JapanDream: August 2014

Thursday 28 August 2014

#Manga #Japan #History Manga's History and Evolution.

Are you a Manga fan ? How you ever wondered about who created it and when ? And why did it become such an important part of Japan's culture ? I hope that what's written below will at least partly help you understand that.

Manga has a long and complex pre-history in earlier Japanese art. ''Modern'' manga originated between 1945 and 1952 and between 1952 and 1960, while a previously militaristic and nationalistic Japan rebuilds it's political and economic infrastructure. An explosion artistic creativity developed in the post war period. The most famous ones were Osamu Tezuka (Astro Boy) and Machiko Hasegawa (Sazae-San). Astro Boy became and still remains very popular in Japan and the anime adaption of Sazae-San has more views than any other anime on the Japanese Television. Hasegawa's focus on women's experience and daily life was later characterized as Shoujo manga. Between 1950 and 1969, as an increasingly large readership for manga emerged in Japan, two main genders appeared on the market : Shounen manga (mainly aimed at boys) and Shoujo manga (mainly aimed at girls).Since 1950s, Manga became a major part of Japan of Japan's publishing industry : ¥420 billion (5,5 billion) in 2009.The Kanji for Manga 漫画 refers to both comics and animation. ''Manga'' as a term used outside Japan refers specifically to comics originally published in Japan.

Nowadays manga has become extremely popular all around the world, mainly in Europe and in the U.S.

Manga's equivalent exists in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan as Manhua and in South Korea as Manhwa.

Here are some photos of Manga's evolution over the years (year when the volume came out) :

Astro Boy (1951-1968)

Sazae-San (1946-1974)

Lupin The III rd (1967-1969)

Sailor Moon (1991)

Rouroni Kenshin (1994)

Neon Genesis Evangelion (1994)

Inuyasha (1996)

Fullmetal Alchemist (2001)

Maid-Sama (2005)

Shingeki no Kyojin (Attack On Titan) (2009)

Gintama (2011)

One Piece (2014)

Ao Haru Ride (2011)

World Trigger (2014)

Tuesday 26 August 2014

Springtime in Japan : the Sakura Dream blossoms.

In my opinion, spring is the most beautiful season in Japan. Of course every season has it's charms : the autumn and it's fire-like colors, the summer and it's green trees covering everything or the winter and it's calming cold tones. But the spring's atmosphere is dream-like. I think that's one of the things in Japan that haven't changed over the centuries. Sitting under the blooming Sakuras and drinking Sake or Green Tea : from the earliest recordings to the modern day Japan, this activity never changed. It even became more popular : during the Edo jidai (period) of Japan, only high ranking people and eventually poets and artists went to Sakura Sightseeing events. Nowadays everyone can enjoy them at the nearest park or at special sightseeing spots during spring. Here are some beautiful photos of springtime in Japan :

What is your favorite season in Japan and why ? Would you go Sakura sightseeing ?
You can write your opinion in the comments ! Please share or Google+ if you enjoyed this post ! :)
Thank you/ Arigatou gozaimasu
- Aoi ( ^ . ^ ) / ~

Monday 25 August 2014

Kawaii Triend ( > . < )

Have you ever heard of the Kawaii Triend ? It's part of Japan's modern/pop culture and it's very popular among young people. The concept of the Kawaii Triend is being ''cute'' (of course it involves a lot of pink).
This culture goes from nail art to whole districts and shops dedicated to it. Some examples of kawaii brands that you may know are Hello Kitty and Rilakkuma. Harajuku district is most famous for gathering kawaii lovers. I plan on doing a post about Harajuku Fashion soon. Have you ever heard of the singer Kyary Pamyu Pamyu ? She is a Japanese female idol, famous for her eccentric style. She is one of Harajuku's stars. I will post a link with one of her songs below so check it out. Here are some photos of the Kawaii Fashion you may see nowadays in Japan :

Kawaii Nail Art

Hello Kitty Shop

Purikura

Takeshita Doori (street) in Harajuku.

What do you think about Kawaii Fashion ? Would you wear clothes like that ? Express your opinion in the comments.

Here's the link of Kyary Pamyu Pamyu's song - www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzC4hFK5P3g

tell me if you can't open it :)

- Aoi ( ^ . ^ ) /

Japanese Desserts

Do you like Japanese sweets ? Have you ever tried any ? Well you should because they are soooo tasty ! I want to post some photos of the most famous ones so have fun looking at these delicious desserts !

Dango :

Japanese crepe :

Kakigori (Shaved Ice) :

Mochi :

Don't they look yummy ? There are many more Japanese Desserts that I want to share with you so if you are interested please like, comment or message us !