Culture

A

Abdication of the throne (退位) - Abdication of the throne implies resignation by a monarch such as an emperor or a king from his or her position.

Abumikuchi (鐙口) - Abumikuchi is a Japanese specter in "Hyakki Tsurezure Bukuro" (One hundred bags in idleness), a collection of specters illustrations by Sekien TORIYAMA.

Abura tokkuri (oil bottle) (油徳利) - Abura tokkuri is a traditional Japanese folk utensil used as a container when purchasing or preserving oil for tomyo (votive light.)

Abura-bo (油坊) - Abura-bo is a strange light or a ghost known in Shiga and Kyoto prefectures.

Aburaage (油揚げ) - Aburaage is a food consisting of sliced tofu (bean curd) fried in oil.

Aburakasu (food) (油かす (食品)) - "Aburakasu" is residue obtained by removing fats from meat and is called by various names depending on the kind of raw material or the region.

Aburimochi (scorched rice cake) (あぶり餅) - Aburimochi is a kind of rice cake snack, made of thumb-sized rice cakes dredged with soybean flour, skewered on a bamboo stick, roasted over charcoal fire, and then basted with white bean pastes, or otherwise okaki (cracker mix) and senbei (rice crackers) skewered on a stick.

Achimenowaza (songs to accompany kagura performances) (阿知女作法) - Achimenowaza (also known as Achimewaza, Achimesaho, Ajimenosaho, and so on) is a Kagurauta (songs to accompany kagura [sacred music and dancing performed at shrines] performance) performed in the Imperial Court or shrines.

Adoption of Western Clothing (洋装化) - The adoption of western clothing refers to when people other than westerners stop wearing indigenous clothing on a day-to-day basis and instead begin wearing Western clothing.

Aesthetic Areas (美観地区) - An aesthetic area is an 'Area Designated for Conservation of Scenic Beauty of Cities' (City Planning Act Article 9).

Agata-matsuri Festival (県祭り) - The Agata-matsuri Festival is held on June 5 and 6 every year in Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture.

Agedashi dofu (lightly fried tofu) (揚げ出し豆腐) - Agedashi dofu is a dish of tofu lightly dusted with starch or flour, then deep fried, and served in dashi broth or dashi-based sauce seasoning with soy sauce.

Agon Shu's Hoshi Matsuri (阿含の星まつり) - Agon Shu's Hoshi Matsuri is a religious event organized by the Agon sect on February 11 of every year as the "Fire Rites Festival/Agon Shu's Hoshi Matsuri" in the precincts of Honzan (main temple) of Agon sect in Omine-cho, Kita-kazan, Yamashina Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture.

Aikata (合方) - Aikata is a term used in the fields of classical Japanese music and dance.

Aikido (the art of weaponless self-defense) (合気道) - "Aikido" is a modern martial art founded by Morihei UESHIBA early in the Showa period.

Aioi jishi (相生獅子) - Aioi jishi is one of nagauta (long epic songs) of Kabuki theater.

Aiuchi (相打ち) - The term "aiuchi" means to hit or strike each other at the same time in kendo (Japanese fencing) and so on.

Ajitsuke nori (nori flavored with soy source, mirin and seasonings) (味付け海苔) - Ajitsuke nori (nori flavored with soy sauce, mirin and seasonings) is a generic term for processed nori (dried laver seaweed) products mainly seasoned with soy-sauce, sugar, and spices.

Akabozu (a red monk ghost) (specter) (赤坊主 (妖怪)) - Akabozu is a specter that has been told in Kyoto Prefecture and Ehime Prefecture.

Akadashi (赤だし) - Akadashi miso soup is a miso soup made from a blend of Hacho-style (soy bean and rice) miso paste.

Akago (yokai) (赤子 (妖怪)) - "Akago" is yokai (specter) who is said to live in Nagano Prefecture and Yamato Province (present-day Nara Prefecture).

Akarenga-Festa (Red Brick Festival) (Maizuru City) (赤れんがフェスタ (舞鶴)) - "Akarenga-Festa" (the Red Brick Festival) is a sightseeing event held in Maizuru City of Kyoto Prefecture every year.

Akome () - Akome is a kind of uchigi (daily wear or inner wear) worn under certain costumes.

Akudaikan (cruel bailiff) (悪代官) - Akudaikan is an emblematic expression of the bailiffs who oppressed people of the domain or committed a fraud.

Akumochizake (灰持酒) - Akumochizake or akumochishu is a type of Japanese sake manufactured by adding charcoal to the fermented unrefined sake.

Ama (Noh play) (海人 (能)) - Ama ('海人' otherwise written as '海士') is a Noh play (classical Japanese dance theater).

Amanatto (甘納豆) - Amanatto, a Japanese-style cake, is candied beans, chestnuts, lotuses, and sweet potatoes cut into round slices (called Imo natto).

Amazake (甘酒) - Amazake is a traditional Japanese sweet beverage, which is a cloudy liquid similar to doburoku (unrefined sake).

Ametsuchi no Uta (a Japanese pangram) (天地の歌) - Ametsuchi no Uta (literally, song of heaven and earth) is a pangram, which contains all the kana (the Japanese syllabary) characters as syllables of song.

Amezaiku (candy fashioned in human and animal forms) (飴細工) - Amezaiku refers to one of the techniques of confectionery production and making of shaped forms by using candy-paste which is made from heating sugar, or the shaped forms.

Ami-ha School (阿弥派) - Ami-ha school is one of the painting schools representing the Muromachi Period.

Anagomeshi (あなご飯) - Anagomeshi (conger rice) is a local dish from the Setouchi area in Hiroshima Prefecture.

Ancient Chinese Chromatic Scale (primarily used in Japan for gagaku, etc.) (十二律) - Ancient Chinese chromatic scale is the twelve kinds of average pitch that are used in Chinese or Japanese traditional music.

Anjo no Goei (安城御影) - Anjo no Goei (or Miei) is a color portrait on silk of Shinran Shonin attributed to Hogen (the second highest rank for Buddhist priests) Choen in 1255 during the Kamakura period.

Ankoromochi (あんころ餅) - Ankoromochi is a type of Japanese confectionery.

Anmitsu (あんみつ) - Anmitsu is a kind of Japanese confectionery, which is mitsumame dessert (boiled beans, cubes of agar gelatin, and other delicacies with molasses poured on) covered with bean jam.

Anpan (あんパン) - Anpan (a round soft bread with azuki bean paste in the center) is a kind of a sweet bun with 'an' (sweet bean paste).

Antique Kimono (アンティーク着物) - Antique Kimono refers to Kimono made before the beginning of the Showa period and particularly in good condition.

Aoi Matsuri (Hollyhock Flower Festival) (葵祭) - Aoi Matsuri (formally known as Kamo Matsuri) is an annual celebration that takes place at Kamomioya-jinja Shrine (Shimogamo-jinja Shrine) and Kamowakeikazuchi-jinja Shrine (Kamigamo-jinja Shrine) in Kyoto City on May 15 (the middle day of Cock day of lunar calendar).

Aonyobo (young woman who serves a high-ranked person) (青女房) - The term "aonyobo" refers to a middle or low-ranked young noblewoman who serves a high ranked person.

Aosagibi or Aosaginohi (Blue heron fire) (青鷺火) - Aosagibi is defined as a mysterious phenomenon in Japan in which the body of a heron emits a pale blue light mainly at night.

Aosei Sencha Seiho (Blue Sencha Method) (青製煎茶製法) - Aosei Sencha Seiho was one of the revolutionary changes made in the Japanese tea industry.

Aotozoshi hanano nishikie (青砥稿花紅彩画) - "Aotozoshi hanano nishikie" refers to 'Shiranami-mono' (stage works with thieves and lowlifes) of Kabuki (traditional drama performed by male actors) which was performed at Ichimura-za Theater in 1862 for the first time, and written by Shinshichi KAWATAKE the second (later Mokuami KAWATAKE).

Arai (slices of fish washed in cold water) (洗い) - "Arai" is a kind of "sashimi," fresh slices of raw fish.

Arare (snack) (あられ (菓子)) - Arare is short for arare mochi (rice cake) and is a snack made by cutting rice cakes into pieces two to three centimeters in length and about five millimeters wide and roasting them.

Arashi Kanjuro Productions (嵐寛寿郎プロダクション) - Arashi Kanjuro Productions (established April 1928, disbanded in February 1929, established again in August 1931 and then disbanded in 1937) was a film company located in Kyoto.

Araumi no soji (荒海障子) - Araumi no soji (also referred as Araumi no shoji) is an upholstered Tsuitate shoji (a partitioning screen, sometimes an opaque panel screen or sometimes a wooden screen set in a stand) set up at the end of northeast of Hiro-bisashi (broad eaves) of Seiryoden (Literally, Limpid Cool Hall, an Imperial summer palace).

Asahi Yaki (朝日焼) - Asahi yaki is a kind of earthenware produced in Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture.

Asazuke (quick pickles) (浅漬け) - Asazuke is a pickled dish made by marinating vegetables such as cucumbers, daikon radishes and eggplants with seasoning for a short time.

Astringency (渋み) - Astringency

Asukanabe (hodgepodge from Asuka) (飛鳥鍋) - Asukanabe is one of the local dishes of Nara region.

Ataka (安宅) - Ataka is a Noh piece covering "Gikeiki" (a military epic about the life of Yoshitsune) and so forth.

Atariburumai (Full-house Feasting) (当たり振る舞い) - Atariburumai was a feast to celebrate a full house production.

Atsuage (厚揚げ) - Atsuage is a food made by deep-frying tofu (bean curd) cut into one piece or half a piece.

Atsugesho (厚化粧) - Atsugesho is a word in Japanese referring the use of heavy makeup and cosmetics in order to make one's face look obviously different from a face without makeup.

Atsumori (Noh play) (敦盛 (能)) - "Atsumori" is the title of a Noh program, which belongs to the category of nibanme-mono (second-category play) and the subcategory of Kindachi mono (play featuring a courtier).

Atsusa Samusa mo Higan made (Neither heat nor cold lasts beyond higan (two periods of seven days with the middle day falling on the spring or autumn equinox)) (暑さ寒さも彼岸まで) - "Atsusa Samusa mo Higan made" is a Japanese idiom that means 'The cold of winter lasts until the spring equinox, and the heat of summer calms by the autumnal equinox, and will become easier to bear."

Autumn Festivals (秋祭り) - Autumn festivals collectively mean festivals held in autumn.

Autumnal Equinox Day (秋分の日) - The Autumnal Equinox Day is the day when the autumnal equinox occurs.

Awa Manju (粟饅頭) - "Awa-manju" is a local sweet of Yanaizu Town, Kawanuma County, Fukushima Prefecture.

Awa Wasanbonto (Japanese traditional refined sugar) (阿波和三盆糖) - Awa Wasanbonto is traditionally made Japanese refined sugar particularly produced in Tokushima Prefecture.

Awabi (アワビ) - Awabi (abalone) is a collective term referring to mollusks classified as Haliotidae.

Award of the Japan Art Academy (日本芸術院賞) - The Award of the Japan Art Academy refers to the awards presented by the Japan Art Academy.

Awase () - The term "awase" means wafuku (traditional Japanese clothes) with a lining.

Awayuki (kind of Japanese confectionery) (淡雪) - A kind of Japanese confectionery, awayuki, or awayuki-kan, is likened to light snow and it has a texture like snow melting in the mouth.

Azuki-gayu (rice and azuki bean porridge) (小豆粥) - Azuki-gayu is rice porridge cooked with azuki beans.

Azuma-asobi (ancient Japanese dance suite that originated in eastern Japan) (東遊) - Azuma-asobi is a fairly long suite that needs approximately 30 minutes to be completed, which is classified into the Kuniburi no Utamai (native-style songs and dances based on the music of ancient Japan), a type of gagaku (Japanese Imperial Court music).

B

Bachi () - Bachi (撥) is a stick-shaped tool used to pluck (hook and release, or hammer) the string (stringed instruments) or the film.

Baiko ONOE (The Seventh) (尾上梅幸 (7代目)) - Baiko ONOE the Seventh (August 31, 1915 to March 24, 1995) was a kabuki actor.

Baisho-zukuri (焙炒造り) - Baisho-zukuri is one of the production methods of Japanese sake (rice wine) in the modern days and is one kind of the high-temperature saccharization method.

Bakefurugeta (化け古下駄) - Bakefurugeta or Baketafurugeta is one of Japanese specters, and a type of Tsukumo-gami (gods to a variety of things) that have come to life after geta (Japanese footwear, wooden clogs) became old.

Bakezori (apparition turning into thonged sandals) (化け草履) - Bakezori' is one of Tsukumogami (the spirits of discarded object) and a yokai (apparition) of zori (thonged sandals).

BANDO Mitsugoro VII (坂東三津五郎 (7代目)) - Mitsugoro BANDO VII (September 21, 1882 - November 4, 1961) was a Japanese kabuki actor.

Bando Tsumasaburo Productions (阪東妻三郎プロダクション) - Bando Tsumasaburo Productions, founded in September of 1925 and liquidated in December of 1936, was a film company established in Kyoto and later moved to the Tokyo Bay Area in Chiba.

Bankara (バンカラ) - Bankara is a pun for the word haikara (westernized appearances or life styles).

Bantsuma Tachibana Universal Rengo Eiga (阪妻・立花・ユニヴァーサル連合映画) - Bantsuma Tachibana Universal Rengo Eiga was a Japanese film company that was jointly established between a Japanese company and an American company (its contract was signed in September 1926 and terminated in May 1927).

Basyaku (馬借) - "Basyaku" was a road hauler who transported goods by horse.

Bean paste ('an') () - Bean paste ('an' or 'anko') is an ingredient in manju (buns filled with bean paste) and usually indicates azuki beans or other ingredients boiled with sweeteners or ingredients gelatinized with starch.

Beni-shoga (Red pickled ginger) (紅しょうが) - Beni-shoga is a pickles made from pickling groundnuts of ginger in plum vinegar.

Bento (lunch box) (弁当) - Bento is a kind of portable food and is the equivalent of one meal.

Betobeto-san (one of Yokai [Japanese folk monsters]) (べとべとさん) - Betobeto-san is one of Yokai (Japanese folk monsters), and follows a man walking in the dark at night.

Bettarazuke (Radish pickled in salt and rice bran with rice malt and sugar) (べったら漬) - Bettarazuke is a kind of pickled daikon (Japanese radish).

Big Hinamatsuri (Big Doll Festival) (ビッグひな祭り) - Big Hinamatsuri is a Hinamatsuri (Doll's Festival) held in Katsuura-cho, Tokushima Prefecture (former Awa Province), Katsuura City, Chiba Prefecture (former Kazusa Province), and Suzaka City, Nagano Prefecture (former Shinano Province) during February and March (during March and April in Suzaka City) every year.

Bijinga (美人画) - Bijinga is a general term for paintings that are in the motif of so-called feminine beauty, or feminine looks and inner beauty.

Biwa (琵琶) - Biwa (biwa, biba, pipa) is one of the stringed instruments of the lute family in East Asia.

Biwa Hoshi (Biwa-playing Minstrel) (琵琶法師) - The term "biwa hoshi" represents blind priests who played the biwa (a Japanese lute) in a town, and they first appeared in the Heian period.

Biwabokuboku (琵琶牧々) - Biwabokuboku is a Japanese specter that is introduced in "Hyakki Tsurezure Bukuro" (One hundred bags in idleness), a collection of specters illustrations by Sekien TORIYAMA, and it is a specter of biwa (Japanese lute).

Bo-no-te (stick-in-hand performances) (棒の手) - Bo-no-te is a traditional performing arts of classical Japanese dance, in which basic forms of Japanese martial arts such as sword, staff, and halberd techniques are transformed into dancing.

Bodai-Moto (菩提もと) - "Bodai-moto" is the "moto" (yeast mash), with which "Nanto moro-haku" (several kinds of "soboshu" [monk's sake] having the highest quality), especially the name-brand sake "Bodaisen," was made through fermentation at Shoryaku-ji Temple on Mt. Bodai in Nara.

Bodaisen (菩提泉) - "Bodaisen" was a name-brand sake (Japanese rice wine) which had the reputation of having the highest quality and grade from the middle of the Heian period to the end of the Muromachi period.

Bofura (a ceramic kettle) (ボーフラ) - Bofura is a utensil for boiling water and a type of dobin (earthenware teapot).

Bogu (a protector) (Japanese art of fencing) (防具 (剣道)) - Bogu is protective gear to protect players' body in the Japanese art of fencing, naginata (a long pole with a sharp curving sword), and jukendo (the martial art using the bayonet).

Bojutsu (棒術) - The term "Bojutsu" refers to the art of using a long stick as a weapon in Japanese martial arts.

Bokuto (木刀) - "Bokuto" are wooden copies of Japanese swords.

Bon Festival (お盆) - "Obon (the Bon festival)" means a series of events to worship the souls of ancestors held in Japan on and around July 15th of the old Japanese luni-solar calendar.

Bon Festival Dance (盆踊り) - The Bon festival dance is an event enjoyed in groups at night during the season of Bon, the Buddhist festival for the dead held around the fifteenth of August (or July in some regions).

Bonenkai (year-end party) (忘年会) - Bonenkai (literally, forget-the-year party) is an annual event held at the end of the year by an organization or group to give those attending a chance to look back at the past year and show their appreciation for the hardships they have each endured, before forgetting the current year and committing themselves to making a fresh start in the upcoming year.

Bonsai (盆栽) - Bonsai is an inclusive term referring to plants planted in a pot, their foliage, shape of leaves, bark on the trunk, roots and the pot, and also to the hobby of enjoying all of this form.

Botamochi (ぼたもち) - Botamochi is a Japanese traditional sweet and generally refers to a small mochi shaped like a stick ('mochi' is a rice cake; in this case, it is made from steamed rice and steamed glutinous rice, and the both are not completely pounded nor baked) with an (a sweet red paste made from red azuki beans).

Braided cord (組み紐) - Braided cord is the traditional Japanese craft, a cord made by interlacing fine silk threads and cotton yarns.

Buddhist Paintings (仏教絵画) - Buddhist paintings are paintings whose subject matter is Buddhism.

Budo (武道) - Budo has developed from a traditional Japanese martial art ("kobudo," old budo), to which has been added the aspect of "geido" (the way of artistic self-discipline), which aims for the perfection of character through practices to hone the skills, to the techniques to kill or conquer others.

Buke Sado (the tea ceremony of samurai family) (武家茶道) - Buke sado is the tea ceremony performed among the samurai families mainly in the Edo period and after.

Bunbu Ichido (文武一道) - Bunbu ichido (literally 'the single path of the cultural and martial arts') means that both scholarship and martial arts (sports) are essentially the same, unlike bunbu ryodo (the dual path of the cultural and martial arts).

Bunjinga (literati painting) (文人画) - "Bunjinga"refers to the paintings that bunjin (literati) painted as their pastime, as opposed to paintings by the professional artists in China (Intaiga, a type of Chinese painting associated with the Imperial Court Academy).

Bunko-musubi knot (文庫結び) - Bunko-musubi knot is a kind of obi-musubi (style of tying obi [sash]) for furisode (kimono with long, trailing sleeves).

Bunmeiron no gairyaku (An Outline of a Theory of Civilization) (文明論之概略) - Bunmeiron no gairyaku (An Outline of a Theory of Civilization) is a book written by Yukichi FUKUZAWA.

Bunraku (Japanese puppet theater) (文楽) - "Bunraku" originally referred to playhouses especially for performing ningyo joruri (traditional Japanese puppet theater).

Bunshi-Geki (文士劇) - The bunshi-geki is an amateur drama performed mainly by literary people such as writers and journalists.

Bunshichi's Mottoi (文七元結) - Bunshichi Mottoi was created by Encho Sanyutei, and is one of human-interest stories among rakugo (traditional comic story telling).

Burabura (不落不落) - Burabura is a lantern specter and one of Japanese yokai (ghosts, spirits and monsters) that was portrayed in Sekien TORIYAMA's yokai art collection book: "Hyakki Tsurezure Bukuro" (The Bag of One Hundred Random Demons; the term 'hyakki' in its title is a pun on the usual hyakki, replacing the character for demon which is written as "鬼" in Japanese with a character for vessel written as "器," and sure enough, most of the yokais shown in this book are tsukumogami [a type of Japanese spirits that originate in items or artifacts that have reached their 100th birthday and become alive]).

Buri Daikon (fatty yellowtail head simmered with daikon radish) (ぶり大根) - Buri daikon is a dish in which ara (discarded portions) of buri is broiled in soy sauce with daikon.

Buried cultural property (埋蔵文化財) - Buried cultural properties are cultural properties (cultural heritages) that are found under the ground.

Busshi (sculptor of Buddhist statues) (仏師) - Busshi is a name for someone who is in charge of making Buddhist statues and so on, in Japan.

Busu (附子) - Busu is a generic name for 'poison and Chinese herbal medicine' of torikabuto (aconite) and also a nick name of torikabuto.

Butajiru (豚汁) - Butajiru (Tonjiru) is a Japanese cuisine that is prepared by stewing pork and vegetables with miso (bean paste).

Byakue Costumes (for pilgrimage) (白衣 (巡礼用品)) - Byakue costumes are white jackets worn when people make pilgrimage of sacred ground.

Byobu nozoki (屏風のぞき) - Byobu nozoki (literally, a voyeur at a folding screen) is one of Japanese yokai (specters, monsters, spirits and ghosts) drawn in Sekien TORIYAMA's yokai art collection book "Konjaku Hyakki Shui" (Supplement to The Hundred Demons from the Present and the Past).

C

Calligraphy history in Japan (日本の書道史) - Calligraphy history in Japan covers from ancient times to present day.

Canned Coffee (缶コーヒー) - Canned coffee means coffee in a can ready to drink without any preparation.

Chabitsu (茶櫃) - Chabitsu (also called chahitsu, "茶櫃" in Chinese characters) is a lidded container, in which a set of Sencha (non-powdered green tea) tea utensils are stored.

Chabudai (卓袱台) - Chabu (chabudai), also known as Shippoku, is a Chinese-style table.

Chagama (茶釜) - Chagama is a type of tea utensils used in Sado, which is used to boil water for tea.

Chaire (茶入) - Chaire, in its broadest sense, means chaki (tea utensils) in general into which powdered green tea is poured, and in a more limited sense means ceramic tea utensils, in contrast with wooden tea utensils (see "usuchaki" (tea utensils for a light tea)) as typified by natsume (a container for powdered tea).

Chaki (tea utensils) (茶器) - Chaki is a general term for containers used in Chanoyu (the tea ceremony) to hold green powdered tea.

Chakyo (The Classic of Tea) (茶経) - "Chakyo" (The Classic of Tea) is a book written by Lu Yu around eighth century in Tang Dynasty China.

Chanbara (チャンバラ) - Chanbara is a swordplay scene acted in historical dramas of theatrical performances and movies.

Chankonabe (Weight-gaining stew for sumo) (ちゃんこ鍋) - Chankonabe is a hot pot dish eaten mainly by professional sumo wrestlers and professional wrestlers in Japan.

Charyo (scoops for green tea leaves) (茶量) - Charyo is a type of utensil used in Senchado (Japanese tea ceremony using Sencha [brewed green tea]).

Chasen (a bamboo tea whisk) (茶筅) - Chasen is one of the tea utensils used for preparing powdered green tea in the Japanese tea ceremony.

Chasen-mage (茶筅髷) - Chasen-mage is a hairstyle which looks like a tea whisk.

Chashaku (bamboo tea spoon for making Japanese tea) (茶杓) - Chashaku (tea scoop) is one of the tea ceremony utensils used for brewing tea (particularly, maccha, or green powdered tea).

Chataku (tea bowl saucer) (茶托) - Chataku is a tea bowl saucer.

Chatsubo (tea urn) (茶壺) - Chatsubo is an earthenware jar (tea leaf jar), that is used to store the tencha (leaf tea), non-powdered green tea before mortared by stone mill.

Chawan (茶碗) - Chawan originally referred to a porcelain bowl made for drinking tea.

Chawan-mushi (steamed egg hotchpotch) (茶碗蒸し) - Chawan-mushi is one of the Japanese cuisines.

Chayatsuji (茶屋辻) - Chayatsuji is a pattern for wafuku (Japanese traditional clothes).

Chazuke (a bowl of rice and tea) (茶漬け) - Chazuke is a bowl of boiled rice with tea poured over it.

Cherry Blossom Front (桜前線) - Cherry Blossom Front is a line graph illustrating the forecasted blooming dates of cherry blossoms (primarily of Someiyoshino (Prunus yedoensis)) in various locations of Japan.

Chicken Nanban (fried chicken in Japanese sweet and peppery vegetable sauce) (チキン南蛮) - Chicken nanban is a local cuisine originally created in Nobeoka City, Miyazaki Prefecture.

Chicken Rice (チキンライス) - Chicken rice is a stir-fried rice dish created in Japan, with thinly sliced chicken flavored with ketchup.

Chidori (Plovers) (Kyogen) (千鳥 (狂言)) - Chidori is a program of Kyogen (farce played during a Noh cycle).

Chidori No Kyoku (千鳥の曲) - Chidori no Kyoku (a song for plover) is a musical composition for koto (a long Japanese zither with thirteen strings) and kokyu (Chinese fiddle) composed by Yoshizawa Kengyo (the highest title of the official ranks within the Todo-za [the traditional guild for the blind]) (the second).

Chigo (稚児) - Chigo has roughly the following meanings.

Chigomage (hair-style for kids) (稚児髷) - Chigomage (also pronounced "chigowage") is a form of hair which was worn by boys from the Heian period to the Azuchi-Momoyama period, and also the similar hairstyle for girls which dates from the Edo period.

Chihana (千花) - Chihana (Gion chef-kappo, 'Chihana') is a Kyoto restaurant started by Motoo NAGATA (born in 1923) in 1946.

Chikkin (竹琴) - Chikkin is a koto (a traditional Japanese stringed musical instrument) with three strings, which was invented by Chikkin (Yosaburo) TAMURA from Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, in August, 1886.

Chikushi (竹紙) - Chikushi;

Chikuwa (竹輪) - Chikuwa is baked or steamed fishcake, in which fish paste is wrapped around stick or bamboo stick.

Chikyu (地久) - Chikyu is a piece from gagaku (an ancient Japanese court dance and music).

Chinshin-ryu School (a school of tea ceremony) (鎮信流) - Chinshin-ryu school is a school of tea ceremony passed down by the Hirado clan in Hizen Province.

Chinzei Yumiharizuki (椿説弓張月) - "Chinzei Yumeharizuki" (The Crescent Moon) was a book written by Bakin KYOKUTEI and illustrated by Hokusai KATSUSHIKA.

Chirashizushi (ちらし寿司) - Chirasizushi is a kind of sushi.

Chirimen (a kind of plain woven fabrics) (ちりめん) - "Chirimen" (crepe in French) is a kind of plain woven silk cloth.

Chirimenjako (small dried fish) (ちりめんじゃこ) - Chirimenjako (small dried fish) is small, young fish, such as type of sardines (anchovy, maiwashi, urume iwashi, shirouo sardine, ikanago), cooked in salted water and dried in the sun.

Chirizuka-kaio (ghost king of waste) (塵塚怪王) - Chirizuka-kaio (ghost king of waste) is a type of Japanese yokai (specter).

Chiso (千總) - Chiso is a long established firm dealing with Kyo-Yuzen (silk fabrics printed in Kyoto).

Chiyogami (Japanese paper with colored figures) (千代紙) - "Chiyogami" is square sheets of Japanese paper with crests or patterns used for a traditional play in Japan called "origami" (paper folding), making costumes of paper dolls, or covering handicraft or presentation box for decoration purpose.

Chochin Obake (Lantern ghost) (提灯お化け) - Chochin obake is a lantern ghost, a kind of a Japanese ghost.

Chofuku (朝服) - Chofuku is the clothes that government officials wore from the Aska period to the Heian period when they came to work at the Imperial Court.

Choju-Jinbutsu-giga (scrolls of frolicking animals and humans) (鳥獣人物戯画) - Choju-Jinbutsu-giga is a emakimono (an illustrated scroll) that was handed down to Kozan-ji Temple, Ukyo Ward in Kyoto City.

Chonmage (a topknot) (丁髷) - Chonmage is a topknot tied by old men in the Edo period.

Choyo (Chrysanthemum Festival) (重陽) - Choyo is a festival observed annually on September 9 as one of the five seasonal festivals in Japan.

Chozubachi (washbasin) (手水鉢) - Chozubachi originally referred to a bowl holding water for people to purify themselves by rinsing out their mouths before the altar of a shrine or a temple.

Ci () - Ci is a form of Chinese poetry or an art form of ballad.

Classical Rakugo (classical comic story-telling) (古典落語) - Classical rakugo generally includes programs of Rakugo which were created from the Edo to Meiji eras.

Classification of Sake in the Liquor Tax Act (日本酒級別制度) - Classification of Sake in the Liquor Tax Act is a general classification system of sake under the Liquor Tax Act, which long existed in Japan from 1940 to 1992.

Coming-of-Age Day (成人の日) - Coming-of-Age Day is a national holiday in Japan.

Competition of Running Up the Long Staircase of the JR Kyoto Station Building (JR京都駅ビル大階段駆け上がり大会) - The competition of running up the long staircase of the JR Kyoto Station building is an event that has been held there by the Kyoto Broadcasting System Company Limited (KBS) on the third Saturday every February since 1998.

Complete Fermentation (完全醗酵) - Complete fermentation is one of the important notions in producing Japanese sake, and means that, in parallel multi-fermentation, yeast has almost completed decomposing sugar in Japanese sake moromi (raw unrefined sake), resulting in getting weak by itself and terminating fermentation activity, or that the yeast has thus far completed fermentation by itself.

Conger Pike (ハモ) - Conger pike (Muraenesox cinereus) is a kind of fish classified in the Muraenesocidae family, order Anguilliformes.

Cormorant () - Cormorants (Phalacrocoracidae) are waterfowls forming the family Phalacrocoracidae of the order Pelecaniformes.

Cultural Properties (文化財) - The meanings of "cultural properties" are as follows:

Culture Day (文化の日) - Culture Day (Bunka no hi) is a Japanese national holiday held annually every November 3.

Curry (カレー) - Curry (Curry in English) is a dish in which vegetables and meat are cooked with several spices.

Curry and Rice (カレーライス) - Curry and rice is a Japanese food which consists of rice and a curry sauce poured over the rice.

D

Dagashi (駄菓子) - Dagashi is confectionery aimed at children that can be bought for a small amount of money, such as pocket money.

Daidarabocchi (a giant in Japanese mythology) (ダイダラボッチ) - Daidarabocchi is a mythological giant which is handed down in many parts of Japan (a creature in legend).

Daifuku (大福) - Daifuku is a traditional Japanese confectionary consisting of mochi (rice cake) filled with anko (sweet bean paste) made from azuki beans.

Daigo no Hanami (醍醐の花見) - Daigo no Hanami refers to the blossom-viewing party held in grand style at Daigo-ji Temple in Kyoto on April 20, 1598 by Hideyoshi TOYOTOMI with about 1,300 people, including feudal lords and their vassals, as well as his family members such as Hideyori TOYOTOMI, Kodaiin and Yodo-dono.

Daiko-daki (burning Japanese radish) (大根焚き) - Daiko-daki is an annual event held in December in Kyoto.

Daikon Oroshi (大根おろし) - Daikon oroshi is a food made by grating daikon radish with an oroshigane (Japanese grater).

Daimonji yaki (大文字焼き) - Daimonji yaki is an event in which bonfires are arranged so that they form a Kanji character '大' (Dai means big).

Dainihon Chado Gakkai (Tea Ceremony Association) (大日本茶道学会) - Dainihon Chado Gakkai is one of the schools of the tea ceremony.

Dainihon Enkaiyochi Zenzu (a map of Japan) (大日本沿海輿地全図) - Dainihon Enkaiyochi Zenzu is a surveyed map of the whole of Japan drawn by Tadataka INO, a geographical surveyor in the late Edo period.

Dairibina (festival dolls representing the emperor and the empress) (内裏雛) - Dairibina is a pair of Girl's Festival dolls representing the emperor and the empress, and is placed on the top tier of a display.

Daisu (台子) - Daisu refers to tea equipment used during tea ceremony procedure, or a kind of a display stand for tea ceremony utensils such as mizusashi (cold water jar).

Daitokuji natto (大徳寺納豆) - Daitokuji natto is natto (fermented soybeans) made in Daitokujimonmae, Murasakino, Kita Ward, Kyoto City.

Dako (唾壺) - Dako was originally a container to spit saliva or phlegm.

Dakyu (打毬) - Dakyu, also known as Uchimari (Japanese polo) is an athletic sport or a game similar to polo, once played in Japan.

Dangiku jiji・Kikukichi jiji (團菊爺・菊吉爺) - Dangiku jiji and Kikukichi jiji are slang or jargon used among Kabuki fans.

