Kanazawa Castle
Ishikawa Prefecture

From 1583 to the end of the Edo Period, Kanazawa Castle (金沢城, Kanazawajō) was the seat of the powerful Maeda Clan, lords of Kaga, a feudal domain ranking second only to the Tokugawa possessions in terms of size and wealth.

The castle burnt down several times over the centuries, and the most recent fires of 1881 were survived only by two storehouses and the Ishikawa-mon Gate. The gate dates from 1788 and faces Kenrokuen. For several decades, Kanazawa University occupied the former castle grounds until the campus was moved to the city’s outskirts in the early 1990s. Since then, a project is underway to rebuild the castle’s former buildings. In the meantime, most central structures are standing again and make a visit more interesting.

The first buildings to be reconstructed were the two turrets (Hishi and Tsuzuki Yagura) and a long storehouse (Gojukken Nagaya) that connects the two turrets. The buildings were rebuilt to their original 1850s appearance using traditional techniques and materials. They were opened to the public in 2001 and contain excellent displays on traditional carpentry. It is the only part of the castle where an admission fee is charged.

Reconstruction of the castle’s former main entrance gate, the Kahoku-mon Gate, was completed in spring 2010. Its upper floor can be entered free of charge and contains some displays about the gate’s history and construction. In 2015, the Hashizume-mon Gate and the Gyokuseninmaru Garden were added. The pretty garden features a central pond and circular walking path.

Kanazawa Castle’s main keep was lost in a fire in 1602 and has never been rebuilt ever since.

The castle grounds is open to the public on 7:00 to 18:00 (March 1 to October 15) and 8:00 to 17:00 (October through February) where admission is free. However, the Gojukken Nagaya Storehouse and Turrets are 9:00 to 16:30 (entry until 16:00) where admission is 310 yen.

Karate
Prefecture: Whole of Japan

Karate, the Japanese word for “empty hands,” was born in the Okinawan Islands as a form of self-defense, at a time when weapons were banned by invading Japanese forces. It began as te (hand), a fighting style used by the natives of the Ryukyu Islands, and was later influenced by Chinese kenpō, introduced through the Chinese families that settled on Okinawa after trade relationships between China and the islands were established.

Karate Stances

Karate can be practiced as an art (budō), self defense or as a combat sport. Traditional karate places emphasis on self-development (budō). Modern Japanese style training emphasizes the psychological elements incorporated into a proper kokoro (attitude) such as perseverance, fearlessness, virtue, and leadership skills. Sport karate places emphasis on exercise and competition. Weapons are an important training activity in some styles of karate.

Style

Today, karate-do is taught all around the world, and though it is often modified and always changing, four distinctive Japanese styles have emerged:

1. Gōju-ryū
Goju-ryu is a traditional Okinawan style of karate with an extensive history. The term Goju-ryu actually means “hard-soft style,” which refers to the closed hand techniques (hard) and open hand techniques and circular movements (soft) that comprise this martial art.

2. Shitō-ryū

Shitō-ryū is extremely fast, but still can be artistic and powerful. Modern Shitō-ryū styles also place a strong emphasis on sparring. Shitō-ryū stresses speed, and fighting is generally initiated from a higher, more upright stance.

3. Shotokan

Shotokan is regarded as a dynamic martial art as it develops anaerobic, powerful techniques as well as developing speed. Initially strength and power are demonstrated instead of slower, more flowing motions.

4. Wadō-ryū

A key principle in Wadō-ryū is that of tai sabaki (often incorrectly referred to as ‘evasion’). The Japanese term can be translated as “body-management,” and refers to body manipulation to move the defender as well as the attacker out of harm’s way. The way to achieve this is to ‘move along’ rather than to ‘move against’—or harmony rather than physical strength.

Let’s end this post with a quote:

“Karate aims to build character, improve human behavior, and cultivate modesty; it does not, however, guarantee it.” – Yasuhiro Konishi (founder of Shindo Jinen-ryu Karate

Source:

• http://www.karatebyjesse.com/karate-quotes/
• http://www.athleticscholarships.net/history-of-karate.htm
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karate

Hello everybody! Before I start, to Muslim members Selamat Hari Raya!
I hoped you guys enjoyed your 2 weeks of holidays and completed your holiday assignments. But life goes on so back to reality on Tuesday. For this week’s, FTW it will be abit different from the usual FTW. I’m going to share about the 9 weird but wonderful facts about Japan.

1. Inemuri
   In some countries, sleeping in the office or at work can get you in trouble from your superior or even worse, your boss. But here in Japan, businesses there recognise the employee who works so hard they are being forced to engage in Inemuri or napping on their job. Some people even fake Inemuri to trick their bosses in to believing that they worked so hard.

   
   

2. Maid cafes
   Maid cafes are a trend in Tokyo now. But if you have a fetish/ want to be brought smiley face cupcakes and teddy shaped ice cream sundae by girls in maid outfit. This is the place to go.

   

3. Noodle slurping
   Japan is renowned for its extremely polite manners. However, one custom challenges the world understanding. Each mouthful should be both broth and noodles enhancing gastronomic experience. Slurping of the noodles means that the noodles/ramen is delicious.

   
   

4. Cuddle cafes
   Yup, you read it right. The first Sonie-ya(“sleep together shop”)  opened 3 years ago in Tokyo, allowing  male customers to sleep next to a girl for a fee. Having *AHEM* is totally prohibited  or not allowed at all. Instead customers can purchase extra services such as staring at each other for 1 minute for 1,000yen or getting to stroke the girls hair for 3minutes.

   

5. Naked festivals
   Always wondered why men are naked during some festivals, find out by reading somemore.
   Hadaka Matsuri is a bizarre festival involving thousands of Japanese men removing their clothes in public. Due to ancient belief that a man’s naked body has a greater ability to absorb evil spirits. Of course the most intimate parts of the body are being covered using a ‘fundoshi’.

   

6. The capsule hotel
   It originated in Osaka Japan. It features a set of extremely small capsules design for basic overnight accommodation who are on a tight budget. You don’t have to be on a tight budget to try this types of hotel, maybe you could try it for some experience. Capsules are stacked side by side with one unit on top of the other to maximize space.

   

7. Kancho
   Kancho is a common prank often carried out in Japan.it is performed by the individual clasping their hands together into the shape of a gun. It is then customary to attempt to jab the index fingers harshly at the butt of the unsuspecting victim while shouting “KANCHO”!
   But please do not try it in TP.

   

8. Toilet slippers
   To minimise contact between the unclean toilet floor and clean floor associated with the rest of the house, Japanese families wear plastic toilet slippers.These pairs will be located at the toilet door and must be removed before exiting the area.
   
9. Shortest escalator
   The world’s shortest escalator might be this one in the basement of More’s Department store in Kawasaki,Japan. It only has 5 steps and it is only 83.3cm.

All pictures belong to their respective owners.
References: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/asia/japan/galleries/weird-and-wonderful-things-about-japan/japan7/