An American Student’s Perspective of Japanese Society and Culture. Akita International UniversityUNI Study Abroad Center Tumblr (3.0; @jpculpjapan)http://jpculpjapan.tumblr.com/<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/08527ced53e458dc5937452121e12bba/tumblr_mmghuqx0ET1ry828oo1_500.gif"/><br/><br/><p>My summer vacation is here at last! The taxi will be here any minute now, so I’ll be brief.</p> <p>Over the next week or so, jpculpjapan will be getting design overhaul, followed by the return of much promised updates from the forests of Akita to the harbors Kobe (and a couple of guides for my friends heading to AIU this summer!)</p> <p>As always, in the meantime, have a shiba.</p> <p><small>Oh, and おめでとう for all my friends and followers graduating state-side.</small></p>http://jpculpjapan.tumblr.com/post/50111602865http://jpculpjapan.tumblr.com/post/50111602865Fri, 10 May 2013 16:01:37 -0500shibasshiba inuive heard that before<a href="http://nihonshock.com/2010/04/12-japanese-ime-tips/">12 Japanese IME Tips</a>http://jpculpjapan.tumblr.com/post/49428970879http://jpculpjapan.tumblr.com/post/49428970879Thu, 02 May 2013 05:15:00 -0500japanese imeimejapan<a href="http://iz4.me/7qXR1zDCd0X1">Sakura in Chicago: 120 Years of US-Japan Relations</a>http://jpculpjapan.tumblr.com/post/48974551554http://jpculpjapan.tumblr.com/post/48974551554Fri, 26 Apr 2013 21:18:00 -0500cherry blossomssakurachicagojapanchicago council on global affairs<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/2ca1cbd14a5481ab226009a1a70cc5d5/tumblr_mkl6ikNAAX1ry828oo2_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/0b17eff0e93e48e1fc65953dfb7c4b3d/tumblr_mkl6ikNAAX1ry828oo3_500.jpg"/><br/> <br/><p>Today is the day of the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade in Washington, D.C.. This year had a late start due to an abnormally long winter, but last year’s went without a hitch ― as it should, because it was the 100th anniversary of Tokyo Mayor Yukio Ozaki’s donation of the trees as a sign of friendship between our two nations. Even today, hundreds of americans travel far and wide to see the delicate blush-colored petals fluttering in the wind.</p> <p>To commemorate the 2012 centennial celebration, USPS released a gorgeous set of commemorative forever stamps. To me, the symbolism of having the traditional japanese on the left stamp and the modern americans on the right was a fantastic touch. While we may be different and distant, the people United States of America and the people of Japan will always be together in friendship. </p> <p>Oh, and just in case you were wondering, America returned the favor three years later with dogwood trees.</p> <p>Although they have been out for over a year now,<br/> you can still purchase them <a href="https://store.usps.com/store/browse/subcategory.jsp?categoryId=promo_CherryBlossomCentennial">here</a>.</p> <p><small>© 2012, USPS and/or its affiliates</small></p>http://jpculpjapan.tumblr.com/post/47857252686http://jpculpjapan.tumblr.com/post/47857252686Sat, 13 Apr 2013 07:02:16 -0500cherry blossomssakurawashington dcdcjapannational cherry blossom festivalcentenialuspsstamps<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/28124c690b820b7a248b3489846f18b5/tumblr_mkrwxbeFjs1ry828oo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Cherry Blossoms of Japan Windows Theme</p> <p><a href="http://windows.microsoft.com/is-is/windows/cherry-blossoms-of-japan-download-theme">Download</a></p>http://jpculpjapan.tumblr.com/post/47179845486http://jpculpjapan.tumblr.com/post/47179845486Fri, 05 Apr 2013 03:29:00 -0500windows themejapansakuracherry blossoms<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/f19efb236582fa07027e7a35dfdc2d3b/tumblr_mkl5eak0hH1ry828oo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>February 14th, AIU President Dr. Mineo Nakajima passed away at the age of 76. A fellow student snapped this photo just before the memorial service. </p> <p>Clicking the image will direct you to the official announcement and photos of the service.