1. Pepsi Ice Cucumber 「ペプシアイスキューカンバー」

Limited edition green, cucumber-flavored Pepsi sold in Japan in summer 2007. There were no cucumber involved to actually make it, just a combination of artificial flavors to achieve “the refreshing taste of a fresh cucumber”.

2. Pepsi Shiso 「ペプシしそ」

Limited edition green shiso-flavored soda introduced in Japan during summer 2009. Shiso is the Japanese name for perilla. The perilla herb is sometimes known as purple mint, Japanese basil or or wild coleus.

Image source: tokyobling

3. Pepsi Azuki 「ペプシあずき」

An azuki bean-flavored limited edition Pepsi released in Japan on October 20, 2009. Azuki beans are red beans used in sweet meals, snacks and dishes in Japan.

Image source: flickr

4. Pepsi Baobab 「ペプシバオバブ」

A baobab tree fruit-flavored limited Edition Pepsi released in Japan on May 25, 2010 described to have a citrus taste. The baobab tree is a strange looking tree that grows in low-lying areas in Africa and Australia.

Image source: flickr

5. Pepsi Blue Hawaii 「ペプシブルーハワイ」

A Limited Edition Pepsi released in Japan. A pineapple and lemon-flavored soda, blue in color.

Image source: flickr

6. Pepsi White 「ペプシホワイト」

Pepsi with yogurt flavor. A limited edition drink released in the winter of 2008 to coincide with the festive holiday season, marketed to appeal to people’s sweet tooths over the Christmas period.

Image source: flickr

7. Pepsi Mont Blanc 「ペプシモンブラン」

A Limited edition Pepsi based on the French chestnut dessert. Sold in Japan for a limited time from October, 2010.

Image source: flickr

8. Pepsi Red 「ペプシレッド」

Released in Japan sometime in 2006, it has a general ginger flavor and is somewhat spicy.

9. Pepsi Caribbean Gold 「ペプシ カリビアンゴールド」

A golden-colored, white sapote fruit-flavored limited Edition Pepsi to be released in Japan on July 26, 2011.

10. Pepsi Carnival 「ペプシカーニバル」

A tropical fruit-flavored Pepsi available in Japan for a limited time that debuted in summer 2006.

LLP.

Related posts:

1. Weird Japanese Ice Cream Flavours
2. 10 Weird Japanese Foods
3. Nattō
4. Pepsi Nex Premature Ejaculation
5. Tokyo Summerland

There’s something here for everyone, so take a swig of your sake, swallow down your sushi and enjoy the ride.

Japanese Embassy Hostage Crisis by Scott

The Japanese embassy hostage crisis began on December 17, 1996 in Lima, Peru, when 14 members of the Marxist Túpac Amaru Revolutionary Movement (MRTA) took hostage hundreds of high-level diplomats, government and military officials and business executives who were celebrating Emperor Akihito’s 63rd birthday at the ambassador’s residence. Scott from Sonrisas en Peru reports.

Read more »

Oni Matsuri by Ali

Ali from Haikugirl takes you on a guided tour of the Toyohashi Oni Matsuri 「鬼祭り」(“demon festival”), an annual festival with origins dating back 1,000 years held each year on February 10th and 11th dedicated to the Akumi Kanbe Shinmeisha Shrine. It is a traditional ritual of praying for the peace, security, and prosperity and to dispel evil spirits.

Read more »

Thank God they dropped the Atomic Bomb by Chris B

“At approximately 8:15 a.m. Hiroshima time the Enola Gay released “Little Boy,” its 9,700-pound uranium bomb, over the city.” Chris B from Confessions of a Badboy in Japan discusses the atomic bombing of Japan presenting an interesting perspective based upon the account of Hiroko, a 76 year-old student of his who was 10 years old when atomic bombs were dropped.

Read more »

The Setouchi International Art Festival by David

David from Ogijima promotes the Setouchi International Art Festival which is held on seven small islands in the Seto Inland Sea in the Kagawa Prefecture of Japan. The Seto Inland Sea islands are slowly being deserted largely impacted by Japan’s declining population, the goal of the Setouchi International Art Festival is to revitalize the area through art.