Dango (団子) - Dango is a Japanese traditional sweet and a kind of dumpling made from rice flour (rice flour is kneaded with water or hot water and steamed or boiled to make a dumpling which is called 'mochi'; the mochi is cut into pieces which are shaped like small balls which are called 'dango').

Danjikomi (段仕込み) - Danjikomi is one of the brewing steps and means of making unfiltered Japanese sake where the yeast and rice are added over three steps to the yeast mash or moto (another term for sake producing yeast) to provide a mild environmental change for yeast to adapt to while not losing its productivity.

Danjiri (a festival float in western Japan) (だんじり) - The term 'danjiri' has several meanings, as follows.

Danjiri (decorative portable shrine, float used in festivals) (地車) - Danjiri is a type of dashi (float) or danjiri used at shrine festivals.

Danjiri-bayashi (music performed in festivals) (地車囃子) - Danjiri-bayashi is festival music which is played to accompany the drawing danjiri (decorative portable shrines; floats used in festivals), and in the region centered on the northern part of Osaka City which does not possess danjiri for some reasons it refers to the 'hetari' style which is festival music played by itself on a stage, turret and also a boat for funatogyo (a ritual to place divine spirits on boat, to cross a river).

Danmari (a term for kabuki) (暗闘) - Danmari (暗闘) is a piece of choreography in Kabuki (traditional drama performed by male actors).

Daruma (Daruma Doll) (だるま) - A daruma is a doll or toy representing the sitting figure of Bodhidharma, the founder of the Zen, a sect of Buddhism, who is practicing Zen meditation; at the present time, it is widely popular as a lucky charm not only in the Zen sect, but also in different religious sects, across religions.

Dashi Broth (local dish) (だし (郷土料理)) - Dashi is a local dish originated from the inland region of Yamagata Prefecture.

Dashi-maki Tamago (だし巻き卵) - Dashi-maki Tamago is a kind of an omelet (a Japanese style omelet) and a dish of fried beaten eggs mixed with dashi broth soup.

Datemaki (伊達巻) - Datemaki is a kind of egg dish.

Datotsu (打突) - Datotsu refers to a technique in Kendo (Japanese art of fencing.)

Debayashi (Kabuki) (出囃子 (歌舞伎)) - Debayashi is a kind of kabuki music played on a stage by performers.

Demae (Food Delivery) (出前) - Demae is a delivery service in which restaurants and food shops deliver dishes to customer's homes within a short space of time.

Denbu (田麩) - Denbu (mashed and seasoned fish with white flesh or the mixture of fish with white flesh and shrimp that has been boiled, parched, seasoned and colored with red food coloring) is a processed food made from fish or livestock meat.

Dengaku Folk Dance (田楽) - Dengaku is a traditional Japanese performance art.

Densho (伝書) - Densho (books on the esoterica - also written as 傳書) is a manuscript or book of secret techniques of schools of Japanese art and martial arts.

Desaku (出作) - Desaku, also referred to as Detsukuri (literally, going out to plow) means that inhabitants in a region cultivate fields in other regions.

Desiccated Foods (乾物) - Desiccated foods are foods that have been dried with the aim of enhancing flavor and storage qualities.

Dezomeshiki (the New Year's parade of fire brigades) (出初め式) - Dezomeshiki is a fire fighting training undertaken by fire department and fire company personnel, which is generally conducted in the early part of January as the first training for the year.

Doburoku (unrefined sake) (どぶろく) - Doburoku (Dakushu) is a kind of sake produced by adding yeasts remaining in malted rice, sake lee and the like and other ingredients to steamed rice.

Doga (童画) - The term Doga means pictures drawn by adults for children.

Dohyo (土俵) - Dohyo is a term used to refer to sumo rings made up of clay.

Dojigiri (童子切) - Dojigiri is a Japanese sword designated as a national treasure of Japan.

Dojo-ji Temple (Noh play) (道成寺 (能)) - "Dojo-ji Temple" is a Nogaku piece that is based on the Legend of Anchin and Kiyohime which has been passed down in Dojo-ji Temple, Kishu Province (present day Wakayama Prefecture).

Doko Copper Vessels (銅壷) - Doko' are utensils used to heat water and warm sake by placing on braziers.

Domoshuzoki (a technical book on sake brewing) (童蒙酒造記) - Domoshuzoki is a representative technical book on sake brewing in Japan, which was written in the early Edo period.

Donburimono (a rice dish) (丼物) - Here, descriptions of a Japanese dish Donburimono are given.

Dorayaki Cake (どら焼き) - Dorayaki (Cake)

Doyo no Ushi no Hi (The Ox Day During 'Doyo') (土用の丑の日) - Doyo no ushi no hi' is the Ox day (based on the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac) during the "doyo" (the period of about 18 days at each end of four seasons).

Dragon lantern (ryuto). (龍燈) - Dragon lantern (ryuto) refers to a fire of mysterious or suspicious origin, passed down across Japan.

Dried Fish (干物) - Himono (dried fish) is a generic term for processed foods made by drying various sea foods such as fish.

E

Ebi furai (Fried prawn) (エビフライ) - Ebi furai is a kind of deep fried cuisine using shrimp.

Ebi-imo (shrimp potato) (エビイモ) - Ebi-imo (literally, shrimp potato) is a sort of taro.

Eboshi (Japanese traditional formal headwear) (烏帽子) - Eboshi was the headwear which an adult man put on when he wore a Japanese formal attire from the Heian period to modern times.

Eboshi-oya (烏帽子親) - Eboshi-oya was a person who put an eboshi (formal headwear for court nobles) on a young man's head at his genpuku (attainment of manhood) ceremony.

Ecchu Fundoshi (a Japanese loincloth with strings) (越中褌) - Ecchu fundoshi (越中褌) is a kind of fundoshi, a traditional Japanese undergarment for adult males.

Edomae-zushi (a kind of sushi) (江戸前寿司) - Edomae-zushi (江戸前ずし, also written as 江戸前鮨, 江戸前鮓 or江戸前寿司) is haya-zushi (quick sushi), centered on nigiri-zushi (hand-shaped sushi).

Edosenke (江戸千家) - Edosenke is a school of tea ceremony that was originated by Fuhaku KAWAKAMI.

Ehomairi (visit to a shrine or a temple in the lucky direction) (恵方詣り) - Ehomairi is one of the events of the New Year from ancient times.

Ehomaki (maki-zushi, eating on the day of Setsubun) (恵方巻) - Ehomaki (written as 恵方巻 or 恵方巻き) refers to the maki-zushi (sushi roll) eating which on the day of Setsubun (the traditional end of winter) is considered to bring good luck, or the custom centered around the Kinki region of eating the ehomaki.

Ehon Gappo ga Tsuji (絵本合法衢) - "Ehon Gappo ga Tsuji" (A Picture Book of the Crossroads of Gappo) is a Kabuki Kyogen play written by Nanboku TSURUYA the fourth.

Ehon Taikoki (The Illustrated Chronicles of the Regent) (絵本太功記) - The Ehon Taikoki is a play of ningyo joruri (traditional Japanese puppet theater).

Eight Views (八景) - Eight Views is a manner of scenery valuation in which eight finest sceneries of the region are selected.

Eight Views of Lake Biwa (琵琶湖八景) - Eight Views of Lake Biwa is a special selection of eight views around Lake Biwa.

Eiji Happo (the eight basic techniques) (永字八法) - Eiji Happo (the eight basic techniques) is a term to express that the Chinese character '永(ei)' contains all the 八法 (happo or hachiho, eight techniques) that are required in calligraphy.

Eiraku-tsuho (bronze coins struck in the Ming dynasty) (永楽通宝) - Eiraku-tsuho is a coin minted during the reign of the 3rd emperor of the Ming dynasty, Yongle.

Ekiben (駅弁) - Ekiben is a box lunch mainly sold at a railway station.

Emakimono (絵巻物) - Emakimono (an illustrated scroll) is a kind of Japanese style painting composed of series of illustrated scenes or stories on a horizontally long screen made up of multiple sheets of rectangular paper (or silk cloth) connected side by side.

Enatsubo (胞衣壺) - Enatsubo is a container or pot in which the placenta of human beings are placed when being buried.

Engawa (縁側) - Engawa is a term used to refer to a wooden-floored corridor built along the outside of the house building, which is a structure unique to Japanese traditional houses.

Engawa (えんがわ) - "Engawa" is a part of fish meat and one of the toppings of sashimi or sushi.

Engeki Kairyo Undo (Theatrical Performance Improvement Movement) (演劇改良運動) - Engeki Kairyo Undo (Theatrical Performance Improvement Movement) was a campaign launched during the Meiji period, that advocated reforming Kabuki (traditional drama performed by male actors) so it could meet standards of modern society.

Engimono (縁起物) - Engimono (a lucky charm) is an object with which to celebrate or pray for something good.

Enka (Japanese Ballad) (演歌) - Enka, or 演歌, is one of the categories of Japanese popular music, which is considered to represent entertaining songs based on feeling and pathos that are unique to Japanese people.

Enkin-kyosha (遠近競射) - Enkin-kyosha is a method for deciding the ranking of an individual competition in Japanese archery, based on how close an arrow is shot to the center of the target.

Ennen (延年) - Ennen is a Japanese art which was performed by monks and chigo (child in a Buddhist possession) at temples after Daihoe (great Buddhist memorial service).

Ennichi (縁日) - Ennichi are days when people have a spiritual connection with Shinto or Buddhist deities.

Ennosuke Juhachi Ban (18 programs of Ennosuke) (猿之助十八番) - Ennosuke Juhachi Ban refers to the specialty plays of Ennosuke ICHIKAWA of Omodakaya selected by Ennosuke ICHIKAWA the third in 1988.

Eno Jusshu (猿翁十種) - Eno Jusshu refers to the specialty plays of Ennosuke ICHIKAWA of Omodakaya selected by Ennosuke the third in 1964.

Enshu School (遠州流) - Enshu school is a style of tea ceremony initiated by Masakazu KOBORI and passed on in the Kobori family.

Enteki (the long-distance shooting) (遠的) - Enteki (the long-distance shooting) is one of the kyudo (Japanese art of archery) events established by the Rules of All Nippon Kyudo Federation.

Equestrianism (馬術) - Equestrianism (called 'bajutsu' in Japan) refers to recreational activities and competitive sports and a system of technique of riding or driving horses and aiming at accuracy, activity, beauty, and so on.

Eritategoromo (襟立衣) - An Eritate-goromo (literally, standing-collar robe) is one of Japanese yokai (ghosts, spirits and monsters) that was portrayed in Sekien TORIYAMA's yokai art collection book: "Gazu Hyakki Tsurezure Bukuro" (The Illustrated Bag of One Hundred Random Demons; the term 'hyakki' in its title is a pun on the usual hyakki, replacing the character for demon which is written as "鬼" in Japanese with a character for vessel written as "器," and sure enough, most of the yokais shown in this book are tsukumogami [a type of Japanese spirits that originate in items or artifacts that have reached their 100th birthday and become alive]).

Eshi (絵師) - The term "eshi," written as "絵師" in Japanese, refers to those who vocationally paint original pictures for ukiyo-e (Japanese colored woodblock prints in the Edo period).

Eshi no soshi (picture scroll) (絵師草紙) - Eshi no soshi (picture scroll) is a Japanese emakimono (an illustrated scroll).

Etenraku (Ancient Japanese court dance and music) (越天楽) - "Etenraku" is a piece of gagaku (ancient Japanese court dance and music).

Etona Eiga-sha (エトナ映画社) - Etona Eiga-sha (established September 1934, liquidated April 1935) was a film company that existed in Kyoto.

F

F.C. Kyoto Sanga (京都サンガF.C.) - Kyoto Sanga F.C. (京都サンガF.C.) is a professional football (soccer) club which is based in Kyoto City, Japan, and is affiliated with the Japan Professional Football League (J. League for short).

Fashion (ファッション) - Fashion (described as fashion in English, mode in French) refers to the style of clothes, hairstyle, the manner of make-up or outfits.

First Three Days of the New Year (正月三が日) - The first three days of the New Year refer to January 1, or New Year's Day, and January 2 and 3 of every year.

Five-and-seven Syllable Meter (五七調) - Five-and-seven syllable meter is a form of poem in which words of Goon (five syllables) and Shichion (seven syllables) repeat one after another.

Folk-cultural properties (民俗文化財) - Folk-cultural properties refer to material folk-culture with a particularly high value which require preservation measures, or measures or rules for such preservation are expected to be effective.

Four-Seasons Brewing (四季醸造) - Four seasons brewing is the brewing of Japanese sake (rice wine) throughout the year and not just in the cold of winter.

Fu () - "Fu" refers to a processed food made with wheat gluten being the main ingredient.

Fu-Rin-Ka-Zan (the movie) (風林火山 (映画)) - "Fu-Rin-Ka-Zan" (as fast as the wind, as quiet as the forest, as daring as fire, and as immovable as the mountain) is a Jidaigeki-eiga (the period movie) which was released on March 1, 1969.

Fubutsushi (a poetic expression for certain events or things) (風物詩) - Fubutsushi means events or things unique to a season--natural phenomena, tastes, living things, and street vendors-- that characterize the season in people's mind.

Fucha Ryori (普茶料理) - Fucha ryori is Japanese vegetarian cuisine introduced from China in the early Edo period.

Fude (ink brush) () - The term "fude" refers to a tool made out of a stem (thin stick such as bamboo tube) with a brush (a bundle of fiber) on the top, which is used for writing and painting.

Fudo (不動) - "Fudo" is one of the best eighteen Kabuki plays.

Fue (an instrument producing sound with an air current) () - The term "fue" generally refers to instruments which produce sound with an air current.

Fugaku sanjurokkei (Thirty-six Views of Mt. Fuji) (富嶽三十六景) - Thirty-six Views of Mt. Fuji is a notable example of a landscape painting or Ukiyoe (Japanese woodblock prints) created by Hokusai KATSUSHIKA.

Fugu Cuisine (ふぐ料理) - Fugu cuisine' is the collective name for a variety of dishes that use pufferfish.

Fuguruma-yobi (文車妖妃) - "Fuguruma-yobi" is a Japanese specter which appears in "Hyakki Tsurezure Bukuro"(The Bag of One Hundred Random Demons), a collection of paintings of specters drawn by Sekien TORIYAMA.

Fuji Matsuri (a festival of Japanese wisteria) (藤まつり) - Fuji Matsuri is a festival being held in various regions in Japan.

Fuji Musume (Wisteria Maiden) (藤娘) - Fuji Musume can refer to the following.

Fujin (The Japanese God of The Wind) (風神) - Fujin (also known as "Kaze no kami," or "Fuhaku") is the Japanese god believed to control the wind.

Fujita school (藤田流) - The Fujita school is one of the schools of fue-kata (flute players) in Nohgaku (the art of Noh).

Fukamizu (深水) - Fukamizu is one of the Mizuage (method of prolonging the lives of flowers) in Japanese flower arrangement.

Fukamushi-cha (Deep-steam Green Tea) (深蒸し茶) - Fukamushi-cha (deep-steam green tea) is a type of sencha.

Fuki (yose (storyteller theater)) (富貴 (寄席)) - Fuki was a yose of Kamigata rakugo (traditional Japanese comic storytelling as performed in the Kyoto-Osaka region) that existed in the past.

Fukiwa (吹輪) - Fukiwa is a mage (chignon) which was tied on the head of Himegimi (daughter of a person of high rank) of a samurai since the early Edo period.

Fuku no kami (The God of Good Fortune) (福の神) - "Fuku no kami" is a program of Kyogen (farce played during a Noh play cycle).

Fukubukuro (Lucky bags) (福袋) - Fukubukuro are bags containing random goods to sell at department stores for the first day of business at the beginning of the year.

Fukufokuju (the god of happiness (fuku), wealth (roku) and long life (ju) with an elongated head) (福禄寿) - Fukurokuju is one of the Seven Deities of Good Fortune.

Fukujinzuke (pickle of seven kinds of vegetables) (福神漬) - Fukujinzuke (or fukusinnzuke depending on regions) (literally, pickles of the gods of good fortune).

Fukujuen (福寿園) - Fukujuen CO., LTD is a tea company located in Yamashiro-cho, Kizugawa City, Kyoto Prefecture.

Fukuo school (福王流) - The Fukuo school is a school of waki-kata (supporting actors) in Nohgaku (the art of Noh).

Fukuro obi (袋帯) - The fukuro obi is a kind of obi (sash) that is used in Japan.

Fukuro shinai (bamboo sword covered with a sleeve) (袋竹刀) - Fukuro shinai (written as 袋竹刀) is a tool used in martial arts that had been used in swordsmanship training before the bamboo sword was devised.

Fukusa (袱紗) - Fukusa

Fukusa (a double-layer square piece of silk cloth) (帛紗) - Fukusa is a piece of cloth used in handling tea utensils mainly in a tea ceremony.

Fukusa basami (pouch for a silk wrapping cloth and other small items used for the tea ceremony) (袱紗挟み) - Fukusa basami, also referred to as Kaishi ire (literally, Japanese pocket tissue pouch), is a generic name given to pouches used to put together and carry small items necessary for tea ceremony lessons or tea ceremony parties.

Fukuwarai (福笑い) - Fukuwarai, (a game similar to pin the tail on the donkey) is a traditional game played on New Year's day in Japan.

Fumai-ryu School (a school of tea ceremony established by Fumai MATSUDAIRA) (不昧流) - Fumai-ryu school is one of tea ceremony schools which was founded by Fumai MATSUDAIRA and was handed down within the Matsue Domain.

Funa benkei (Noh play) (船弁慶) - Funa benkei (船弁慶: Benkei in the Boat) is a Noh play based on "Heike Monogatari" (The tale of the Heike) and "Azuma Kagami" (The Mirror of the East).

Funa-zushi (crucian carp sushi) (鮒寿司) - Funa-zushi, a local specialty of Shiga Prefecture, is a type of nare zushi (fermented sushi) made with crucian carp.

Fundoshi (traditional Japanese underwear) (ふんどし) - "Fundoshi" is a traditional underwear for men in Japan and other areas.

Fundoshi Iwai (Loincloth Rituals) (褌祝) - Fundoshi Iwai (aka Heko Iwai) is a coming-of-age ritual for men, that takes place in some regions of Japan.

Furikake (ふりかけ) - Furikake consists of powdered, particulate or soboro-like (crumbled and seasoned meat, fish, egg) condiments sprinkled mainly on rice for seasoning.

Furisode (振袖) - Furisode is a type of Japanese kimono worn by girls in their minority.

Furiuri (Peddling or Peddler) (振売) - Furiuri

Furofuki Daikon (風呂吹き大根) - Furofuki daikon is simmered Japanese radish, which is often served with Miso sauce.

Furosaki Byobu (folding screen) (風炉先屏風) - Furosaki Byobu, one of the tea ceremony equipment, is a folding screen of two panels, which is placed in the corner at the upper end of the tea-making tatami mat when the tea ceremony procedure is done in a room of more than 4.5 tatami mat size.

Furoshiki (wrapping cloth) (風呂敷) - Furoshiki is a piece of cloth similar to a regular square shape for wrapping things for carrying or storing.

Furuutsubo (古空穂) - Furu-utsubo or Utsubo is a Japanese yokai (ghosts, spirits and monsters) portrayed in Sekien TORIYAMA's yokai art collection book named "Hyakki Tsurezure Bukuro" (The Bag of One Hundred Random Demons; the term 'hyakki' in its title is a pun on the usual hyakki, replacing the character for demon which is written as "鬼" in Japanese with a character for vessel written as "器," and sure enough, most of the yokais shown in this book are tsukumogami [a type of Japanese spirits that originate in items or artifacts that have reached their 100th birthday and become alive]).

Furyu (風流) - Furyu is one of the aesthetic values that became popular after the Middle Ages in Japan.

Fushimi Jikkoku-bune Boat (伏見十石舟) - Jikkoku-bune Boat is a pleasure boat operated by Fushimi Yumekobo Co., Ltd. funded by 55 companies including Gekkeikan Sake Co., Ltd.

Fushin (普請) - Fushin (普請), where fu (普) means widely and shin (請) means asking for help, refers to a request for widespread and equal community service (monetary support, labor support, financial assistance), where a whole community is asked to build and maintain public infrastructures.

Fusuma () - The term fusuma (襖) is a fitting which is used as a partition in a Japanese-style room.

Futaeorimono (double technique brocade) (二陪織物) - "Futaeorimono" (or "Futabeorimono") is a fabric on which two kinds of patterns are arranged; the one is called 'jimon' (textile pattern), running patterns such as kikko (hexagonal pattern) and karakusa (arabesque) that spread over a fabric, and the other called 'uwamon,' patterns of marumon (round pattern) and kachomon (pattern of flowers and birds) which are woven with colored threads different from those of jimon and arranged at random.

Futaoki (lid rests) (蓋置) - Futaoki, one of the tea ceremony equipment, is a rest on which the lid of the iron tea pot or the dipper end of the water ladle is placed; it is made of bamboo, metal, or ceramic.

Fuzei (風情) - Fuzei is one of the aesthetic feelings which have existed from ancient times in Japan.

G

Gagaku (雅楽) - Gagaku is one of the traditional forms of music in Japan, China, the Korean Peninsula and Vietnam.

Gagoze (specter) (元興寺 (妖怪)) - Gagoze (also called "Gagoji" or "Guwagoze"), or an ogre at Gango-ji Temple, is a specter which is said to have appeared at Gango-ji Temple in Nara Prefecture during the Asuka period.

Game Archive Project (ゲームアーカイブ・プロジェクト) - Game Archive Project, also known as GAP, was inaugurated in 1998, by Kyoto Prefecture as a leasing body and other organizations.

Gando gaeshi (強盗返) - Gando gaeshi (to pivot one large piece of scenery onto its side so as to reveal a different one) is a stage term used in Kabuki and means one of 'Idokoro-gawari' (place change) methods for scene changes or a device which uses Gando-gaeshi.

Ganjiro NAKAMURA (the Second) (中村鴈治郎 (2代目)) - Ganjiro NAKAMURA, the second (February 17, 1902 - April 13, 1983) was a kabuki actor who is representative of the Showa period.

Ganjiro-Junikyoku (12 Ganjiro roles) (玩辞楼十二曲) - Ganjiro-Junikyoku refers to the specialty plays of Ganjiro NAKAMURA of Narikomaya selected by Ganjiro NAKAMURA the first.

Ganjitsu no sechie (New Year's Festival) (元日節会) - "Ganjitsu no sechie" is one of the ancient events for the New Year.

Ganmodoki (がんもどき) - Ganmodoki is one of processed foods made of tofu (bean curd).

Garei (artifact spirit) (画霊) - Garei (literally, the ghost of a picture) are said to be tsukumogami (spirits that inhabit certain objects) where a portrait has been possessed by the spirit of its painter.

Gari (pickled ginger) (ガリ) - Gari is ginger thinly sliced and pickled in sweetened vinegar.

Gas Light (ガス灯) - A gas light is illumination produced by burning a gaseous fuel.

Gasan (or 画賛: inscriptions associated with paintings) (画賛) - Gasan

Geigi (芸妓) - Geigi refers to geisha (Japanese singing and dancing girl) or young geisha that add zest to banquets and entertain customers by performing traditional Japanese dance, songs with shamisen accompaniment, long epic song with shamisen accompaniment, and a Japanese band using traditional musical instruments.

Gekkin (月琴) - Gekkin (Chinese name: yueh-chin, yueqin; English name: moon guitar, moon-zither; and Vietnamese name: {-D}{a`}n nguy{e^.}t) is a traditional musical instrument in China, Japan and Vietnam.

Genbunicchi (言文一致) - Genbunicchi (unification of the written and spoken language) refers to the movement in the Meiji period that asserted that writers should write in a style close to the colloquial style Japanese, using everyday expressions instead of the previous literal style Japanese and practiced it, and to the works written in that style.

Genji Chakuryu (direct descendant of the Minamoto clan) (源氏嫡流) - Genji Chakuryu means the direct descendant of Genji (the Minamoto clan).

Genjo (Noh play) (絃上 (能)) - Genjo (written as 絃上, also called "Kenjo") is a Noh play program.

Genkareki (元嘉暦) - Genkareki is one form of Chinese calendar, a lunisolar calendar formerly used in China and Japan.

Genmaicha (玄米茶) - Genmaicha is a mixture of almost the same amount of bancha (coarse tea) or occasionally sencha green tea heated at high temperatures, and brown rice steamed and roasted until it gets a light ginger color or bursts like popcorn.

Genpuku (celebrate one's coming of age) (元服) - Genpuku was a coming-of-age celebration for boys, a rite of passage held among Court nobles and samurai families since the Heian period.

Genroku chushingura (元禄忠臣蔵) - Genroku chushingura is a program of Kabuki, and is a Shin-kabuki (new Kabuki) written by Seika MAYAMA.

Genroku Culture (元禄文化) - Genroku culture was a culture that flourished from the end of 17th century to the early 18th century, especially in the Genroku Period (1688-1707), and was centered in mainly Kamigata (Osaka and Kyoto area).

Genroku no Daikoshu (元禄の大古酒) - Genroku no Daikoshu is sake which is believed to be prepared in the Genroku era and took off a seal in Mochizuki-machi, Kitasaku County, Nagano Prefecture in 1968.

Geta (下駄) - Geta (Japanese wooden sandals) is Japanese traditional footwear, and is put on by putting feet on wooden boards and fixing toes with a strap which is called O (or Hanao).

Giccho (毬杖) - Giccho is a game in which one party smashes a wooden ball aimed at the other party's side by swinging a wooden cane with a wooden mallet head at the end.

Gigaku (Japanese silent dancedrama in which performers wear masks) (伎楽) - "Gigaku" is one of the traditional theatrical performance in Japan.

Gigaku-men Mask (伎楽面) - Gigaku-men mask is a mask used for gigaku (an ancient pantomime in which performers wear masks).

Giho reki (Giho calendar) (儀鳳暦) - Giho reki is a Chinese calendar and is a lunisolar calendar which was compiled by Chunfeng LI, an astronomer during the Tang dynasty.

Gimei (counterfeit inscription) (偽銘) - Gimei (counterfeit inscription) is an inscribed name of a person other than the original creator.

Gion Matsuri Festival (祇園祭) - Gion Matsuri Festival is a kind of festival that is dedicated to the Gion-jinja Shrines which enshrine the Gion shinko (Gion belief) (Susanoo, deity in Japanese Mythology, and Gozu Tenno, deity of Disease, said to be the Indian god Gavagriva).

Gion odori (Gion Dance) (祇園をどり) - Gion odori: Gion odori is performed from November 1 to 10 annually in the Gion Kaikan Theater.

Giondofu (祇園豆腐) - Giondofu refers to a Dengakudofu (tofu, bean curd skewered, roasted over charcoal, and coated with miso) dish, sold by two chaya (tea houses) in front of Yasaka-jinja Shrine (Gion-jinja Shrine) in Kyoto in the Edo Period.

Giontsujiri (祇園辻利) - Giontsujiri is a corporation located in Gion, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City.

Gissha (牛車) - A gissha (ox-drawn carriage) is a kind of vehicle drawn by oxen or water buffalo.

Go Tein Yuigo (御手印遺告) - Go Tein Yuigo was written by the Emperor Gouda in 1321, and it consists of 21 articles of yuikai or ikai (teachings to posterity) wishing the long prosperity of Daikaku-ji Temple and Shingon Esoteric Buddhism including the details of the erection of Daikaku-ji Temple.

Gobomaki (rolled dish with a burdock root) (ごぼう巻き) - Gobomaki is a dish using gobo (burdock root).

Godaimon (The five major family crests in Japan) (五大紋) - Godaion refers to the five family crest designs that are especially widely used throughout Japan, and they are fuji (wisteria), kiri (paulownia), takanoha (feathers of hawks), mokko (cross-section of a gourd), and katabami (yellow sorrel).

Goma-dofu (胡麻豆腐) - Goma-dofu is one of Shojin-ryori (vegetarian diet).

Gomashio (salt with parched sesame) (胡麻塩) - Gomashio is a mixture of sesame seeds and salt and used as a seasoning.

Goshiki-mame (five-colored roasted sweet beans) (五色豆) - Goshiki-mame (five-colored roasted sweet beans), roasted beans of five different colors covered with a sugar coating, are regarded as a well-known Kyoto confection.

Goshu-no-nikki (The technical book on sake brewing) (御酒之日記) - Goshu-no-nikki is the first technical book on sake brewing in existence in Japan that was handed down in the Satake clan.

Goso (direct petition) (強訴) - "Goso" refers to an act of petition in a firm attitude.

Gosyodoki (御所解) - Gosyodoki is a pattern of traditional Japanese clothes.

Gotoku (五徳) - Gotoku is described as below:

Gotokuneko (五徳猫) - Gotoku-neko (literally, tripod cat) is one of Japanese yokai (ghosts, spirits and monsters) that was portrayed in Sekien TORIYAMA's yokai art collection book: "Gazu Hyakki Tsurezure Bukuro" (The Illustrated Bag of One Hundred Random Demons; the term 'hyakki' in its title is a pun on the usual hyakki, replacing the character for demon which is written as "鬼" in Japanese with a character for vessel written as "器," and sure enough, most of the yokais shown in this book are tsukumogami [a type of Japanese spirits that originate in items or artifacts that have reached their 100th birthday and become alive]).

Gozenshu (御膳酒) - Gozenshu is sake (Japanese liquor) which was brewed and delivered to people such as seii taishogun (literally, "great general who subdues the barbarians") and daimyo (Japanese territorial lord) during the Edo period in Japan as a drink for so-called "tono-sama (a person with higher rank)".

Green Laver (アオノリ) - Green laver is a seaweed of the Green algae Class Family Ulvaceae Genus Enteromorpha, and is a generic term for Enteromorpha prolifera, Enteromorpha linza, Enteromorpha compressa, Enteromorpha intestinalis, and the like.

Green tea (緑茶) - Green tea (ryokucha, green tea in English, lchá in Chinese) refers the one processed by heating treatment to prevent fermentation, within the tea in which produced from tea leaves.

Grilled eggplant (焼きなす) - Grilled eggplant is one of the popular recipes for cooking eggplants in Japan.

Gyokuro (refined green tea) (玉露) - Gyokuro is a kind of Japanese tea.

Gyotai (魚袋) - A Gyotai (fish box) is an accessory used for Sokutai costume (traditional formal court dress).

Gyudon (牛丼) - The gyudon (rice covered with beef and vegetables) refers to a cuisine for the common people that consists of a bowl of rice topped with solid pieces of chopped-up pork ribs or pieces of sliced meat simmered with onions in a mixture of sugar and soy sauce.

Gyuhi (a kind of rice cake made from glutinous rice or glutinous rice flour) (求肥) - Gyuhi is one of the materials of Japanese confectionery and a kind of rice cake made by kneading.

Gyuro-Shukujo (牛郎織女) - "Gyuro-Shukujo" (The Cowherd and the Weaving Girl) is a myth and legend of the People's Republic of China and is believed to be one of the country's folk tales.

H

Haba () - Haba is a unit used to measure width of cloth, especially for wafuku (Japanese traditional clothes).

Haboku-sansui (破墨山水) - Haboku-sansui refers to Sansui-ga (Chinese-style landscape painting) which is painted using haboku (the broken-ink technique) technique (to be described later).

Habutae (a kind of woven silk fabric) (羽二重) - "Habutae" (habutae silk in English) is a kind of plain woven cloth with warp and weft yarns alternately interwoven.

Habutae Mochi (羽二重餅) - Habutae Mochi is a traditional sweet of Fukui Prefecture, made from steamed and kneaded rice flour with sugar and starch syrup; it usually takes a long time to make a beautiful translucent paste which becomes a base of the sweet.

Hachi no ki (鉢木) - Hachi no ki is one of the Noh plays.

Hachiman Matsuri Yomiyano Nigiwai (a kabuki play) (八幡祭小望月賑) - "Hachiman matsuri yomiyano nigiwai" is a kabuki play.

Hachimanyama (Yamahoko Float) (八幡山 (山鉾)) - Hachimanyama is one of "yamahoko" floats, or decorative floats, which are paraded through streets during the Gion Festival held in Kyoto City on the seventeenth of July.

Hagoita (battledore) Racquets (羽子板) - Hagoita (battledore) are long oblong pieces of wood with a handle.

Haibu (拝舞) - Haibu (haimu) refers to a ritual of bowing which includes sayusa (a series of movement from left to right to left) for expressing one's gratitude on occasions such as joi (investiture of a court rank), appointment, and shiroku (receiving a stipend) in the Imperial Court during the Heian period.

Haigo (a pen name of a haiku poet) (俳号) - Haigo or Haimei (or Haimyo) is the pen name used in making Haikai or later Haiku.

