant garden dotted with skyscrapers, ancient buildings, and bustling streets.

How to go to Ho Chi Minh City from Manila

I was one of the fortunate travel bloggers/influencers who was invited to the recent three-day, two-night media familiarization tour of Ho Chi Minh City. Our adventure was courtesy of AirAsia, which has been making flights to Vietnam and other ASEAN countries more accessible and affordable.

A direct flight from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Saigon takes just about three hours. AirAsia offers Ho Chi Minh City-bound flights three times weekly (Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays).

Flight Schedule for Manila, Philippines (MNL) – Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam (SGN)

Flight Number From To Departure Arrival Frequency Z2294 MNL SGN 10:25PM 1:05AM Tuesday, Friday, Sunday Z2295 SGN MNL 1:35AM 4:10AM Monday, Wednesday, Saturday

Top Sights and Activities in Ho Chi Minh City

We had an amazing time exploring Vietnam’s Saigon. Here are the top things that you should include in your own Ho Chi Minh City itinerary soon:

Reunification Palace

The Reunification Palace, also called the Independence Palace, is a local landmark that symbolizes the country’s long history. The building was originally a palace constructed in the late 1850s to 1860s when the French invaded the country. Since then, the building has been renovated, reconstructed, and renamed, and has bravely stood through WWII and the Vietnamese War.

War Remnants Museum

Located somewhere in District 3 of the Capital City, this museum is run by the government. Just like what its name implies, the museum preserves the past with its exhibits showcasing remnants of the wars that the country fought. Some notable displays include attack bombers, “tiger cages”, a guillotine, and a collection of pictures by the photojournalist Bunyo Ishikawa.

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

Frequently shortened to the Notre-Dame Cathedral, this 19th century church had been originally constructed by French colonists. It is known most for its two bell towers and bright brown façade.

Saigon Central Post Office

Just a short walk away from the cathedral is the city’s post office. Like most of the buildings mentioned above, this one was constructed by the French. It was very nice to see how paper mails, and the building itself, continue to shine in this digital age.

Saigon Opera House

Built in 1898 by a French architect, this the magnificent Opera House, also called the Municipal Theater, boasts of a grandiose interior and exterior. Inside are at least two cascading balconies, and the outside is, I heard, magnificently lit at night.

Mekong River Boat Excursion

Mekong River is one of the longest rivers in Asia and in the entire world. You will miss a lot by not hopping on a cruise on it. There are many local tour operators that include cruises as part of the itinerary, and any one you choose would give you a beautiful view of the river silently flowing and its lush vegetation overlooking.

Vietnamese Noodles

Bahn Mi

Vietnamese Cuisine Feast

Vietnamese dishes are known to have natural and fundamental tastes to it. The local culture, as well as the geographic location of the country, both contribute to the cuisine, which are usually cooked using lemongrass, ginger, mint, and aquaculture produce like fish sauce and shrimp paste. The most famous dishes include the spicy lemongrass and noodle soup Bun bo Hue, and the refreshing bowl of veggies Cha Ca La Vong. Feel free to binge eat as Vietnamese dishes have the reputation of being the healthiest food in the entire world!

Cu Chi Tunnels

Crawling and Getting Lost in the Cu Chi Tunnels

Historically, the Cu Chi Tunnels served majority of the military operations of the country during the Vietnamese War. In fact, the series of tunnels were previously the military base of the Viet Cong, or the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam. Today, the tunnel network serves as a fun, and labyrinthine tourist destination.

Ben Thanh Market

Shopping at Ben Thanh Market

This massive marketplace in District 1 of the capital is where you will find the best and the cheapest (haggling is a local culture) handicrafts, artworks, souvenirs, and food! The fun thing about Ben Thanh is that more shops open when the sun starts setting. Expect noodles, barbecued seafood, and lots of fried food.

Binh Tay Market By Lerdsuwa – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, http://bit.ly/2zSQ3PQ

More Shopping at Binh Tay Market

Nearby Ben Thanh is Binh Tay Market. This two-storey market is best known for its stalls that sell fresh fruits and vegetables, and both cooked and uncooked food. The handicrafts and textiles here are sold in bulk, and the more quantity you plan to buy, the lower the price gets. Gather your group of friends and find the best prices here in wholesale.

Vietnamese Coffee Photo by Marko Mikkonen on Foter.com / CC BY

Vietnamese Coffee

Coffee production is one of the largest industries here in Vietnam. Needless to say, they have the best coffee beans. In the past, the coffee is served and brewed individually in cups and were sweetened with condensed milk rather than fresh milk because the former was more available. This practice continues today as tradition, so their coffee here has a very unique, smooth, and buttery feel. Yum!

Cao Dai Temple By Dhushara – Own work, CC BY 3.0, http://bit.ly/2zSQ6v0

Cao Dai Temple

The Cao Dai Temple in Ho Chi Minh City is one of the most visited temples in the entire country. It was first built in 1955. Unlike some of the temples I have seen in the other countries I have visited, this temple and its devotees are distinctly colorful.

Jade Emperor Pagoda

This Taoist shrine was built in the early 1900s. The pink exterior of the pagoda particularly caught my attention. Around the temple are gardens, the scent of incense, and the tranquility of the statues.

Mariamman Hindu Temple

The Mariamman Temple is known for its 12-meter height and the several colorful statues that compose and surround the main structure. A small percent of the local population follow the Hindu faith.

Thien Hau Temple By Christopher from Shanghai, China – Chinese Temple in Saigon, CC BY 2.0

Thien Hau Temple

Visiting the Buddhist Thien Hau Temple is something you should not skip when in Ho Chi Minh City. It is located in District 5 in Cho Lon Street, where the majority of the establishments and buildings are Chinese in style, and where red lanterns abound.

Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Lastly, feel free to explore the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Getting here requires just a small entrance fee, and you will have a complete access to the zoo’s animals, which include crocodiles and elephants, and lots of local flora. Also located in the vicinity is the Museum of Vietnamese History.

This list is not exhaustive. There are many more things to see here in Ho Chi Minh City. If you have the time for it, stay in a coffee shop and sip some bittersweet and smooth Vietnamese coffee. Observe the locals in the streets. Hone your haggling skills.

Ho Chi Minh City is a mix of nature, people, concrete buildings, and old temples, and there is no way anyone could get enough of it. I will surely come back here again, soon!

If you are looking for great tour packages in Saigon, Visit Klook.com