Read more »

Setsubun by Alice

Alice from Super Happy Awesome writes about her excitement to experience setsubun first-hand for the first time. Setsubun literally means “seasonal division” and is the day before the beginning of spring in Japan and commonly celebrated on the 3rd of February. During setsubun people perform rituals with the purpose of chasing away evil spirits with a handful of roasted beans.

Read more »

Festival of the Ages in Kyoto by François

François from Journal d’un François au Japon discusses the Jidai Matsuri 「時代祭」 (or Festival of the Ages), a traditional Japanese festival held on October 22 annually in Kyoto and known as one of the three greatest festivals in Kyoto alongside Gion Matsuri and Aoi Matsuri. The first Festival of Ages took place in 1895 to celebrate the 1100th birthday of the founding of Kyoto.

Read more »

Dreaming of Spring: Children’s Day and Koinobori by Kristi

Kristi from A Modern Girl / モダンガール muses about Children’s Day in Japan, a Japanese national holiday which takes place annually on May 5, the fifth day of the fifth month, and is part of the Golden Week. It is a day set aside to respect children’s personalities and to celebrate their happiness. The most famous symbol of this event is the koinobori, a carp-shaped wind sock.

Read more »

Flashback: World Cup 2002 by Tokyo Bounce

Andrea from Tokyo Bounce reflects upon the first World Cup ever to be held in Asia. The 17th staging of the FIFA World Cup was co-hosted by the Republic of Korea and Japan from 31 May to 30 June in 2002. Brazil won the tournament for a record fifth time, beating Germany 2–0 in the final. Turkey beat Korea Republic 3–2 in the third place match.

Read more »

The Summer Music Festival in Japan by Osaka Pop

Fayj from Osaka Pop reveals summer music festivals in Japan and how Japanese music fans are blessed with numerous open air festivals spread over numerous days at their disposal each summer. Namely the 4 annual festivals that draw the largest crowds and biggest names – Fuji Rock, Summer Sonic, Loud Park, and Rock in Japan.

Read more »

Finding Chinese New Year traces in Setsubun by Qiquan

Qiquan from QQ’s Adventure In Japan explores the similarities of setsubun and Chinese New Year. A Chinese belief is that the exploding noise of the firecrackers will scare away all evil spirits and misfortunes preventing them from coming into the New Year. This is similar to mamemaki, the Japanese custom of scattering soybeans in order to drive out any demons and to bring good fortune.

Read more »

Sapporo Snow Festival: Snowfes62 by Tony

Tony from The Soul of Japan recounts his experience at the Sapporo Snow Festival, one of Japan’s largest winter events. Every winter, about two million people come to Sapporo to see the hundreds of beautiful snow statues and ice sculptures. For seven days in February, these statues and sculptures turn Sapporo into a winter dreamland of crystal-like ice and white snow.

Read more »

Odori Time by Blue Shoe

Blue Shoe from Just Another Day In Japan reports on Miyako Odori (Dance of the Capital), a dance that is performed by the maiko and geiko of Gion Kobu. The first performance in 1872 was promoted as part of the Exhibition for the Promotion of Domestic Industry, as a measure to promote prosperity in Kyoto after the city’s decline as a result of the capital having been moved to Tokyo in 1869.

Read more »

FLF: Winter Festivals in Northern Japan by Paura

A top list of winter festivals in northern Japan from Paura of Shinpai Deshou:

• Kamakura Snow Festival
• The Namahage Festival
• Kandekko-Age of Nakazato

Read more »

The Great Hanshin Earthquake of 1995 by Philip Seyfi

Philip Seyfi from NihongoUp reports on the Kobe earthquake, also known as the Great Hanshin earthquake, an earthquake that occurred on Tuesday, January 17, 1995, at 05:46 JST measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale that rocked the Hyogo Prefecture region in Japan killing approximately 6,433 people and causing damage equivalent to 2.5% of Japan’s GDP at the time.

Read more »

Samurai Photowalk by Jonathan

Jonathan from LifeYou.tv writes about the Odawara Hojo Godai Matsuri, a festival held every year as a reminder of the Hojo Clan’s prosperity during the 16th century. The Hojo Clan governed the Kanto region from the castle town of Odawara for over 100 years. The festival allows the citizens of Odawara to relive their city’s great past through an impressive historical warriors procession.