Haikara (ハイカラ) - "Haikkara" is a Japanese word that means airs, persons, and things and so on that suggest westernized appearances and way of life.

Haimyo (俳名) - Haimyo is originally synonymous with Haigo (the pen name of a haiku poet), but it was used as follows in the field of public entertainment after the mid Edo period:

Hakama (pleated and divided skirt made in fine strips) () - Hakama is a kind of wafuku (Japanese traditional clothes) that is put on to cover the lower part of a person's body below the waist.

Hakata-ori Textile (博多織) - Hakata-ori textile refers to a silk textile, a local speciality of mainly Hakata in Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture.

Hakumai (White Rice) (白米) - Hakumai (white rice) is polished brown rice.

Hamaya (破魔矢) - Hamaya is an arrow given as a lucky charm of the New Year by a temple and/or a Shinto shrine.

Han-Noh (半能) - "Han-Noh" is a style of "Nohgaku" that a play is performed with largely shortened "Maeba" (the first half of the drama), focusing on "Nochiba", (the second half of the drama) for "Tsukeshugen" (a short celebratory Noh play).

Hanabishi (花菱) - Hanabishi is a type of hanabishi-mon (a crest that represents the head of the Takeda family and the military governor of Kai Province) which is used as a family crest in Japan.

Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing) (花見) - Hanami is a custom of enjoying the beauty of flowers, especially cherry blossoms and the arrival of spring.

Hanamichi (literally, flower path) (花道) - Hanamichi is the extension area of the stage which runs through the audience in theaters which hold performances such as kabuki.

Hanawachigai (花輪違) - Hanawachigai is a type of wachigai-mon (emblem with geometric design), which is a Japanese family crest.

Hanayorimo Hananogotoku (花よりも花の如く) - "Hanayorimo Hananogotoku" (More Flower-like Than Flowers) is a manga about Noh (traditional masked dance-drama) by Minako NARITA.

Hanbagu (Hamburger) (ハンバーグ) - Hanbagu (hamburger) or hanbagu suteki (hamburger steak) is a dish, made by adding minced vegetables such as onions, and seasonings such as pepper into ground meat (pork, beef, other meat of livestock, or a combination of meats), mixing eggs and bread crumbs together, forming the meat mixture into ovals or circles, and broiling them.

Haneri (neckpiece on a kimono) (半衿) - The "haneri" is a detachable neckpieces for kimonos that is sewed on a juban, underwear for wafuku (Japanese traditional clothes).

Hanetsuki (Japanese badminton) (羽根突き) - Hanetsuki, with a history of 1,300 years, is one of traditional games often played in New Year's Holidays in Japan, and is a girls' game or action for good luck where two players bandy a fletched soapberry seed with Hagoita (battledore).

Hangesho (半夏生) - Hangesho (the eleventh day after the Summer solstice) is one of the seasonal days (zassetsu) in the Japanese calendar and is so-called because it falls around the time that the medicinal herb Lizard's Tail (Crowdipper) flowers (the leaves of the hangesho (also called katashirogusa) also turn white on half the leaf around this time).

Hanhaba obi (a half-width sash) (半幅帯) - The hanhaba obi is a kind women's obi sash used in Japan.

Hanjo (班女) - "Hanjo" is a Noh play, which is reportedly created by Zeami.

Hannya no Men (The Mask of Hannya [female demon]) (般若の面) - Hannya no Men, also known as Hannyamen or simply Hannya, is a mask of a female demon representing 'the face of a woman harboring jealousy and resentment' used in Noh theater.

Hanpen (a white, square shaped fish paste) (半片) - Hanpen is kneaded fish cake made of fish such as suketo cod (Alaska Pollock) mixed with grated yam with seasonings, which is then made into thin squares or half moon shapes and boiled.

Hanpi (sleeveless body wear) (半臂) - Hanpi is a formal court dress of military officers and a bugaku (traditional Japanese court music accompanied by dancing) costume, which are a sleeveless body wear worn underneath ho (outer robe/vestment).

Hanten (袢纏) - Hanten is a kind of wafuku (Japanese traditional clothing) and winter clothing that has been worn by ordinary people since around the eighteenth century.

Haori (羽織) - The haori coat is a kind of traditional Japanese clothes.

Happi coat (livery coat) (法被) - Happi (written 法被) coat is worn at festival, and also is a craft man's livery coat with the crest or name of store on the back and lapels.

Happo Nihon-shu (発泡日本酒) - Happo Nihon-shu (sparkling Japanese sake) is sparkling, that is, carbon-dioxide-containing Japanese sake which has attracted attention in recent years.

Harakomeshi (はらこ飯) - Harakomeshi is a dish in which cooked rice is served with salmon flesh and salmon roe placed on top.

Hare and Ke (ハレとケ) - The dichotomy of 'hare and ke' is a traditional world-view of Japanese people accompanied by time theory.

Hari (needle)-kuyo (a memorial service for dull and broken needles) (針供養) - Hari (needle)-kuyo is an event to hold a memorial service for broken sewing needles and offer them to a shrine nearby.

Hari-ogi (張扇) - Hari-ogi, also called Hari-sen, refers to a special fan that is made for the purpose of making noise by slapping something during Nohgaku theatre, kodan storytelling and rakugo (traditional comic storytelling) (Kamigata rakugo (traditional Japanese comic storytelling as performed in the Kyoto-Osaka region)).

Hariko (張り子) - Hariko is one of the plastic arts technique which forms papier-mache by attaching pieces of paper to frames made of bamboo or wood or molds made of clay.

Haseo Zoshi (長谷雄草紙) - The Haseo Zoshi is one of the Japanese Emakimono (a traditional Japanese illustration/painting format developed for a narrative/storytelling purpose, produced in a narrow, horizontal scroll for representing various scenes and stories in a single scroll) remaining today.

Hashihime (the Maiden of the Bridge) (橋姫) - Hashihime is a lady, ogress or goddess who appears in legends about bridges.

Hashioki (箸置き) - Hashioki is a small object placed on a table to prevent chopsticks from rolling down.

Hashira-jochu (a brewing method of sake liquor) (柱焼酎) - "Hashira-jochu" was one of the terms used for traditional manufacturing methods of sake (Japanese rice wine) that existed in the beginning of the Edo Period, which is to add shochu (distilled spirit) or kasudori-shochu (shochu made from sake lees) to moromi (unrefined sake) or newly brewed sake after separation from lees by applying pressure.

Hassaku (八朔) - Hassaku is the abbreviation of hachigatsu sakujitsu which means August 1 on the lunar calendar.

Hataraki-goto (descriptive pieces) (働事) - Hataraki-goto refers to shosa (conduct) that has certain ideographical and representational elements in the parts that consist of performers' shosa and Noh-hayashi (percussion ensemble) in Noh plays.

Hatsu Hinode (the first sunrise of New year) (初日の出) - Hatsu hinode refers to the appearance of the celestial object on January 1 (ganjitsu) (when the sun rises from the horizon or sea horizon).

Hatsu-uma (First Horse Day) (初午) - Hatsu-uma refers to the first day of the horse in February.

Hatsuhana (初花) - Hatsuhana is one of the three major Chaire (tea caddy).

Hatsuka Shogatsu (Cerebration on 20th day of the new year) (二十日正月) - Hatsuka Shogatsu is the last day of the New Year.

Hatsumiyamairi (a Shinto rite of passage for newborns) (初宮参り) - Hatsumiyamairi (a Shinto rite of passage for newborns) is to thankfully report to Ubusunagami (guardian deity of one's birthplace) that a baby safely had the one month anniversary.

Hatsumode (初詣) - Hatsumode is an event to pray for safety and peace for the year by visiting a shrine or temple (a Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple), or church for the first time since the start of a new year.

Hatsuni (first cargo of the year) (初荷) - Hatsuni means shipping goods (products) from distribution bases including factories and warehouses to stores for the first time after the new year starts.

Hatsuuri (the first sale of the year) (初売り) - "Hatsuuri" means that retailers start business for the first time in the new year.

Hauta (端唄) - Hauta (a Japanese traditional song or ballad sung to the accompaniment of the shamisen) were originally regarded as shorter versions of nagauta (ballads sung to shamisen accompaniment).

Hayami-ryu School (速水流) - Hayami-ryu is a school of the tea ceremony, originated by Sotatsu HAYAMI.

Hayashi rice (ハヤシライス) - Hayashi rice is a dish featuring a sauce served atop white rice, the sauce of which is cooked by stir-frying thin pieces of beef and chopped onion with butter and stewing it with red wine and demi-glace sauce.

Hazakura (葉桜) - Hazakura is a term that refers to cherry trees during the period after the cherry blossom falls and the trees start to sprout new leaves until the cherry trees are totally covered with new leaves of tender green, or to such scenes.

Haze (破精) - Haze is a notion considered to be important in the seigiku process, that is a manufacturing process of sake rice malt, in the brewing process of sake.

Heian-style costume (平安装束) - Heian-style costume is clothing worn by the Imperial families and court nobles during the Heian period.

Heihoka/Hyohoka (tactician) (兵法家) - 兵法家 (reads heihoka/hyohoka) refers to the following.

Heike nyogo no shima (The Heike and the Island of Women) (平家女護島) - "Heike nyogo no shima" (The Heike and the Island of Women) is ningyo joruri (traditional Japanese puppet theater) created by Monzaemon CHIKAMATSU.

Heirakuji Shoten (平楽寺書店) - Kabushiki Kaisha (a joint stock corporation) Heirakuji (literally, Heiraku-ji Temple) Shoten is a publishing company located at Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City.

Heiroku (幣六) - Heiroku is one of Japanese yokai (ghosts, spirits and monsters) that was portrayed in Sekien TORIYAMA's yokai art collection book: "Hyakki Tsurezure Bukuro" (The Bag of One Hundred Random Demons; the term 'hyakki' in its title is a pun on the usual hyakki, replacing the character for demon which is written as "鬼" in Japanese with a character for vessel written as "器," and sure enough, most of the yokais shown in this book are tsukumogami [a type of Japanese spirits that originate in items or artifacts that have reached their 100th birthday and become alive]).

Heki School (日置流) - Heki school was established by Masatsugu Danjo HEKI, who learned in the ancient Henmi school.

Heko obi (兵児帯) - The heko obi is a kind of men's obi (sash) used in wearing wafuku (Japanese traditional clothes).

Henohenomoheji (へのへのもへじ) (へのへのもへじ) - "Henohenomoheji" face-like pictographs are created by playing around with and arranging seven hiragana phonetic syllables to form the caricature of a human face as a picture (letter picture).

Heshiko (へしこ) - Heshiko, salted mackerel in rice-bran paste, is a local dish and a processed marine product.

Hi Izuru Tokoro no Tenshi (Emperor of the Land of the Rising Sun) (日出処の天子) - Hi Izuru Tokoro no Tenshi (Emperor of the Land of the Rising Sun) is Japanese manga (cartoon or comics), written by Ryoko YAMAGISHI.

Hibachi (火鉢) - Hibachi are a kind of charcoal burning brazier used in Japan as a heating appliance.

Hibashi chopstick (火箸) - Hibashi chopstick is a Japanese tool.

Hichiriki Flute (篳篥) - Hichiriki flute is one of the wind instruments used for gagaku (ancient Japanese court dance and music) and kagura (sacred music and dancing performed at shrines) that was created in modern times following the flow of gagaku.

Hidari Tachi (左太刀) - Hidari Tachi is the technique to hold and grip a sword with the left hand placed towards the Tsuba (a hand guard) and the right hand placed at the base of the hilt, meanwhile the right hand is usually placed towards a Tsuba and the left hand is placed at the base of a hilt in the art of swordsmanship.

Hifu (被布) - Hifu means a kind of jackets that is put on over kimono.

Higan (彼岸) - The term "higan" refers to enlightenment or escape from earthly desires, and refers to the 'other side' as opposed to the term 'shigan' (this side) which means this world filled with earthly desires and doubt.

Higashi (dry sweets; dry confectionary) (干菓子) - Higashi (干菓子) or Higashi (乾菓子) is a generic term that refers to dry Japanese sweets.

Higashiyama culture (東山文化) - Higashiyama culture is a term which refers to the culture in the middle of the Muromachi Period.

Higekiri (髭切) - Higekiri is a sword which MINAMOTO no Mitsunaka is said to have had made in the Heian period, handed down, together with another sword, Hizamaru, through successive generations of the Minamoto clan.

Higeyagura (髭櫓) - Higeyagura is a title of kyogen (farce played during a Noh play cycle).

Higo-koryu Old School (a school of tea ceremony) (肥後古流 (茶道)) - The Higo-koryu old school is one of the schools of tea ceremony passed on in the Kumamoto Domain.

Hiiragi-iwashi (柊鰯) - Hiiragi-iwashi is a holly sprig with a baked sardine's head, and Japanese people have a time-honored custom of putting Hiiragi-iwashi at their door on Setsubun (the traditional end of winter) to ward off evil spirits.

Hijiki (ヒジキ) - Hijiki (scientific name: Sargassum fusiforme, synonym: Hizikia fusiformis) is a kind of seaweed of the Class Phaeophyceae Family Sargassaceae Genus Sargassum.

Hikae yagura (控櫓) - Hikae yagura is Zamoto (leaders of theatrical companies) which took over the performance rights and ran the theaters on behalf of the playhouses (Hon yagura [the three licensed theaters, Edo Sanza]) authorized by the Edo bakufu (Japanese feudal government headed by a shogun) because the playhouses could not give any performance due to financial woes etc. in the Edo period.

Hikari-beni (red pigment made from safflowers) (艶紅) - Hikari-beni, also referred to as tsuya-beni (which literally means "shiny red") is pigment made by separating the coloring matter of safflowers with plum vinegar.

HIKI Ikkan (飛来一閑) - Ikkan HIKI is one of the Senke jusshoku (Senke's ten designated craftsmen families) and the name is succeeded by the head of Ikkanbari saikushi (artisan of lacquered papier-mache) from generation to generation.

Hikichigiri (引千切) - Hikichigiri is a type of Japanese sweet made from mochi (Japanese rice cake made of glutinous rice pounded into paste and molded into shape) and sweet bean paste.

Hikihitomai (侏儒舞) - "Hikihitomai" is a kind of "sarugaku" (form of theatre popular in Japan during the 11th to 14th centuries).

Hikimayu (painted eyebrows) (引眉) - Hikimayu is a makeup technique applied from the Nara period to the Edo period, meaning to shave or pull out eyebrows.

Hikime-Kagibana (引目鉤鼻) - Hikime-kagibana is a typological and stylized description technique for the eyes and nose of a person's face, used in the Yamato-e paintings (traditional Japanese style painting of the late Heian and Kamakura periods dealing with Japanese themes) and fuzokuga (pictures of manners and customs) during the Heian and Kamakura periods.

Himeii Method (姫飯造り) - Himeii method is one of modern Japanese sake production methods and a kind of high-temperature saccharification method.

Hina Arare (雛あられ) - Hina arare is a kind of Japanese confectionery that is offered at the Dolls' Festival (March 3rd).

Hina no Tsurushikazari (Hanging Decorations for Doll's Festival) (雛のつるし飾り) - Hina no Tsurushikazari is a custom of hanging decorations in the Izuinatori area going back to the Edo period.

Hina-matsuri (Doll's Festival) (雛祭り) - Hina-matsuri is an annual event of the seasonal festival to pray for the healthy growth of girls.

Hinawaju (matchlock gun) (火縄銃) - Hinawaju (English: matchlock gun) is one form of gun in early times.

Hinowan (Hino Lacquered Bowl) (日野椀) - Hinowan refers to lacquered bowls produced in and around Hino-cho, Gamo-gun, Shiga Prefecture.

Hiochi (putrefaction) (火落ち) - Hiochi is one of the terms on manufacturing sake (rice wine), and it means that sake in the manufacturing process has become cloudy and spoiled, while being stored.

Hiraiwa school (平岩流) - The Hiraiwa school is an extinct school of fue-kata (flute players) in Nohgaku (the art of Noh).

Hiraki (first performance for a Noh actor, acting an important role) (披き) - Hiraki is what a Nohgakushi (Noh actor) performs for the first time as a shite (a main actor of a Noh play) or a quasi shite role for a certain music, Kyogen (farce played during a Noh play cycle), or hayashi (musical accompaniment played on traditional Japanese instruments).

Hirezake (ひれ酒) - Hirezake (hot sake [Japanese liquor] flavored with fish fins) is a way of drinking sake.

Hisada school (久田流) - The Hisada family are a "chake" (a family known as traditional masters of the tea ceremony).

Hishi Mochi (red, white, and green lozenge-shaped rice cakes) (菱餅) - Hishi mochi is a kind of Japanese confectionery.

Hishihanabira Mochi (Water Chestnut Petal Sticky Rice Cakes) (菱葩餅) - Hishihanabira Mochi (Water chestnut petal sticky rice cakes) are a traditional Japanese confectionary made by wrapping burdock root, white miso paste and pink colored mochi (sticky rice cake) in either sticky rice cake or Turkish delight.

Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (古都京都の文化財) - "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto" is a collective term of the temples in Kyoto City and Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture and Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture.

History of Sake (Japanese liquor) (日本酒の歴史) - History of sake

Hitatare (直垂) - Hitatare (the large square-cut coat with cord laced sleeve edges of samurai) is one type of Japanese traditional kimono.

Hitoe (単衣) - Hitote

Hitotsumono (ヒトツモノ) - Hitotsumono is a Buddhism or Shinto ritual/event held in festivals or gatherings in shrines and temples.

Hitsumabushi (ひつまぶし) - Hitsumabushi is a regional cuisine made with eel that is eaten mainly in the Nagoya area.

Hiyamugi (ひやむぎ) - Hiyamugi is a type of noodle made of wheat flour.

Hiyashiame (cold candy drink) (冷やし飴) - "Cold candy" drink or ameyu ("candy"drink) is one of Japan's traditional sweet drinks made from malt syrup dissolved in hot water with ginger juice or grated ginger added as a seasoning or flavoring agent.

Hizamaru (膝丸) - Hizamaru was a sword which MINAMOTO no Mitsunaka had made during the Heian period, handed down as a sword of successive generations of Genji, together with Higekiri.

Hoba-zushi (朴葉寿司) - Hoba-zushi is a local dish of the south of Hida region (Gifu Prefecture), and of Tono (the eastern Mino region of Gifu), and of Chuno (the middle Mino region of Gifu), and of Kiso region (Nagano Prefecture).

Hoeki no ho (robe with a round collar, stitched sides and a ran, worn by an emperor and high-ranking officials) (縫腋袍) - Hoeki no ho is one of the Japanese robes of chofuku (clothes worn by the people who come to work at the court on a regular basis), and a ho (round-necked robe worn by members of nobility and the Imperial Court), which has sewn sleeve seams, an outer robe and fabrics called ran (brocade) running sideways around the hem.

Hojicha (roasted green tea) (ほうじ茶) - Hojicha (written as ほうじちゃ or 焙じ茶) is a type of Japanese green tea, generally referring to tea made with roasted tea leaves.

Hojo Kudai Meika no Isaoshi (北条九代名家功) - Hojo Kudai Meika no Isaoshi is the title of kabuki kyogen play.

Hojutsu (the art of gunnery) (砲術) - Hojutsu (the art of gunnery)

Hokan (Professional entertainer) (幇間) - Hokan (also called Taiko) is a profession of a man who indulges hosts and guests at a drinking party such as a banquet or ozashiki (banquets in which guests are attended by geisha), does performances himself, and helps geisha (Japanese professional female entertainers at drinking party) and maiko (apprentice geisha) to set the groove.

Homekotoba (words of praise) (ほめことば) - Homekotoba refers to words of praise to be uttered or shouted to applaud playactors of Kabuki play on stage.

Homongi (訪問着) - Homongi is kimono for Japanese females.

Hondamage (men's hairstyle) (本多髷) - Hondamage is a male hairstyle that was popular among Suijin (men of refined tastes) during the Edo period.

Honekarakasa (骨傘) - Hone-karakasa (literally, an oil-paper umbrella with a bamboo frame, the oil paper of which is gone) is one of Japanese yokai (ghosts, spirits and monsters) that was portrayed in Sekien TORIYAMA's yokai art collection book: "Hyakki Tsurezure Bukuro" (The Bag of One Hundred Random Demons; the term 'hyakki' in its title is a pun on the usual hyakki, replacing the character for demon which is written as "鬼" in Japanese with a character for vessel written as "器," and sure enough, most of the yokais shown in this book are tsukumogami [a type of Japanese spirits that originate in items or artifacts that have reached their 100th birthday and become alive]).

Honke Nishio Yatsuhashi (Originator Nishio Yatsuhashi) (本家西尾八ッ橋) - Honke Nishio Yatsuhashi is the oldest manufacture of Yatsuhashi (type of sweets made with bean paste) in Kyoto, established in 1689.

Honnaoshi (本直し) - Honnaoshi is a kind of alcoholic drink.

Honne to Tatemae (one's personal feelings and the socially accepted view) (本音と建前) - Honne to tatemae is a Japanese expression to explain a social phenomenon.

Honzen Ryori (Formally arranged meal) (本膳料理) - We will introduce Honzen ryori (formally arranged meal), one type of traditional food among Japanese-style cuisines.

Horagai (Conch) (ホラガイ) - Horagai, with the scientific name Charonia tritonis, is a type of snall that belongs to the Cymatiidae family, formerly classified under Cymatiidae, Mesogastropoda.

Horinouchi family (堀内家) - The Horinouchi family (Horinouchi-ke) were a hereditary tea family who served as tea masters under the Omotesenke for many generations.

Horyakureki (Horyaku Calendar) (宝暦暦) - The Horyakureki or Horekireki is a Japanese lunar-solar calendar, formerly used in Japan.

Hoshi-imo (dried sweet potatoes) (干しいも) - Hoshi-imo is made from sweet potato through the processing of steaming and then drying.

Hoshigaki (干し柿) - Hoshigaki is a kind of dried fruit made by drying Japanese persimmons.

HOSHINO Shigenori (星野茂則) - Shigenori HOSHINO was a feudal retainer of the Owari clan and an expert in kyujutsu (the art of Japanese archery) who lived during the early part of the Edo period.

HOSHO Kuro (宝生九郎) - Kuro HOSHO is a stage name used by the headman of the shite-kata (actors who play leading characters in Noh performances) Hosho school.

Hosho school (宝生流) - The Hosho school is one of the Nohgaku (the art of Noh) schools.

Hosho School (Waki-kata [supporting actors]) (宝生流 (ワキ方)) - The Hosho school is a style of Waki-kata in Nohgaku.

Hosonaga (細長) - Hosonaga is a type of ubugi (swaddling clothes) of the Heian period with a shape similar to kariginu (a type of ancient kimono).

Hot Spring (Onsen) (温泉) - The term "hot spring "refers to a phenomenon of hot water gushing out from underground, the state of hot water or the place where such phenomenon or state is seen.

Hotei (布袋) - Hotei is originally the name of a legendary Buddhist monk who actually lived in Mingzhou (now Zhejiang Province, China) in the late Tang Dynasty period.

Hyakunin Isshu (百人一首) - Hyakunin Isshu (one hundred waka poems by one hundred poets) is a poetry anthology containing one hundred waka (classical Japanese poems), one each by distinguished poets from ancient times; in the past, it had been called 'Hyakunin-shu.'

Hyonenzu (a painting of Catching a Catfish with a Gourd) (瓢鮎図) - Hyonenzu is a painting created by Josetsu, a leading painter and priest in the early stage of ink-and-wash paintings in Japan.

Hyotankozo (瓢箪小僧) - Hyotan-kozo (literally, a calabash or bottle gourd boy) is one of Japanese yokai (ghosts, spirits and monsters) that was transmuted from a calabash or bottle gourd.

I

Iaido (art of drawing the Japanese sword) (居合道) - Iaido is a kind of martial art that was developed from the battojutsu (technique of drawing a sword) called Iai.

Ichigo Daifuku (Japanese confection made from a strawberry and rice cake) (いちご大福) - Ichigo daifuku is a kind of Japanese confection consisting of a strawberry inside 'daifuku', which is a rice cake stuffed with sweet bean paste.

Ichiju-issai (a bowl of soup and one dish) (一汁一菜) - "Ichiju-issai" is one of the menu compositions of meals in Japan.

Ichikawa Kobunji Kabuki Eiga Productions (市川小文治歌舞伎映画プロダクション) - Ichikawa Kobunji Kabuki Eiga Productions (established in June 1928 and dissolved in August) was a film company in Kyoto.

Ichikawa soke (市川宗家) - Ichikawa soke

Ichikawa-ryu (市川流) - Ichikawa-ryu

Ichimatsu ningyo (Ichimatsu dolls) (市松人形) - Ichimatsu ningyo is a kind of fashion dolls.

Ichimi-togarashi (一味唐辛子) - Ichimi-togarashi (cayenne pepper powder) is a seasoning made of dried red pepper ground into powder form.

Ichizawa Hanpu Co., Ltd. (一澤帆布工業) - Ichizawa Hanpu Co., Ltd. is a cloth bag manufacturer located in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City.

Ichizawa Shinzaburo Hanpu (一澤信三郎帆布) - Ichizawa Shinzaburo Hanpu Co., Ltd. is a manufacturer of bags made with cloth in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City.

Ichomage (men's hairstyle) (銀杏髷) - Ichomage is the most popular men's hairstyle through the Edo period.

Ie No Gei (the showpiece of a school of the performing arts) (家の芸) - Ie No Gei (literally, performance of a family) means performances or repertories of traditional performing arts such as Noh, Kyogen (farce played during a Noh play cycle), Joruri (Ballad drama), Kabuki, Kabuki Buyo (Kabuki Dance) and Kamigata mai dance, which have been passed down by the family recognized as the iemoto (the head family of a school) for generations, and especially the family has a good skill to perform them.

Iemoto (家元) - Iemoto is a term used to refer to the family line which succeeds a school traditional Japanese art.

Igo no sei (囲碁の精) - Igo no sei is a spirit of Igo which is described in old books and so on from the Edo Period.

Ihai (mortuary tablet) (位牌) - Ihai is a wooden tablet inscribed with the posthumous Buddhist name of a deceased person to enshrine the spirit of the person.

Iikura (イクラ) - Ikura is salmon roe.

Ikakeya (鋳掛屋) - Ikakeya indicates the craftsman who does the work of ikake (repairing pots and rice cookers).

Ikan (traditional formal court dress) (衣冠) - Ikan is the work clothes of nobles and government officials in the Imperial Court after the Heian period.

Ikenobo (池坊) - Ikenobo is iemoto (the head family of a school) of Kado (flower arrangement) in Japan.

Iki (stylishness) (いき) - "Iki" is a Japanese aesthetic sense (aesthetic concept).

Ima no Tsurugi Sword (今剣) - In the "Gikeiki Chronicles", "Ima no Tsurugi" sword, a Japanese short sword of 19.7 cm in lengh, was used by MINAMOTO no Yoshitsune in killing himself.

Imagawa-yaki (Japanese pastry) (今川焼き) - Imagawa-yaki is a pastry which is made by baking batter in molds.

Imayo (a popular style of Japanese songs in the Heian period) (今様) - Imayo is one style of Japanese songs.

Imayo Satsuma Uta. (今様薩摩歌) - Imayo Satsuma Uta is a Kabuki play written by Onitaro OKA.

Imo-yokan (azuki-bean jelly containing sweet potato paste) (芋羊羹) - Imo-yokan is a Japanese sweet having sweet potatoes as a main ingredient that is kneaded and molded.

Imobo (Dish of boiled shrimp-shaped potato and dried cod. A famous local cuisine of Kyoto.) (芋棒) - As famous cuisine of Kyoto, imobou is a local specialty of Kyoto City.

Imose-yama Onna Teikin (Proper Upbringing of a Young Lady at Mount Imose) (妹背山婦女庭訓) - "Imose-yama Onna Teikin" (Proper Upbringing of a Young Lady at Mount Imose) is a play of Ningyo Joruri (traditional Japanese puppet theater) and Kabuki.

Important Arts (重要美術品) - An important art object is a tangible cultural property so accredited by the Japanese government (the Minister of Education) under the former "Law relating to the reservation of important fine arts" with the main purpose of preventing outflow of antiques to outside Japan, prior to the enactment of the Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties.

Important Cultural Properties (重要文化財) - Important cultural properties are tangible cultural heritage (such as constructions, buildings and the art craft articles) in Japan that are designated as being culturally, historically or academically important under the Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties by the Japanese government (or the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology).

Important Intangible Cultural Property (重要無形文化財) - Juyo mukei bunkazai' refers to 'intangible cultural properties' designated by the Japanese Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology under 'the Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties' in Japan.

Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property (重要無形民俗文化財) - Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property refers to intangible folk culture which people have created in their daily lives and passed on to subsequent generations, such as manners and customs, folk performing arts, occupations, religious faiths, folk techniques related to clothing, food and housing, and festivals, and which have been designated as especially important by the national government.

Inarizushi (稲荷寿司) - Inarizushi is a kind of sushi made of aburaage (deep-fried tofu) stuffed with rice.

Incense burning (香道) - Incense burning is an example of Geido (art), aimed at enjoying incense while meditating in a quiet world away from the pressures of daily life, and to appreciate the fragrance rising from Koboku (fragrant wood) burned ("taku" in Japanese) according to traditional rituals.

Inji (Slinging techniques) (印地) - Inji is a Japanese combat technology that kills and wounds the objects by slinging, or an event.

Inkyo (Retirement) (隠居) - Inkyo is when the head of the family gives away the reigns of the family to another family member and withdraws from official household affairs.

Inoda Coffee (イノダコーヒ) - Inoda Coffee is a chain of coffee shops headquartered in Kyoto City.

Inoko (the Young Boar Festival) (亥の子) - Inoko (the Young Boar Festival) is an annual event held on the day of boar in October (month of boar) in old calendar.

Inoko mochi (a rice cake imitating a little wild boar) (亥の子餅) - Inoko mochi' is a rice cake cooked on inoko (the day of boar).

Inoue school (of dance) (井上流) - Inoue school is a school of traditional Japanese dance.

Inseki (印籍) - Inseki refers to books in general on tenkoku (engraving letters on the material of a seal).

Intangible cultural properties (無形文化財) - The term "intangible cultural properties"

Internet Sanpai (インターネット参拝) - Internet Sanpai is the act of visiting and praying at websites provided by Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples.

Inugui (eating like a dog) (犬食い) - Inugui refers that 'people eat like a dog' in Japanese food culture and means that people move their faces (mouths) closer to the meal on the table in an extreme stooped position, and eat them as if they put their heads into the food.

Inuoumono (dog-hunting event, a skill of an archery) (犬追物) - Inuoumono is one of the manners of the art of Japanese archery that started from the Kamakura period.

Ioriten (庵点) - Ioriten "&12349" is one of yakumono (punctuation marks and other special symbols [term used in printing]) put at the beginning of a song in Japanese.

Ippodo (a trade name of a distributor of Japanese green tea) (一保堂) - Ippodo is the name of a distributor of Japanese green tea, located at Nijo-dori Agaru, Teramachi-dori, Kyoto City.

Ippon-datara (一本だたら) - Ippon-datara is a specter of Japan, living in the mountains of Kumano (Wakayama Prefecture) and other areas.

Irizake (煎り酒) - Irizake is an old Japanese seasoning used during the Edo period, which is made by putting umeboshi (pickled Japanese apricot) into Japanese sake (rice wine), and boiling it down.

Irome (color combinations) (色目) - Irome refers to color combinations used in juni-hitoe (the ceremonial attire of a Japanese court lady consisting originally of twelve layers of unlined kimono worn one on top of another) and so on.

Iromuji (色無地) - Iromuji is a type of traditional clothes in Japan which is a plain kimono of color other than black with no patterns woven in.

Isa-ha group of the Sekishu-ryu school (a group of Sekishu-ryu school of Japanese tea ceremony) (石州流伊佐派) - The Isa-ha group of the Sekishu-ryu school is the buke-sado (the art of the tea ceremony of samurai families).

Ise Ebi (Japanese spiny lobster) (イセエビ) - Ise ebi, or Japanese spiny lobster (Panulirus japonicus) is a species of lobsters that belongs to Parimuridae of Decapoda.

Ishii school (石井流) - Ishii school is one of the schools of otsuzumi-kata (large hand drum players) in Nohgaku (the art of Noh).

ISHIKAWA Koto (the title of the official ranks within the Todo-za (the traditional guild for the blind)) (石川勾当) - Koto ISHIKAWA (year of birth unknown) was a blind musician who was active during the early nineteenth century in Kyoto (jiuta shamisen (traditional Japanese shamisen music) player, so or koto (a long Japanese zither with thirteen strings) player and composer).

Ishikiate (Hip Reinforcement) (居敷当) - Ishikiate is a square piece of thick cloth for the reinforcement of an unlined garment; it prevents the seams from coming apart and is applied from the back (inside) to the part that presses against the wearer's hip.

