History and Culture of Japan
Describes the fascinating history and culture of Japan (Nippon), the "Land of the Rising Sun." Once a major military power in the Pacific, modern Japan is an economic powerhouse.
Castles of Japan
Photo gallery of Japanese Castles from the 14th century onward.
Photo gallery of Japanese Castles from the 14th century onward.
Profile of Japan
A profile of Japan, including information about its history, culture, people, and land.
A profile of Japan, including information about its history, culture, people, and land.
Profile of the Samurai
Describes the history and culture of the samurai, medieval Japan's special warrior class.
Describes the history and culture of the samurai, medieval Japan's special warrior class.
Images of the Samurai, Japan's Warriors
Images of samurai warriors and their armor, as well as some modern-day samurai imitators.
Images of samurai warriors and their armor, as well as some modern-day samurai imitators.
Profile of the Ninja
Spider-like figures in black scuttling over roof-tops in the dark, blades gleaming in their hands... This is the ninja of movies and comic books, but what is the historical reality?
Spider-like figures in black scuttling over roof-tops in the dark, blades gleaming in their hands... This is the ninja of movies and comic books, but what is the historical reality?
The Mongol Invasions of Japan in 1274 and 1281
In 1274, the Mongol emperor of China, Kublai Khan, sent an armada to invade Japan. This invasion was repelled by the samurai, and a typhoon which sank the Mongol ships. The Mongols invaded again in 1281, but a second typhoon (called a kamikaze - "divine wind") once more destroyed their armada after seven weeks of fighting.
In 1274, the Mongol emperor of China, Kublai Khan, sent an armada to invade Japan. This invasion was repelled by the samurai, and a typhoon which sank the Mongol ships. The Mongols invaded again in 1281, but a second typhoon (called a kamikaze - "divine wind") once more destroyed their armada after seven weeks of fighting.
Emperor Akihito: What Does the Japanese Emperor Actually Do?
The Japanese emperor was once considered a god/king, but today he is largely a ceremonial figure. So, what does the current emperor, Akihito, do with his time? Some of his duties and hobbies may surprise you!
The Japanese emperor was once considered a god/king, but today he is largely a ceremonial figure. So, what does the current emperor, Akihito, do with his time? Some of his duties and hobbies may surprise you!
Japanese Hairstyles Throughout the Ages
Pictoral history of the evolution of hairstyles in Japan. Noble women throughout the ages followed many fashions in the court of the Japanese Emperor. See some of the different hairdos here.
Pictoral history of the evolution of hairstyles in Japan. Noble women throughout the ages followed many fashions in the court of the Japanese Emperor. See some of the different hairdos here.