Introduction to Japanese Etiquette

How to bow

We Japanese tend to bow a lot. Wherever we go, whoever we meet, we bow. And not only once, but multiple times at the same occasion. Learn how to bow like a Japanese at the following website.

http://www.ph-heidelberg.de/wp/krug/


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Taira no Masakado, Yin Yang and Tokyo

When Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder and first Shogun of the Tokugawa dynasty (1603-1868), seized power in 1600 he started building the city of Edo, now known as Tokyo, copying the ancient city of Kyoto and based on the Chinese philosophy of Yin Yang.

Ieyasu first moved the front gate of his palace (now known as the imperial palace) close to Taira no Masakado's "Kubizuka" (resting place of his cut-off head) located in today's financial district of Otemachi. Taira no Masakado, a warlord from the middle Heian period and the grandson of Taira no Takamochi who founded the Heike family, was killed by Fujiwara no Hidesato in 940 and became one of the most feared "Onryo" (ghost) in history. Because it was believed that ghosts turn into guardian gods if enshrined with deep respect, Ieyasu decided to use Masakado's ghost to protect his city.

Ieyasu also used other sites related to Masakado. He moved the Kanda Myojin Shrine which worships Masakado to its current location which lies towards the northeast direction of the imperial palace. According Yin Yang philosophy, northeast is an ominous direction know as "Kimon" (Demon's gate) from which plague flows in. Ieyasu tried to block this direction by using Masakado's power.

Other sites such as the Kabuto Shrine (enshrines Masakado's "kabuto" or warrior helmet), the Yoroi Shrine (enshrines Masakado's "Yoroi" or armor) and the Tsukudo Shrine (enshrines the bucket in which Masakado's cut-off head was once placed) were all placed in the important locations of the city of Edo.

In addition, the Zojo-ji Temple was moved to its current location, again, based on Yin Yang philosophy. The current location of the Zojo-ji Temple was close to the Tokaido route (one of the five main routes of the Edo period) which lead to Mt. Fuji. Mt. Fuji is the most sacred place of Yin Yang philosophy and the location of the Zojo-ji Temple was considered to be where energy from Mt. Fuji was flowing into the city of Edo.

Finally, after the death of Ieyasu, his remains were placed in the world heritage Toshogu Shrine in Nikko which lies towards the north of the city, the direction of the north star. The north star is considered to be the supreme god in Yin Yang philosophy. The people of Edo believed that Ieyasu, as representation of the supreme god, would continue to protect the city even after his death. The following Shoguns were also buried with the same belief. The 4th, 5th, 8th, 10th, 11th and 13th Shoguns are buried in Kan'ei-ji Temple near Ueno. The other Shoguns (2nd, 6th, 7th, 9th, 12th and 14th) rest in Zojo-ji Temple in Shiba near Tamachi. The Shoguns of the Tokugawa dynasty continue to protect the city of Tokyo today.

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Soba

Soba is a traditional type of thin noodles made from buckwheat, served both hot and cold. It is recommended to try the cold Soba first to fully enjoy its flavor and texture.

"Nagasaka Sarashina"
Located in Azabu-Juban, Nagasaka Sarashina is one of the most popular and traditional Soba restaurants in Tokyo. It's history goes back more than 200 years. A must-go restaurant for anyone who loves noodles or wants to enjoy a truly traditional Japanese dish. A two minute walk from the No. 4 exit of Azabu-Juban subway station.





Nagasaka Sarashina
1-8-7 Azabujuban, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0045
Tel: 03-3585-1676
http://www.nagasakasarasina.co.jp/ (Japanese only)

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Tempura

Tempura is a traditional Japanese dish of deep fried battered seafood and vegetables. It is usually served with a thin sauce called Tentsuyu with grated Daikon radish but good Tempura is also enjoyable with salt only to taste the full flavor of the vegetable and seafood itself.

"Tsunahachi"
Tsunahachi is one of the most popular Tempura restaurants in Tokyo. It's located right in the middle of the busiest shopping area of Shinjuku. Tsunahachi has been around for more than 80 years and the building and its interior give the guests an impression as if time hasn't passed in this restaurant. A five minute walk from the East exit of the JR Shinjuku station.





Tsunahachi Shinjuku
3-31-8 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-3352-1012
http://www.tunahachi.co.jp/ (Japanese only)



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