Ishiyaki Imo (石焼き芋) - Ishiyaki imo (stone-roasted sweet potato) is a dish using sweet potatoes.

Issen Yoshoku (literally, one cent Western food) (一銭洋食) - Issen Yoshoku consists of a wheat flour mixed with water, baked on a cast-iron pan, with green onion added onto it.

Isso school (一噌流) - The Isso school is one of the schools of fue-kata (flute players) in Nohgaku (the art of Noh).

Issunboshi (The Inch-High Samurai) (一寸法師) - Issunboshi is one of the old tales of Japan.

Itabari (to stretch out a piece of washed, starched fabric on a board after washing) (板張り) - Itabari is one of the Arai-hari (washing and stretching out) techniques used to stretch out a piece of washed, starched fabric on a board so as to flatten out any creases and give the finished fabric a shiny appearance.

Itado (wooden door) (板戸) - Itado is a kind of door made with panel.

Itahi (板碑) - Itahi (board monument) is a kind of sekihi (stone monument) mainly used as a memorial tower.

Itamae (chef) (板前) - Itamae is a person who cooks meals at a Japanese restaurant or ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurant).

Itoin (糸印) - Itoin is a copper seal made in China in Ming Dynasty and brought into Japan over the Sengoku period (period of warring states) and the Momoyama period.

Itoku school (威徳流) - The Itoku school is an extinct school of otsuzumi-kata (large hand drum players) in Nohgaku (the art of Noh).

Itsumade (monster) (以津真天) - Itsumade, or Itsumaden is one of the monsters that have been handed down in Japan.

Ittan-momen (一反木綿) - The term "Ittan-momen" refers to a folkloric ghost that is said to haunt Takayama-cho (the present Kimotsuki-cho), Kimotsuki-gun, Kagoshima Prefecture.

Izume (射詰) - Izume refers a method of deciding ranking in the final of an individual tournament of Japanese archery.

Izumi school (和泉流) - The Izumi school is one of the schools of Kyogen (farce played during a Noh cycle).

Izutsu (Noh play) (井筒 (能)) - "Izutsu" is one of the most representative Noh pieces.

J

Jakuemon NAKAMURA The Fourth (中村雀右衛門 (4代目)) - Jakuemon NAKAMURA the Fourth (August 20, 1920 -) is an actor and Kabuki actor.

JAL Sound Stage Series (JAL音舞台シリーズ) - The JAL Sound Stage Series is a concert featuring the invited top guest artists in Japan and abroad and is held at a temple among the Historical Landmark Buildings in Kyoto or Nara about every September.

Janjanbi (fire of mysterious) (じゃんじゃん火) - "Janjanbi" is a fire of mysterious or suspicious origin which comes down in various regions of Nara Prefecture.

Japan Movie Production Federation (日本映画プロダクション連盟) - Japan Movie Production Federation (May 1928 - February 1929) was an association in Kyoto made up of film companies focused on independent films.

Japanese Art (日本美術) - Japanese art has such a wide variety of arts.

Japanese Calendar (日本の暦) - Japanese calendar covers Japanese own subjects relating to calendars.

Japanese cats (日本猫) - Japanese cats (nihon neko) are cats native to Japan which have long enjoyed the companionship with the Japanese.

Japanese clock (和時計) - A Japanese clock is a clock made in Japan mainly during the Edo period.

Japanese Coiffure (日本髪) - The Japanese coiffure by a broad definition refers to the coiffure unique to Japan from the Tumulus Period to the pre-war Showa Period.

Japanese Comics (日本の漫画) - In the section on Japanese comics, history and characteristics of the comics produced in Japan are discussed.

Japanese Culture (日本の文化) - Japanese culture

Japanese dance (日本舞踊) - Nihon Buyo is Japanese translation of Japanese dance and it is a generic term for dances in Japan.

Japanese Doll (日本人形) - Japanese doll is the general term for dolls which have Japanese clothes and hairstyles and reflect traditional Japanese culture.

Japanese Foods Boom (日本食ブーム) - The Japanese foods boom indicates the situation that Japanese food is extolled by foreigners living in countries and regions other than Japan

Japanese lavatories (日本の便所) - Here, we explain about Japanese lavatories.

Japanese leek (edible plant, Allium bakeri, Allium chinese) (ラッキョウ) - Japanese leek (scientific name: Allium chinese syn. Allium bakeri) is herbaceous perennial as well as a vegetable which belongs to liliaceae (or alliaceae).

Japanese local dishes (日本の郷土料理) - The term 'local dishes' refers to home cooked dishes that have existed for a long time as part of a culinary culture in a certain area or district.

Japanese plum (Ume) (ウメ) - Japanese plum (technical name: Prunus Mume) refers to a deciduous tall tree of Rosaceae Prunusor or its fruits.

Japanese Sword (日本刀) - Japanese swords (日本刀) are a generic term for swords forged in the originally developed way in Japan.

Japanese Table Manners (日本の食事作法) - Japanese table manners refer to the manners of dining in Japan.

Japanese tea (日本茶) - "Japanese tea" is the term used in daily conversation and refers to 'tea of Japan,' that is, 'tea made in Japan' or 'a kind of tea which is often drunk in Japan.'

Japanese whisky (ジャパニーズ・ウイスキー) - Japanese whisky is the whisky that is produced in Japan.

Japanese wine (日本のワイン) - The section of Japanese wine describes the wine produced in Japan.

Japanese-style Painter (日本画家) - Japanese-style painter is a term used as an antonym to Western-style painter as Japanese paintings separated into Western-style and Japanese-style after the Meiji period.

Japonism (ジャポニズム) - Japonism (Japonisme in French) is a term for an interest in and an appreciation for Japanese arts that appeared in Europe.

Jidai Gyoretsu (時代行列) - The Jidai Gyoretsu is a pageant or procession in festivals where the participants wear costumes from the Kofun period (tumulus period) through the early Showa period, reproduced after research into each period,

Jidai matsuri (Festival of the Ages) (時代祭) - Jidai matsuri is a festival of Heian-Jingu Shrine in Kyoto.

Jidaigeki (Period Drama) (時代劇) - Jidaigeki (period drama) is a genre of theater, film and television shows based on various periods in Japanese history.

Jidaimono (Historical drama) (時代物) - Jidaimono

Jigokumon (Gate of Hell) (地獄門) - "Jigokumon" is a Japanese film made in 1953.

Jijojo (Calligraphy works written by Kaiso from Tang, China) (自叙帖) - Jijojo is the works of calligraphy written by Kaiso, a calligrapher in the period of the Tang Dynasty.

Jika (Market Price) (時価) - Jika means market price as an economic term ->see "Market Price"

Jimonkoryu (寺門興隆) - Jimonkoryu is a monthly magazine of Japan.

Jinbei (甚平) - Jinbei or Jinbee is Japanese-style home wear worn by males and children.

Jinen Koji (Noh play) (自然居士 (能)) - "Jinen Koji" (Jinen the Lay Monk) is a Noh piece by Kanami.

Jinja Architecture (神社建築) - Jinja architecture refers to the architecture associated with jinja, or Shinto shrine.

Jinjitsu (人日) - Jinjitsu

Jinko (agarwood) (沈香) - Jinko (agarwood), formally known as Jinsui Koboku (sinking fragrant wood), is one of the most popular types of koboku (fragrant wood).

Jinku (甚句) - Jinku is a form of traditional Japanese songs.

Jinrikisha (人力車) - Jinrikisha (or rickshaw) is a human-powered vehicle for transporting people, used as a means of getting around mainly from the Meiji period to the Taisho and early Showa periods.

Jinya (陣屋) - A jinya is a residence where a government office was located of the domain (han) of a daimyo (territorial lord) under the shogunate system in the Edo period, or a building acting as the residence and office of the daikan (local governor) of a tenryo (bakufu-owned piece of land).

Jiuta (地歌) - Jiuta is a musical piece with shamisen (a three-stringed banjo-like Japanese musical instrument) that was played in the areas of Kyoto and Osaka.

Jizo-bon (an event to commemorate Jizo as the protector of children) (地蔵盆) - Jizo-bon is the day of the festival of Jizo Bosatsu (24th of each month), or the period of three days before the evening festival on July 24 of the old calender in the Obon festival, or it also means the day of the festival of Jizo Bosatsu, which is chosen from the days of the festival.

Jodai Tokushu Kanazukai (ancient Japanese phonetic orthography) (上代特殊仮名遣) - Jodai Tokushu Kanazukai is Japanese phonetic orthography used in ancient Japan (around the Nara period), which can be observed in the documents written in Manyo-gana (Chinese characters used as phonetic characters) such as "Kojiki" (The Records of Ancient Matters), "Nihon Shoki" (Chronicles of Japan) and "Manyoshu" (Collection of Ten Thousand Leaves).

Jodaiyo (Japanese calligraphy styles of the ancient era) (上代様) - Jodaiyo is a general term for the "Japanese calligraphy school Japanese style" and "kana calligraphy," such as the three great brush traces and ancient calligraphy in the Heian period.

Johakyu (序破急) - Johakyu is a word used in discussions regarding such arts as renga (Japanese collaborative poetry), kemari (a kick-ball game arranged by aristocrats in the Heian period), kodo (traditional incense ceremony), swordsmanship, batto-jutsu (the art of using swords and cutting with swords) and iaido (an art using swords), which was originally used in the field of Japanese traditional music including gagaku (ancient Japanese court dance and music) and nohgaku (the art of noh).

Jokisen (上喜撰) - Jokisen is a brand of Japanese green tea.

Jokyoreki (Jokyo Calendar) (貞享暦) - The Jokyoreki (Jokyo calendar) is a Japanese lunar-solar calendar, formerly used in Japan.

Joraku (上洛) - "Joraku" is a term which means to enter in Kyoto.

Joruri (浄瑠璃) - In Buddhism, Joruri means shojo (purity) or transparent lapis lazuli.

Joshi (上巳) - Joshi (also called Jomi) is one of five seasonal festivals.

Joya no Age-taimatsu Festival (城屋の揚松明) - Joya no Age-taimatsu (Age-daimatsu) Festival is a festival at Aza Joya, Maizuru City, Kyoto Prefecture.

Jozonendo (Brewing Year) (醸造年度) - Jozonendo is the annual cycle used by the brewing industry that ranges from July 1 each year to June 30 of the following year.

Ju-kyo (Confucianism) (儒教) - Ju-kyo is a system of thought and religious belief founded by Koshi (Confucius).

Jubako (重箱) - Jubako is a term used to refer to a box consisting of two to five stacked sub-boxes, in which food is stored.

Juban (undershirt for kimono) (襦袢) - Juban; undershirt for kimono (it is also called juhan, jiban), is one of the undershirts for wafuku (Japanese traditional clothes).

Judgment of Nyobutsu (如仏の判決) - Judgment of Nyobutsu is a leading case in Kamakura period concerning the life-and-death judgment in the rules of Igo (board game of capturing territory), admitting a kasho (tentative life) in double ko.

Jujutsu (The traditional Japanese martial arts) (柔術) - Jujutsu is the name for traditional Japanese martial arts, which are centered on offense and defense techniques with no (or a small) weapon.

Jukai ICHIKAWA (Sandaime (third)) (市川壽海 (3代目)) - December 1951, Osaka Kabukiza kaomisekogyo (the season's first performance with the new company) "Shosho Shigemoto no haha" (Mother of shosho Shigemoto)

Juko School (Tea Ceremony) (珠光流) - The Juko school is one of the schools of tea ceremony.

Juni-hitoe (twelve-layered ceremonial kimono) (十二単) - Juni-hitoe is a formal attire of a Japanese noblewomen who emerged around the tenth century in the Heian period.

Junka (a diving method) (順下) - Junka is a diving method of Japanese martial arts swimming.

Junsai (Water Shield) (ジュンサイ) - Junsai (Brasenia schreberi) is perennial hydrophyte.

Jurojin (Shoulaojen) (寿老人) - Jurojin is a Tao deity (the god).

Jusan-mairi (thirteen year old children pray for knowledge, happiness and health to become adults) (十三詣り) - Jusan-mairi is a ritual that takes place on March 13 of the lunar calendar date (today, it is held one month later on April 13) where 13 year old boys and girls visit Kokuzo Bosatsu (Akasagarbha Bodhisattva) to give thanks that they have come of age and pray for future knowledge, happiness, and health.

K

Kabayaki (蒲焼) - Kabayaki is broiled fish made by cutting the fish open, removing the bones, and broiling and basting it with a sauce made of soy sauce, mirin (sweet cooking rice wine), sugar and sake (rice wine).

Kabuki (歌舞伎) - "Kabuki" is a theater peculiar to Japan, and is one of the traditional performing arts.

Kabuki Juhachiban (18 best plays of the Ichikawa family of kabuki actors) (歌舞伎十八番) - Kabuki Juhachiban refers to performances selected by Danjuro ICHIKAWA (the seventh), that are specialties of his kabuki (traditional drama performed by male actors) school.

Kabuki-mono (かぶき者) - Kabuki-mono (かぶき者) is also written as "傾奇者" or "歌舞伎者."

Kaburaya (a whistling arrow) (鏑矢) - 鏑矢 (Kaburaya: in rare cases, written as 蕪矢) is the name of an arrow with kabura (to be described later) installed at the end of zoku; the top of an arrow head.

Kadensho (花伝書) - Kadensho is a type of written record on noh play.

Kado (華道) - Kado is a type of Ikebana, an art of combining plants such as flowers and trees, with the aspect of Geido (accomplishments).

Kado (家道) - Kado is a skill and performing art which has been passed down in a specific family for generations.

Kado Enshu school (華道遠州) - Kado Enshu school is a school of ikebana (Japanese traditional flower arrangement) that originated independently from sado (tea ceremony) Eenshu school.

Kado-ka (華道家) - A Kado-ka is a person who arranges flowers.

Kadomatsu (New Year's pine decoration) (門松) - The kadomatsu (literally, gate pine) is a pair of displays made of pine and bamboo set up in places such as in front of houses during the New Year.

Kadono school (葛野流) - Kadono school is one of the schools of otsuzumi-kata (large hand drum players) in Nohgaku (the art of Noh).

Kaeshi (かえし) - The word 'kaeshi' is an abbreviation of 'nikaeshi', a seasoning used as a soba (buckwheat noodles) dipping sauce.

Kafu (家風) - Kafu (family tradition) is a style of behavior, including custom and procedure, which has been specifically inherited down the generations within certain individual families.

Kagami-ita (鏡板) - Kagami-ita boards are wainscoting in the front and on the right side face of the Noh stages.

Kagami-mochi (鏡餅) - Kagami-mochi is a circular, flat rice cake offered to Shinto and Buddhist deities on occasions such as the New Year.

Kagamibiraki (鏡開き) - Kagamibiraki is an event held to wish for a peaceful year for the family by cutting a kagamimochi (a large, round rice cake) offered to Toshigami (a god of the incoming year) at the New Year, cooking it in zoni (vegetable soup containing rice cakes) or shiruko (sweet red-bean soup with pieces of rice cake), and eating it.

Kagemusha (The Shadow Warrior) (movie) (影武者 (映画)) - "Kagemusha" (The Shadow Warrior) is a 1980 Japanese film directed by Akira KUROSAWA.

Kagetsu (Noh play) (花月 (能)) - "Kagetsu" is a yukyomono (musical entertainment piece) Noh play.

Kagetsuan-ryu School (a school of Senchado [Japanese tea ceremony using Sencha, brewed green tea]) (花月菴流) - Kagetsuan-ryu school is a school of Senchado established by Kakuo TANAKA at the end of the Edo period.

Kagura (神楽) - Kagura is a chanting and dancing performance dedicated to gods in Shinto rituals.

Kagurabue flute (神楽笛) - Kagurabue flute is a wind instrument used in the performance of gagaku (ancient Japanese court music).

Kaiawase (shell-matching) (貝合わせ) - Kaiawase is a traditional game from the Heian period.

Kaichigo (貝児) - Kaichigo' refers to a type of Japanese spirit appearing in "Hyakki Tsurezurebukuro Hyakki Tsurezure Bukuro' (One hundred bags in idleness), collections of ghosts, spirits, spooks and monsters, described by Sekien TORIYAMA.

Kaijitsu/Tsugomori/Misoka (last day of month) (晦日) - Kaijitsu, tsugomori or misoka is the last day of month in the Chinese and Japanese calendars, which are lunisolar calendars.

Kainokuchi knot (Japanese traditional clothes) (貝の口 (和服)) - Kainokuchi knot means a kind of the methods of tying an obi (sash).

Kaiseki (懐石) - A distinct strand of Japanese cuisine, kaiseki is introduced below.

Kaiseki Ryori (会席料理) - This page describes kaiseki ryori, a full course meal form of Japanese cuisine.

Kaishaku (to assist someone committing hara-kiri by beheading him) (介錯) - Kaishaku (to assist someone in committing hara-kiri by beheading him) refers to cutting off the head of a person committing Seppuku (Japanese ritual suicide by disembowelment) with a katana (sword) for the purpose of relieving the person's agony of disemboweling.

Kaishi (Japanese tissue) (懐紙) - Kaishi (Japanese tissue)

Kaitenzushi (conveyer belt sushi) (回転寿司) - Kaitenzushi is a type of inexpensive semi-self-service sushi restaurant where various kinds of sushi on small plates are traveling continuously on the conveyer belt passing along the counter seats.

Kajin (花人) - Kajin is the name which professionals such as 'flower arrangement experts,' 'Ikebana artists,' 'flower artists' and 'flower designers' prefer to call themselves in public.

Kajun-ha group of the Sekishu-ryu school (a group of Sekishu-ryu school of Japanese tea ceremony) (石州流嘉順派) - The Kajun-ha group of the Sekishu-ryu school performs the buke-sado (the art of the tea ceremony of samurai families).

Kakejiku (Japanese hanging scroll) (掛軸) - Kakejiku is a Japanese hanging scroll made of paper or cloth on which a Japanese painting or calligraphy is mounted; it is displayed and appreciated in the tokonoma alcove and so on.

Kaki furai (fried oyster) (カキフライ) - Kaki furai is a type of fried food.

Kakiage (かき揚げ) - Kakiage is a kind of tenpura, a Japanese deep-fried dish, where several kinds of seafood and vegetables are deep-fried in batter.

Kakinoha-zushi (persimmon leaf sushi) (柿の葉寿司) - Kakinoha-zushi is a local dish of Nara Prefecture, Wakayama Prefecture, and Ishikawa Prefecture.

Kakizome (書き初め) - Kakizome is a festival for calligraphy and drawing pictures, during which one uses brushes for the first time since the start of the new year.

Kakko (a Japanese percussion instrument) (羯鼓) - Kakko is a percussion instrument used in gagaku (ancient Japanese court dance and music), and it is a kind of tsuzumi (a long hourglass drum).

Kakoishio (囲塩) - Kakoishio is specially purified traditional salt for preservation, and also called furuzumijio (traditional Japanese purified salt for preservation).

Kakoshu (可江集) - Kakoshu refers to twelve programs selected by Uzaemon ICHIMURA the fifteenth for which he had gained a reputation.

Kakuni (角煮) - Kakuni is one kind of prepared foods using ribs of pork.

Kama () - Kama is an equipment used to heat food materials.

Kamaboko (蒲鉾) - Kamaboko, whose main ingredient is pasted whitefish such as codfish or walleye pollack, is made by mincing whitefish meat, adding salt, heating and turning it into a gel on a wooden board (wood types such as fir or Abies veitchii, which have no odor, are preferred).

Kamaburo (かま風呂) - Kamaburo is a kind of Japanese traditional sauna baths existing around Yase, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City.

Kamado () - A kamado (cooking furnace) is an apparatus for cooking that encloses a fire when heating grain or foodstuffs.

Kamameshi (cooked rice in an iron pot) (釜飯) - Kamameshi is a rice dish cooked in an individual pot, seasoned with soy sauce and mirin (sweet sake) with ingredients such as shiitake mushrooms and chicken on top.

Kamashi (釜師) - Kamashi is a craftsman to found chagama (iron tea ceremony pot).

Kameno-o (a rice variety) (亀の尾) - "Kameno-o" is a variety of Japanese rice developed by a practical farmer, Kameji ABE, of Yamagata Prefecture in the early Meiji Period of the history of Japanese sake.

Kameoka Matsuri Festival (亀岡祭) - The Kameoka Matsuri Festival is a reisai (regular festival) of Kuwayama-jinja Shrine that takes place for three days from October 23 to October 25 annually in Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture.

Kameosa (瓶長) - Kameosa is a Japanese specter that is introduced in "Hyakki Tsurezure Bukuro" (One hundred bags in idleness), a collection of specters illustrations by Sekien TORIYAMA.

Kami no Megumi Wago no Torikumi (神明恵和合取組) - Kami no Megumi Wago no Torikumi is the title of a Kabuki play.

Kamiarai (Hair washing) (髪洗い) - Kamiarai is a part of Shakkyo (Stone Bridge, Noh Play) in Kabuki (traditional drama performed by male actors) and is a shosa (conduct) in which a shishi lion bends forward and sways its head side to side with its long hair hung down in the front.

Kamigamo Mingei Kyodan (上賀茂民芸協団) - Kamigamo Mingei Kyodan (Kamigamo Folk Craft Association) was a craft center for the Mingei (National Art) Movement, which was located in Kamigamo, Kyoto City.

Kamigata Bunka (Kamigata Culture) (上方文化) - Kamigata Bunka is a culture cultivated in Kamigata centered in Osaka and Kyoto.

Kamigata Hanashika (traditional comic storyteller of the Kansai region) (上方噺家) - Kamigata hanashika is Hanashika (professional Rakugo storyteller) of Kamigata rakugo, traditional Japanese comic storytelling as performed in the Kyoto-Osaka region.

Kamigata Rakugo (Comic Storytelling in Kyoto and Osaka) (上方落語) - Kamigata rakugo is comic storytelling mostly performed in the areas around the prefectures of Osaka and Kyoto.

Kamigata Uta (上方歌) - "Kamigata uta" (also called "Kamigata hauta") is the songs with shamisen (the three-stringed Japanese banjo) accompaniment, performed and enjoyed in Kamigata (Kyoto-Osaka area).

Kamigatamai (上方舞) - Kamigatamai is a type of Japanese dance that emerged in Kyoto from 1800, in the middle of the Edo period, to the end of the Edo period.

Kamikakete sango taisetsu (a kabuki kyogen play) (盟三五大切) - Kamikakete sango taisetsu was a kabuki kyogen play written by Nanboku TSURUYA (the fourth)

Kamikiri (Paper Cutting Craft) (紙切り) - "Kamikiri" is one of the traditional Japanese performing arts, which shows the performance of cutting a piece of paper in some shape with a pair of scissors.

Kamikoromo (紙衣) - Kamikoromo (Kamikinu) is a Kimono made of Japanese paper.

Kamishimo () - Kamishimo (old ceremonial dress) is a kind of formal kimono (traditional Japanese clothes) for men.

Kamiyui (Hairdresser) (髪結い) - Kamiyui is a general term referring those who were engaged in hairdressing from the Edo period to the Meiji period, who are now called hairdressers.

Kamo (Noh) (賀茂 (能)) - Kamo is one of the Noh works.

Kamon (家紋) - The term "Kamon" refers to a crest used in Japan to indicate one's origins; that is, one's family lineage, blood line, ancestry and status from ancient times.

Kamonabe (鴨鍋) - A kamonabe is a duck hot pot with other ingredients such as hakusai cabbage, green onions, tofu and so on.

Kanadehon Chushingura (The Treasury of Loyal Retainers) (仮名手本忠臣蔵) - "Kanadehon Chushingura" (written in old character form: 假名手本忠臣藏) is the title of a representative ningyo joruri (traditional Japanese puppet theater) as well as kabuki (traditional drama performed by male actors) based on the Genroku Ako Incident.

Kanbayashi Shunsho Honten (上林春松本店) - Kanbayashi Shunsho Honten Ltd. is a tea wholesale store in Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture.

Kanchumimai (a winter greeting card) (寒中見舞い) - Kanchumimai (a winter greeting card) is one of the Japanese customs.

Kanei-bunka (Kanei culture) (寛永文化) - Kanei-bunka means the culture that prospered during the first half of the 17th century (the early Edo period), namely the culture sandwiched between Momoyama-bunka of the latter half of the 16th century and Genroku-bunka of the latter half of the 17th century.

Kangakai (鑑画会) - The Kangakai was a fine art association in the early Meiji period.

Kangaku (Sinology) (漢学) - In a narrow sense, "kangaku" refers to traditional keigaku (study of Keisho in Confucianism) and the study of old documents during the period of Qin dynasty as opposed to Neo-Confucianism in the Song and Ming dynasties; in a broad sense, it is a general term for studies of knowledge imported from China, as opposed to Western learning and the study of Japanese classical culture.

Kangeiko (寒稽古) - The term Kangeiko means training of martial arts or geigoto (accomplishment) conducted in mid-winter season.

Kanji day (漢字の日) - Kanji day is the memorial day, which the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation has established in 1995.

Kanjin-Noh (Noh performances held to raise subscriptions for the construction of shrines or temples) (勧進能) - "Kanjin-Noh" refers to Noh performances which charged admission fees in order to raise subscriptions for the construction or the reconstruction of shrines or temples.

Kanjincho (勧進帳) - "Kanjincho" is a kabuki program which is based on the Noh play "The Ataka Barrier."

Kanko-ken (sightseeing areas) (観光圏) - Kanko-ken (sightseeing areas) are areas (each of which is located in one prefecture or multiple prefectures in Japan), being organized for tourism; they are designated by the Japan Tourism Agency, an extra-ministerial bureau of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan, to develop sightseeing areas in order to distinguish Japan as a tourism nation and promote tourists' visits and extended stays.

Kanoha Group (狩野派) - The Kanoha group is the largest gaha (group of painters) in Japanese art history, and was active for about 400 years from the middle of the Muromachi period (fifteenth century) to the end of the Edo period (nineteenth century) as a group of expert painters that consistently dominated the art world.

Kanoko shibori (鹿の子絞り) - Kanoko shibori' is one of the methods of dyeing cloth regularly patterned with spots like the back of the fawn.

Kanpukai (maple leaf viewing festival) (観楓会) - Kanpukai (maple leaf viewing festival) is a gathering to view colored leaves of maple and other trees.

Kanpyo (かんぴょう) - Kanpyo (dried gourd shavings) is a food that is produced through the process of tearing the fruits (called fukube) of cucurbitaceous yugao (a white flowered gourd) and drying them (yugao of convolvuluses family (=yorugao) is another plant with the same name).

Kanroni (甘露煮) - Kanroni is one of boiled and seasoned dishes.

Kansai Kabuki (Kabuki of the Kyoto and Osaka Area) (関西歌舞伎) - Kansai Kabuki

Kanseirei (Kansei Calendar) (寛政暦) - The Kanseirei (Kansei calendar) is a Japanese lunar-solar calendar, formerly used in Japan.

Kanshitsuzo (乾漆造) - Kanshitsuzo (literally, dry lacquer technique) is one of the oriental wood statue production techniques, in which a statue is formed by layering pieces of hemp cloth soaked in lacquer over a core, and a wood powder and lacquer mixture was thickly applied to create surface details.

Kanshu (cold sake) (寒酒) - It is the sake (Japanese rice wine) created using the cold temperature of winter, one of the shikijozo (sake brewing in all seasons) techniques used until the early Edo Period.

Kanten (agar, or agar agar) (寒天) - "Kanten" (agar, or agar agar) is made from frozen and dried mucilage of red algae such as tengusa (agar weed) and ogonori (Chinese moss).

Kanu (kabuki) (関羽 (歌舞伎)) - "Kanu" is one of the eighteen best plays of kabuki by the Ichikawa family.

Kanzake (warmed sake) (燗酒) - Kanzake is warmed alcoholic beverage.

Kanzashi () - The term "kanzashi" means Japanese traditional accessories used by women in doing up their hair.

KANZE Motomasa (観世元正) - Motomasa KANZE (1930-1990) was a shite actor (a principal actor) of the Kanze school of Noh.

KANZE Sakon (観世左近) - Sakon KANZE is a name which has been handed down from generation to generation by the headmen of the shite-kata (actors who play leading characters in Noh performances) Kanze school.

KANZE Tetsunojo (観世銕之亟) - Tetsunojo KANZE is the name used mostly after the Meiji period, by the head of a branch family of the Kanze family, the head family of Kanze school of Nohgaku.

Kanze-ryu (Kanze School) (観世流) - Kanze-ryu is one of the schools in Nohgaku theater

Kanzukuri (sake brewing during winter) (寒造り) - Kanzukuri is the name of a Japanese sake brewing technique and applies to those made in winter when the air temperature is low.

Kaomise (顔見世) - Kaomise refers to the first kabuki performance played by new actors following an annul renewal of actors.

Kappogi (割烹着) - Kappogi is a kind of apron originated in Japan and mainly worn over wafuku (Japanese traditional clothes).

Kappumen (cup-packaged instant noodles) (カップ麺) - Kappumen indicates the item consisting of instant noodles such as dried noodles and fresh noodles put into a container usable as tableware and the attached ingredients.

Karaage (唐揚げ) - The term "Karaage" refers to a method of food preparation using frying oil, or the food that is prepared using this method.

Karaginu (唐衣) - Karaginu' (唐衣) is one of the types of kimono (Japanese traditional clothing) that comprises a juni-hitoe (twelve-layered ceremonial kimono).

Karakasa-kozo (A Japanese popular monster) (からかさ小僧) - Karakasa-kozo (It is also inscribed in different manners such as in all hiragana, one of the Japanese phonetic characters, or in all kanji, Chinese characters) is a yokai (supernatural beings) into which an old umbrella changed.

Karakuri (Japanese traditional mechanical devices) (からくり) - Karakuri means a Japanese traditional mechanical doll or miniature, or other mechanical device.

Karakuri-Doji ULTIMO (a title of a Japanese manga [comic] series written by Stan LEE and illustrated by Hiroyuki TAKEI) (機巧童子ULTIMO) - "Karakuri-Doji ULTIMO" is the title of a Japanese manga (comic) series written by Stan LEE and illustrated by Hiroyuki TAKEI.

Karamono (唐物) - Karamono elegantly refers to Chinese products which were esteemed from medieval times to recent times.

Karaoke (カラオケ) - Karaoke is a reproduction of a musical performance by musical accompaniment recorded in advance, instead of a live music, when one sings a song or plays a melody part (main part) on an instrument.

Karashi-mentaiko (spicy salted cod roe) (辛子明太子) - Karashi-mentaiko (spicy salted cod roe) is foodstuff made from the ovaries of a kind of cod, Walleye pollack, processed by seasoning it with red pepper sauce.

Karasumi (カラスミ) - Karasumi is a food product made from fish roe, which is first salted down and then sun-dried after some of the salt is removed in water.

Karatedo (空手道) - Karatedo (also known as karate), a martial art and a combat sport developed in Okinawa, is characterized as a striking art that uses kicking.

Karawa Hairstyle (唐輪) - The karawa hairstyle was a hairstyle favored by prostitutes during the Azuchi Momoyama period in the port towns of Hyogo and Sakai City in the vicinity of Kyoto.

Karesansui (dry landscape) (枯山水) - Karesansui (dry landscape) is a style of Japanese garden or Japanese painting.

Karinto (fried-dough cookies) (かりんとう) - Karinto is a type of sweets and the recipe is as follows: Knead wheat flour together with other ingredients such as sugar, water, yeast, salt and baking soda into a ball of dough, fry the dough rolled into a long thin stick in vegetable oil, coat with syrup made from brown sugar or superfine sugar and dry.

Karukuchi (軽口) - "Karukuchi" is an old name of Kamigata rakugo, traditional Japanese comic storytelling as performed in the Kyoto-Osaka region.

Karuta (かるた) - "Karuta" (in Chinese characters, written as "歌留多," "加留多," "嘉留太," or "骨牌") is a kind of a Japanese game using picture cards.

Karyobin (迦陵頻) - Karyobin is a piece of Gagaku (ancient Japanese court dance and music), and one of 'Rinyu hachigaku' (eight old gagaku pieces from Vietnam).

Kasafuku (傘福) - Kasafuku is a hanging decoration seen around Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture.

Kasagake (笠懸) - Kasagake' (笠懸) is a traditional Japanese form of horseback archery technique/practice/event/form where the archer mounted on a galloping steed shoots 'Kaburaya' arrows (arrows that whistle) at targets.

Kasane no irome (the color combinations for kimono) (襲の色目) - Kasane no irome is a list of the color combinations in wearing kimono in layers, and was used when women decided the colors of uchigi (itsutsuginu, or in five layers) for court costumes.

Kasei Culture (化政文化) - Kasei Culture was townsman culture that developed in the late Edo period, mainly between 1804 and 1829.

