History of Kendo
A few years ago I wrote about the history of Kendo. I recently updated the post and submitted it as
Category: History
Dutch trade port of Dejima, Nagasaki.
During the ‘isolation period’ of Japan also known as the Edo Period a few nations were still allowed to trade
Reigando (Musashi’s last resting spot) – Pictorial
While I was living in Kumamoto one of things I really wanted to do is visit the cave Musashi Miyamoto
History of the Japanese Tea Ceremony
History of the Japanese Tea Ceremony Drinking of green tea was known in China from the fourth century. Tea plants
Fujisaki Hachimangu Horse Festival
I’m delighted to let you know that I am now writing articles for http://www.taiken.co. This is a link for my
Raizan Sennyoji and early Buddhism in Japan. Itoshima, Fukuoka
A couple of weeks ago I visited Raizan Sennyoji in Itoshima. Itoshima is a nice little country suburb a little
Reigando Cave and the life of Miyamoto Musashi
Miyamoto Musashi Died On June 13, 1645. Considered one of the greatest samurai of all time, Miyamoto Musashi’s reputation has
Minamoto no Yoritomo
The first Kamakura Shogun, Minamoto no Yoritomo, was born on this day, May 9, 1147 Yoritomo’s paternal grandfather, Minamoto no
Miyajidake Shrine, Fukutsu City, Kyushu.
Miyajidake sits in the northern region of Fukutsu city about 1 hour from central Fukuoka. It is famous for the
Hitoyoshi Castle Ruins, Kyushu
Hitoyoshi Castle is not as well known as other castles such as Kumamoto or Nagoya but the history of this
Tani Tateki – Kumamoto Castle defender during the Seinan War.
My friend William Baerg is a contributor for the Kumamoto International Facebook page and has nicely agreed for me to
Keisai Eisen – Kisokaido Narai Station, Print #35.
I haven’t done a post for a while about one of my favourite Ukiyo-e print series. So lets have a
The life of Patrick Lafcadio Hearn (aka Koizumi Yakumo).
I had a day off today and it wasn’t raining so I decided to visit Lafcadio Hearn’s residence just down
The History of Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima Island.
This article was originally going to be included in the ‘History of Aki (Hiroshima) Prefecture’ but as this article has
Escaped convicts first ever Australian ship to Japanese waters.
An amateur historian has unearthed compelling evidence that the first Australian maritime foray into Japanese waters was by convict pirates
Looking for Hiroshige’s Japan
The rain misted down and I had two choices: the road up the hill, or the one alongside the river.
Battle of Shiroyama – Saigo’s last stand.
The Battle of Shiroyama, the battle that inspired the final scenes in the movie The Last Samurai, took place on
Achi Shrine, Kurashiki, Okayama.
On the hill overlooking the historical Bikan area is the ancient Achi Shrine. According to the Nihonshoki (Chronicles of Japan)
Okayama Castle
(Tenshu-kaku from the south) (Tenshu-kaku from the north. You can see the irregular shape of the base floor from this
Hiroshima Air Defense Radio Room ruins.
First radio message after the bomb