</p> <p><small>Photography by Phil Nguyen</small></p>http://jpculpjapan.tumblr.com/post/46858125886http://jpculpjapan.tumblr.com/post/46858125886Sat, 16 Feb 2013 10:55:00 -0600nakajima mineoakitatohokujapantravelstudy abroadexchange programaiuakita international universityuniuniversity of northern iowa<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/6489614c06775b1853299bd95253ecfd/tumblr_mertkfRsxR1ry828oo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>No, this isn’t a scene from The Empire Strikes Back; this is a snapshot from the Akita Airport webcam.</p>http://jpculpjapan.tumblr.com/post/37558872183http://jpculpjapan.tumblr.com/post/37558872183Sun, 09 Dec 2012 09:55:27 -0600<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_me5d5lxait1ry828oo1_500.png"/><br/> <br/><img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_me5d5lxait1ry828oo2_500.png"/><br/> <br/><img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_me5d5lxait1ry828oo3_500.png"/><br/> <br/><p>First Snow in Yuwa</p>http://jpculpjapan.tumblr.com/post/36662356060http://jpculpjapan.tumblr.com/post/36662356060Tue, 27 Nov 2012 06:53:44 -0600snowwinterakitatohokujapantravelstudy abroadexchange programaiuakita international universityuniuniversity of northern iowa<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mc9htlR3By1qj9tf4o1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p><a class="tumblr_blog" href="http://wukay.tumblr.com/post/34055076493/kyoto-streets">wukay</a>:</p> <blockquote> <p><small><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/54515725@N06/">kyoto streets</a></small></p> </blockquote>http://jpculpjapan.tumblr.com/post/35840631003http://jpculpjapan.tumblr.com/post/35840631003Fri, 16 Nov 2012 08:19:11 -0600<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mcrtq00d3C1ry828oo1_250.png"/><br/><br/>http://jpculpjapan.tumblr.com/post/34712459672http://jpculpjapan.tumblr.com/post/34712459672Wed, 31 Oct 2012 13:51:36 -0500how my studies are going<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mbzs3rskaz1ry828oo1_500.png"/><br/><br/><p>The perks of being a seasoned traveler.</p>http://jpculpjapan.tumblr.com/post/33710023729http://jpculpjapan.tumblr.com/post/33710023729Tue, 16 Oct 2012 10:23:51 -0500<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_loups5EvdV1qdpdw6o1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>I’m organizing the next set of photos. In the meantime, have a shiba.</p>http://jpculpjapan.tumblr.com/post/33174670884http://jpculpjapan.tumblr.com/post/33174670884Mon, 08 Oct 2012 13:57:05 -0500<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mb6bubHYOz1ry828oo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>ONE love</p> <p><small>Photography by Hanna Mitsutomi</small></p>http://jpculpjapan.tumblr.com/post/32982563296http://jpculpjapan.tumblr.com/post/32982563296Fri, 05 Oct 2012 21:59:47 -0500onemascotsakitatohokujapanstudy abroadsummer programexchange programaiuakita international universityuniuniversity of northern iowa<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mb6afl9LfW1ry828oo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Just the guys.</p> <p><small>Photography by Simon Chua</small></p>http://jpculpjapan.tumblr.com/post/32917706318http://jpculpjapan.tumblr.com/post/32917706318Thu, 04 Oct 2012 21:57:22 -0500yukatakimonoguys being guysakitajapanstudy abroadsummer programexchange programaiuakita international universityuniuniversity of northern iowa<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mb6aa6yBT41ry828oo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>All of us in the summer program wearing yukata.</p> <p><small>Photography by Simon Chua</small></p> <p>A yukata 「浴衣」 is a casual kimono worn in the summer when attending a matsuri (festival) or hanabi (fireworks display); however, it is not uncommon for a young woman to wear one in public simply as a fashion statement. These were traditional everyday summer-wear in pre-westernized Japan. They are often made of cotton or linen or a blend of the two. Women’s yukata are brightly-colored and quite ornate, whereas men’s are traditionally navy and have a either simple pattern, or none at all. Prices vary greatly depending on the fabric, texture, and quality. I picked up a cotton/linen blend one at a Daimaru (Japanese equivalent of Bloomingdales) in Osaka that set me back over $300 (and it was one of cheaper ones!), but I’ve seen them go for as low as $75. Keep in mind though that the</p>http://jpculpjapan.tumblr.com/post/32851922051http://jpculpjapan.tumblr.com/post/32851922051Wed, 03 Oct 2012 22:00:30 -0500yukatakimonotraditional japanese clothingakitajapanstudy abroadsummer programexchange programaiuakita international universityuniuniversity of northern iowa<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mb68rajW6L1ry828oo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Traditional shinto wedding.