Kashiwamochi (柏餅) - Kashiwamochi is a Japanese confectionery made by doubling a flatly rounded rice cake, putting bean jam in the middle, and wrapping it in an oak leaf or a leaf of Smilacaceae.

Kasuga Wakamiya Onmatsuri (Kasuga Shrine Festival) (春日若宮おん祭) - Kasuga Wakamiya Onmatsuri is a festival held at Sesha Wakamiya shrine (a subordinate shrine) of Kasuga-taisha Shrine in Nara City, Nara Prefecture.

Kasujiru (soup made with sake lees) (粕汁) - Kasujiru is a soup made by dissolving sake lees or a mix of sake lees and miso in broth and adding some ingredients, which are often carrot, daikon (Japanese radish), or fish.

Kasuri (cloth with splashed patterns) () - Kasuri refers to weaved patterns, some of which look as if they were 'scratched,' or refers to a fabric that has such patterns.

Kasuzuke (pickling fish or vegetables in sake lees) (粕漬け) - Kasuzuke is to pickle food in sake lees or sweet sake lees.

Kata (a form) training (形稽古) - Kata training is a training to improve Kata in Geido (Accomplishments of art), Budo (Martial art) and Bujutsu (Martial art) etc.

Katabiragatsuji (帷子辻) - Katabiragatsuji' is said to have been located in the northwestern of Kyoto City.

Katahaku (片白) - Katahaku is a sake (Japanese rice wine) brewing method from the Heian to Edo periods which uses polished white rice only for the kakemai (steamed rice) and unpolished genmai (unpolished rice) for kojimai (malted rice).

Kataoka Chiezo Productions (片岡千恵蔵プロダクション) - Kataoka Chiezo Productions (established on May 10, 1928, liquidated in April of 1937) was a film company located in Kyoto Prefecture.

Kataoka Junishu (12 stories of Kataoka) (片岡十二集) - Kataoka Junishu refers to the specialty plays of Matsushimaya selected by Nizaemon KATAOKA the eleventh.

KATAOKA Nizaemon (XIII) (片岡仁左衛門 (13代目)) - Jusandai-me (the thirteenth) Nizaemon KATAOKA (male, December 15, 1903 to March 26, 1994) was a kabuki actor.

Katawa-guruma (片輪車) - The term "Katawa-guruma" refers to a Japanese ghost seen in old books of ghost stories and others written during the Edo period.

KATAYAMA Kuroemon (片山九郎右衛門) - Kuroemon KATAYAMA is the name of the family head of the Kyoto Katayama family, of shite-kata (main roles) of Kanze school of Noh.

Katsu-Curry (カツカレー) - Katsu-curry is a kind of Japanese dish called "curry and rice."

Katsudo Benshi (Silent Movie Narrator) (活動弁士) - A katsudo benshi is a Japanese professional narrator of an old motion picture, or a silent movie, who gives live narration to the audience.

Katsudon (bowl of rice topped with deep-fried pork cutlet) (カツ丼) - Katsudon is one of the Japanese rice bowl dishes, in which a bowl of rice is topped with a seasoned pork cutlet.

Katsumi Yotaro Productions (勝見庸太郎プロダクション) - Katsumi Yotaro Productions (established in 1926, ceased operations in 1930) was a film company that existed in Kyoto.

Katsuo no Tataki (lightly-roasted bonito) (鰹のタタキ) - Katsuo no tataki is one of the fish dishes made with katsuo (bonito or skipjack tuna).

Katsuobushi (A Dried Bonito) (鰹節) - Katsuobushi (dried bonito) is a Japanese preserved food made from bonito.

Katsusando (deep-fried cutlet sandwich) (カツサンド) - Katsusando is a cutlet (usually a pork or beef cutlet) sandwich with white bread.

Kawara (tile) () - A tile named Kawara is a material mainly used to cover roofs with.

Kawarake Nage (throwing an earthen cup) (かわらけ投げ) - "Kawarake Nage" refers to throwing an unglazed or sunbaked earthen sake cup or dish from a high place, wishing protection from evil and so on.

Kaya (蚊帳) - A kaya (mosquito net) is a box-shaped net that offers protection against harmful insects such as mosquitoes.

Kayariki (a mosquito repellent stick holder) (蚊遣器) - Kayariki (a mosquito repellent stick holder) is a device to steady a burning repellent stick and to facilitate the post-cleaning of it, keeping ashes from flying off, by burning a mosquito repellent stick in or on it.

Kayo (歌謡) - Kayo refers to works of a poetry form with a musical nature.

Kayu () - Kayu (porridge) is a dish made by boiling grains such as rice seeds, foxtail millet and buckwheat, beans or potatoes in a large quantity of water until they become soft.

Kayuura (Porridge Fortunetelling) (粥占) - Kayuura is an annual fortune-telling, where people's fortunes for the year are read using Kayu (porridge).

Kayuzue (rice porridge stick) (粥杖) - Kayuzue is a stick made by shaving a piece of firewood that was not completely burnt when making kayu (rice porridge) on January 15.

Kazarimusubi (Decorative Knots) (飾り結び) - Kazarimusubi is as follows.

Kazashi (挿頭) - "Kazashi" refers flowers and leaves worn in the hair or headdress in shrine rituals by the Japanese during the ancient times.

Kazenbo (火前坊) - Kazenbo (literally, a bonze in front of the fire) is a type of Japanese yokai (ghosts, spirits and monsters) described in "Konjaku Hyakki Shui" (literally, Supplement to The Hundred Demons from the Present and the Past), a yokai art collection book or a supernatural bestiary by Sekien TORIYAMA.

Kazura Noh (鬘能) - Kazura Noh is one of the programs of Noh theatrical performance, when the shite (the main actor of a Noh play) performs the roles of a beautiful woman, a scion of a noble family, or a heavenly being.

Kelp (コンブ) - Kelp is a kind of seaweed belonging to the Division Heterokontophyta, Class Phaeophyceae, Order Laminariales, Family Laminariaceae.

Kemari (a type of football played by courtiers in ancient Japan) (蹴鞠) - Kemari is one of the athletic sports that became popular during the Heian period.

Ken Asobi (fist play) (拳遊び) - Ken asobi is a competitive game between two people that uses spread or closed hands or the reflection of fingers.

Kendo (the Japanese art of fencing) (剣道) - Kendo means Budo (martial art), which was introduced as a competitive sport through the reorganization of Gekken (swordsmanship), which was the Shinai (bamboo sword) training of Kenjutsu (swordplay), a time-honored Japanese Bujutsu (martial art); also, it's a way or ascetic training aiming at character-building through the practice of the Ken (sword with two sharpened edges) principle.

Kenjo no shoji (賢聖障子) - Kenjo no shoji (sliding screens of the 32 Chinese sages) are sliding screens that were placed at the main housing of the Shishin-den Hall (hall for state ceremonies) to be separated from the kitakata kitabisashi (northern eaves) in the Imperial Palace.

Kenjutsu (剣術) (Swordplay) (剣術) - Kenjutsu is one of Japan's Kobudo (classical martial arts) with the focus of killing and wounding opponents with a katana (Japanese sword).

Kenpo or yawara (拳法) - Presently, kenpo and yawara mean martial arts with bare hands using striking and kicking techniques..

Kensenbu (sword and fan dancing) (剣扇舞) - Kensenbu refers to dancing holding a sword or a fan, or both of them.

Kenshibu (sword and poetry dancing) (剣詩舞) - Kenbu or a sword dance refers in a broad sense to dancing holding a sword.

Kensui (a utensils used for making Japanese tea) (建水) - Kensui is one of the utensils which are used for making tea.

Kentsuba-monyo-tsuki enkei Kintsuba (剣鍔文様付き円型きんつば) - Kentsuba-monyo-tsuki enkei Kintsuba' (literally, samurai-sword-guard-patterned round kintsuba-cake) is one of the Japanese confectionery known as 'kintsuba' (a Japanese confection made from red bean paste wrapped with a skin made from flour and water kneaded and spread thinly).

Kesa (袈裟) - Kesa is a cloth robe worn by a Buddhist priest

Kettekino ho, open sleeve seams outer robe (闕腋袍) - The kettekino ho is a garment of chofuku (cloths which the people who came to work at the court on a regular basis wore in the Heian period) in Japan.

Ketto! Takadanobaba (決闘! 高田馬場) - Ketto! Takadanobaba (Duel! Takadanobaba) is a Japanese kabuki play written and directed by Koki MITANI.

Kezuribushi (shavings of dried fish): (削り節) - The term "kezuribushi" means shavings of dried flesh of bonitos, mackerels, sardines, and other fishes.

Kezuriko (削り粉) - "Kezuriko" are gleanings of powder which is left over after dried fishes (such as a dried bonito, dried blue mackerel, and dried sardines) are chipped off to produce "kezuribushi" (shaved pieces).

Kichiya musubi (吉弥結び) - Kichiya musubi was a way of tying an obi for kimono that was in style during the Genroku era in Edo Period.

Kicho Screen (几帳) - The 'Kicho' screen was used by nobles in their residences from the Heian period.

Kidomaru (鬼童丸) - Kidomaru is an oni (or ogre, a creature from Japanese folklore) that appears in Kamakura period texts such as the collection of stories entitled "Kokon Chomonshu" (A collection of Tales Heard, Past and Present).

Kigo (to write with a brush) (揮毫) - Kigo, or 揮毫 in Chinese characters, means writing words or phrases with brushes.

Kiichi Hogen (鬼一法眼) - Kiichi Hogen was a legendary person who appeared in "Gikeiki" (a military epic about the life of MINAMOTO no Yoshitsune) written in the early Muromachi period.

Kijoshu Sake (貴醸酒) - Kijoshu sake is a sweet Japanese rice wine with a unique thickness brewed using sake instead of water.

Kikizake (sake tasting) (利き酒) - Kikizake (sake tasting, written as 利き酒, ききざけ, 唎き酒 or きき酒) refers to evaluating the sake quality.

Kiku no Kisewata (Chrysanthemum Covers, a custom of the Imperial Court in the Chrysanthemum Festival) (菊の着綿) - Kiku no Kisewata is a custom of the Imperial Court held in Chrysanthemum Festival.

Kikugoro ONOE, The Seventh (尾上菊五郎 (7代目)) - Kikugoro ONOE, the Seventh (October 2, 1942 -) is a Japanese actor and a kabuki actor, and the present head of the profesional name of kabuki, 'Kikugoro ONOE.'

Kikujin no Ho (Surrey green round-necked robe) (麹塵袍) - The 'Kikujin no ho' is a kind of Sokutai (a traditional ceremonial court dress) that was worn by the emperor at small ceremonies, including special festivals such as Teiza (a festival in which the emperor would be seated in a garden), Noriyumi (betting on archery), and Yuba Hajime (imperial ceremony held to celebrate the first arrow to be shot at the Noriyumi).

Kikuka-monsho/Kikka-monsho (crest of Chrysanthemum) (菊花紋章) - Kikuka-monsho/Kikka-monsho is a crest modeled on the Chrysanthemum blossom.

KIKUOKA Kengyo (the highest title of the official ranks within the Todo-za (the traditional guild for the blind)) (菊岡検校) - Kengyo KIKUOKA(1792 - December 19, 1847) was a blind musician who was active in Kyoto during the early nineteenth century (jiuta shamisen (traditional Japanese shamisen music) player, composer).

Kikuzake (Japanese sake with chrysanthemum blooms) (菊酒) - The term "kikuzake" refers to sake in which chrysanthemum blooms are steeped, which is provided on the Chrysanthemum Festival (September 9 according to the old calendar), which is called 'Choyo no sekku' or 'Kiku no sekku' in Japanese.

Kikyoku (cabinet for Senchado) (器局) - Kikyoku is a tea utensil used in Senchado (Japanese tea ceremony using Sencha [brewed green tea]).

Kimariji (a term used for Hyakunin Isshu play cards) (決まり字) - Kimariji is a term used for Hyakunin Isshu play cards (a game based on a famous poetry anthology, One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets); when a card of the first half of a poem is read out, players compete to take a matching card of the last half, and Kimariji means the first several letters of poems with which players can be sure which card to take.

Kimekomi Ningyo dolls (木目込人形) - Kimekomi ningyo is a type of wooden doll.

Kimon (鬼門) - Kimon (demons' gate) means the direction of the northeast (ushi-tora; between the Ox (second sign of Chinese zodiac which means north-northeast) and the Tiger (third sign of Chinese zodiac which means east-northeast)).

Kimosui (Eel Liver Soup) (肝吸い) - Kimosui is a clear soup containing the guts of eel as a main ingredient.

Kinagashi (着流し) - Kinagashi (dressing kimono casually) is a style in which a man doesn't put on hakama (pleated and divided skirt made in fine stripes) when he wears wafuku (Japanese traditional clothes).

Kinako (Soybean Flour) (黄粉) - Soybean flour is cereal flour made from soybeans that are roasted, peeled and ground.

Kinden School (琴伝流) - Kinden school is the largest school of taishogoto (Taisho lyre) in Japan which have more than four hundred thousand members and more than ten thousand teachers throughout Japan.

Kinen-sai Festival (Prayer Service For A Good Crop) (祈年祭) - "Kinen-sai festival" (also called "Toshigoi no matsuri") is an annual Shinto ritual in February praying for the good fortune of the year, including the rich harvest.

Kingyozake (金魚酒) - Kingyozake is a familiar name of sake which is so weak that a kingyo (goldfish) can swim in it.

Kinoko (literally a child of tree) (Yokai [supernatural beings]) (木の子 (妖怪)) - Kinoko is a Yokai whose presence has been told in the Kinki area.

Kinpira (Burdock roots cooked in soy sauce and sugar) (金平) - Kinpira is one of Japanese side dishes.

Kintaro (金太郎) - Kintoki is the childhood name of SAKATA no Kintoki (his name is sometimes written as "公時"instead of "金時."

Kintaroame (Kintaro Candy) (金太郎飴) - Kintaroame is a bar of candy that is produced using a special technique.

Kinteki (the regular close-ranged shooting) (近的) - Kinteki (the regular close-ranged shooting) is one of the kyudo (Japanese art of archery) events established by the Rules of All Nippon Kyudo Federation.

Kinto (tea cloth container) (巾筒) - Kinto is a utensil used in the art of Sado (Japanese tea ceremony using Matcha [green powdered tea]) or Senchado (Japanese tea ceremony using Sencha [brewed green tea]), as a container for chakin (tea cloth).

Kintsuba (きんつば) - Kintsuba is an abbreviated term for Kintsuba-yaki which is a type of Japanese confectionery.

Kinu (金烏) - Kinu is a story of a bird with three legs in the sun; it refers to the bird (kau) and the sun.

Kinukatsugi (cooked satoimo taro potatoes) (きぬかつぎ) - Kinukatsugi is a dish which small satoimo taro potatoes are steamed with their skins on and eaten by pealing their skins.

Kinuta (Noh) (砧 (能)) - Kinuta is a Noh play which is said to have been created by Zeami.

Kiraibashi (嫌い箸) - Kiraibashi, also called Imibashi or Kinjibashi, is the banned usage of chopsticks in Japan.

Kiri Hitoha (a single paulownia leaf) (桐一葉) - Kiri Hitoha (a single paulownia leaf) is a glance Shoyo TSUBOUCHI's Kabuki program.

Kiri Noh (切能) - Kiri Noh is one of the programs of Noh theatrical performance, when the shite (the main actor of a Noh play) performs the roles of Oni (ogre), Tengu (a long-nosed goblin), Tenjin (the heavenly god), Raijin (the god of thunder), Ryujin (the god of dragon), etc.

Kiri-mon (桐紋) - Kiri-mon (paulownia patterns) is a generic name for Monsho (crests or coats of arms) that are based on paulownia.

Kiribi (flint sparks) (切火) - Kiribi (flint sparks) is a ceremony for kiyome (purification) which is performed using sparks caused by striking an object with a flint.

Kiriboshi Daikon (切り干し大根) - Kiriboshi daikon (or simply called kiriboshi) is a dried product of daikon (Japanese radish).

Kirikane (a traditional decorative technique by cut gold) (截金) - Kirikane (literally, cut leaf), which is also called hosogane (literally thinly cut leaf), refers to a traditional technique of creating patterns by using brushes to bond several leaves of gold, silver or platinum together, which are then burnt together and cut into shapes such as narrow rectangles, triangles, diamonds, or circles.

Kirimodoshi (切り戻し) - Kirimodoshi is one of the treatments for prolonging the lives of the cut flowers used in Japanese flower arrangement or in fresh flower business.

Kirishitan-ban (Jesuit Mission Press) (キリシタン版) - Kirishitan-ban (Christian editions) refers to a common name of printing in Roman characters, kanji (Chinese characters) or kana (the Japanese syllabary) which was published by the Society of Jesus mainly in Japan in the early modern period (from the end of the 16th century to the beginning of the 17th century).

Kiseru (Tobacco Pipe with Metal Tipped Stem) (煙管) - Kiseru is one of Japanese smoking tools and similar to a Western pipe (tobacco).

Kisha (騎射) - Kisha means to shoot an arrow or other weapon while riding a horse.

Kishamitsumono (騎射三物) - Kishamitsumono' is a general term that refers to forms of traditional Japanese horseback archery:'Inu oumono' (dog hunt), 'Yabusame' (shooting at fixed targets), and 'Kasagake' (shooting at suspended targets at closer range).

Kishimai (court dances and music) (吉志舞) - Kishimai is a bugaku (court music and dance) directed by the family head of Abe clan and others, and was danced mostly in uniforms of military officers, such as ketteki no ho (open sleeve seams outer robe) at events such as Daijo-sai Festival (a festival to celebrate the succession of an emperor).

Kita school (喜多流) - The Kita school is one of the shite-kata (actors who play leading characters) schools of Noh in Nohgaku (the art of Noh), which is one of the Japanese traditional performance arts.

Kitano Grand Tea Ceremony (北野大茶湯) - The Kitano Grand Tea Ceremony on November 1, 1587 organized by Hideyoshi TOYOTOMI on the grounds of Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is a large scale tea ceremony.

Kitano Odori (Kitano Dance) (北野をどり) - The Kitano Dance is performed at the Kamishichiken Kaburenjo theater every year from April 15 to April 25.

Kitayama culture (北山文化) - Kitayama culture is the culture at the beginning of Muromachi Period, represented by the Kitayama mountain villa of Yoshimitsu ASHIKAGA, the third shogun (1358-1408) from the end of 14th centuries to the early part of the 15th centuries.

Kitayama sugi (北山杉) - Kitayama sugi is a Japanese cedar that grows in the northern area of Kyoto City.

Kitcho (吉兆) - Kitcho is a high-class Japanese-style restaurant serving Japanese cuisine based in Osaka City.

Kiwametsuki BANZUI Chobei (極付幡随長兵衛) - Kiwametsuki BANZUI Chobei refers to a play of Kabuki.

Kizushi (salted blue-skinned fish) (きずし) - Kizushi refers to the salted blue-skinned fish.

Ko (incense) () - "Ko" originally referred to fragrances of natural aromatic trees such as eaglewood, agalloch, and sandalwood.

Ko school (幸流) - The Ko school is one of the schools of kotsuzumi-kata (small hand drum players) in Nohgaku (the art of Noh).

Ko school of tea ceremony of the Ogasawara family (小笠原家茶道古流) - The Ko school of tea ceremony of the Ogasawara family is a tea ceremony school descended in the Kokura Domain, Buzen Province (Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture).

Ko-no-Zu (lines used as a pattern of artistic work in Kodo) (香の図) - Ko-no-Zu is a kind of Kumiko or a design consisting of longitudinal and horizontal lines used as a pattern of artistic work in Kodo.

Koami School (幸阿弥派) - The Koami school is a group of maki-e masters engaging in Shitsugei (lacquer art).

Koboku (fragrant wood) (香木) - Koboku is kind of wood that gives off a pleasant aroma.

Koboku (old ink stick) (古墨) - Koboku is the ink stick that has gone through the years among Bunboshiho (four stationary goods for calligraphy; writing brush, ink, ink stone and paper), and is recognized as a good quality ink stick.

Kobucha (昆布茶) - Kobucha (Konbucha) is a beverage prepared by pouring hot water onto thinly sliced/powdered dry konbu (kelp).

Kobudo (Japanese classical martial arts) (古武道) - Kobudo is a generic name which refers to the systematized Japanese traditional martial arts to fight without arms or with arms like dull weapons, cutting tools, firearms, and so on (kobudo is sometimes called koryubujutsu, kobujutsu, etc. which have almost the same meaning as kobudo).

Kobukusa (cloth which is about one fourth of the size of a regular silk cloth used in the tea ceremony) (古袱紗) - A kobukusa is a small cloth used at some tea ceremony schools when they view tea bowls or when they carry out already whisked tea and present it to various other guests.

Kocho (Butterflies) (胡蝶) - Kocho (Butterflies)

Kocho-Junisen (twelve coins cast in Japan) (皇朝十二銭) - "Kocho-Junisen" is a collective term for twelve kinds of copper coins cast in Japan during the period from 708 AD to 963 AD.

Kodachijutsu (小太刀術) - "Kodachijutsu" (swordsmanship of a short sword) is a swordplay style using a wakizashi (the shorter one of the two swords people used to carry on the waist).

Kodan (storytelling) (講談) - Kodan is a form of traditional Japanese performing arts.

Koden (香典) - Koden (香典) is a term to refer to a gift of money offered to the dead at a Buddhist funeral.

Koga Jusshu (高賀十種) - Koga Jusshu refers to the specialty plays of Sojuro SAWAMURA of Kinokuniya (kabuki) selected by Sojuro SAWAMURA the seventh.

Kogai (Traditional Hairpin accessory) () - The 'Kogai' (Traditional Hairpin accessory) is decorative hairdressing implement used for lifting hair into a bun shape.

Kogeki hasshu (eight old dramas) (古劇八種) - Kogeki hasshu is a family's specialty (iegei) of Danzo ICHIKAWA, Mikawaya (Kabuki), that Danzo ICHIKAWA VI had picked out.

Kogetsu (鼓月) - Kogetsu is a Kyo-gashi (Kyoto style confectionary) manufacturing and sales company whose headquarters is located in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City.

Kogetsu Enshu School (壺月遠州流) - Kogetsu Enshu School, also referred to as Kogetsu Enshu's Zen School of Tea ceremony is one of various tea ceremony schools in Japan, and it branched off from Enshu School.

Kogo (incense container) (香合) - Kogo refers to a lidded small container to put incense in.

Koi-nobori (carp streamer) (鯉幟) - Koi-nobori was originally a Japanese custom that started among samurai families in the Edo period.

Koikoku (鯉こく) - Koikoku is the name of a dish of round sliced carp stewed in miso soup.

Kojakin (small wet cloth to wipe a tea bowl) (小茶巾) - A kojakin is a small cloth used to clean off a tea bowl after drinking tea at the Urasenke (the House of Urasen) school, which is one of the Japanese tea ceremony schools.

Koji-buta (麹蓋) - Koji-buta (shallow wooden trays for koji) are one of the tools used in Japanese sake brewing and used at the koji making stage of Japanese sake.

Koka-Isshin School (a school handed down within the Hanamoto family) (覚花一心流) - Koka-Isshin school is a school handed down within the Hanamoto family which was a merchant family in Bitchu.

Kokatsuji-bon (Old Movable Type Imprints) (古活字本) - Kokatsuji-bon or Kokatsuji-han (old type editions) are general terms for movable type imprints published in Japan from the Bunroku era (1592 - 1596) to around the Keian era (1648 - 1652).

Kokawadera Engiemaki (a picture scroll of the legends of Kokawadera Temple) (粉河寺縁起絵巻) - Kokawadera Engiemaki (a picture scroll of the legends of Kokawadera Temple), one of representative picture scrolls in Japan, is designated as a national treasure.

Kokei (高髻) - Kokei (high chignon) was hair style for noblewomen in Nara period.

Kokindenju no Tachi. (古今伝授の太刀) - Kokindenju no Tachi refers to Japanese sword made by Hirasaku YUKI, sword craftsman in Bungo Province.

Kokyu (a stringed instrument) (胡弓) - Kokyu is a Japanese stringed instrument.

Komabue (a Japanese wind instrument) (高麗笛) - Komabue is one of the wind instruments used in the orchestra of gagaku (ancient Japanese court dance and music).

Komagaku (高麗楽) - Komagaku is a form of Gagaku (traditional Japanese court music) that was introduced into Japan from Korea.

Komahiki (駒牽) - The 'komahiki' event was one ritual that occurred within the imperial court in August each year when horses that were agisted in the Eastern provinces according to imperial edict were brought to the south hall of the imperial palace and paraded in front of the Emperor and afterwards nobility selected some whilst the remainder were stabled or allocated to the imperial guard.

KOMAZAWA Risai (駒沢利斎) - Risai KOMAZAWA was one of the Senke Jisshoku (The Ten Craftsmen of the House of Sen).

Komehyappyo (a hundred straw rice bags) (米百俵) - Komehyappyo (a hundred straw rice bags) is a historical episode regarding the education by Torasaburo KOBAYASHI, a vassal of Nagaoka Domain Echigo Province, who was active from the end of Edo period through until the early Meiji period.

Komon (小紋) - Komon is a kind of Japanese kimono (Japanese clothes).

Konacha (Dust Green Tea) (粉茶) - Konacha is the powdery fragments collected in the production process of sencha (green tea of middle grade).

Konarai level of study (for beginners) (小習) - Konarai, or naraigoto, is a learning course of tea ceremony, which putting together the procedure of the use of each utensil and the procedures appropriate for the situations.

Konbushime (raw fish sandwiched between kelp) (昆布〆め) - Konbushime is a local dish in Toyama Prefecture.

KONDO Kennosuke (近藤乾之助) - Kennosuke KONDO (April 18, 1928-) is a shite-kata (a main actor) of the Hosho school of Noh.

Kone (袞衣) - Kone (also pronounced Koni) is the Japanese name given to an emperor's costume in the Tang style.

KONGO Hisanori (金剛永謹) - Hisanori KONGO (June 24, 1951 -) is a shite-kata (a main actor) of the Kongo school of Noh.

Kongo school (金剛流) - The Kongo school is one of the shite-kata (actors who play leading characters) schools of Noh in Nohgaku (the art of Noh), which is one of the Japanese traditional performance arts.

Konmeichi no shoji (a type of standing screen) (昆明池障子) - Konmeichi no shoji is a tsuitate shoji (a partitioning screen, which stood between Hirobisashi no futama of Seiryo-den Imperial palace and ue no mitsubone - a kind of room).

Konnyaku (コンニャク) - Konnyaku (scientific name: Amorphophallus konjac) refers to an herb of the Araceae family or a food derived from the plant's bulb.

Konoha-don (egg rice bowl with kamaboko) (木の葉丼) - Konoha-don, also referred to as Konoha-donburi, is a kind of donburimono (rice dish) which is commonly served in Osaka and Kyoto area.

Konoshi (小直衣) - A konoshi is a kariginu robe on which a ran (horizontally-wrapped fabric forming the bottom part) similar to that of a ho (a round-necked robe) or a noshi (an unlined, long-sleeved garment) has been stitched.

Konowata (このわた) - Konowata is salted guts of a sea cucumber.

Konparu school (金春流) - The Konparu school (in the original meaning of its Chinese characters, "golden spring") is one of the schools of Noh.

Konpeito (confetti) (金平糖) - Konpeito is small ball-shaped candy with horn-like prongs on the surface made from sugar and flavored liquids.

Koon-toka-ho (a high-temperature saccharification method) (高温糖化法) - Koon-toka-ho is a Japanese sake-making method used today, in which the starch component of polished rice is gelatinized not by being steamed but by being heated at a high temperature, and then is fermented with the rice malt and yeast that is added at the next stage.

Korai Chawan (Tea Bowl coming from Korea) (高麗茶碗) - The term "korai chawan" refers to a type of tea bowl which was used in Sado (Japanese tea ceremony) from around the middle of the 16th century and was originally a bowl for everyday use made in the Korean peninsula that came to be appreciated as a tea bowl by Japanese chajin (tea ceremony masters).

Korai mono (Korean pieces) (高麗物) - Korai mono is the collective name of tea utensils made in Korean Peninsula in contrast to 'karamono,' Chinese tea utensils.

Korokke (Potato Croquette) (コロッケ) - Korokke is a kind of deep fried dish.

Koromodako (衣蛸) - Koromodako' refers to a yokai (monster) in the sea handed down in Yosa County, Kyoto Prefecture.

Korozen no Goho (黄櫨染御袍) (黄櫨染御袍) - Korozen no goho is a word in the glossary of Japanese clothes meaning an upper garment which constitutes the traditional formal court dress worn by an emperor at a formal ceremony.

Kosamebo (小雨坊) - Kosamebo is a specter handed down in Japan and looks like a figure of a Buddhist priest.

Kosei school (幸清流) - The Kosei school, or Ko Seijiro school, is one of the schools of kotsuzumi-kata (small hand drum players) in Nohgaku (the art of Noh).

Koshido (lattice door) (格子戸) - Koshido or lattice door can be either a sliding or swinging door style.

Koshimaki (腰巻) - Koshimaki (腰巻)

Koshogatsu (小正月) - Koshogatsu is the day of mochi no hi in the New Year (January 15th of the old lunar calendar, or the first full moon of the New Year).

Kosode (小袖) - Kosode is clothing thought to be designed in the middle of the Heian period, and is an origin of Japanese Kimono.

Kosode no te (小袖の手) - Kosode no te (literally, the hand of kosode [short sleeved kimono]) is one of Japanese yokai (monsters, spirits, ghosts and specters) which is drawn in Sekien TORIYAMA's yokai art collection book "Konjaku Hyakki Shui" (Supplement to The Hundred Demons from the Present and the Past).

Kosode Soga Azami no Ironui (小袖曾我薊色縫) - "Kosode Soga Azami no Ironui" is a program of Kabuki (traditional performing act).

Kotenmyo Hiragumo (古天明平蜘蛛) - It is a kettle used for tea ceremonies and is owned by a ringleader in the Sengoku Period (Period of Warring States), Hisahide MATSUNAGA.

Koto (a long Japanese zither with thirteen strings) () - The koto (also called the 'kin') is a Japanese traditional musical instrument.

Kotobuki Soga no Taimen (寿曽我対面) - Kotobuki Soga no Taimen (Soga Brother's Confrontation with the Enemy) (Chinese characters in orthographic style: 壽曾我對面) is a program of the Kabuki Kyogen (comic drama) theater.

Kotofurunushi (琴古主) - Kotofurunushi is one of Japanese specters that is introduced in "Hyakki Tsurezure Bukuro" (One hundred bags in idleness) which is a collection of specters illustrations by Sekien TORIYAMA, and it is Tsukumo-gami (gods to a variety of things) of koto (a long Japanese zither with thirteen strings).

Kotsuzake (骨酒) - Kotsuzake is a Japanese cuisine, and is a way of drinking sake.

Kouchigi (小袿) - Kouchigi is one of Japanese clothing.

Kouta (小唄) - "Kouta" is a popular song accompanied with shamisen (the three-stringed Japanese banjo), which was originally derived from "hauta" (a Japanese short ballad accompanied with shamisen).

Koya-dofu (高野豆腐) - Koya-dofu (freeze-dried bean curd) is a food made of preserved tofu.

Kozubukuro (Japanese sweets) (好事福櫨) - Kozubukuro is nice Japanese sweet created by a Japanese pastry chef in Kyoto during the Meiji period.

Kuchikami-sake (mouth chewed sake) (口噛み酒) - Kuchikami-sake means sake that is produced through the process of chewing grain, such as rice, or seed in the mouth, spitting it out and leaving it as it is.

Kuchiko (the ovaries of sea cucumbers) (くちこ) - Kuchiko are the ovaries of sea cucumbers.

Kuden (oral instruction) (口伝) - "Kuden" is a method of orally transmitting information.

Kudo (竈 (くど)) - The definitions of Kudo are as follows.

Kudzukiri (noodles made from kudzu flour and sugar) (葛切り) - Kudzukiri, a noodle for eating, is made with heated kudzu flour that has been dissolved in water and then set into a board shape by cooling, after which it is cut into long, thin forms udon (Japanese wheat noodles).

Kugeaku (a noble villain in Kabuki) (公家悪) - Kugeaku is a role in Kabuki, representing a noble (Kuge) of high rank who plots to usurp the imperial throne.

Kujo Negi (Leek from Kujo) (九条葱) - "Kujo negi" refers to a kind of long green onion (leek) representing Japan.

Kuki-cha (Twig Tea) (茎茶) - Kuki-cha is one of Japanese green teas.

Kukurio no Hakama (括り緒の袴) - Kukurio no hakama is a general term for hakama (a type of traditional Japanese clothing) whose hem is tied.

