Japan culture center - Tsukimi is enjoying the beautiful full moon party in the summer around mid-August. In the window which saw the full moon, placed special offerings. It is actually a form of nature worship by the people who farm to obtain abundant harvest.

Japan culture center - O-Bon Is a Buddhist religious event where every family in Japan preparing everything to welcome the spirits of ancestors who lived for several days at their home. A number of lighting a fire that is placed around the home is welcome. During the O-bon, the family put fruit etc, on the table. In some areas do bulk O-bon dance to the accompaniment of a number of traditional musical instruments like taiko drums, flutes, etc. with a dynamic rhythm. In closing celebrations, carried out in the waste in the river, small lanterns, colorful nearest river in a gang.

Japan culture center - The origins of this festival originated in China and were introduced to Japanese society at the time of Nara. The story begins in the love story of two men named Altair (Hikoboshi) and Vega (Orihime). Hikoboshi was a cow herder, while Orihime is a princess who has the skill to weave. They abandoned their jobs because of that love, and this makes the king angry heavens so that they both use the river separating Amanogawa. 

Orihime and Hikoboshi can only be met on the night of the seventh month of the seventh every year, through a magical bridge. If on the night of rain, rivers will overflow their disjunctive and they have to wait until next year to re-meet.

Japan culture center - Japanese culture was also famous in America. At this year's event has been held U.S. Sumo Championships. Here are some photos from the event.

US National Sumo Championships in Las Vegas, Nevada. AFP photo

Name: Jinmaku Kokonoe Date of Birth: June 1st, 1955 Place of Birth: Hokkaido Height: 183 cm Weight:127 kg Retired: May, 1991

 Name:Ryuji Hiroshima Date of Birth:April 29, 1976 Place of Birth:Oita Oita Height: 181 cm Weight:158 kg Retired: January, 2010

 Name: Yoshifumi Fukuzono Date of Birth: February 2nd, 1963 Place of Birth: Kajiki Aira Kagoshima Height:186 cm Weight:113 kg Retired: September, 2002

Japan culture center - Sumo tradition has been around since the 1500's in the days of imperial Japan. It is a symbol of heroism and religious also requires the fighters perform a special ritual dohyo-envy at Shinto shrines before competing in Niigata.

Sumo is also known as kokugi which means "national sport" of Japan. Techniques and locking down the opponent is most powerful weapon which must be done every wrestlers.

The History of Sumo

Japan culture center - Sumo is a sport of the Japanese which have existed for centuries years ago. According to the Nihon Shoki, the oldest history book in Japan, in the year 642 an aristocrat named Hakusai set sumo festival to celebrate the opening of the new temple he had built. Sumo is also used as military training techniques of warfare in the Kamakura period.

Japan culture center - Traditional Japanese wedding was held at the Temple with Buddhist System or better known as Shinto wedding. In this custom, the wedding couple dressed in traditional Kimono. The bride wearing a traditional wedding kimono, shiromuku (white kimono), while the groom wore montsuki haori hakama. Pastor headed Shinto style wedding with only family members and relatives followed closely.

Japanese Wedding Souvenirs

Japan culture center - Japanese wedding souvenir called "Hikidemono", souvenirs are included in the bag to take guests home. There is a Japanese culture called Sujeo. Sujeo is a set of cutlery in Korean culinary tradition that consists of a spoon and chopsticks. Crafts marriage is seen as the most important tool in life, at once the symbol of a prosperous life.

Hanami (hana wo Miru = flower viewing) or ohanami is a  tradition in Japan. Enjoying the beauty of flowers, particularly cherry blossoms. Blossoming cherry blossom is a symbol of happiness has been the arrival of spring. In addition, it also means hanami picnic by holding mat for a festive meal under the cherry tree. 

the cherry trees

Hanami celebration

the cherry trees -Hanami celebration

Hanami celebration - Japanese Festival

Group by group picnic mats and sit under the cherry trees to have fun together, drink sake, eat Japanese food, and others like a garden party. Everything is fun. There are family groups, there are groups of companies, organizations, schools and others.