Blood types (血液型)

In the West people often refer to one's astrological sign to understand some character traits. In Japan such an indicator is one's blood type, ketsuekigata (血液型)! That is why it is common for people to ask for your blood type in Japan、and it is surprising for a Japanese person that someone does not know their blood type.

It is popular for famous people to include blood type information on their web pages, or for baseball players to have it included on collectors cards. Creators of manga and anime often include the information about the character's blood type when introducing the story, and in such way determine certain traits of their personality.

It is interesting, that only Korean and Japanese Facebook allows the blood type information in the user profile!


A type:
Most common trait about this type is perfectionist. A type people are also serious and can be overly sensitive, sometimes unable to relax. However they are very calm and trustworthy, also patient and very artistic.

B type:
This type is said to be very goal-oriented. Also sometimes extremely moody, but on the other hand they can be cheerful and lift the atmosphere in the room. All that said, they are unpredictable and sometimes wild.

AB type:
Sometimes called the 'split personality' blood type. Can be both outgoing and shy, unpredictable and calm. Not too fit to be a leader, but often called geniuses.

O type:
This type is said to the a trend-setter, and likes to be the centre of attention. Initiates a lot of things, but not always finished what was started. Tends to be agreeable and social, but on the other hand can be rude and jealous.

Compatibility:
A is most compatible with A and AB
B is most compatible with B and AB
AB is most compatible with AB, B, A and O
O is most compatible with O, and AB

Onsen (温泉)

Everyone likes to relax every now and then, and in Japan one of the most popular places to go for some R&R is an onsen.



Onsen (often marked as ♨ on maps) is a hot spring bath. Because Japan is a volcanic country, there's a lot of places where you can find a natural source of hot water, and people use it to enjoy themselves. There are lots of types of onsen including outdoor and indoor ones. A lot of the places tend to be in the countryside, but you can find some in popular tourist spots as well, and as a part of hotels or such。However, to be classified as an onsen, the bath needs to include at least one of the 19 signified chemical elements. Due to those elements, the bath water is believed to have healing qualities.

Before the Meiji period, all the baths were coeducational, but nowadays they are mostly separated by sex. In rural areas one might still find some of mixed baths.
It is customary to wash oneself thoroughly before actually entering the hot spring. The resort provides toiletries and towels(sometimes one has to pay for renting them though). Swimsuits are not allowed inside the bath, and sometimes wearing the towel inside the bath is also prohibited. That's why you can see people placing their folded towels on top of their heads!
There are a lot of onsen that ban people with tattoos. It's applied not only to men but also women, and no matter how small the tattoo is, one might not be let in.

Some of the oldest baths date back to the 8th Century AD, like Arima Onsen or Dogo Onsen.

One of the most famous hot springs is Jigokudani Monkey Park (地獄谷野猿公苑) in Nagano prefecture where one can enjoy a bath with monkeys. Jigokudani means 'hell valley' and has been called so because of steam and boiling water that escapes through the frozen ground.

One of the most popular and recommended experiences is to visit an onsen ryoukan. One can enjoy an overnight trip, including a dinner and breakfast, thus bathing as many times as one wants. In such places one would usually get a yukata to wear, to ensure comfort and freedom of movement. Ykata is similar to a kimono, but much lighter and informal in a sense. In a ryoukan, you can use one for bathing, lounge wear and also sleep in it. If you have your meal in a dining hall, no one will look at you strangely if you show up in your yukata, as everyone just wants to relax and be comfortable! You can even walk around in it around the onsen resort! :)

Golden Week

Golden Week is a large consecutive holiday, which occurs from 29th of April to 5th of May. It includes 4 national holidays:


April 29th
Shōwa Day (昭和の日,)
This holiday is a commemoration of the birthday of the Shōwa Emperor Hirohito, and is celebrated to encourage people to reflect on his 63 year reign (1926-1989).


May 3rd
Constitution Memorial Day (憲法記念日)
A holiday to commemorate the promulgation of the Japanese constitution, on May 3rd 1947. On this day, the National Diet Building is open to public visitors. People often choose this day to reflect on the meaning of democracy in Japan.


May 4th
Greenery Day (みどりの日)
It was originally celebrated on April 29th, and referred to Emperor Hirohito, drawing on his love for plants and nature, but without mentioning his name. Nowadays, it is thought of as a holiday to connect with nature.


May 5th
Children's Day (こどもの日)
The holiday was originally called Tango no Sekku (端午の節句) and was celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th moon in lunar calendar. It is sometimes referred to as Boy's Day (along with Hinamatsuri as Girl's Day). Families hang carp-shaped flags and display helmets and Kintarō dolls.

Nowadays, because Golden Week is the longest consecutive holiday, it is the most popular travel time. Some companies give their employees time off for the working days in between the holidays, otherwise workers tend to take paid leave off work and travel.
Travel plans include Japan as well as Asia, Americas and Europe.

Hanami

Since it's April all across Japan the cherry trees (sakura) began to bloom. Obviously it doesn't happen all at once, but in waves. It starts from the south and then works up north throughout the whole month.

It is said that the practice of picnicking under the blooming trees started somewhere during the Nara period (710–794), when it was done under the ume trees. Later on in the Heian period (794–1185) the practice became entirely connected with the cherry trees, and has been ever since.

During the hanami, families or work colleagues gather together and have a small party, so to say. The eat bento and drink sake, and generally just enjoy themselves. During the hanami season there are a lot of new products, exclusive to this time of year. These include sweets, meals and alcohol tasting of cherries.

About a week ago I went to Nagoya castle together with my culture class. The view of blooming cherry trees is truly amazing, and it is a pity it doesn't last longer. However, when the petals are blown of by the wind it looks just like snow! And just to make it clear, the cherry trees are not only pink! They vary greatly from absolutely white, through tinted slightly peachy up to actual pink.

Ukiyo-e

Last month, I went to the Nagoya-Boston Museum of Fine Arts to see an exhibition about Ukiyo-e ! I found it very interesting, so I'd like to introduce it to you (^.^)

Ukiyo-e is a Japanese artistic movement from the Edo Period (1603-1868) consisting of prints (engraved on wood).

This kind of print was really appreciated by the Japanese middle classes !

It generally depicts young pretty ladies, courtesans, kabuki actors, sumo wrestlers, famous places, etc.

The ukiyo-e style widely influenced the European impressionist movement.

I am sure you have already seen the work of Hokusai or Hiroshige !