The Edo Period, also known as the Tokugawa Period, was considered the last period of history that was considered ‘traditional’ and ‘olden’ Japan.

This era was characterized by strict samurai ruling, rapid economic growth, peace across the prefectures, borders closed, cultural revolutions, and in particular, the major urbanization of Japan.

For example, it was during this period that such forms of entertainment as Kabuki and Haiku became popular. It was also during this time that sushi came into existence!

In fact, there are many interesting cultural and traditional aspects of Japan that emerged during the Edo Period that you probably didn’t know.

Let’s have a look at some of them with these 10 Edo Period Facts!

1. Sushi was the ‘fast-food’ option of the Edo Period

Sushi may seem like a Japanese dish that has been around forever, but it was actually invented by a street vendor as a snack during the Edo Period.

Back then, it was tasty, nutritious and cheap, and thus became a staple for the less affluent people in Tokyo.

Due to the industrialisation efforts of the Shogunate, there were many construction workers who were mostly single men who either did not know how to cook or were too tired after work. Sushi was the easiest option, and fast became one of the most popular options for food.

However, it wasn’t until the early to mid 1900s that its popularity spread around Japan, as this was when technology caught up and made refrigeration and transportation easier.

Read More: 10 Things Not To Do When You Eat Sushi In Japan

2. Women shaved their eyebrows after marriage (amongst other things!)

It’s often the case that beauty is in the eye …continue reading

    

With many beloved animation giant Studio Ghibli’s films being set in Japan, it’s not exactly a surprise that you can run into areas that seem to recreate Ghibli anime magic in real life when you explore the country.

Japanese YouTube channel wan life (Dog’s life) very much shows an area and lifestyle with that Ghibli aesthetic in spades, as it covers the daily relaxing adventures of a woman and her three dogs who live at the foot of Mount Kai-komagatake, which straddles Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture and Ina City, Nagano Prefecture.

The charming “slow life” videos have gained quite a following, with many finding themselves soothed by the “in harmony with nature” aura that each video gives off–which shouldn’t be surprising as the channel’s uploader has been living in the area for 26 years.

There’s some DIY appeal to be seen, as you watch her boil wild vegetables from the forest and make them into salads or deep fry them on skewers, all with the company of her three canine friends who seem more than happy to explore the almost fairytale like setting.

Watching her introduce her home, which looks right out of a Studio Ghibli film, is also a treat, as are how she impalements simple items purchased from 100-yen store Seria into her daily living.

Those looking for some real life Studio Ghibli aesthetic, DIY tips, or simply something soothing ASMR and visual stimulation may want to check in on dog’s life on YouTube!

…continue reading

    

Most people will know Tokyo’s red-light district as Kabukicho, but this wasn’t always the case. Throughout a huge chunk of history, Old Tokyo’s red-light district actually lay nearby to Asakusa, in an area once known as Yoshiwara.

It goes against the grains of social norms today to speak casually and openly about the activities commonly associated with red light districts.

Yet back in the days when Yoshiwara was arguably the most popular destination across Japan, visitors were rampant and it was not uncommon or even stigmatised to marry a woman from the district.

This relatively unknown part of Tokyo’s history is full of eye-opening, albeit some dark, facts that you might find interesting to learn. Let’s discover more Yoshiwara!

History Of Yoshiwara

Whilst most areas of Old Japan have carried over to current areas that exist today, Yoshiwara is not one of them. Circa medieval Japan, prostitution was widespread, and growing. The Edo shogun then confined it to somewhere on the outskirts of today’s Ningyocho.

This became known as Japan’s first ever red-light district.

However, it didn’t last long as in 1657, the Great Fire of Meireki burnt the entire place to the ground. Yoshiwara was then moved to a new district, somewhere within the north of today’s Asakusa, and thus became the greatest entertainment district across all of Edo.

At one point in time, it is believed that Yoshiwara employed more than 9000 women in this district. Most lived out their lives as prostitutes, waiting behind bars at establishments until men chose them to spend the night with. Some, however, were lucky enough to become apprentices to high-ranking oirans and …continue reading

    

Many people are probably intrigued by the idea of the Yakuza, also known as the Japanese mafia. In a country where rules are golden, subservience is rewarded, and violence is highly censored, it’s hard to imagine that its underground (and even above ground!) scenes are rife with gangster activity.

But it seems that it’s because of these social customs that the Yakuza are thriving and are as populated as ever. It’s relatively known that the Yakuza value obedience and control their organisation through strict ordinance.

Whilst the Japanese mafia have a bad social reputation in Japan and people often go out of their way to dissociate with them, they’re actually a lot more active in society than most people know.

We’ve collated some of the most interesting facts about the Yakuza that you will be gobsmacked to know!

1. There is an entrance exam to join the Yamaguchi-Gumi

We’re starting off this list with the most unbelievable fact: there is actually a 12-page exam to join the Yamaguchi-gumi, the largest Yakuza syndicate across Japan!

As of the time of writing, there are more than 100,000 members within the Yakuza. This includes Japanese as well as international members who are split up across many Yakuza organizations.

The Yamaguchi-gumi are amongst the most well-known organisations in Japan. When the government introduced laws to counter organised gangster activity, the Yamaguchi-gumi then responded by creating a 12-page exam that candidates needed to pass to join.

Yes, this is a written test that people actually need to study for!

The purpose of the exam is to ensure that all future members are aware of the current laws, and thus will be knowledgeable on how to make it work in their …continue reading