Read more »

Japan 2011 Asian Cup Champions by Jamaipanese

Japan won the 2011 Asian Cup with an extra-time 1-0 win over Australia at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar. The Blue Samurai notched up an unprecedented fourth title thanks to a 109th minute Tadanari Lee volley, giving manager Alberto Zaccheroni his first piece of silverware in less than six months in the job. Jamaipanese reports.

Read more »

Daicon by The Envoy

DaiCon Malaysia 2009 was held at Multimedia University (MMU), Cyberjaya from 11-12 July 2009. It is an expo that was created for the sole purpose of showcasing the latest and most innovative in the world of modern Japanese visual culture, from audio to video, print as well as interactive media. The Envoy from Through Eyes From Afar reported live.

Read more »

Mozu Hachiman Futon Daiko Festival by Darren

Darren from Where Is Darren Now? reports on the Mozu Hachiman Futon Daiko festival. Futon Daiko (or Mattress Drum) is an ornate portable shrine in which the spirit of a Shinto shrine deity is believed to ride. The Mozu Hachimangu Shrine is particularly renowned for its Tsukimi (“moon-viewing”) Festival, which consists of the Futon Daiko, as it coincides with the harvest moon.

Read more »

That wraps up this month’s Japan Blog Matsuri. A big thank you to everyone who participated. Stay tuned for the next edition hosted over at Haikugirl’s Japan.

LLP.

Related posts:

1. Top 10 Japanese Penis Festival Souvenirs
2. The Purple Sumo of Naeba
3. Unforgiving Fuji
4. Top 15 Japanese Beer Girls
5. Tsukimi Burger

UPDATE: This edition of the Japan Blog Matsuri has now been published. All of the fantastic submissions can be viewed on the Famous Japanese Events post.

Welcome to the theme announcement for the February 2011 edition of the Japan Blog Matsuri, where I am privileged to be the host once again. The last time I had this honour was for the January 2010 Famous Japanese People theme.

This edition of the Japan Blog Matsuri marks it’s fourth anniversary after it was founded in February 2007 by Ken Y-N of WhatJapanThinks.com. The theme of the inaugural Matsuri was “festivals”.

The Japan Blog Matsuri is a blog carnival where everyone is invited to participate! It is a monthly round-up of articles motivated by the announcement of a Japan-related theme with the intention of creating a list of inspiring articles and images about Japan based on that theme.

Before we get into the specifics of this month’s Matsuri, a special thanks to Blue Shoe over at Just Another Day In Japan for hosting the previous Japan Blog Matsuri on Japan Firsts.

Theme

“Famous Japanese Events”

In this edition of the Matsuri tell us about a famous Japanese event, or more simplistically, a current or historical “notable occurrence related to Japan”. The possibilities are endless. It could be a current event, a recreational event, an historical event, a religious event, a sporting event, a cultural event, an entertainment event, a political event, a social event. The list could go on. The event does not necessarily have to occur in Japan but it must be related to Japan.

Rules and Guidelines

Aside from contributing within the context of the theme, there are only three very simple rules to follow:

• Submissions should be made in accordance with the Japan Blog Matsuri Rules and Guidelines.
• The submitted article must contain at least one picture related to the famous Japanese event.
• The submitted article should contain a link back to this page.

How to Submit

Following are the two ways to submit an article:

• Leave a comment on this post with a link to the article being submitted.
• Submit the article using the Blog Carnival Widget.

Deadline

The deadline for submissions to this Matsuri is midnight Tuesday 22^nd Thursday 24^th February 2010 (Tokyo time).

Gambatte!

LLP.

Related posts:

1. Tsukimi Burger
2. Weird Japanese Pepsi Flavours
3. Hamburger Lucky Pierrot
4. 10 Weird Japanese Foods
5. Japanese Barf Bins

My memories of this winter wonderland are not as fond but instead a traumatic recollection reminiscent of a virgin skier, deflowered and defiled on the slopes of northern Honshu. The story of the Purple Sumo of Naeba.

