The irezumi Japanese tattoo is different from tattoos made in other parts of the world. It is unique owing to its rich colors, deep symbolism and, above all, the traditional tattooing methods, which have been cultivated for centuries. You will learn about everything from Master OYAKATA in the following article, including the beginnings of the traditional tattoo art and whether this tradition is still being cultivated today.

Japanese gardens are an indispensable part of the culture of the Land of the Rising Sun. The idea behind them is to make them resemble the wild nature as closely as possible. However, it should not be imitated or reduced to background. The garden should be designed according to the principle, which states: “learn from nature, but do not copy it”. Taking care of it requires special intuition, because it must not reveal the human work put into designing the garden, as it is supposed to give the impression of being a genuine part of nature, which has existed for many years.

San, sama, or perhaps senpai? One word is enough for the Japanese to realise their interlocutor’s attitude towards them. Learn the most common suffices which the Japanese use to express their respect for the elderly, recognition for masters and tenderness towards those they love the most.

A gesture is worth a thousand words – well known to the Europeans, the saying perfectly describes the culture and lifestyle of the people from the Country of Cherry Blossoms. Famous for their innate guardedness and self-restraint, the Japanese use hundreds of gestures, the majority highly rooted in the Japanese tradition. The non-verbal communications expressed through those small signs are used primarily to sustain appropriate, harmonious or hierarchic interpersonal relationships. Furthermore, staying in large cities, such as Tokio, we will quickly understand that in such crowded places, characterised by a quick pace of life, gesture is practically indispensable for efficient communications.

What is the key to a long and happy life of Okinawa residents? Does hard work of the Japanese mean work addiction? Learn about ikigai and discover a Japanese recipe for happiness.

Are you looking for a way to make get-togethers more fun? Or maybe you cannot image an evening with friends with no scrabble round? Find out how inhabitants of the Land of the Rising Sun have had fun for generations and get inspired by Japanese ideas of spending time together.

Curses, demons, cursed commercials and conspiracy theories – contemporary Japanese myths will delight any fan of horror-filled stories. Learn about the most popular Japanese urban legends to discover where the gloominess of Japanese horrors come from.

Scandinavian simplicity, hygge-ish cosiness or maybe an atmospheric interior in the shabby-chic style? If you are looking for a compromise between interior trends, look no further: the Japanese wabi-sabi is here. Discover the beauty of nature, imperfection and restraint in interiors inspired by this Japanese philosophy.

Music is one of the areas where you can clearly see the uniqueness of Japanese culture. See – because Japanese music is not only a harmony of sounds but a careful stage performance, where costumes and the theatrical presentation of the artists play a prominent role. Learn the history of Japan’s traditional music and how much of it is left in the works of contemporary Japanese artists.

It brings the body, mind and soul together in harmony. It helps you relax, unwind, and it supports the natural strength of the body. Shiatsu – a Japanese massage technique that represents a path of personal growth for both the patient and the therapist.

For the Japanese, the traditional rice beverage means the same that wine does for French cuisine. Sake can add taste to prepared dishes, emphasise it while eating, balance intensive aromas or purify taste buds before next bite. Escaping the Western classifications, “the Samurai’s beverage” is another proof of the uniqueness of the Japanese culture.

Japanese cinematography, which Westerners may perceive as an unvarying combination of anime and Kurosawa, as a matter of fact, abounds with diversity and undiscovered flavours. The OYAKATA Master has selected 7 classical productions which will help you – albeit to a small extent – discover the richness of Japanese cinema.