Kumade (熊手) - A kumade (rake) is a type of Japanese farm tool used in farming or for raking gardens that consists of rough comb-like teeth that are vertically attached to a handle.

Kumadori (隈取) - Kumadori was the make up method unique to Kabuki (traditional drama performed by male actors) play.

Kumano-fude (熊野筆) - The Kumano-fude is a writing brush produced in Kumano-cho, Aki County, Hiroshima Prefecture.

Kunoichi (くノ一) - Kunoichi indicates female ninja in the jargon of ninja (professional spies in Japan, highly trained in stealth and secrecy), and the use of females as a trick was called kunoichi no jutsu (art of kunoichi).

Kuraki Park (久良岐公園) - Kuraki Park is a park with an area of approximately 230,000 square meters that expands over Konan Ward and Isogo Ward in Yokohama City.

Kurama Fire Festival (鞍馬の火祭) - The Kurama Fire Festival is one of the annual festivals at the Yuki-jinja Shrine at Kurama, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture.

Kurama Tengu (鞍馬天狗) - Kurama Tengu

KURATSUKURI no Tori (鞍作止利) - KURATSUKURI no Tori was a busshi (sculptor of Buddhist Statues) of the naturalized citizen group who was active in the Asuka period.

Kurayaro (鞍野郎) - Kurayaro (literally, saddle guy) is one of Japanese yokai (ghosts, spirits and monsters) that was portrayed in Sekien TORIYAMA's yokai art collection book: "Hyakki Tsurezure Bukuro" (The Bag of One Hundred Random Demons; the term 'hyakki' in its title is a pun on the usual hyakki, replacing the character for demon which is written as "鬼" in Japanese with a character for vessel written as "器," and sure enough, most of the yokais shown in this book are tsukumogami [a type of Japanese spirits that originate in items or artifacts that have reached their 100th birthday and become alive]) and is a yokai of horse saddles.

Kurimanju (A steamed yeast bun with filling and Japanese chestnut) (栗饅頭) - Kurimanju, one of traditional Japanese confectioneries, is a type of manju (a bun stuffed with azuki-bean paste).

KURODA Seigen (黒田正玄) - Seigen KURODA was one of the Senke Jisshoku (The Ten Craftsmen of the House of Sen), and for generations the name has been passed down through this family of craftsman in bamboo-ware and ladles.

Kurogo (黒衣) - Kurogo

Kurokawa-Noh (黒川能) - Kurokawa-Noh is a traditional entertainment preserved in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture.

Kuromoji (literally, black letters) (黒文字) - Kuromoji:

Kusamochi (rice-flour dumplings mixed with mugwort) (草餅) - Kusamochi is a kind of rice cake.

Kusazoshi Style Illustrated Pulp Books (草双紙) - Kusazoshi illustrated pulp books are a form of light popular literature of the Edo period with pictures taking centre stage supported by story outlines written in phonetic Japanese.

Kushikatsu (串カツ) - This section will describe one of the Japanese dishes kushikatsu.

Kusuguri (tickling) (くすぐり) - Kusuguri (tickling) is to give 'tickling' sensation by stimulating skin surface and 'make someone laugh.'

Kusunokiryu Hanami no Makuhari (樟紀流花見幕張) - "Kusunokiryu Hanami no Makuhari" is a program of Kabuki (traditional drama performed by male actors).

Kutsutsura (沓頬) - Kutsu-tsura (literally, shoe cheek) is one of Japanese yokai (ghosts, spirits and monsters) that was portrayed in Sekien TORIYAMA's yokai art collection book: "Hyakki Tsurezure Bukuro" (The Bag of One Hundred Random Demons; the term 'hyakki' in its title is a pun on the usual hyakki, replacing the character for demon which is written as "鬼" in Japanese with a character for vessel written as "器," and sure enough, most of the yokais shown in this book are tsukumogami [a type of Japanese spirits that originate in items or artifacts that have reached their 100th birthday and become alive])

Kuwai (Arrowhead Tubers) (クワイ) - Kuwai (arrowhead tubers or Sagittaria trifolia) are perennial aquatic herbs in the Alismataceae (water plantain) family and are also called 'tagusa', 'enbi-kusa' or 'kuwae.'

Kuzumochi (kudzu starch cake) (葛餅) - "Kuzumochi" are Japanese cakes made of kuzuko (kudzu starch).

Kuzunoha (葛の葉) - Kuzunoha is the name of a legendary fox.

Kyakushiki (格式) - Kyakushiki refers to laws and ordinances which were passed in complement to the Ritsuryo codes, or law codes which were the collections of those codes.

Kyo Kano (京狩野) - Kyo Kano (Kyoto branch of the Kano School, also called "Kyo-gano") was a school of painters who created many prominent works from the end of Azuchi Momoyama period through the Meiji period.

Kyo Language (京言葉) - The term Kyo language (written in Japanese as either 京言葉, きょうことば or 京ことば) or Kyoto-ben (Kyoto dialect) means a Japanese dialect spoken either in the old town area of Kyoto City, in the narrow sense, or in the area including Yamashiro Province and Nantan (around Kameoka basin), in the broad sense, both in Kyoto Prefecture.

Kyo ningyo (dolls) (京人形 (人形)) - Kyo ningyo is a general term for luxurious Japanese dolls, which have been traditionally made around the city of Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture.

Kyo Odori (京おどり) - Kyo Odori (Kyoto Dance) is played in Miyagawa-cho Kaburenjo Theater between early April and late April.

Kyo rin rin (経凛々) - A Kyo rin rin is one of Japanese yokai (ghosts, spirits and monsters) that was portrayed in Sekien TORIYAMA's yokai art collection book: "Hyakki Tsurezure Bukuro" (The Bag of One Hundred Random Demons; the term 'hyakki' in its title is a pun on the usual hyakki, replacing the character for demon which is written as "鬼" in Japanese with a character for vessel written as "器," and sure enough, most of the yokais shown in this book are tsukumogami [a type of Japanese spirits that originate in items or artifacts that have reached their 100th birthday and become alive]), and a yokai of Buddhist scriptures.

Kyo Top (京こま) - The Kyo top is a kind of Japanese spinning top.

Kyo-gashi (Japanese-style confectionery from Kyoto) (京菓子) - Kyo-gashi means sweets that are made in Kyoto prefecture.

Kyo-shikki (Kyoto lacquerware) (京漆器) - "Kyo-shikki" is a handicraft of lacquerware produced in Kyoto City.

Kyo-yaki (Kyoto pottery) (京焼) - Kyo-yaki is a type of Japanese pottery.

Kyo-yasai (Specifically Certified Vegetable Varieties Grown in Kyoto) (京野菜) - "Kyo-yasai" is a general term for varieties of vegetables that were created by selective breeding a long time ago and have been produced in a traditional manner mainly in regions in Kyoto Prefecture, generally referring to 43 varieties of vegetables in total that fall under 'Kyo no Dento Yasai' (41 varieties certified by Kyoto Prefectural Government to continue to be produced in the traditional manner) and/or 'Brand Kyo-Yasai' (21 varieties certified o have reliable quality and to be produced at such an adequate and stable volume to enable distribution to the marketplace).

Kyo-Yuzen (dyeing technique) (京友禅) - Kyo-Yuzen (dyeing technique) is one of the traditional arts of Kyoto, and refers to dyeing technique that was designed by Yuzensai MIYAZAKI, who was a painter of folding fan, in the Genroku era.

Kyoen Kankan (the wood strip on which ancient Chinese characters are written) (居延漢簡) - Kyoen Kankan is mokkan (a narrow strip of wood on which an official message is written) of the Former Han and the Later Han periods, discovered in the Kyoen Hosui site covering from Ejin Banner of Inner Mongolia, China to the northeastern region of Jiuquan City, Gansu Province, China.

Kyogen (farce played during a Noh play cycle) (狂言) - Kyogen is a traditional form of public entertainment developed from Sarugaku (comical mimicry and speech performance in the Heian period), similar to Noh.

Kyogen-mawashi (狂言回し) - Kyogen-mawashi (狂言回し) is a key person who plays an important role in the plot of a drama or movie throughout the story.

Kyogi Karuta (競技かるた) - Kyogi Karuta is a game using the karuta (Japanese card game) of Hyakunin Isshu (one hundred poems by one hundred poets) and played by the rule established by All-Japan Karuta Association.

Kyogoku Toho (京極東宝) - Kyogoku Toho is a Toho-affiliated movie theater that was located in Shinkyogoku Shijo, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture.

Kyoka Gikyoku Jusshu (杏花戯曲十種) - Kyoka Gikyoku Jusshu refers to the eight specialty plays of Sadanji ICHIKAWA of Takashimaya (kabuki) selected by Sadanji ICHIKAWA the second.

Kyokusui no En (曲水の宴) - Kyokusui (or Gokusui) no en is a drinking party which involves cups of sake being floated down a stream in a garden, whereby participants seated on the bank had to improvise poems; if the participant could not compose a poem, he has to drink a cup of sake as a penalty.

Kyoritsu Eiga Production (協立映画プロダクション) - Kyoritsu Eiga Production (established in 1931- dissolved in 1932) is a Japanese film company that once existed.

Kyoto Animation (京都アニメーション) - Kyoto Animation Co., Ltd. is a Japanese corporation engaged in the design and production of animation as well as technical guidance related to animation production.

Kyoto City Half-Marathon (京都シティハーフマラソン) - Kyoto City Half-Marathon is an event that takes place annually on the second Sunday in March, in the city of Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture.

Kyoto Cultural Exhibition (京都文化博覧会) - Kyoto Cultural Exhibition is an exhibition which is held in Kyoto.

Kyoto Higashiyama Hanatoro (path with flowers and lanterns) (京都・東山花灯路) - Kyoto Higashiyama Hana Toro refers to a touristic event to herald the arrival of early spring in the middle of March, that about 2400 lanterns, which are made by Kiyomizu ceramics (traditional handicrafts in Kyoto), Kitayamasugi round cedar wood, Kyomei bamboo, stone art and metal art, are lit on the narrow path for about 4.6 km from Shoren-in Temple to Kiyomizu-dera Temple at the foot of Higashiyama mountain range of Kyoto to enjoy an evening walk.

Kyoto Intercollegiate Festa (京都学生祭典) - Kyoto Intercollegiate Festa is an annual festival which is held every year in early October (though not always in the past) in Kyoto, Japan.

Kyoto International Student Film and Video Festival (京都国際学生映画祭) - The Kyoto International Student Film and Video Festival is a film and video festival held in Kyoto every fall.

Kyoto Ongaku Hakurankai (Kyoto Music Expo) (京都音楽博覧会) - The term "Kyoto Ongaku Hakurankai (Kyoto Music Expo)" refers to a music festival that has been held annually since 2007 in Umekoji-koen Park, in Kyoto Prefecture.

Kyoto Onuma soroe (the great military parade in Kyoto) (京都御馬揃え) - Kyoto Onuma soroe was the great military parade in Kyoto which was staged by Nobunaga ODA on April 11, 1581.

Kyoto Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra (京都フィルハーモニー室内合奏団) - Kyoto Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra is an orchestra based in Kyoto City.

Kyoto Photographers' Society (京都写真家協会) - The Kyoto Photographers' Society (KPS), an organization for professional photographers in Kyoto Prefecture, was founded in 1970.

Kyoto Prize (京都賞) - The Kyoto Prize is the international award given to the people who made great contribution to science, technology and culture.

Kyoto Prize in the Basic Sciences (京都賞基礎科学部門) - The Kyoto Prize in the category of Basic Sciences is a prize awarded to an scientist for outstanding achievements in his or her respective field.

Kyoto Prize in the Category of Advanced Technology (京都賞先端技術部門) - The Kyoto Prize in the category of Advanced Technology is one of the categories of the Kyoto Prize, and is given to a scientist who achieved great results.

Kyoto Prize in the Category of Arts and Philosophy (京都賞思想・芸術部門) - The Kyoto Prize in the category of Arts and Philosophy is a prize awarded to an artist or philosopher for outstanding achievements in his or her respective field.

Kyoto SF Festival (京都SFフェスティバル) - "Kyoto SF Festival" is a SF Convention held in Kyoto every autumn since 1982.

Kyoto Shimbun (a newspaper based in Kyoto, Japan) (京都新聞) - Kyoto Shimbun is a local newspaper published mainly in Kyoto and Shiga Prefectures.

Kyoto Shogi (京都将棋) - Kyoto Shogi is a kind of board game that is played between two players.

Kyoto Shoin (京都書院) - Kyoto Shoin was at one time a publishing company in Kyoto that published large numbers of art books.

Kyoto Symphony Orchestra (京都市交響楽団) - Kyoto Symphony Orchestra is a professional orchestra headquartered in Kyoto City.

Kyoto Tourism Culture Certification Test (京都・観光文化検定) - Kyoto Tourism Culture Certification Test, for `Kyoto Expert Certification,' is a certification test covering knowledge about a particular place that is held by the Kyoto Chamber of Commerce.

Kyoto Umbrella (京和傘) - The Kyoto Umbrella is one of traditional Japanese umbrellas.

Kyudo (Japanese art of archery) (弓道) - "Kyudo" is a Japanese martial art in which the mind and body are trained through a series of conduct in shooting a Japanese bow and arrow at a target.

Kyudojo (a training hall of archery) (弓道場) - "Kyudojo" is a dojo (a training hall) to do kyudo (Japanese art of archery) and kyujutsu (same as above).

Kyujutsu (弓術) - The term Kyujutsu refers to a technique or a martial art to put an arrow in the target from a bow (weapon).

Kyukyodo (鳩居堂) - Kyukyodo is a long-established store of stationary products and incense.

Kyuso (旧鼠) - Kyuso is a specter in Japan which has the form of a mouse and is said to have lived for hundreds and thousands of years by undergoing transformation.

L

Lactic acid for making sake (醸造用乳酸) - The lactic acid for making sake is the high-purity lactic acid required in making yeast mash in the process of brewing Japanese sake (rice wine).

Licensed brewer (酒造技能士) - Licensed brewer is someone who passed the written and practical tests about sake brewing which is a kind of skill assessment system of nationally-accredited qualification conducted by prefectural governors (the questions are made up by Japan Vocational Ability Development Association and the administrator is Prefectural Vocational Ability Development Association).

List of cultural properties designated and registered by Kyoto Prefecture (京都府指定・登録文化財一覧) - A list of cultural properties designated and registered by Kyoto Prefecture lists the cultural properties and historical sites and the like, designated or registered by Kyoto Prefecture in a view format, but not all the data are recorded.

List of kabuki ie no gei (specialty pieces of kabuki schools) (歌舞伎の家の芸一覧) - Kabuki ie no gei is a program list that is especially selected by the influential members of kabuki actors as the specialty pieces of their kabuki schools.

List of present Noh (traditional masked dance-drama) programs (能の現行演目一覧) - The list of present Noh programs is a list of current programs performed by the five schools of Noh's shite-kata (actors who play leading characters).

Low-malt beer (発泡酒) - Low-malt beer is a type of alcohol defined by the Japanese Liquor Tax Act.

M

Machiai-chaya (tea houses that rented rooms in which visitors and geisha could amuse themselves) (待合茶屋) - Machiai-chaya is an industry which offers rental rooms used for waiting for others and gatherings.

Machiya (Merchant House) (町屋 (商家)) - Machiya is a house of common people in town.

Maedare (前垂れ) - Maedare (also 'Maedara' in Edo dialect), sometimes known as Maekake, was a cloth worn by shop workers or housemaids to protect their clothes from dirt, which hangs from an obi, a kind of belt for a kimono.

Magemono (bentwood work) (曲物) - "Magemono"or "wagemono" is a container made by bending a shaved lumber of Japanese cypress or Japanese cedar, and by sewing its joint with the bark of birch or Japanese cherry.

Mai Dance () - Mai dances are mainly dances which include circling movements in time with melodies.

Mai-goto (concerns Noh dance) (舞事) - Mai-goto means abstract acts (mai) that, in Noh, the shite (an actor playing the leading part), tsure (a supporting actor) and waki (the partner of a shite) perform accompanied solely by the hayashi (music played in the background), mostly in the latter half of a Noh or a Kyogen (a farce played during a Noh cycle) play.

Mai-ogi (folding fan used in a Japanese dance) (舞扇) - A mai-ogi is a folding fan used in Japanese dances.

Maiko (apprentice geisha, dancing girl) (舞妓) - The term "Maiko" refers to a young geisha or a geisha apprentice.

Maiko makeover (舞妓変身) - "Maiko makeover" is a kind of service offered for visitors to Kyoto City, especially around Gion area, which satisfies desires of those who adore maiko girls to transform their looks by dressing them up like maiko or geiko with kimono, a wig, kanzashi (hair stick), etc.

Maizuru Kamaboko (Fish Minced and Steamed) (舞鶴かまぼこ) - "Maizuru Kamaboko" is a brand of kamaboko (fish minced and steamed) made and sold in Maizuru City, Kyoto Prefecture.

Maizuru Tsutsuji (azalea) Matsuri Festival (舞鶴つつじまつり) - Maizuru Tsutsuji (azalea) Matsuri Festival is one of the festivals that takes place in Maizuru City, Kyoto Prefecture.

Maizuru-ben (Maizuru dialect) (舞鶴弁) - "Maizuru-ben" is a Japanese dialect descended from Kinki dialect and extended over the area from Maizuru City of Kyoto Prefecture along Wakasa Bay to a part of the Reinan region of Fukui Prefecture (Takahama-cho).

Makie (蒔絵) - Makie is the technique of Japanese lacquer art.

Makino Educational Films (牧野教育映画製作所) - Makino Educational Films (established in June 1921, reorganized in 1924) is a Japanese movie company that once existed.

Makino Film Productions (マキノ映画製作所) - "Makino Film Productions" (established in 1923 - merged in 1924) is a Japanese film company which once existed.

Makino Geinosha (マキノ芸能社) - Makino Geinosha (established June 1946 - dissolved October 1948) was a performing art office located in Kyoto.

Makino Production (マキノ・プロダクション) - Makino Production (established in June, 1925, reorganized in May 1931, the new company was liquidated in October) was a movie company once existed in Kyoto.

Makino Talkie Seisaku-jo (マキノトーキー製作所) - Makino Talkie Seisaku-jo (established in November 1935, liquidated in April 1937) was a film company that once existed in Kyoto.

Makiwara (Japanese Archery) (巻藁 (弓道)) - Makiwara is a target for practicing kata (form) in kyudo or kyujutsu (Japanese art of archery).

Makiwara (straw butt) (巻藁) - Makiwara

Makumo (a musical instrument) (莫目) - Makumo (written as 莫目 in Japanese) is a musical instrument used in Komagaku (the court music of Japan introduced from Korea) and Kudaragaku (the court music of Japan introduced from Paekche) music.

Makunouchi-Bento (幕の内弁当) - Makunouchi-bento is a type of bento (lunch box) with white rice and several accompanying dishes.

Makura no Soshi Ekotoba (Picture scrolls of scenes from the Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon) (枕草子絵詞) - "Makura no Soshi Ekotoba" refers to the picture scrolls on which impressive scenes selected from the passages in the diary of "Makura no Soshi" (The Pillow Book) were depicted.

Maneki-neko (a welcoming cat) (招き猫) - A "maneki-neko" is an ornament in the shape of a cat beckoning with a forepaw.

Manganji Togarashi (manganji pepper) (万願寺とうがらし) - Manganji Togarashi is one of the spring Kyo-yasai (specifically certified vegetable varieties grown in Kyoto.)

Manju (Bun stuffed with filling) (饅頭) - Manju is a cake steamed with fillings such as azuki-bean paste wrapped in the cake dough which flour is kneaded into.

Manzaburo UMEWAKA (the third) (梅若万三郎 (3世)) - Manzaburo UMEWAKA the third (1941-) is a Noh actor, of shite-kata (main roles) of Kanze school.

Manzai (萬歳) - Manzai is a kind of traditional art in Japan.

Manzai or a comic dialogue (漫才) - Manzai or comic dialogue is a type of entertainment or talk show performed mainly by a comedy duo, which has been uniquely developed in Japan's Kinki region based upon the traditional form of manzai observed on New Year's Day.

Marumage (rounded hair style of a married woman) (丸髷) - Marumage is the most representative hairstyle (Japanese coiffure) for married women from the Edo period to the Meiji period.

Maruobi (丸帯) - "Maruobi" is a kind of women's obi (sash) used in Japan.

Maruyama-Shijo School (円山・四条派) - Maruyama-Shijo School is a name collectively referring to Maruyama School founded by Okyo MARUYAMA and Shijo School founded by Goshun MATSUMURA, which became famous in Kyoto from the late Edo Period.

Masuseki (box seating) (枡席) - Masuseki, or box seating, (枡席 or 升席 in Chinese characters) is a traditional kind of auditorium in Japan.

Mata kokoni Kabuki no Hanadashi (再茲歌舞伎花轢) - "Mata kokoni Kabuki no Hanadashi" is a song of Kiyomoto bushi (Theatrical music).

Mata-nozoki (bending down and looking at scenery from between one's legs) (股のぞき) - Mata-nozoki is one of the methods to enjoy looking at Amanohashidate from Kasamatsu Park or Ama no Hashidate View Land in Miyazu city, in Kyoto prefecture.

Matcha (powdered tea) ice cream (抹茶アイスクリーム) - Matcha ice cream is ice cream flavored with Matcha.

Mato (kyudo [Japanese archery]) (的 (弓道)) - Mato refers to a target used in kyudo and other Japanese archery arts.

Matoi () - Matoi were used by fire brigades in the Edo Period, and it expressed their own "kumi" (brigade).

Matsu-ura no Taiko (The drum in Matsura) (松浦の太鼓) - "Matsu-ura no Taiko" (The drum of Matsu-ura) a play of kabuki.

Matsubayashi (松囃子) - Matsubayashi (or Matsuhayashi) is a traditional performing art for New Year's celebration.

MATSUI Yukan (松井友閑) - Yukan MATSUI was a civil officer in the Azuchi-Momoyama period (the period of warring states in Japan).

Matsukaze (松風) - "松風" (Matsukaze) literally means the wind blowing against the forest of pine trees.

Matsukaze (Noh play) (松風 (能)) - "Matsukaze" is a Noh play (classical Japanese dance theater).

MATSUMOTO Hakuo I (松本白鸚 (初代)) - Hakuo MATSUMOTO (July 7, 1910 - January 11, 1982) was a Japanese theater, film and kabuki actor.

Matsuo-ryu School (松尾流) - Matsuo-ryu school is a school of the tea ceremony, originated by Soji MATSUO.

Matsuri () - The Japanese term "matsuri" (festival, written as 祭 or 祭り) refers to ceremonies or Shinto rituals worshipping Shinreikon (the spirit of God).

Matsuribayashi (祭囃子) - Matsuribayashi' (festival music) is music that is performed at festival time and forms a particular genre of musical accompaniment.

MATSUURA Kengyo (the highest title of the official ranks within the Todo-za (the traditional guild for the blind)) (松浦検校) - Kengyo MATSUURA (year of birth unknown – January 2, 1823) was a blind musician who was active during the early nineteenth century in Kyoto (jiuta shamisen (traditional Japanese shamisen music) player, so or koto (a long Japanese zither with thirteen strings) player and composer).

Meat sauce (Bolognese sauce) (ミートソース) - Bolognese (ragù alla bolognese in Italian, ragò a la bulgnàisa in Bolognese dialect) or bolognaise (sauce bolognaise in French) is a kind of sauce (seasoning) mainly made from meat and tomato originating in Bologna, Italy.

Meiboku Sendai Hagi (The Disputed Succession of the Date Family) (伽羅先代萩) - "Meiboku Sendai Hagi" (The Disputed Succession of the Date Family) is a play for Ningyo Joruri (traditional Japanese puppet theater) and Kabuki, based on Date Sodo (the Date family disturbance).

Meibutsu (in this case, good tea utensils) (名物 (茶道具)) - Meibutsu can be regarded as a rating of tea utensils.

Meiji (明治) - Meiji is the name of an era in Japan.

Meijin and Queen (名人・クイーン) - Meijin' and 'Queen' refer to Kyogi Karuta (karuta [Japanese card game] match) in which karuta of Hyakunin Isshu (one hundred waka poems by one hundred poets) are used and they played by the rule of All-Japan Karuta Association; for male players the Meijin-sen (literally, 'master tournament') is held, and for female players the Queen-sen is held; they also refer to the titles given to the champions; male player has to pass the preliminary of the Meijin-sen and beat the champion of the previous year, and female player has to pass the preliminary of the Queen-sen and beat the champion of the previous year as well, and the champions become 'Meijin' and 'Queen.'

Meisho Edo Hyakkei (100 Famous Views of Edo) (名所江戸百景) - Meisho Edo Hyakkei is a series of ukiyoe (Japanese woodblock prints) created by Hiroshige UTAGAWA, an ukiyoe artist, from 1856 to 1858.

Mekabu Seaweed (メカブ) - Mekabu seaweed is the thick, folded part of the phyllodes of wakame seaweed (Undaria pinnatifida) that is located above its appressoria.

Mekuranagaya Umegakagatobi (盲長屋梅加賀鳶) - "Mekuranagaya Umegakagatobi" is a play of Kabuki (traditional performing art).

Menchi Katsu (メンチカツ) - Menchi katsu or minchi katsu is a meat dish, in which ground pork or beef (minchi) is mixed well with minced onions, salt and pepper, formed into flat ovals, coated with breading made of flour, beaten eggs and panko (Japanese-style coarse bread crumbs), and deep fried in oil.

Menreiki (面霊気) - Menreiki is one of Japanese specters that is introduced in "Hyakki Tsurezure Bukuro" (One hundred bags in idleness) which is a collection of specters illustrations by Sekien TORIYAMA, and it is a specter of Gigaku-men Mask (masks for Gigaku, an ancient masked drama).

Mentsuyu (めんつゆ) - Mentsuyu is a Japanese flavoring sauce made mainly from soup stock, soy sauce, mirin (sweet sake [Japanese liquor] for cooking) - or sake itself - and sugar.

Meshi (cooked rice, meal) () - Meshi (meshi, ii, han, manma) is a food that is steamed or boiled until no water is left by adding water to rice, wheat or grains from gramineous plants.

Mezashi (目刺) - Mezashi is a dried fish product.

Mibu Kyogen (壬生狂言) - Mibu Kyogen is a form of pantomime skits performed at the Mibu-dera Temple in Kyoto every year at the time of the Setsubun Festival (February), in April, and October coinciding with the annual cycle of Noh performances.

Michikiri (a folk custom practiced on roads or crossroads at the entrance to villages) (道切り) - Michikiri is a folk custom practiced on roads or crossroads at the entrance to villages (or regions).

Michiyuki Tabiji no Hanamuko (道行旅路の花聟) - Michiyuki Tabiji no Hanamuko is a dance drama ("shosagoto" in Kabuki terms) performed between the fourth act, "Hangan Seppuku" (a judge's suicide by disembowelment), and the fifth act, "Yamazaki Kaido" (Yamazaki-kaido Road), in the Kabuki play "Kanadehon Chushingura" (The Treasury of Loyal Retainers).

Middle Japanese (中世日本語) - Middle Japanese is a stage in the development of the Japanese language located between Early Middle Japanese and Early Modern Japanese.

Mifa shanshui style (米法山水) - the Mifa shanshui is a style of Sansui-ga (Chinese-style landscape painting) with ink that Futsu BEI and his son Mi Youren, literati painters during Sung dynasty in China, are reported to have started

Mikado Company (ミカド商会) - The Mikado Company (- Shokai, established on July 10, 1919 - Acquired on January 1920) is a Japanese film studio that once existed.

Miki (Sacred Wine or Sake) (神酒) - Miki (also referred to as 'shinshu') is alcohol (generally Japanese sake) offered to Shinto deities.

Mikka gojoho (Three-day rules) (三日御定法) - Mikka gojoho or Gojoho mikka is a term used to refer to unwritten rules in kabuki world.

Mikomai (ancient Japanese Shinto dance) (巫女舞) - Mikomai (written in Japanese kanji characters either as 巫女舞 or 神子舞) is a type of dance performed by miko (shrine maidens) in a Kagura performance (a sacred music and dancing performance dedicated to the Shinto gods).

Mikoshi (Portable shrine) (神輿) - A mikoshi or shinyo refers to a litter on which a divine spirit temporarily rides when the divine spirit moves to a place where the sacred litter is lodged during a festival celebrated by shrines in Japan.

Milky Way (天の川) - The Milky Way is a nebular cluster like a shining belt crossing the night sky.

Minamikannon yama (one of decorative floats parading in Gion festival in Kyoto) (南観音山) - "Minamikannon yama" is one of "yamahoko" (decorative floats) parading in Gion festival in Kyoto on July 17 every year.

Minato Maizuru Chatta Matsuri Festival (みなと舞鶴ちゃったまつり) - Minato Maizuru Chatta Matsuri Festival is a festival held in Maizuru City, Kyoto Prefecture.

Minazukibarai (Purification in June) (Noh play) (水無月祓 (能)) - Minazukibarai is a Noh play.

Mingaku (Ming-era Chinese music, popularized in Japan during the early 17th century) (明楽) - A lecture and concert held by the Sakata Classic Music Institution (located in Tokyo).

Minowaraji, also called Minosoji (蓑草鞋) - Minowaraji or Minosoji is one of Japanese yokai (ghosts, spirits and monsters) which is portrayed in Sekien TORIYAMA's yokai art collection book, "Gazu Hyakki Tsurezure Bukuro" (The Illustrated Bag of One Hundred Random Demons; the term 'hyakki' in its title is a pun on the usual hyakki, replacing the character for demon which is written as "鬼" in Japanese with a character for vessel written as "器," and sure enough, most of the yokais shown in this book are tsukumogami [a type of Japanese spirits that originate in items or artifacts that have reached their 100th birthday and become alive]).

Mirin (みりん) - Mirin is an alcoholic condiment used as a seasoning in Japanese cuisine and also as an alcoholic beverage.

Mishige (飯笥) - Mishige or Mishige-Majimun is a kind of Fumo-gami which has been known in Okinawa Prefecture and is a kind of Majimun (the general name for devils in Okinawa and Amami Islands south of Kagoshima Prefecture).

Misho school (未生流) - Misho school is one of the schools of flower arrangement, founded by Ippo MISHOSAI.

MISHOSAI Ippo (未生斎一甫) - Ippo MISHOSAI (1761 - 1824) was a Japanese flower arrangement expert.

MISHOSAI Koho (未生斎広甫) - Koho MISHOSAI (1791- August, 1861) was a Japanese expert of flower arrangement.

Miso (fermented soybean paste) (味噌) - Miso is a Japanese food made by fermenting grains.

Miso Soup (味噌汁) - Miso soup is a Japanese dish that is cooked by adding ingredients (called 'gu' or 'mi') such as vegetables and fish in soup, boiling and seasoning with miso.

Misodengaku (skewed and roasted foodstuff with miso coating) (味噌田楽) - "Misodengaku" is a dish prepared by skewering foodstuffs such as tofu, konnyaku, egg plant and satoimo (taro), pasting them with Japanese-lemon (citron) or Japanese-pepper flavored miso (bean paste) and then roasting them.

Misomatsukaze (味噌松風) - Misomatsukaze is a kind of baked confectionery.

Misozuke (pickling in miso (fermented soybean paste)) (味噌漬け) - Misozuke is vegetable, meat, or fish pickled in miso paste (bean paste).

Mitarashi dango (みたらし団子) - Mitarashi dango are dumplings coated with a soy-and-sugar syrup, and usually three to five are stuck on a stick.

Mitsuba-aoi (Three Leaves of Hollyhock) (三つ葉葵) - Mitsuba-aoi is a type of aoi-mon (mallow patterns), which have been used as Japanese family crests.

Mitsuda-e (a kind of oil painting) (密陀絵) - The term "Mitsuda-e" refers to a kind of painting technique.

Mitsugoro BANDO (the 8th) (坂東三津五郎 (8代目)) - Mitsugoro BANDO the 8th (October 19, 1906 - January 16, 1975) was a kabuki actor.

Mitsumame (みつまめ) - Mitsumame is one of Japanese style sweets or desserts.

MITSUZAKI Kengyo (the highest title of the official ranks within the Todo-za (the traditional guild for the blind)) (光崎検校) - Kengyo MITSUZAKI (year of birth unknown, but estimated around 1853) was a blind musician who was active during the early nineteenth century in Kyoto (jiuta shamisen (traditional Japanese shamisen music) player, so or koto (a long Japanese zither with thirteen strings) player and composer).

Miwa Somen (thin noodles made in Miwa) (三輪素麺) - Miwa Somen is a somen (Japanese fine noodles) produced in Miwa area centering around Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture, and it is a local special product of the area.

Miyabi () - Miyabi or Masa (in case of name) means sophisticated and graceful.