We arrived in Yuzawa after a 200 km road trip from Tokyo. First stop was a ski hire shop to stock up on all the necessary gear that a skier needs. This was my first time skiing, so I had no idea what to expect. Things were going well and with the help of the friendly staff we had our feet measured, ski boots fitted, bindings adjusted and promptly accessorised with poles, gloves and skis. All that was left was to be fitted with ski suits.

My ski buddies measured up well and the choices available to them appeared to be abundant. For me, I wasn’t so lucky. The staff trawled through the racks of ski apparel in search of large size ski wear, they come up bare. Heads bowed, the rental staff humbly apologised that they had failed in their mission and politely advised that they were unable to accommodate.

Dejected I thanked the staff for their efforts and solemnly made my way back to the car pondering how I would entertain myself on the snowfields without snow gear. My cohorts were disappointed that they would not be able to see me depucelated on the ski fields and deprived of my skiing virginity. Just as we were about to drive off, when all was thought to be lost, a sales guy came running out of the store desperately yelling for me to return.

“Chotto matte kudasai, wait, come back!”. He ushered me back into the store explaining that there was one last option.

“We have a ski suit stored in our stockroom that we have reserved for visiting sumo wrestlers who come here to ski.” he said with a wry smile on his face.

My luck had turned, I momentarily thought, as I was presented with a big lump of purple material. I tried on the sumo-sized snow suit to see if it fitted. You literally could have fitted three of me into the one suit.

“I’ll take it!” I said hesitantly but excited that my ski adventure was now back on.

All geared up we headed for the nearby Naeba Ski Resort, a glitzy ski resort perched on Mount Takenoko amidst the forested Mikuni mountain ranges. The Naeba Ski Resort also boasts being home to the Fuji Rock Festival, the largest outdoor music event in Japan. As we arrived at the resort, the blanket of white snow that adorned the mountains in the backdrop persuaded us to suit up and hit the ski field right away.

On the slopes, any first-time skiers feelings of trepidation or hesitation were quickly obfuscated by the attention I received the moment that I donned the big, purple sumo ski suit. My ultra-poor skiing style was overshadowed by my abnormal ski attire. People were smirking and sniggering, pointing and staring. A small crowd started to gather around me as if they were waiting for me to start a show. Little kids would ski past me and yell “Hey, look, there’s Barney the Dinosaur”.

Aside from being an object of humiliating ridicule, I really enjoyed my first time skiing in the picturesque surroundings of the Naeba Ski Resort. Although, I have never skied since.

This article is a submission for the Japan Blog Matsuri hosted by Blue Shoe over at Just Another Day In Japan with the theme “Japan Firsts”.

LLP.

Related posts:

1. The Pedo Sumo
2. Unforgiving Fuji
3. Hello Titty Kitty
4. Weird Japanese Pepsi Flavours
5. Tōkyō Disney Resort

This article is a submission for the Japan Blog Matsuri hosted by Surviving in Japan with the theme “Fall is the season for eating (食欲の秋)”.

LLP.

Related posts:

1. Tsukimi
2. Hamburger Lucky Pierrot
3. 10 Weird Japanese Foods
4. Japanese Barf Bins
5. Weird Japanese Pepsi Flavours

In the spirit of the Hot Fun In the Summertime! Japan Blog Matsuri hosted by our main man Locohama following is a top 15 collection of bikini-clad Beer Campaign Girl’s from various breweries over the years. Kanpai!

1. Minami Otomo 「大友みなみ」

Minami Otomo is the 2004 Sapporo Beer Campaign Girl. You can see my reflection just under the beer.

2. Haruka Igawa 「井川遥」

Haruka Igawa is the 2000 Asahi Super Dry Beer Campaign Girl.

3. Ryoko Yonekura 「米倉亮子」

Ryoko Yonekura is the 1996 Kirin Beer Campaign Girl.

4. Kanako Kuroha 「黒羽加夏奈子」

Kanako Kuroha is the 2000 Suntory Magnum Dry Campaign Girl.

