Do you know a Japanese famous artist, Katsushika Hokusai? Even if you do not know his name, you may have seen this ”The Great Wave off the Coast of Kanagawa”, one of his masterpieces.

This is one of his representative works and is particularly famous among ukiyo-e (浮世絵). The piece depicts the fierce waves swallowing boats, characterized by its powerful movement and vibrant colors. Hokusai boldly expresses the power of nature, highlighting the smallness of humanity.

Recently, it was decided that “The Great Wave” will be featured on the reverse side of the new 1,000 yen banknote in Japan. This reflects the recognition of Hokusai’s work as a symbol of Japanese culture worldwide. This choice signifies the universal appeal of Hokusai’s art and its importance in conveying the tradition of Japanese fine arts to future generations.

The influence of “The Great Wave” extends beyond just being an art piece; it can also be seen in contemporary design, fashion, and advertising. In this way, Hokusai’s works continue to inspire people across time.

Since this LEGO product were recently released, we decided to display it inside the YJC classroom. Furthermore, we are happy to add a Japanese-style interior

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Togoshi Ginza (戸越銀座) is a lively shopping street located in Shinagawa, Tokyo, exuding a charming Showa-era atmosphere. In this vibrant area, the ramen shop Menya Hachitoku (麺屋八徳) stands out with its emphasis on high-quality ingredients and soy sauce-based broth.

They offer a variety of options, including the classic Chuka Soba, niboshi soba, shoyu tsukesoba, and rich tonkotsu or light chicken broth ramen, with plenty of toppings to choose from!

My daughter and I ordered the backfat shoyu soba, a bowl of white rice, and a plate of gyoza. We had the option to choose the amount of backfat, and we selected “normal.” Even then, it provided plenty of richness that paired wonderfully with the homemade, chewy noodles.

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Ippodo Tea Co. is a well-known and long-established Japanese tea company, founded in 1717 in Kyoto. For over three centuries, they have been dedicated to producing high-quality tea, specializing in fine Japanese green teas like matcha, gyokuro, sencha, and bancha. Ippodo is particularly celebrated for its meticulous tea selection and blending processes, ensuring that their teas maintain consistent taste and quality over time.

The company’s philosophy emphasizes the connection between tea and everyday life, promoting tea as a means of relaxation and mindfulness. Ippodo has a flagship store in Kyoto, along with tea shops in other major cities like Tokyo and New York. They also provide workshops and detailed guidance for brewing the perfect cup, helping tea lovers around the world appreciate the depth of Japanese tea culture.

In addition to their retail and online presence, Ippodo Tea Co. has gained international recognition for its traditional and authentic approach to tea, catering to both connoisseurs and beginners alike.

At the back of Ippodo’s Kyoto flagship store, there is a dine-in space where you can enjoy tea. Take your time to relax and savor the calm atmosphere of the main store, as well as the peaceful moments that flow there!

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