There are many festivals all over Japan that are widely advertised and known to many people. These festivals are prepared weeks or even months in advance, talked and written about online and in newspapers, and are well known nationwide. Examples of famous festivals include the Gion Festival (祇園祭) in Kyoto, the Snow Festival (雪祭り) in…

Purchasing a sanshin (三線) is like becoming an artist. The sanshin is one of those rare traditional instruments in Japan which takes several weeks to assemble. The art of making it is based on really old customs which is both complex and an exciting thing to do. But do you know that it played an…

One of the many ways to understand the local culture of Tokyo is through its traditional arts and crafts. Every year, several exhibits are held showcasing the craftsmanship of the Japanese and how such traditional arts and crafts have been cultivated over the ages. To promote local economic development and culture, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government…

Besides other traditional arts like poetry writing and reciting, flower arrangement, tea ceremony and calligraphy, geisha are also expected to be adept at elegant song and dance. They were trained musicians and artists who brought refined and tasteful entertainment to clients. 1. Shamisen 三味線 jp.fotolia.com/ The shamisen, an Okinawan string instrument similar to a small-bodied…