5. Misaki Ito 「伊東美咲」

Misaki Ito is the 1999 Asahi Beer Image Girl. In the video below Misaki Ito is caught reading her lines from the back of the prop that she is holding.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoI2D4FBPc0

6. Akiko Kotani 「小谷亜希子」

Akiko Kotani is the 2000 Suntory Malt’s Beer Campaign Girl.

7. Yuko Mano 「眞野裕子」

Yuko Mano is the 2000 Sapporo Beer Campaign Girl.

8. Eri Murakami 「村上恵梨」

Eri Murakami is the 2003 Sapporo Beer Campaign Girl.

9. Mayuko Saito 「斉藤繭子」

Mayuko Saito is the 1999 Suntory Malt’s Campaign Girl.

10. Saori Degawa 「出川沙織」

Saori Degawa is the 2001 Asahi Beer Image Girl.

11. Miho Nishimura 「西村美保」

Miho Nishimura is the 2002 Kirin Beer Campaign Girl.

12. Takako Misaki 「岬たか子」

Takako Misaki is the 2001 Kirin Beer Campaign Girl.

13. Mie Nanamori 「七森美江」

Mie Nanamori is the 1997 Suntory Malt’s Beer Campaign Girl.

14. Shiho Harada 「原田梓帆」

Shiho Harada is the 2000 Kirin Beer Campaign Girl.

15. Arine Yano 「矢野アリーネ」

Arine Yano is the 2002 Asahi Super Dry Beer Image Girl.

The last video here is a Japanese television show that rates the best Japanese beers. Each beer that is reviewed is taste-tested by a girl in a bikini. I guess that the bikini symbolises stature in the beer connoisseur world.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjTqgVCgKiI

LLP.

Related posts:

1. Asahi Brewery Osaka
2. Beer Museum Yebisu
3. Kirin Brewery Yokohama
4. Shūkan Asahi and the Mankini
5. Zero Life – Depression In A Can

Yoshitoshi's The Ghost of Okiku at the Dish Mansion

As the tale goes, Okiku was a beautiful servant maid who worked for the samurai Tessan Aoyama. Aoyama attempted to seduce Okiku making amorous advances, which she rejected. In anger, he hid a precious ceramic plate that belonged to a treasured collection of ten heirloom plates. He then ordered Okiku to fetch the plates and count them in front of him. She counted only nine plates. Aoyama blamed the loss of the plate on Okiku however, as a concession, he offered to overlook the small matter of the missing heirloom if she relented and became his mistress. Okiku again refused and so an enraged Aoyama killed her, disposing her body down a well.

The vengeful spirit of the hapless Okiku tormented and tortured her murderer as a ghost from the afterlife. Each night she was heard from the depths of the well obsessively counting from one to nine, after which she gave a heartrending wail. Desperately trying to find the missing tenth plate she would begin counting again.

As well as being famous Japanese folklore, the story of Okiku is also a popular subject for ukiyoue artists. Probably her most famous depiction is her appearance as one of the New Forms of Thirty-Six Ghosts by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (print above). She was also included by Katsushika Hokusai (check out The Dream of the Fisherman’s Wife) as one of the ‘kaidan’ entitled ‘Sarayashiki’ in his One Hundred Tales (Hyaku Monogatari) series (print below).

Image source: Wikipedia

Hokusai's Sarayashiki

The story also forms the basis for a number of books and movies. Most notably the story is also the inspiration for the 1998 Japanese horror mystery film, Ring (リング Ringu) adapted from the novel of the same name.

Fast fact: In 1795, old wells in Japan suffered from an infestation of a type of worm that became known as the “Okiku bug” (Okiku mushi). This worm, covered with thin threads making it look as though it had been bound, was widely believed to be a reincarnation of Okiku.

LLP.

Related posts:

1. Hachikō
2. Unforgiving Fuji
3. Hamburger Lucky Pierrot
4. The Dream of the Fisherman’s Wife
5. The Pink Power Ranger

Shirako is the male genitalia of fish, a sack that contains its seminal fluid. A popular dish at most izakaya (Japanese pubs) and sushi bars. A few years back I had my own encounter with fish ejaculate that didn’t end too well.

2. Inago no Tsukudani 「いなごの佃煮」 (Grasshoppers)

“Inago no Tsukudani” is a traditional Japanese insect cuisine popular in the inland rural communities of Yamagata, Nagano and Gunma prefectures.