Miyako Odori (都をどり) - "Miyako Odori" is a dance performance of the Gion Kobu district held in April at the Gion Kobu Kabu-renjo Theater.

Miyako Shichifukujin (Seven Deities of Good Fortune in Kyoto) (都七福神) - Miyako shichifukujin are stamp places for pilgrims to visit seven deities of good fortune, which consist of seven temples and shrines in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture.

Miyakodori nagare no shiranami (都鳥廓白浪) - "Miyakodori nagare no shiranami" is the title of a kabuki kyogen play which is commonly known as "Shinobu no Sota" (Sota who avoids being seen).

Miyakokoryu (都古流) - Miyakokoryu is a style of ikebana (flower arrangement, or kado) which was created by Kuhyodo Hitoami ISOGAI in November 1902.

Mizore Nabe (Hot Pot Served with Grated Daikon Radish) (みぞれ鍋) - Mizore Nabe is a kind of dish cooked in a pot at the table.

Mizu-yokan (水羊羹) - Mizu-yokan is Japanese confectionery, and is a type of yokan (azuki-bean jelly).

Mizuage (水揚げ) - Mizuage has the following meanings.

Mizuame (水飴) - Mizuame is a mucoid sweetener made by saccharifying acid and diastatic enzymes with starch.

Mizuhiki (水引) - Mizuhiki is a string to decorate gifts and envelopes and varies in shape and color depending on the intended purpose of use.

Mizukiri (水切り) - Mizukiri

Mizuko (aborted, stillborn or miscarried fetuses) (水子) - "Mizuko" is a term that refers to the following:

Mizuna (potherb mustard) (ミズナ) - Mizuna (potherb mustard)is a yearly plant of Brassicaceae.

Mizusashi (water jug) (水指) - Mizusashi is a tea utensil.

Mizutaki (chicken boiled plain) (水炊き) - Mizutaki is a kind of a one-pot dish cooked at the table, a local dish mainly eaten in Fukuoka Prefecture.

Mo () - Mo is one type of kimono that constitutes Junihiote (twelve-layer robe).

Mochi () - Mochi (rice cake) refers to a kind of food which is produced by adding water to grain, especially mochi-gome (glutinous rice), heating, thereafter, kneading, applying an external force and shaping the kneaded mixture, and mochi is also called tsuki-mochi (pounded rice cake).

Mochibana (餅花) - Mochibana is a decoration made of small-cut rice cake or dango (sweet rice dumpling) on a branch of Japanese sumac, hackberry, or willow tree for New Year's Holidays or small New Year's festival around January 15.

Mochimaki (an event of scattering rice cakes) (餅まき) - Mochimaki is an event of scattering rice cakes for people who come to a Shinto ritual, such as jotoshiki (the framework raising ceremony held during construction of a new building).

Modern Gagaku (contemporary music that uses the composition of gagaku [ancient Japanese court dance and music]) and some gagaku instruments) (現代雅楽) - Modern gagaku is a form of newly created modern music that uses partial compositions and some instruments of gagaku, which is a traditional music of ancient Japan.

Mojiri jutsu (art of entanglement) (もじり術) - Mojiri jutsu refers to a martial art using a weapon called mojiri.

Mokkatsuji-ban (wood movable-type printing) (木活字版) - Mokkatsuji-ban is the generic term for wood movable-type prints; however, it is sometimes narrowly interpreted as printed books of wood movable-type printing published from the mid Edo to the early Meiji periods (Kinsei [the early modern times] Mokkatsuji-ban).

Mokoku (模刻) - Mokoku (模刻) is a calligraphic term meaning to create a 'hojo' (copybook printed from the works of old masters of calligraphy) by reproducing and engraving handwriting on a piece of stone or wood, for the purpose of preservation, appreciation, and learning.

Mokugyo (a fish-shaped wooden drum) (木魚) - Mokugyo (木魚; a fish-shaped wooden drum) (also written in 杢魚) is a kind of butsugu (Buddhist altar fittings).

Mokugyo-daruma (木魚達磨) - Mokugyo-daruma is a Japanese specter included in a specter art collection book entitled "Hyakki Tsurezure Bukuro" by Sekien TORIYAMA and is the Tsukumo-gami of a Mokugyo (wooden fish, temple block).

Momijigari (Noh play) (紅葉狩 (能)) - "Momijigari" is a Noh piece.

Monaka (最中) - Monaka is a kind of Japanese sweets of bean jam wrapped with thin wafers made from rice cake.

Monko-fuda (聞香札) - Monko-fuda are cards used in Kodo (traditional incense-smelling ceremony).

Mono no aware (the sadness or pathos of things) (もののあはれ) - Mono no aware (written as もののあわれ or 物の哀れ) is the key literary and aesthetic notion in the study of dynastic style literature in the Heian period.

Monpe (women's work pants) (もんぺ) - Monpe is a pair of work pants for women and a sort of "hakama" (a formal divided skirt for men) in Japan.

Montsuki (Japanese Traditional Clothing That Carries Family Crests) (紋付) - "Montsuki" refers to "kimono" (Japanese traditional clothing) that bears family crests.

Montsuki Haori Hakama (Japanese formal attire for men) (紋付羽織袴) - "Montsuki Haori Hakama" is a Japanese traditional costume that is commonly regarded as the most formal attire for men at present.

Monuments (記念物) - Monuments

Morishige-ryu hojutsu (gunnery of Morishige school) (森重流砲術) - Morishige-ryu hojutsu was a school of gunnery.

Morita school (森田流) - The Morita school is a school of fue-kata (flute players) in Nohgaku (the art of Noh).

Moro-haku (諸白) - "Moro-haku" ("moro" means both sides, and "haku" means polishing) was the name of a sake brewing method which used polished rice for both the "koji-mai" (the rice in which the mold of "koji" [Aspergillus oryzae] was cultivated) and the "kake-mai" (also called "fukashi," meaning the steamed rice).

Moromi (もろみ) - "もろみ (moromi) also spelled as醪・諸味" refers to the softly solidified product where the ingredients in the brewed liquid for making soy sauce, sake and so on fermented.

Motsunabe (もつ鍋) - Motsunabe is a nabe dish made from Motsu (offal).

Mozuku (Nemacystus decipiens) (モズク) - Mozuku (Nemacystus decipiens) is marine alga classified under the family Spermatochnaceae or the family Chordariaceae in the order Chordariales, the class Phaeophyceae.

Mujo (absence of absolutes) (無常) - Mujo (anitya in Sanskrit) points out that all beings in the present world disintegrate and are in constant transition without being stationary.

Multiple parallel fermentation (並行複発酵) - Multiple parallel fermentation ("並行複発酵") is a type of fermentation that takes place in the sake brewing process, meaning that saccharification (the conversion of starch into glucose by koji enzyme) and fermentation (the conversion of glucose into alcohol by yeast) occur simultaneously in the same container.

Muramai System (村米制度) - The muramai system refers to a sake rice dealing system which is concluded between sake rice production areas in Harima region and specific Kuramoto (sake brewer) including Nada gogo (five districts in Nada).

Murasakino Senke school (a school of tea ceremony) (紫野千家流) - Buke style (samurai style) Murasakino Senke school is considered to have descended from Imasawa school inherited by the family of karo (chief retainer) of the Owari Tokugawa family.

Muromachi Culture (室町文化) - Muromachi culture was a Japanese culture of the Muromachi period in which the Muromachi bakufu (Japanese feudal government headed by a shogun) was established in Kyoto by the Ashikaga clan.

Mushanokoji-senke (武者小路千家) - Mushanokoji-senke is one of the tea schools.

Mushiokuri (an annual Japanese festival) (虫送り) - Mushiokuri is an annual Japanese festival.

Mustard (からし) - Mustard is a spice made from the seeds of Brassica juncea and related species.

Myoga (ミョウガ) - Myoga is a term that refers to a herbaceous perennial belong to the family Zingiberaceae, genus Zingiber (scientific name: Zingiber mioga).

N

Nabeyaki-udon (鍋焼きうどん) - Nabeyaki-udon is a type of dish which is made by using udon (Japanese wheat noodles).

Nagara-gawa ukai (長良川鵜飼) - Nagara-gawa ukai is ukai (cormorant fishing) that is conducted in Nagara-gawa River in Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture during the period from May 11 to October 15 every year.

Nagashi-bina (流し雛) - Nagashi-bina (paper dolls floated downriver) is an event which is said to be the origin of the Dolls' Festival.

Nagauta (長唄) - Nagauta is a type of musical genre that first appeared in the Edo period, and it's formal name is therefore Edo Nagauta.

Nagi (なぎ) - Nagi is the Japanese word that indicates the state of flat and stable condition and it is also an archaic word.

Nagikama (sickle-weapon) (薙鎌) - Nagikama is a weapon which has an approximately 210 cm-long columnar wooden stick as a handle, to the upper part of which a short straight sword with its edge facing toward is orthogonally attached.

Naginata (なぎなた) - Naginata (wielding techniques) is a modern martial art, using a wooden or bamboo sword which looks like the old Japanese weapon called "naginata" (originally, a pole with a wood shaft and a curved blade on its end).

NAKAGAWA Joeki (中川浄益) - Joeki NAKAGAWA is a name that has been succeeded for generations by the head of the Nakagawa family, one of the Senke jissoku (the 10 artisans of the Sen family) specialized in the hardware craftwork.

NAKAMURA Tomijuro V (中村富十郎 (5代目)) - Tomijuro NAKAMURA V (June 4, 1929 -) is a kabuki actor.

Nakane Ryutaro Comedy Productions (中根龍太郎喜劇プロダクション) - Nakane Ryutaro Comedy Productions, founded in June of 1928 and closed in August of 1928, was a film company located in Kyoto.

Naked festival (裸祭り) - The naked festival is a Japanese festival in which the participants go naked.

Namaribushi (生利節) - Namaribushi or Namabushi is a primary processed food made of raw bonito, which is cut, steamed, and boiled.

Namasu () - Namasu is the dish made by thinly cutting (or slicing) sea foods, vegetables or fruits and dressing them with seasoning materials based mainly on vinegar.

Namizake (Regular Grade Sake) (並酒) - Namizake refers to a sake (Japanese rice wine) brewing method from the Heian to Edo periods which used genmai (unpolished rice) for both the kakemai (steamed rice) and the kojimai (malted rice), as well as the sake made using the method.

Nana Komachi (Seven Komachis) (七小町) - Nanakomachi is a generic term for seven Yokyoku (Noh songs) dealing with ONO no Komachi.

Nanakusa (the seven herbs of spring) (七草) - The seven herbs of spring (Nanakusa) is a custom of eating hot soup containing seven vegetables on the morning of Jinjitsu no Sekku, the so-called Person-Day Festival (January 7).

Nanboroku (南方録) - Nanboroku (also pronounced "Nanporoku") is an old book which has been handed down in the Tachibana clan in Hakata (a part of Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture), as a book of SEN no Rikyu's secret teachings.

Naniwa kagura-dance (浪速神楽) - Naniwa kagura-dance is a kind of Satokagura (kagura performance held somewhere other than the imperial palace) handed down mainly in the Kansai region.

Nanori (self-introduction), Shimenawa-kiri (sacred rice-straw rope cut), Himatsuri (fire festival) (名のり・注連縄切り・火祭り) - "Nanori, Shimenawa-kiri, Himatsuri" is a series of annual events held from New Year's Eve through New Year's Day in Daio-cho, Shima City, Mie Prefecture.

Nanso Satomi Hakkenden (The Chronicles of the Eight Dog Heroes of the Satomi Clan of Nanso) (南総里見八犬伝) - Nanso Satomi Hakkenden is Yomihon (copy for reading) written by Bakin KYOKUTEI (Bakin TAKIZAWA) during the late Edo period.

Nanto Moro-Haku (南都諸白) - "Nanto moro-haku" was the general term for several kinds of "soboshu" (monk's sake) produced with "moro-haku" (sake brewed using polished rice both for the mold-cultivated rice and for the steamed rice) at temples in Nara (also called "Nanto" [southern capital]), which firmly kept its reputation as the sake of the highest quality and grade from the middle of the Heian period to the end of the Muromachi period.

Nanzenji tofu (tofu of Nanzen-ji Temple) (南禅寺豆腐) - Nanzenji tofu is a kind of tofu produced around Nanzen-ji Temple, the Grand Head Temple of Rinzai sect in Kyoto, and Shonai Region of Yamagata Prefecture.

Naporitan (ナポリタン) - Naporitan (Napolitan) is a Japanese spaghetti dish flavored with tomato ketchup.

Nara Chameshi (奈良茶飯) - Nara chameshi is a kind of takikomi gohan (rice boiled with seasonal ingredients) and a local cuisine in various regions of Nara Prefecture.

Nara Tokae Festival (なら燈花会) - Nara Tokae is the annual event that has been held in Nara (mostly in and around Nara Park) in the early August (for ten days) since 1999 using the candles called toka (lantern).

Nara-ryu (Nara style sake making) (奈良流) - Nara-ryu is one of the styles of Japanese sake-brewing.

Narashiba Katatsuki (楢柴肩衝) - The Narashiba Katatsuki is a tea canister which was called one of the three major Katatsuki, along with Nitta Katatsuki and Hatsuhana Katatsuki.

Narazuke (gourd pickles seasoned in sake lees) (奈良漬け) - Narazuke is a kind of pickles made with vegetables such as gourd, cucumber, watermelon, and ginger first pickled in salt, then in fresh sake lees several times.

Narikama (鳴釜) - A Narikama (also called Narigama or Kamanari) is one of Japanese yokai (ghosts, spirits and monsters) that was portrayed in Sekien TORIYAMA's yokai art collection book: "Hyakki Tsurezure Bukuro" (The Bag of One Hundred Random Demons; the term 'hyakki' in its title is a pun on the usual hyakki, replacing the character for demon which is written as "鬼" in Japanese with a character for vessel written as "器," and sure enough, most of the yokais shown in this book are tsukumogami [a type of Japanese spirits that originate in items or artifacts that have reached their 100th birthday and become alive]).

Nariki-zeme (成り木責め) - Nariki-zeme (nariki, which is written as 成り木, means fruit bearing trees, and 責め, which in this case is pronounced 'zeme,' is a noun form of 責める [semeru] which in this context means to press a tree for fruition) is a folk rite praying for a good harvest, conducted on such fruit trees as persimmon, chestnut and ume.

Narukami (The rolling God) (鳴神) - Narukami is one of the kabuki plays.

Narutomaki (鳴門巻き) - The Narutomaki (written in Japanese character as: 鳴門巻き) is a type of kamaboko, steamed fish paste, made from minced fish and with a spiral pattern in cross section.

Nasori (a musical piece of gagaku [ancient Japanese court dance and music]) (納曽利) - Nasori is a musical piece in gagaku.

National Foundation Day (建国記念の日) - National Foundation Day is a national holiday in Japan.

Natsumatsuri (Summer Festival) (夏祭り) - "Natsumatsuri" is a collective term for festivals observed in summer.

Natsumatsuri Naniwa-kagami (Naniwa's mirror in a summer festival) (夏祭浪花鑑) - Natsumatsuri Naniwa-kagami is the title of ningyo joruri (puppet drama) and kabuki kyogen (comic drama).

Natsume (a container for powdered tea) (Chaki [tea utensil]) (棗 (茶器)) - Natsume is a kind of tea utensil and a lacquered wooden container with a lid used to hold powdered green tea.

Natto (fermented soybeans) (納豆) - Natto is a Japanese food produced by fermenting soybeans with bacillus subtilis natto.

Natural Fermentation (健全醗酵) - The natural fermentation is one of notions in Japanese sake production and means that, without artificial or non-artificial inhibition of simultaneous plural fermentation, the power which original sake yeast has by itself is fully utilized to complete fermentation without any inhibition.

Nengajo (New Year's card) (年賀状) - The nengajo is a postcard or a greeting card sent as a New Year's greeting.

Nensho Geigi (年少芸妓) - Nensho geigi refers to a young geigi (a woman who gives fun with a song, dance or music instrument at a feast; geisha) who is not yet a full-fledged, or a girl who appears in ozashiki (banquets in which guests are attended by geisha) in hanamachi (geisha districts) as a geigi apprentice.

Nerigashi (a confection made from kneaded beans, rice, or rice powder) (練り菓子) - Nerigashi (a confection made from kneaded beans, rice, or rice powder) is also referred to as 'konashi,' which is a snack food produced by mixing an ingredient in the form of powder or grain and an ingredient in the form of liquid or paste, applying external forces for many times to homogenize the distribution, and finishing it in a clayey state of plastic deformation.

Nerikiri (a cake made of white bean jam which is artistically colored or shaped) (練り切り) - Nerikiri (literally, made by kneading) is a Japanese type of unbaked cake that is made by mixing and kneading its ingredients, which are white bean jam, gyuhi (a kind of rice cake made from refined rice flour or glutinous rice flour with sugar and starch syrup) and Chinese yam.

Neriko (練香) - Neriko (a pastille) is a solid matter in which powdered fragrant wood, spices, or herbes are mixed together with honey or gum arabic.

Nerizake (練酒) - Nerizake is a kind of sake (Japanese liquor), and it is said that it reflects the original form of ancient sake.

Netsuke (miniature carving attached to the end of a cord hanging from a pouch) (根付) - Netsuke (also called "nezuke") is an attachment used in the Edo period when people carried tobacco pouches, yatate (brush holder), inro (a tiny box which contains medicine or one's seal and a small red ink pad) and leather bags (pouches for accessories including money, foods, writing utensils, medicines and tobaccos) by suspending from the obi sash by a cord.

Nezumi komon haruno shingata (鼠小紋東君新形) - Nezumi komon haruno shingata is a program of Kabuki.

Nihon eiho (Japanese style of swimming) (日本泳法) - Nihon eiho, also called Koshiki eiho, is a Japanese traditional style of swimming.

Nihon Ikebana Geijutsu Kyokai (Japan Ikebana Association) (日本いけばな芸術協会) - Nihon Ikebana Geijutsu Kyokai is a Japanese foundation intended for the promotion of the art of flower arrangement.

Nihon Shishu (日本刺繍) - "Nihon shishu" is Japanese handmade embroidery made using silk thread.

Nihon teien (a traditional Japanese landscape garden) (日本庭園) - Nihon teien is a traditional Japanese landscape garden.

Nihon-ga (日本画) - Nihon-ga (Japanese style painting) is a genre of painting unique to Japan.

Nihon-ryori (Japanese cuisine) (日本料理) - 日本料理 (nihonryori or nipponryori in Japanese pronunciation) (Japanese cuisine) indicates the traditional Japanese dishes, in particular, using foodstuffs familiar in Japan, which have been developed uniquely in the land and environment of Japan.

Niinamesai (新嘗祭) - Niinamesai (Niiname no matsuri, Shinjosai) is a ritual held each November 23, in which the Emperor offers newly harvested rice to the deities of heaven and earth, eats it and expresses gratitude for the harvest.

Nikujaga (肉じゃが) - Nikujaga is a Japanese dish.

Nimame (煮豆) - Nimame (boiled beans) is a type of dish that is prepared by rehydrating soybeans, azuki, or other dried beans and then boiling them with sugar until they are tender.

Nimoto (煮もと) - "Ni-moto" was one of the producing methods of "Nanto moro-haku," the sake (Japanese rice wine) that had a reputation of having the highest quality and grade from the mid-Heian period to the end of the Muromachi period.

Ninja (professional spy in feudal Japan highly trained in stealth and secrecy) (忍者) - Ninja is a name of individual or group who served daimyo (Japanese territorial lord) or feudal lord doing intelligence activities and assassinations from the Kamakura period to Edo period in Japan.

Ninjo-banashi (Sentimental Story) (人情噺) - Ninjo-banashi is a category of rakugo program (traditional comic storytelling).

Ninjutsu (ninja art) (忍術) - Ninjutsu is a generic term for techniques used by Ninja (persons in feudal Japan who used ninjutsu for the purposes of espionage, assassination, sabotage, etc.), who were active during the Muromachi Period and the Sengoku Period, to gather intelligence or to destabilize intelligence against the enemy camp and also arts of warfare and martial arts necessary to carry out Ninja's operations.

Nippon (Newspaper) (日本 (新聞)) - The "Nippon" was a newspaper first published by Katsunan KUGA on February 11, 1889.

Nirakuso (二楽荘) - Nirakuso was the second house of Kozui OTANI, the 22nd chief priest of West Hongan-ji Temple, which he built in Mt. Rokko.

Nishi-Honganji-bon Sanju-rokunin-kashu (The Nishi Hongan-ji Collection of Thirty-Six Anthologies) (西本願寺本三十六人家集) - Nishi-Honganji-bon sanju-rokunin-kashu is a decorative manuscript produced at the end of the Heian period that compiled the poems of Sanju-rokkasen (thirty-six famous poets).

Nishijin Ori (西陣織) - Nishijin ori is a general term for yarn-dyed fabrics made in Kyoto.

Nishiki Market (錦市場) - Nishiki Market is a shopping street which is on Nishikikoji-dori Street between 'Teramachi-dori Street and Takakura-dori Street,' and approximately located in the center of Kyoto City; there are a lot of long-established stores and specialty stores that sell fresh foods like fish and Kyoto vegetables, and processed foods such as dried goods, tsukemono (Japanese pickled vegetables), and obanzai (precooked food in Kyoto dialect).

Nishiki-e-shinbun (錦絵新聞) - Nishiki-e-shinbun (a newspaper having nishiki-e prints in it) refers to a visual news medium which was issued for several years in the early Meiji period in Japan, and was a newspaper which explained each one newspaper article using one nishiki-e (an especially colorful Japanese woodblock print) which was a kind of ukiyo-e (a Japanese wood-block print).

Nishime (the traditional Japanese simmered dish) (煮しめ) - Nishime (煮しめ) is a dish in which a simmering cooking technique is used.

Nito-ryu (二刀流) - The term "nito-ryu" (two-sword fencing) is a general term for the technique of offense and defense with Japanese swords or other swords in both hands (left and right hands).

Niwabi (庭燎) - Niwabi (garden fire) is a piece of music used for the court kagura (sacred Shinto music and dancing performed in the Imperial Court).

Niwaka (an impromptu comic play) () - Niwaka (written in Chinese characters as 俄) is an impromptu comic play that was performed at banquets or on the streets in the Edo/Meiji periods.

Noami (能阿弥) - Noami (1397 - 1471) is a painter, master of ceremonial tea, and a renga (linked poem) poet who lived during the Muromachi period.

Noborigama (Climbing kiln) (登り窯) - "Noborigama" these days generally means a kiln with a partitioned chamber for firing large quantities of ceramics and other ware, built on a slope so that gravity draws the flue gas through the kiln, keeping the high temperatures constant throughout the chamber.

Nochi no Hina (後の雛) - Nochi no Hina refers to Hina dolls displayed on August 1st (old calendar) or September 9th (old calendar) in the Edo Period, or to displaying them.

Nodate (open-air tea ceremony) (野点) - Nodate is an open-air tea ceremony in which people make and enjoy green tea or powdered green tea.

Nogaku Kyokai (The Nohgaku Performers' Association) (能楽協会) - Nogaku Kyokai is an organization comprised of nogakushi (Noh actors) who belong to the schools that have directly inherited the methods of Yamato-yoza or Yamato-shiza (four sarugaku performance groups in the Yamato Province).

Nogoya obi (名古屋帯) - The Nagoya obi is a kind of Japanese woman's obi (sash).

Noh Actor (能楽師) - Those who perform Noh plays as a profession are called the Noh actors or Noh performers.

Noh drama () - Noh is a type of "Nohgaku (Noh music)" used in a kind of Japanese original stage performing art of which the completion was realized in the late Kamakura period or the beginning of the Muromachi period.

Noh Mask (能面) - A noh mask is a mask used in noh theater and some forms of kagura (musical dance).

Nohgaku (能楽) - Nohgaku is a Japanese traditional performing art.

Nohgakushorin (能楽書林) - Nohgakushorin Co., Ltd. is a publishing company in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo which mostly produces books on nogaku (the art of Noh).

Nohkan (noh flute) (能管) - Nohkan is a sort of the Japanese transverse flutes.

NOMURA Manzo (野村万蔵) - Manzo (kanji character is 万蔵) NOMURA is a stage name that has been handed down for generations of Kyogen (farce played during a No play cycle) actors of the Izumi school.

Noppe (のっぺ) - Noppe is a Japanese local dish.

Nori (海苔) - Nori is a general term for edible algae such as red alga, green alga, cyanobacteria (blue-green alga) and so on.

Noryo-yuka (also called as Noryo-doko - breeze-enjoying floor) (納涼床) - Noryo-yuka (Noryo-doko) or the riverbed (in general, for the Kamo-gawa River (Yodo-gawa River water system), it is pronounced as 'kawayuka;' for Kifune or Takao in Kyoto, it is pronounced as 'kawadoko') is one of the poetic sceneries of the Kyoto summer.

Noshi (traditional Japanese gift ornament) (熨斗) - Noshi is an ornament attached to gifts and presents offered on festive occasions in Japan.

Noshiika (Fattened Dried Squid) (のしいか) - Noshiika (伸し烏賊 or 熨斗烏賊) is a food made from dried squid.

Noyaki (open burning) (野焼き) - Noyaki (open burning) means burning the vegetations in the hills and fields.

Nozuchi (野槌) - Nozuchi is a specter that exists in Japan.

Nue (a fabulous creature) () - Nue is a legendary creature that is called a specter and has been talked about in Japan from ancient times.

Nuka-zuke pickles (糠漬け) - Nuka-zuke (or nukamiso-zuke), which is also called dobu-zuke or dobo-zuke, is one type of representative pickles in Japan, made by pickling vegetables in nuka-doko (a rice bran bed made by lactic acid fermentation).

Nukiemon (抜衣紋) - Nukiemon is a method of wearing a kimono.

Nyoijizai (如意自在) - Nyoijizai is a Japanese specter included in a specter art collection book entitled "Hyakki Tsurezure Bukuro" by Sekien TORIYAMA and is a kind of the Tsukumo-gami (a specter changed from a utensil).

Nyubachibo (乳鉢坊) - Nyubachibo (literally, mortar [a bowl-shaped vessel] bonze) is one of Japanese yokai (ghosts, spirits and monsters) that was transmuted from a copper disk (cymbal) used as a musical instrument for theatrical performance.

Nyunaisuzume (入内雀) - Nyunaisuzume (Russet Sparrow) or Sanekatasuzume is a mysterious bird appearing in legend of FUJIWARA no Sanekata, a poet in the Heian period.

O

O-muko (大向う) - O-muko (written as '大向う' or '大向こう'; literally, 'the welcome other side') comes originally from seats seen from the stage, and at present, it is used as a term referring to the front seats of the third floor of theatres and to the audience at those seats (in present Kabuki-za Theatre of Tokyo, it refers to the seats for b-class tickets and the seats on the highest balcony for a single act).

Obake (changing from its proper state, or 'ghost') (お化け) - "Obake" (お化け) (also "henge") refers to something or someone that/who has changed significantly from its/their proper state.

Oban (An old large-sized Japanese gold coin) (大判) - Oban, in the general meaning, is a large-sized oval gold coin among noshikin (flattened by a hammer or roller, that was made of unprocessed gold) made after the 16th century in Japan.

Obi () - Obi is a kind of belt-like accessory that functions to fix clothes by wrapping around the body.

Obi ita (cardboard belt to stiffen the obi sash) (帯板) - An obi ita is an accessory used to set the shape of obi (sash).

Obiage (帯揚げ) - Obiage is a type of small tool used when wearing kimono, and it wraps around obimakura (a small oval cushion to keep the obi (kimono sash) knot in place).

Obidome (帯留) - Obidome' refers to an accessory passed through 'Obijime'(a string tied around the waist to fix obi).

Obijime (帯締め) - The obijime is one of the essential items when one wears kimono; it's a string used to hold a kimono sash in place.

Oboro-guruma (朧車) - Oboro-guruma is a Japanese specter of gissha (ox cart) depicted by Sekien TORIYAMA in the collection of specters "Konjaku Hyakki Shui" (Ancient and Modern Gleanings of the Haunted Demon) in the Edo period.

Ochi (the punch line of a joke) (落ち) - Ochi (the punch line of a joke)

Octopus (タコ) - Cirrina (enCirrina)

Oden (おでん) - Oden is a type of boiled and seasoned food in Japanese cuisine.

Ogasawara-ryu school (小笠原流) - The Ogasawara-ryu is a school of traditional samurai arts, that was originally founded to teach equestrian archery (kisha).

Ogawa school (小川流) - The Ogawa school is one of the schools of Senchado (the way of brewed green tea) established by Kashin OGAWA (Koraku OGAWA the first) in the last years of Edo period.

Ogiri (Professional rakugo storytellers play on words.) (大喜利) - Ogiri (pronounced as ogiri or okiri)

Ogre of Suzaku-mon Gate (朱雀門の鬼) - The ogre of Suzaku-mon Gate is said to have lived in the Suzaku-mon Gate of Heian-kyo (the ancient capital in what is now Kyoto).

Ogumo (Giant spider) (大蜘蛛) - Ogumo is a gigantic spider monster which appears in Japanese Kaidan (ghost stories), essays, folk material and so on.

Ogura Hyakunin Isshu Cultural Foundation (小倉百人一首文化財団) - The Ogura Hyakunin Isshu Cultural Foundation was established by the Kyoto Chamber of Commerce and Industry under the theme of "Hyakunin Isshu" (One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets) to contribute to the development of Kyoto Culture and Kyoto tourism.

Ohaguro (Tooth black) (お歯黒) - Ohaguro (tooth blackening) is the cosmetic treatment of dyeing teeth black used chiefly by married women (or occasionally men) in Japan, southeast China or Southeast Asia, before the Meiji period.

Ohana (お花) - Ohana refers to the money and other valuables used for congratulatory gifts or for religious offerings.

Ohara zakone (大原雑魚寝) - Ohara zakone is a custom that existed in the Ohara region, where a large number of people would all sleep together in one room on the night of Setsubun (the traditional end of winter) in Efumi-jinja Shrine in Ide, Ohara Village, Atago County, Kyoto Prefecture (present day Oharanomura-cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City).

Oharae (大祓) - Oharae (the great purification) is an event of removing calamity held on June 30 and December 31.

Oharame (大原女) - Oharame refers to the women who came from Ohara, Yamashiro Province (Kyoto City) (Ohara, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture) to sell firewood in the capital Kyoto by placing the firewood on their heads.

Ohitashi (boiled greens) (おひたし) - Ohitashi (also called hitashi or hitashimono) is a kind of cookery.

Oie-ryu School (a school of tea ceremony) (御家流 (茶道)) - Oie-ryu school is a school of tea ceremony which had been traditionally practiced by Shigenobu group of Mikawa-Ando clan, which was a family of fudai daimyo (a daimyo in hereditary vassal to the Tokugawa family).

Oiran (花魁) - An oiran refers to a high-ranking courtesan in the pleasure quarter of Yoshiwara.

OK (山車) - Dashi is a float used in a procession during a festival.

OK (京都ラーメン) - Kyoto ramen is a generic name given to ramen sold and eaten in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan (mainly in Kyoto City and areas to its south) when it is mentioned in magazines and books.

OK (二つ銘則宗) - Futatsumei Norimune is a Japanese sword believed to have been manufactured by Norimune ICHIMONJI in Bizen Province.

OK (芸道) - Geido refers to the performance of arts and handicrafts in a systematized way that is uniquely Japanese.

OK (番茶) - OK

Okage Mairi (a pilgrimage to the Ise-jingu Shrine) (お蔭参り) - Okage mairi refers to mass pilgrimages to the Ise-jingu Shrine, made in the Edo period.

Okame (plain-looking woman) (おかめ) - Okame is the face or mask of a woman who has a short nose and swollen round cheeks.

Okara (bean curd residue) (おから) - Okara is a food peculiar to countries in East Asia, such as Japan, the People's Republic of China, and the Republic of Korea.

Okatabira (大帷) - Okatabira

Oke (a wooden bucket) () - Oke is a kind of container.

Okoge (Scorch) (お焦げ) - Okoge refers to a portion of cooked food that is scorched or food that gets burned.

Okonomiyaki (savory pancake with various ingredients) (お好み焼き) - Okonomiyaki refers to one of the foods grilled on an iron plate.

Okowa (おこわ) - Okowa refers to rice served as a meal cooked by steaming glutinous rice.

Okuchi bakama (大口袴) - Okuchi bakama is red-colored wide sleeve hakama which is worn as underwear of the outer hakama for sokutai shozoku (traditional ceremonial court dress).

OKUMURA Kichibe (奥村吉兵衛) - Kichibe OKUMURA was one of the Senke Jisshoku (The Ten Craftsmen of the House of Sen).

Okura school (大倉流) - The Okura school is one of the schools of hayashi-kata (people who play hayashi, or the musical accompaniment) in Nohgaku (the art of Noh).

