Artcraft Japan Corp.

Hello;

I would like to link you to a very useful Japanese learning site.

Japanese pod 101!

Here you can learn the basics, watch videos and your e-mail inbox is feeded nearly everyday by new learning tactics.

I think this site is very useful for a beginner.

You say you know basic Japanese and want to learn Kanji and Kana? Fret not, I have a link for that too;

Smart.fm!

I personally used that site myself, and it’s very easy to use. You just pick the course and start to learn it.

I hope this information helps for your Japanese desires.
 

The Koto is a traditional Japanese instrument that first made its way into Japan in the 7th century. It was brought over by Chinese and Korean musicians who came to play in the Japanese court, this instrument known as the guzheng gave way to the development of the koto. Beyond this there are a number of different Japanese myths that relate the creation of the Koto. One of these myths states that the Koto was created in the form of a crouching dragon. (>> read more)

Kabuki is a form of Japanese theater that began in the 17th century. Kabuki is a type of dance/drama that is renowned not only for the performance itself but also for the elaborate make-up that is worn by all of the performers. (>> read more)

The Japanese Tea Ceremony is steeped in tradition and it is filled with rituals that all have a deep and significant meaning.
If you are a guest of the tea ceremony you are expected to know the importance and the tradition of the ceremony as well as the host. All guests are first led to a waiting room while the host prepares for the ceremony. Once the host is prepared the guests are lead through a dew garden, where no flowers grow. The garden is meant to cleanse the guests of the dust of the world. After walking through the garden they sit upon a special bench to await the appearance of the host. (>> read more)
 

Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arranging. The oldest school for ikebana was a Buddhist school formed in the 15th century. The tradition of ikebana schools began with a priest at the Rokkakuda Temple in Kyoto. It was said that he was so skilled at flower arranging that other priests would seek him out for instruction. This led to the priests being known at Ikenobo because they spent their time learning and practicing their arrangements by a lake. (>> read more)

Japanese Castles as they are known today evolved from traditional fortifications. These fortresses were built for the main purpose of military defense. For this reason they were placed in very strategic locations. These fortifications were also built to serve as governing centers which meant they needed to be well protected. (>> read more)

Japanese gardens first came into prominence during the Asuka period( 538-710). These original gardens were meant to express Buddhism and Taoism by replicating the mountainous regions of China. These gardens can be found in ruins in Fujiwara and Heijyo castle towns.  (>> read more)
 

The samurai were well known throughout Japan and the world for their fighting skills. Despite the fact that they were most commonly remembered for their swords and skills, their armor was also a very impressive sight. (>> read more)

Contrary to what many people may believe but the practice of drinking tea it not native to Japan. Rather it was brought to the country in the 9th century by a Chinese monk. According to the legend tea had already been known to China for thousands of years before it was introduced to Japan. The practice of drinking tea became popular in Japan first for medical reasons and later simply for pleasure. (>>read more)

The Japanese kimono has become a very striking part of Japanese culture and one of the most popular aspects of Japanese culture. It is perhaps surprising that these traditional garments were influenced by traditional Han Chinese clothing. It was around the 8th century that Chinese garments began to gain popularity in Japan. (>> read more)