“Inago” is Japanese for “grasshopper” and when you stew your mouth-watering locust with “tsukudani”, a sweetened soy sauce simmered with mirin, you get the delectable bug banquet – “Inago no Tsukudani”.

3. Basashi 「馬刺し」(Raw Horse Meat)

Due to its deep pink color raw horse meat is called “sakura” or “sakuraniku”. “Sakura” means cherry blossom, “niku” means meat. However, when your equine is ponied up raw in thin sashimi slices it is called “basashi”. The prefectures of Kumamoto, Nagano and Ōita are famous for basashi, and it is common in the Tohoku region as well. Nice with some ranch dressing.

Straight from the horses mouth, there is also a dessert made from horse meat called basashi ice cream. Check out weird Japanese ice cream flavours for more of the craziness.

4. Nattō 「納豆」(Fermented Soybeans)

Nattō is a powerful smelling, strong flavoured, sticky web of fermented soybeans typically served with a Japanese breakfast.

5. Fugu 「河豚」(Poisonous Fish)

Fugu is the Japanese word for pufferfish and is a delicacy in Japan. It is highly dangerous because the skin and organs are poisonous. Read more about fugu here.

Or maybe try some deliciously deadly poisonous “Fugu no ransou” (Puffer Fish Roe) that apparently, if cooked correctly, has all of the deadly poison removed.

6. Hachinoko 「蜂の子」(Bee Larvae)

When your local pub runs out of beer nuts and you need a hit of protein there is nothing like some crunchy, maggotty bee larvae to do the job.

Apparently one of the late Emperor Hirohito’s favorite foods was fried wasps with boiled rice seasoned with sugar and soy sauce.

7. Zazamushi 「ざざ虫」(Aquatic Insects)

Another widely available product in Japan, both canned and in restaurants, is zazamushi, the name for aquatic insects inhabiting gravel beds in rivers. Zazamushi is not a single variety of insect, but is a catch-all name applied to the larvae of insects that live at the bottom of rivers. The name “zazamushi” means insects (mushi) that live in a place where the river makes the sound “zaazaa” as it flows.

8. Kujira & Iruca 「くじら & いるか」(Whales & Dolphins)

Scientific evidence collected by Japan’s Whale Research Program can be consumed throughout Japan, even as a Whale Burger. The image below shows some whale sashimi.

Even the cute “iruca” (dolphin) ends up on the shelves.

9. Shiokara 「塩辛」(Fermented Seafood)

Shiokara is Japanese fermented seafoods with a fishy and salty taste.

10. Shirouo no Odorigui 「シロウオの踊り食い」(Dancing Icefish)

Shirouo are very small transparent fish that are eaten alive. They dance in your mouth whilst being eaten (“odorigui”).

If you enjoyed this article then don’t forget to check out the cool Japanese foods series. The first installment brings to you 10 tasty morsels of Japanese culinary goodness such as yakitori, sukiyaki, ramen, yakiniku, kushikatsu and more. The second installment of the cool Japanese foods series brings to you another 10 awesome Japanese foods such as edamame, shabu-shabu, soba, tonkatsu, karaage and more.

This article is a submission for the Japan Blog Matsuri hosted by Muza-chan’s Gate to Japan with the theme “Japan Top Lists”.

LLP.

Related posts:

1. Weird Japanese Ice Cream Flavours
2. Fugu
3. 10 Cool Japanese Foods
4. Shirako Shock-u
5. Another 10 Cool Japanese Foods

The January 2010 edition of the Japan Blog Matsuri was recently published. The theme was Famous Japanese People and contributors were asked to tell us about their favourite Japanese celebrity, public figure or historical figure.

This edition introduced a special twist, a matsuri cash giveaway where I offered the submitters of the two best articles to this matsuri some cold hard cash – ¥5,000 each (roughly US$50) paid via PayPal. The winners were to be determined by having the most number of socs (votes) on JapanSoc.com for their article.

It is time to announce the winners!