</p> <p><small>Photography by Simon Chua</small></p>http://jpculpjapan.tumblr.com/post/32783394232http://jpculpjapan.tumblr.com/post/32783394232Tue, 02 Oct 2012 21:56:44 -0500weddingshinto weddingshintoshintoismjapantravel<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mb67kyG7DE1ry828oo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Taking a closer look.</p> <p><small>Photography by Simon Chua</small></p>http://jpculpjapan.tumblr.com/post/32715591385http://jpculpjapan.tumblr.com/post/32715591385Mon, 01 Oct 2012 21:57:59 -0500shintoshintoismshrinejinjaogaoga peninsulaakitatohokujapantravelstudy abroadsummer programexchange programaiuakita international universityuniuniversity of northern iowa<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mb66xj5X3X1ry828oo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>A small lake shrine in Oga.</p> <p><small>Photography by Simon Chua</small></p>http://jpculpjapan.tumblr.com/post/32647442364http://jpculpjapan.tumblr.com/post/32647442364Sun, 30 Sep 2012 21:57:01 -0500shintoshintoismshrinejinjaogaoga peninsulaakitatohokujapantravelstudy abroadsummer programexchange programaiuakita international universityuniuniversity of northern iowa<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mawsr7hRk71ry828oo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>I just survived my first training session with AIU’s Aikido Club. Although I was too busy trying to catch my breath to take any pictures, I do happen to have a fantastic shot in the archives from AIU’s 2012 Summer Program. <br/><br/><small>Photography by Simon Chua</small> <br/><br/> According to Ōsensei <i>(lit. Great Teacher)</i> and founder of Aikido,<br/>Morihei Ueshiba 「植芝盛平」 <br/><br/></p><blockquote><i> “Aiki is the way of the Kami and was born of the will of the Kami. <br/><br/> Rise early in the morning to greet the sun. Inhale the breath of heaven and let the cosmos inside. Next breath up the rich vibrance of the earth. Blend these breaths with your own breath and become the breath of life itself. Your mind and body will be gladdened, heartache and disappointment will dissipate and you will be filled with gratitude. <br/><br/> The movements of Aikido which unite human being with great nature are all given by Sarutahiko-no-Ōkami. Aikido is Misogi..a purification of ourselves…the way of the universe.” </i></blockquote> <br/> If you are ever presented with an opportunity to participate in Aikido, I highly recommend you give it a try. It’s difficult, and I’ll admit I wanted to quit after the first hour, but it was not long after that I found myself truly enjoying it. It’s a great way to master one’s mind, body, and spirit as well as get out and make some friends.http://jpculpjapan.tumblr.com/post/32262438724http://jpculpjapan.tumblr.com/post/32262438724Tue, 25 Sep 2012 09:11:31 -0500martial artsaikidokamishintoinner peaceakitatohokujapantravelstudy abroadsummer programexchange programaiuakita international universityuniuniversity of northern iowa<img src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mav818sXPw1ry828oo1_500.jpg"/><br/><br/><p>Although Japan seems to be synonymous with futuristic gadgets and assembly lines, much of it’s tradition is preserved even today, like this carpenter in Oga.</p> <p><small>Photography by Greg Stoll</small></p>http://jpculpjapan.tumblr.com/post/32224388690http://jpculpjapan.tumblr.com/post/32224388690Mon, 24 Sep 2012 18:00:30 -0500ogaoga peninsulacarpentertraditionakitatohokujapantravelstudy abroadsummer programexchange programaiuakita international universityuniuniversity of northern iowa