Shotengai Magazine

Samurai: The Japanese Warrior

Samurai: The Japanese Warrior

In Japanese, samurai literally means "the one who serves." From the 12th century, they were a hereditary military nobility with high prestige and privileges. They were employed by the feudal landowners. They...

Samurai: The Japanese Warrior

In Japanese, samurai literally means "the one who serves." From the 12th century, they were a hereditary military nobility with high prestige and privileges. They were employed by the feudal landowners. They...

Sakura: Japan's Unofficial National Flower

Sakura: Japan's Unofficial National Flower

From paintings to articles, from decorations to food, not to mention modern manga and cartoons, cherry blossoms can be seen everywhere. Sakura is the unofficial national flower in Japan. As...

Sakura: Japan's Unofficial National Flower

From paintings to articles, from decorations to food, not to mention modern manga and cartoons, cherry blossoms can be seen everywhere. Sakura is the unofficial national flower in Japan. As...

Hinamatsuri: Japan's Girls' Day

Hinamatsuri: Japan's Girls' Day

Hinamatsuri is a Shinto festival on March 3 every year. It is Girls' Day to celebrate the health and happiness of girls. It's also known as Doll's Day because dolls...

Hinamatsuri: Japan's Girls' Day

Hinamatsuri is a Shinto festival on March 3 every year. It is Girls' Day to celebrate the health and happiness of girls. It's also known as Doll's Day because dolls...

Kodomo no Hi: Japan's Children’s Day

Kodomo no Hi: Japan's Children’s Day

In Japan, Children’s Day is called Kodomo no hi and is celebrated on the 5th of May. It is a traditional holiday established to honor the individuality of children and celebrate...

Kodomo no Hi: Japan's Children’s Day

In Japan, Children’s Day is called Kodomo no hi and is celebrated on the 5th of May. It is a traditional holiday established to honor the individuality of children and celebrate...

Kodo: Japanese Art of Incense

Kodo: Japanese Art of Incense

Kodo is one of the three classical Japanese arts of refinement. It is an art of Japanese incense. The essence of Kodo is experiencing Zen rather than smelling the fragrance. Kodo...

Kodo: Japanese Art of Incense

Kodo is one of the three classical Japanese arts of refinement. It is an art of Japanese incense. The essence of Kodo is experiencing Zen rather than smelling the fragrance. Kodo...

Yokai (V): Japanese Supernatural Creatures

Yokai (V): Japanese Supernatural Creatures

In Japanese, yokai is a broad and vague term that covers almost all monsters. Some yokai are benevolent in Shinto stories but evil in folklore. The yokai introduced in this...

Yokai (V): Japanese Supernatural Creatures

In Japanese, yokai is a broad and vague term that covers almost all monsters. Some yokai are benevolent in Shinto stories but evil in folklore. The yokai introduced in this...