With the help of Nick Ramsay from JapanSoc.com the votes were counted as at midnight Sunday 31st January 2010 (Tokyo time). It was a neck-and-neck race where out of the 18 fantastic articles submitted to the January 2010 Japan Blog Matsuri 3 submissions surpassed 20 votes on JapanSoc.com.

Unfortunately there can only be two winners and it is with pleasure that I announce them here.

• Gakuranman’s “The Red Demon Samurai – Ii Naomasa” (28 votes)
• Mazikeen’s “Kōbō Daishi” (25 votes)

Don’t forget to check out all of the submissions to the January 2010 Japan Blog Matsuri and stay tuned for a bumper February edition over at Muza-chan’s Gate to Japan.

Thanks again to everyone who participated and to Nick Ramsay for making the Matsuri Cash Giveaway logistically possible.

LLP.

Related posts:

1. 10 Weird Japanese Foods
2. Tsukimi Burger
3. Hamburger Lucky Pierrot
4. Japanese Barf Bins
5. Top 5 Japanese Gadgets from Thanko

Welcome to the January 2010 edition of the Japan Blog Matsuri. The theme for this issue is “Famous Japanese People” and willing contributors were asked to tell us about their favourite Japanese celebrity, public figure or historical figure. The theme was extended to include 2D Japanese anime, manga and game characters.

This month’s edition also introduced a special twist, a matsuri cash giveaway where the submitters of the two best articles to this matsuri, as deemed by the readers, will be awarded a donation of ¥5,000 each (roughly US$50) paid via PayPal.

For now, sit back and relax as I present to you seventeen fantastic submissions to this month’s Japan Blog Matsuri. Don’t forget to soc (vote) for your favourite submissions.

Shoichi Yokoi by Muza-chan

‘It is with much embarrassment that I have returned alive’ are the words of Shoichi Yokoi, a Japanese imperial army straggler who lived in the jungles of Guam for 28 years after World War II ended. Muza-chan from Muza-chan’s Gate to Japan reports. Read more.

To vote for Muza-chan’s ‘Shoichi Yokoi’ soc it up here.

Tomoe Gozen by Philip Seyfi

Philip Seyfi from NihongoUp tells the inspiring story of Tomoe Gozen, a famous Japanese female warrior of the female samurai (onna bugeisha) class. She was a samurai during the time of the Genpei War (1180–1185). Read more.

To vote for Philip Seyfi’s ‘Tomoe Gozen’ soc it up here.

Misako Aoki by Harvey

To increase international understanding of Japan and its people the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has appointed three ‘Cute Ambassadors’. Harvey from JapanNewbie chooses his favourite ‘Cute Ambassador’, the gothic lolita Misako Aoki (青木美沙子). Read more.

To vote for Harvey’s ‘Misako Aoki’ soc it up here.

Mas Oyama by Brett

Mas Oyama, karate master and founder of Kyokushin kaikan, played a leading role in influencing Brett from Rainbowhill‘s love affair with Japan. Brett recounts how a childhood gift, Mas Oyama’s book “Boy’s Karate”, has been a continued source of inspiration. Read more.

To vote for Brett’s ‘Mas Oyama’ soc it up here.

Momotarō by Jamaipanese

Peach Boy Momotarō, the popular Japanese hero, is a boy mysteriously born from a giant peach according to famous Japanese folklore that dates back to the Edo Period. Jamaipanese puts his own humorous spin on his interpretations of the legendary folktale. Read more.

To vote for Jamaipanese’s ‘Momotarō’ soc it up here.

Seiji “Guitar Wolf” by supreme nothing

supreme nothing salutes Seiji “Guitar Wolf”, lead singer and guitarist for the Japanese garage punk power trio “Guitar Wolf” – The World’s Greatest Jet Rock ‘n’ Roll Band – founded in Nagasaki in 1987 and still going strong today. Read more.

To vote for supreme nothing’s ‘Guitar Wolf’ soc it up here.

Yukio Mishima by The Envoy

The Envoy from Through Eyes From Afar gives an account on the life and death of Japanese author, poet and playwright Yukio Mishima, the pen name of Kimitake Hiraoka, remembered for his ritual suicide by seppuku. Read more.

To vote for The Envoy’s ‘Yukio Mishima’ soc it up here.

