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Sep 1, 2020 Now Reports
The deep, soothing tones of the Chikuzen Biwa
The Japanese biwa is a type of lute which traces its origins to ancient Persia, and it made its way to Japan from the Silk Road via China. Even today in Arab cultures, a biwa-like ...
Aug 3, 2020 Now Reports
Kyushu University’s Ito Campus: An Integral Part of the Community
Last year, the City Planning Institute of Japan presented its Urban Design Award to Kyushu University‘s Ito Campus, a 272 ha site stretching from Motooka in Fukuoka City’s Nishi Wa...
Jul 1, 2020 Now Reports
The Arrow: The Oldest Japanese-made Automobile Still in Existence
The automobile industry has grown to be one of the most important industries in Japan, and Japanese cars can be found on roads the world over, but one of the cars that started it a...
Jun 2, 2020 Now Reports
Nagoshi no Harae and Chinowa-kuguri: Summer Purification Rites
Every year in June and July, shrines around Japan perform an ancient purification rite called Nagoshi no Harae or Chinowa-kuguri. This is originally one of two Shinto rituals refer...
May 14, 2020 Now Reports
Yasuzaemon Matsunaga: A Businessman with Close Ties to Fukuoka
Yasuzaemon Matsunaga (1875 - 1971) was a businessman who contributed to the development of the electric power industry in Japan, earning him the nicknames of “god of electricity” a...
Mar 27, 2020 Now Reports
Hakata Dolls: Always Changing with the Times
Hakata dolls, one of Fukuoka's traditional handicrafts, are unglazed porcelain figurines characterized by their smooth white skin. The Bijin Mono (“Beautiful Lady”) series of dolls...
Feb 28, 2020 Now Reports
Shrines and the Surprising Connections Between Land and Sea
In Japan, shrines hold various festivals throughout the year, but some of them may seem a little peculiar. One example of this is the Shiohi-sai held every year on April 3 at Sumiy...
Jan 28, 2020 Now Reports
Shiro-uo: A Harbinger of Spring
In Fukuoka, a tiny fish called the shiro-uo (or ice goby in English) is considered a harbinger of spring. It measures about 4-5 cm and is transparent. Although it is often mistaken...
Dec 16, 2019 Now Reports
Hakata Hariko: Must-have Good Luck Charms for Local Festivals
Hakata Hariko dolls are a local handicraft that dates back to the Edo era. Considered good luck charms, popular characters include tigers. The process of making these dolls has rem...
Nov 27, 2019 Now Reports
Kosoji: Home of the Anakannon
In Minami Ward, Kosoji Temple is home to an old tomb called the Anakannon dating back to the late Kofun era (6th century). The tomb mound measures approximately 20 meters in diamet...