Akira Sasaki by Billy

Billy from tune-in-tokyo rates Japanese alpine skier Akira Sasaki. When Akira’s not competing with the Japanese Olympic team he’s extreme skiing – carving up the powder on extremely long, steep slopes and dangerous terrain. Read more.

To vote for Billy’s ‘Akira Sasaki’ soc it up here.

Auron by Sanjo-chan

Sanjo-chan from CEN.TAKU.ME discusses how Auron, one of the main playable characters in Final Fantasy X, had a profound affect on her life and how he contributed to her otaku-ism. Sanjo-chan is a self-confessed Auron fangirl. Read more.

To vote for Sanjo-chan’s ‘Auron’ soc it up here.

Ii Naomasa by Mike

Mike the gakuranman tenders the enthralling story of Ii Naomasa, one of the Four Guardians of the Tokugawa. He was fondly known as ‘The Killing Machine’ and affectionately known as ‘The Red Demon Samurai’. Read more.

To vote for Mike’s ‘Ii Naomasa’ soc it up here.

Koichi Domoto by Kristy

Koichi Domoto (nicknamed ‘Kochan’) is a member of KinKi Kids, the duo under the management of Johnny & Associates. His famous quote “Show Must Go On” is a source of inspiration and motivation for Kristy who applies this mantra to her own life. Read more.

To vote for Kristy’s ‘Koichi Domoto’ soc it up here.

Tsuyoshi Domoto by Rene

The Rene Report enshrines Japanese idol, singer–songwriter, television personality and actor Tsuyoshi Domoto in her post creatively entitled ’244′ (‘tsu’, ‘yo’, ‘shi’). He is the other half of KinKi Kids, the duo under the management of Johnny & Associates. Read more.

To vote for Rene’s ‘Tsuyoshi Domoto’ soc it up here.

Ai Takahashi by yonasu

yonasu presents the geeky side of Japanese pop singer Ai Takahashi whom he says ‘is most likely the cutest and sexiest celebrity geek out there’. Hello! Project’s Ai-chan, the current leader of Morning Musume, has a weak spot for anime and games. Read more.

To vote for yonasu’s ‘Ai Takahashi’ soc it up here.

Leonard Tsuguharu Foujita by Tony Alexander

Tony Alexander from The Soul of Japan tells the intriguing story of the amazing artist Leonard Foujita, a Japanese expat in Paris who revolutionised the art world with his famous ‘white skin’ portrayals. He was born Japanese, died French but later resurrected Japanese! Read more.

To vote for Tony’s ‘Leonard Foujita’ soc it up here.

Kōbō Daishi by Maz

Be taken on an expedition of the 88 temple pilgrimage of Shikoku by Maz from Mazikeen as she introduces you to the spirit of the Japanese monk – Kōbō Daishi – founder of the Shingon school of Buddhism and also said to have invented kana, the Japanese syllabic script. Read more.

To vote for Maz’s ‘Kōbō Daishi’ soc it up here.

Fukuzawa Yukichi by Ryan

Ryan from Caught*Red-handed takes you on a journey back to the Meiji Era where he covers the life and times of Japanese author, writer, teacher, translator, entrepreneur and political theorist, Fukuzawa Yukichi, the Father of Modern Japan. Read more.

To vote for Ryan’s ‘Fukuzawa Yukichi’ soc it up here.

Pat Suzuki by locohama

A touch of nostalgia from locohama of Loco In Yokohama as he recollects the beautiful singing voice of Pat Suzuki, the female jazz singer. Loco reminisces her incredible rendition of How High The Moon and the hoops he had to jump through just to get a recording of it. Read more.

To vote for locohama’s ‘Pat Suzuki’ soc it up here.

The winners of the ‘matsuri cash giveaway’ have been announced.

That just about wraps up this month’s Japan Blog Matsuri. A big thank you to everyone who participated. Stay tuned for the next edition hosted over at Muza-chan’s Gate to Japan.

LLP.

Related posts:

1. 10 Weird Japanese Foods
2. 10 Common Misconceptions About Japanese People
3. Japanese Barf Bins
4. Top 5 Japanese Gadgets from Thanko
5. Weird Japanese Pepsi Flavours