Okuribi (Ceremonial Bonfire to Send out Spirits of the Dead) (送り火) - "Okuribi" is one of the events observed in Bon festivals to usher out from this mortal world to the other world those spirits of the dead that had once returned to their old homes during the Bon period.

Okurisuzume (送り雀) - The okurisuzume (sparrow that sends off) is a specter handed down in Wakayama Prefecture and Higashi-yoshino Village, Yoshino County, Nara Prefecture.

Old Calendar (旧暦) - The old calendar refers to a calendar previously used when a new one is introduced.

Omamori (Personal Amulet) (お守り) - Omamori (personal amulets) are items that symbolize one's wish.

Omigyu (beef cattle grown in Shiga prefecture) (近江牛) - Omigyu is wagyu (Japanese beef) grown in Shiga Prefecture.

Omikuji (Written Oracles) (おみくじ) - Omikuji (also referred to as Mikuji) are sacred lots drawn at temples or shrines to tell one's fortune.

Omisoka (大晦日) - "Omisoka" (New Year's Eve) means the last day of a year.

Omodaka Jusshu (澤瀉十種) - Omodaka Jusshu refers to the specialty plays of Ennosuke ICHIKAWA of Omodakaya selected by Ennosuke the third in 1975.

Omote-senke (表千家) - Omote-senke is one of the various tea ceremony schools that can be found in Japan.

Omoteginu (表衣) - Omoteginu is one of many kimonos forming juni-hitoe (twelve-layered ceremonial kimono).

Ongyoku (musical performance) (音曲) - In the early-modern times, the term "ongyoku" meant music or an art of musical performance.

Oni () - Oni is a Japanese specter.

Oni (蔭位) - Oni was a system of conferring a rank above a certain court rank to the descendants of high officials, according to the court ranks those high officials, the descendants' forefathers, had under the system of the Ritsuryo codes in Japan.

Oni no ho (黄丹袍) - "Oni no ho" is a ho (round-necked robe worn by members of nobility and the imperial court) of sokutai (traditional ceremonial court dress) costume, worn by a crown prince in the rituals.

Onigiri (おにぎり) - Onigiri (rice ball) is a food, which flavored cooked rice, put fillings, and collectively shaped into triangle, rectangular rounds, or sphere.

Onmoraki (陰摩羅鬼) - Onmoraki is a monster bird written in Chinese and Japanese classics.

Onna-gidayu (female gidayu reciter) (女義太夫) - An onna-gidayu is a female reciter of Gidayu-bushi (musical narrative of the puppet theatre).

Onnagoroshi Abura no Jigoku (女殺油地獄) - "Onnagoroshi Abura no Jigoku" is a play created by Monzaemon CHIKAMATSU, and has been performed at ningyo joruri (traditional Japanese puppet theater).

ONOE Shoroku (尾上松緑 (2代目)) - Shoroku ONOE (II) (March 28, 1913 - June 25, 1989) was a Kabuki actor in the Showa period.

Onryo (Revengeful Ghost) (怨霊) - Onryo are common supernatural or ghostly phenomenon that cannot be seen by human eyes that harbor ill will and vengeance towards humans.

Onsen Tamago (温泉卵) - Onsen tamago (onsen eggs) are a type of soft boiled egg, or chicken eggs with the yoke soft and the white only half done.

Onsen-manju (温泉饅頭) - Onsen-manju reffers to a manju (a bun stuffed with azuki-bean paste) sold in towns and resorts of hot springs.

Onzoshi (御曹司) - Onzoshi

Oribe School (Tea Ceremony) (織部流) - The Oribe School is one of the schools of the tea ceremony.

Oribe-yaki (Oribe ware) (織部焼) - Oribe ware is pottery made mainly in Mino Province from the Tensho era (1573-1592) of the Momoyama period.

Origami (Paper folding) (折り紙) - Origami is the traditional Japanese art of folding paper to make models of plants, animals, daily-use tools and amongst others.

Orikata (折形) - Orikata is a term used to refer to techniques of folding a sheet of paper to wrap a gift, which is one aspect of Japanese etiquette and rules.

Osechi-ryori (御節料理) - Osechi-ryori is originally a term used in reference to foods prepared for Sechinichi or Sekku (seasonal festivals).

Osei-chu (応声虫) - An 'Osei-chu' (mimicking roundworm) or 'Osei' (literally, mimicking or parroting the host's words) is a weird disease or a ghostly roundworm which causes the disease known in China and Japan, as described in collected essays written in the Edo period, such as "Shin Chomonju" (literally, a new collection of famous tales) and "Kanden jihitsu" (literally, fallow-field essays, continued; miscellaneous essays).

Oshibori (wet hand towels) (おしぼり) - Oshibori refer to wet hand towels that are served at restaurants and other places for customers to wipe their hands.

Oshimodoshi (the repeller of demons) (押戻) - Oshimodoshi is one of the scenes as well as one of "aragoto" (dynamic performance or a role of kabuki, featuring exaggerated posture, makeup, and costume).

Oshiroibaba (白粉婆) - Oshiroibaba (also called "Oshiroibabaa") or "Oshiroi Basan" is a specter in the form of an old woman according a legend told in the basin of Totsu-kawa River, Yoshino-gun, Nara Prefecture.

Oshorei (御招霊) - Oshorei (written as 御招霊; also pronounced as oshorai) is one of the annual events for the Japanese Urabon festival (a Festival of the Dead or Buddhist All Soul's Day, held around the 15th of July or August, depending on local customs).

Oshouo (Monk Fish) (和尚魚) - Oshouo' refers to a kind of 'Umibozu', a 'yokai' (apparitions, spirits, spooks or monsters) living in the ocean recorded in an encyclopedia, "Wakansansaizue", compiled in the Edo period.

Osuberakashi (大垂髪) - The osuberakashi is a hairstyle for noble women in the Heian period.

Otabe (おたべ) - Otabe is the name of a Kyoto-based (Minami Ward, Kyoto City) sweet manufacturer, and also the name of its main product, a soft sweet dumpling filled with chunky sweet azuki bean paste called "nama-yatsuhashi."

Otoshidama (お年玉) - Otoshidama (おとしだま、御年玉) or Toshidama (年玉) is a present which is given to celebrate the New Year.

Otoshidama-bukuro (envelopes for money) (お年玉袋) - Otoshidama-bukuro is an envelope in which you put money (mainly bills) when you give otoshidama (New Year's gift) on New Year's holidays.

Otsukimi Dorobo (お月見泥棒) - Otsukimi Dorobo is one of the children's moon viewing events held in various regions.

Otsuzumikata (大鼓方) - Otsuzumikata refers to a special duty that is to take charge of an otsuzumi (big drum) in Nogaku-hayashi (Japanese orchestra for Noh performance) or kabuki musical accompaniment.

Oyakodon (bowl of rice with chicken and egg) (親子丼) - Oyakodon is a rice bowl dish that uses boiled chicken and onion in warishita (stock mixed with soy sauce, mirin and sugar) over rice with egg.

Oyama or Onnagata (Actor of female roles) (女形) - Oyama or Onnagata refers to the actor who acts the role of a young woman, the duty of the actor, or the pattern of acting itself, in Kabuki.

Oyatsu (afternoon snack) (おやつ) - The term "oyatsu" (おやつ), also written in katakana (one of the Japanese syllabaries) as オヤツ, refers to an afternoon snack that was originally eaten at yatsudoki (approximately 2 p.m.) according to the old Japanese way of counting time.

Oyoroi (Large Armor) (大鎧) - "Oyoroi" (large armor) is one type of Japanese armor.

Oze ukai (小瀬鵜飼) - Oze ukai is ukai (cormorant fishing) that is conducted in Nagara-gawa river at Oze, Seki City, Gifu Prefecture during the period from May 11 to October 15 every year.

P

Parade (練り) - Parade (neri or oneri in Japanese) means to transfer a portable shrine (carried in festivals) or a festival car (float) of rites and festivals, to dedicate them to Shinto rituals or to introduce them to audience.

Patch (men's long underpants) (ぱっち) - Patch is a men's underwear covering between the waist and ankles.

Portraits of Court Nobles (公家列影図) - Portraits of Court Nobles (called "Kugeretsueizu" or "Kokeretsueizu" in Japanese) is a book of portraits that is thought to have been compiled in the Kamakura period.

Powdered Green Tea (抹茶) - Powdered green tea is a kind of green tea.

Preservation Districts for Groups of Important Historic Buildings (重要伝統的建造物群保存地区) - The preservation districts for groups of important historic buildings refer to 'Historic Buildings Preservation Areas' ordained by local authorities under Article 144 of the Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties of Japan, of which the state (Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) selects those which are especially important.

Q

R

Raiden (Noh) (雷電 (能)) - Raiden (written in two Chinese characters meaning thunderbolt) is one of noh-gaku (noh and kyogen) works.

Raifuku (the Imperial Court) (礼服 (宮中)) - Raifuku refers to formal clothes which were used by nobles of the Fifth Rank and higher, and worn at the New Year's court ceremony and new emperor's enthronement ceremony; it was introduced into the Japanese court and modeled after Chinese law.

Raijin (god of lightning) (雷神) - Raijin is the god of lightning in Japanese folk beliefs and the Shinto religion.

Rajomon no oni (an ogre at the Rajo-mon Gate) (羅城門の鬼) - "Rajomon no oni" or "Rashomon no oni" is an ogre who was said to have lived at Rajo-mon Gate, the main gate of Heiankyo (the ancient capital of Japan in current Kyoto).

RAKU Kichizaemon (樂吉左衛門) - Kichizaemon RAKU is a name inherited from generation to generation by the leader of the Raku family of chawanshi (tea bowl maker) who makes Raku-yaki ware, which is one of the Senke jissoku (Senke's ten designated craftsmen families).

Rakuchu Rakugai Zu (Scenes In and Around Kyoto) (洛中洛外図) - Rakuchu rakugai zu are a genre paintings produced from the Muromachi period to the Edo period that depicted the town area (inner Kyoto) and suburbs (outer Kyoto) from an overhead view.

Rakugan (Confectionery) (落雁) - Rakugan is one of representative Japanese confectionery, and made by mixing flour of starch derived from rice or the like with starch syrup and sugar to apply coloring, and drying in a mold.

Rakugo (Japanese Traditional Comic Storytelling, or the Comic Story Itself) (落語) - Rakugo is a traditional Japanese narrative art handed down through the generations that was established in early modern times.

Rakugoka (Rakugo Story Teller) (落語家) - A rakugoka performs rakugo (traditional comic storytelling) as an occupation.

Rakuyaki (Raku ware) (楽焼) - Rakuyaki (Raku ware)

Ranryo-o (a number in gagaku [ancient Japanese court dance and music]). (蘭陵王 (雅楽)) - Ranryo-o is a number in gagaku (ancient Japanese court dance and music).

Ranteijo (蘭亭序) - The Ranteijo is the work of calligraphy written by Wang Xi-Zhi and the most famous in the calligraphy world.

Registered tangible folk cultural properties (登録有形民俗文化財) - Registered tangible folk cultural properties are registered on the cultural property registry ledger by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.

Religions of Japan (日本の宗教) - "Religions of Japan" describes religions in Japan.

Rice Omelet (Omu rice) (オムライス) - A rice omelet is a rice dish of Japanese origin; it is chicken fried rice (or plain butter-fried rice) seasoned with ketchup and wrapped up with a thin round crepe of fried eggs, which is categorized as yoshoku (Western food) in Japan.

Rice-polishing ratio (精米歩合) - The rice-policing ratio ia specified in the National Tax Administration Agency's Notification No. 8 'Standard that regulates the method of manufacturing and quality labeling of refined sake' dated November 22, 1989 as follows:

Rien (Theatrical World) (梨園) - Rien refers to the theatrical world of Kabuki and/or Kabuki itself.

Rikyu manju (利休饅頭) - Rikyu manju (利休饅頭) is a Japanese cake served with tea, which was named after chasei (great tea master) SEN no Rikyu.

Rikyu shichitetsu (利休七哲) - The term "Rikyu shichitetsu" means the seven leading disciples of Rikyu.

Rikyuage (利休揚げ) - Rikyuage is a kind of agemono (deep-fried food) of Japanese cuisine.

Rinpa School (琳派) - The Rinpa school refers to artists and craftsmen in the Edo period who used a similar style, including Sotatsu TAWARAYA and Korin OGATA.

Rinsenji group of Sekishu School (石州流林泉寺派) - The Rinsenji group of Sekishu school is one of the groups of buke sado (the tea ceremony of samurai family).

Robatayaki (Japanese grill over charcoal) (炉端焼き) - Robatayaki refers to the style of premises and serving at restaurants, which originated in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture and developed in Kushiro City, Hokkaido, as well as the dishes served there.

Roei (the Japanese tunes set to Chinese-style poetry) (朗詠) - Roei is one style of Japanese songs.

Roji (the garden outside a ceremonial tea room) (露地) - Roji is also called Chatei and is the common name of a garden attached to a tea-ceremony room.

Rokushaku Fundoshi (六尺褌) - Rokushaku fundoshi is Japanese male underwear composed of sarashi (bleached cloth) which is approximately 180-300 cm long and 16-34 cm wide.

Roppo (acting motion) (六方) - Roppo is an acting motion in Kabuki, Ningyo joruri (traditional Japanese puppet theater), and Buyo dance (classical Japanese dance).

Rotensho (露天商) - "Rotensho" (露天商) are people who do business outside or under the sun, and who have no store.

Ryori Monogatari (a tale of food) (料理物語) - Ryori Monogatari is a food book written in the Edo period.

Ryoro (brazier used in Senchado [green tea ceremony]) (涼炉) - Ryoro is a utensil used to boil water in senchado.

Ryotei (Japanese-style restaurant) (料亭) - Ryotei refers to a high class restaurant serving mainly Japanese cuisine.

Ryoto (a formal dress for ancient military officers) (裲襠) - Ryoto is an armor of honor worn by military officers as their formal attire (at court).

Ryugi (流儀) - Ryugi (style)

Ryuha (group or school) (流派) - Ryuha are groups of people that are headed by an Iemoto (head of school) or Soke (grand master), who passes down a certain systematic waza (craftsmanship or technique) in the fields of Japanese art, sake brewing, etc.

Ryuteki flute (龍笛) - Ryuteki flute is a wind instrument used in the performance of gagaku (ancient Japanese court music).

S

Saba-zushi (rod-shaped sushi topped with mackerel) (鯖寿司) - Saba-zushi is a type of Bo-zushi (rod-shaped sushi topped with large slice of fish) with mackerel, or means Saba-no-narezushi (sushi fermented with mackerel and vegetables).

Sado (茶道) - Sado (also known as chado) (Japanese tea ceremony) is the act of a ritual preparing and serving tea for guests.

Saga Goryu (嵯峨御流) - "Saga Goryu" is a school of flower arrangement, whose founder was the Emperor Saga.

Saga-giku chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum grandiflorum cv.Saga) (嵯峨ぎく) - Saga-giku chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum grandiflorum cv.Saga) are perennial plants belonging to the family Asteraceae.

Sagemon (さげもん) - Sagemon is a custom that is passed down in Yanagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture.

Sagicho Festival (左義長) - Sagicho is a fire festival held on the small New Year's Day (January 15).

Saibara (a genre of Heian-period Japanese court music [primarily consisting of gagaku-styled folk melodies]) (催馬楽) - Saibara is a style of ancient music.

Saida (サイダー) - Saida is a Japanese term used to refer to alcohol-free, transparent and colorless soda which tastes sweet and sour.

Saigyo-zakura (Saigyo's Cherry Blossoms) (西行桜) - Saigyo-zakura is a Noh play written by Zeami.

Saijiki (literary calendar) (歳時記) - Saijiki are books on the matters related with annual events by the national and local, or various organizations, and scenery and customs.

Saikan no sanyu (the three friends of winter) (歳寒三友) - "Saikan no sanyu" were the popular subjects of bunjinga, the literati paintings that first appeared in the Sung period (China)

Saikyo Miso (西京味噌) - Saikyo miso is the common name for a whitish yellow sweet miso containing a high proportion of malted rice made mainly around the Kinki region; and the main characteristic of this miso is that while miso usually used for miso soup contains 12% salt, Saikyo miso contains only about 5% salt.

Saisen (賽銭) - Saisen is money offered to the gods (Shinto), Buddha and so on.

Saiten (祭天) - Saiten is a ritual wherein the god of Heaven is worshipped.

Saiten keiba (horse racing festival) (祭典競馬) - Saiten keiba was a horse race held at shrine festivals, etc. as dedication or as entertainment.

Sakabashira (a pillar erected upside-down) (逆柱) - Sakabashira' or 'sakasa bashira' refers to one of superstitions about Japanese wooden structure (architecture),

Sakai Festival (堺祭) - Sakai Festival (Sakai no Matsuri) is a festival that was held at corner points and boundaries in Oto (imperial capital) and Koku-gun in the governing system in the ancient and medieval period of Japan.

Sakai-Senke (堺千家) - Sakai-Senke is the head family of the House of Sen.

Sakamai (rice for brewing sake) (酒米) - Sakamai is rice that is used as a material for sake brewing, mainly for the production of koji (malted rice).

Sakamizu (the way to prolong the lives of flowers) (逆水) - Sakamizu is one of the methods of mizuage (making a cut flower suck the water).

Sakana () - Sakana is a thing with which people enjoy having alcoholic beverages; yet, it is not necessarily a food item.

SAKATA Tojuro (IV) (坂田藤十郎 (4代目)) - Yodai-me (IV) Tojuro SAKATA (male, December 31, 1931 -) is a Japanese actor and kabuki actor.

Sake (rice wine) (日本酒) - Sake is a traditional alcoholic drink in Japan that is produced by fermenting rice.

Sake (rice wine) Breweries (造り酒屋) - The trade of sake brewers in Japan involves; making Japanese rice wine (sake) in warehouses and selling sake in retail outlets.

Sake brewing control (酒造統制) - Sake brewing control is the restriction (control) and promotion (relaxation of the control) policy adopted by the Edo bakufu (Japanese feudal government headed by a shogun) in Japan for the sake brewing industry.

Sake of low alcohol concentration (低濃度酒) - Sake of low alcohol concentration is the recently invented sake with the alcohol content of 13 percent or less, normally with around 8 percent alcohol.

Sake yeast (清酒酵母) - Sake yeast is the generic term referring to yeasts used for brewing sake (Japanese liquor).

Sakekasu (酒粕) - Sakekasu (sake lees) is the solid white substance that remains after pressing the main fermenting mash used to make Japanese sake (rice wine)

Sakon no Sakura (左近桜) - Sakon no sakura (the cherry tree of Sakon) is a cherry tree which existed in the first bay of the south-east corner to the left of the South floor down from the inner court ceremonial hall of Heian-kyo.

Sakubei (a kind of Chinese sweet) (索餅) - Sakubei is a one kind of "togashi" (literally 'Chinese sweet'), which were introduced to Japan from ancient China, and is also said to be the origin of somen noodles.

Sakura (Cherry blossoms) (サクラ) - Sakura is the generic name of the Genus Cerasus of Rosaceae, excluding apricots and peaches, and refers to plants belonging to Subgenus Cerasus.

Sakura Meshi (桜飯) - Sakura meshi is a takikomi gohan (Japanese rice dish seasoned with dashi and soy sauce) without any other ingredients.

Sakuramochi (桜餅) - Sakuramochi is a variety of wagashi, or Japanese confectionery, covered with a leaf of sakura (Japanese flowering cherry).

Sakurayu (cherry-blossom tea) (桜湯) - Sakurayu is a hot drink with a salt-preserved cherry blossom in it.

Samon (ripple marks) (砂紋) - Samon (ripple marks) are regular wave-like undulations formed by water and wind currents.

San-shikishi (三色紙) - San-shikishi is a collective term for the "Tsugi-shikishi" (spliced shikishi), "Sunshoan-shikishi," and "Masu-shikishi" (square shishiki) and is one of the best examples of "kana-gaki" (writing in kana, as opposed to Chinese characters) calligraphy from the Heian period.

Sanbai Zojo Seishu (三倍増醸清酒) - Sanbai zojo seishu (sanzoshu for short, sake swelled by adding distilled alcohol, sugars, acidulants, monosodium glutamate, etc.) is a common name of zojoshu, a kind of sake which was introduced at the time of rice shortage after World War II.

Sanbaizu (三杯酢) - Sanbaizu is a mixed seasoning made from equal amounts of vinegar, soy sauce, and sweet cooking rice wine.

Sando (三道) - Sando (three ways) often means 'Sado' (tea ceremony), 'Kado' (flower arrangement) and 'Kodo' (traditional incense-smelling ceremony), and also it often includes Shodo (calligraphy).

Sangaku (散楽) - Sangaku, which was imported from the Asian continent into Japan in the Nara period, is the collective name of various amusement arts including, but not limited to, mimicry, acrobatics/stunt, trick, magic, puppet show and Japanese dancing.

Sangaku (算額) - "Sangaku" means mathematical puzzles or solutions described on wooden tablets or set in frames, which were dedicated to Shinto shrines or temples during the Edo Period in Japan.

Sangen (三弦) - "Sangen" is another name for the shamisen, a Japanese traditional musical instrument.

Sanjaku Obi (a short kimono waistband) (三尺帯) - Sanjaku Obi is a kind of kimono waistband for men.

Sanjugen (三十絃) - Sanjugen (30-strings Koto) is a kind of So or Koto (a long Japanese zither with 30 strings).

Sankyoku (instrumental trio) (三曲) - Sankyoku is the collective name for the three musical instruments: jiuta shamisen (shamisen, or sangen--a three-stringed Japanese banjo, for jiuta, or traditional songs with shamisen accompaniment), so (a long Japanese zither with thirteen strings), and kokyu (Chinese fiddle).

Sankyoku (sanqu in Chinese) (散曲) - Sankyoku is a kind of music (qu) and a form of poetry in the spoken language and is also literature of songs and ballads.

Sankyoku Gasso (三曲合奏) - "Sankyoku gasso" means the ensemble made up of "sankyoku" (instrumental trio); originally, the trio was "shamisen" (also called "sangen," the three-string Japanese banjo) for accompanying "Jiuta" (songs of the country), "koto" (the long Japanese zither with thirteen strings) and "kokyu" (the Chinese fiddle), but it also means the ensemble music itself.

Sanmon Gosan-no-kiri (楼門五三桐) - "Sanmon Gosan-no-kiri" is the gedai (title) of a kabuki that was written by Gohei NAMIKI (the first) and first performed at Kado-za Theatre of Osaka in April, 1778.

Sannin Kichisa Kuruwa no Hatsugai (a title of Japanese Kabuki) (三人吉三廓初買) - Sannin Kichisa Kuruwa no Hatsugai is a Kabuki program in the late Edo period written by Mokuami KAWATAKE.

Sanpai (a visit to a shrine or a temple) (参拝) - Sanpai is an act of visiting a shrine or a temple and praying to gods or Buddha.

Sanpogakuso (三方楽所) - Sanpogakuso was an organization for handing down gagaku (Japanese ancient court music and dance), established as a system in the early Edo period and each ho (one office) consisted of 17 musicians and, therefore, sanpogakuso consisted of 51 musicians in total.

Sansai-ryu School (a school of tea ceremony) (三斎流) - Sansai-ryu school is a school of tea ceremony, which regards Sansai HOSOKAWA as the founder.

Sanseki (Three Brush Traces) (三跡) - "Sanseki"refers to three established calligraphers.

Sansenke (三千家) - The name 'Sansenke' refers to the Omotesenke, Urasenke, and Mushanokojisenke schools of the Japanese tea ceremony.

Sanshamairi (三社参り) - Sanshamairi is to visit three Shinto shrines.

Sansho (Japanese pepper) (サンショウ) - Sansho (Japanese pepper; scientific name: Zanthoxylum piperitum) is one of the deciduous shrubs of Rutaceae, Zanthoxylum.

Sarashi () - Sarashi is white, long cloth (34cm in width, 2 to 10m in length), and it is usually used by wrapping around the stomach.

Sarayashiki (The Haunted Plate House) (皿屋敷) - Sarayashiki is a general term for Kaidan telling (Ghost Stories telling) famous for a woman's ghost named Okiku counting plates.

Sarugaku (猿楽) - Sarugaku is a Japanese art form that was popular during the Heian and Muromachi periods.

Sashiage (差し上げ) - Sashiage is a way of lifting up votive objects for a Shinto home shrine, which are of a shouldered type used at a festival, such as Mikoshi (a portable shrine), Taikodai (a drum stand), Futon Daiko (a mattress drum) or Dashi (a float), higher than usual.

Sashiko (刺し子) - "Sashiko" (an old needlework technology) is one area of handcrafts, embroidering patterns such as geometrical designs on fabrics with threads.

Sashimi (刺身) - Sashimi is a Japanese delicacy consisting of raw seafood that is sliced and eaten with seasonings such as soy sauce and vinegared miso (fermented soybean paste) along with condiments such as wasabi (Japanese horseradish) and ginger.

Sashimono (cabinetwork) (指物) - The term "sashimono" is a generic name given to traditional craft products which are made without any joint parts such as nails; for example, furniture, doors, and other household things made by assembling wooden pieces.

SAWAMURA Tanosuke VI (澤村田之助 (6代目)) - Tanosuke SAWAMURA VI (August 4, 1932 -) is a kabuki actor.

Sazae no Tsuboyaki (Turbo cooked in its own shell) (サザエの壺焼き) - Sazae no Tsuboyaki (Turbo cooked in its own shell) is a way of cooking a snail, sazae (turbo).

Scabbard (saya) () - A scabbard is a sheath for the blade of an edged tool.

Scandal of Shunpoan (春峯庵事件) - The scandal of Shunpoan is the large-scale criminal case of counterfeit hand-painted Ukiyo-e (Japanese woodblock prints), which occurred in the early Showa period around 1930s.

Screen of the annual observances (年中行事障子) - The screen of the annual observances is a self-standing screen which was put in Hirobisashi (broad eaves) adjacent to Seiryoden (literally "Limpid Cool Hall," an imperial summer palace) and faced to the Upper Door (an entrance to the courtiers' hall).

Sea of Japan (日本海) - The Sea of Japan is a marginal sea of the Western Pacific being surrounded by Sakhalin, Hokkaido, Honshu (the main island of Japan), Kyushu as well as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), the Republic of Korea and the Russian Federation in the Eurasian Continent.

Seaweed (ワカメ) - Seaweed (written as 若布, 和布, 稚海藻, or 裙蔕菜 in kanji; scientific name: Undaria pinnatifida) is a marine alga of the class Phaeophyceae, order Laminariales and family Alariaceae.

Seibo (year-end gift) or (end of the year) (歳暮) - Seibo is a season word expressing the end of a year as the kanji of seibo means, also it is a season word for December.

Seigaiha (a program of gagaku [ancient Japanese court dance and music]) (青海波) - Seigaiha is a program of gagaku (described in this section).

Seijin-shiki ceremony (coming-of-age celebration) (成人式) - The Seijin-shiki ceremony is an event where local public bodies in Japan invite young people who enter adulthood during the fiscal year when Seijin-shiki is held, in order to encourage and cast blessings upon them.

Seiobo (Noh play) (西王母 (能)) - "Seiobo" is a Noh play (classical Japanese dance theater).

Seiryu-buai (整粒歩合) - Seiryu-buai refers to one of the criteria of determining the state of rice and represents in percentage how many seiryu, that is, rice grains each having an ordered excellent shape are present in a specific amount of unmilled rice.

Seiza (正座) - Seiza refers to:

Seki-ryu Hojutsu (Gunnery of Seki school) (関流砲術) - Gunnery of Seki school is one of the schools of gunnery.

Sekihan (glutinous rice steamed with red adzuki beans for eating on celebratory occasions) (赤飯) - "Sekihan" means glutinous rice steamed with red adzuki beans or black-eyed peas at the rate of 10 to 20 percent of the total.

Sekimon Shingaku (popularized blend of Buddhist, Shinto and Confucian ethical teachings) (石門心学) - Sekimon Shingaku is a school of ethics established by Baigan ISHIDA (1685-1744), a Japanese thinker in the middle of the Edo period.

Sekishu-ryu School (石州流) - Sekishu-ryu is a general term for the various tea ceremony schools that regard Sadamasa (Sekishu) KATAGIRI as an original founder.

Sekitai (Leather Belts) (石帯) - A sekitai (leather belt) is a belt of black leather, used when dressing in sokutai costume.

Sekkobun (石鼓文) - Sekkobun refers to 10 stone monuments, or characters inscribed thereon, made of granite which were excavated in Tien-xing Prefecture in Feng-xiang County in Shan-xi Province in the early Tang period.

Sekku (Seasonal Festival Days) (節句) - "Sekku" (in Chinese characters, written as "節句") means seasonal turning point when a traditional annual event is held, peculiar to Japanese culture and customs.

Sekkyo-bushi (説経節) - Sekkyo-bushi (sermon ballads), written as 説経節 in Japanese, is oral literature in the beginning of the early-modern times in Japan.

Selected Intangible Cultural Properties (選択無形文化財) - A selected intangible cultural property refers to intangible cultural property whose expense related to record, preservation and disclosure is partly subsidized by public funds, except important intangible cultural properties.

Selected intangible properties of folk culture (選択無形民俗文化財) - Selected intangible properties of folk culture refers to an intangible cultural property (except important intangible folk cultural properties), which is allowed to receive financial aid at public cost to cover a part of the expense to record, preserve, and exhibit.

Sempuku (千福) - Sempuku is a sake brand produced by MIYAKEHONTEN, a sake brewer in Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture.

SEN Soshitsu (千宗室) - Soshitsu SEN is the name of the head of Urasenke which is one of the tea schools.

Senbei (rice cracker) (煎餅) - Senbei (煎餅) is a kind of food made from flour.

Sencha (green tea) (煎茶) - Sencha is a kind of Japanese tea.

Sencha-do tea service (煎茶道) - Sencha-do tea service is a sort of Sado (Japanese tea ceremony) sensu lato.

Send-off Bonfires of Five Mountains (五山送り火) - The Send-off Bonfires of Five Mountains (Gozan no Okuribi) refers to the annual bonfires lit at various 5 locations including Nyoigatake (Mt. Nyoi known as Mt. Daimonji) on August 16 in Kyoto City.

Senjafuda (a votive card) (千社札) - Senjafuda (also referred to as Senshafuda) is a card or slip stuck to shrines and temples on which visitor's name is printed as a memorial of the visit.

Senko (incense stick) (線香) - The term "Senko (incense stick)" refers to the product which uses, as materials, various substances that emit fragrant smoke and fine aroma when lighted and is produced through the process of grinding materials, kneading, molding into the shape of slender sticks or coils and drying.

Senmai-zuke (thousand-sliced pickles) (千枚漬け) - Senmai-zuke which is marketed in supermarkets are traditional pickles in Kyoto and are produced by marinating paper-thin slices of turnips with pieces of konbu (kelp), red peppers and vinegar.

Senmen Hokekyo Sasshi (fan-shaped articles decorated with sutras) (扇面法華経冊子) - The Senmen Hokekyo Sasshi or Senmen Koshakyo is a collection of fan-shaped articles decorated with sutras that has been passed down by Shitenno-ji Temple in Osaka.

Senmyo (an Imperial Edict) (宣命) - Senmyo is a written document in which emperor's commands are recorded in a Japanese orthography only with Chinese characters, as compared with Shochoku (an imperial edict) written in classical Chinese.

Senmyo Calendar (a variation of the lunar calendar that was created in ancient China) (宣明暦) - Senmyo Calendar is a kind of Chinese calendar.

Senshuraku (the last day of a performance) (千秋楽) - 千秋楽 (senshuraku) is also written as 千穐楽 or 千龝楽, and, being an industrial term, indicates the last day, when plays on the same program are performed repeatedly every day for two or more days.

Senso (to Become New Emperor) (践祚) - The term "Senso" means to succeed the position of Tenshi (emperor) upon the demise of the previous emperor or his abdication from the position.

Sensu/Ogi (folding fan) (扇子) - A Sensu or Ogi (folding fan) is an implement used to move air by hand like Uchiwa fans, and its frame is several dozens of wooden strips tied together with thread at their ends (kaname referred to as pivot), and when used, a Sensu or Ogi is widely unfolded and waved back and forth to create a cooling airflow.

Sento (銭湯) - A sento (public bathhouses) is a facility that offers fee-based bathing.

Senyokoutaku (an thin engraved print as a cicada wing) (蝉翼拓) - Senyokutaku refers to a light-colored engraved print like a cicada wing, or a technique of such rubbing.

Seppuku (切腹) - Seppuku is a method of suicide that involves cutting the abdomen with a sword.

Sesson (雪村) - Sesson (ca. 1504-1589) was a suiboku (ink-wash painting) painter who lived in the late Muromachi period.

Setotaisho (瀬戸大将) - Setotaisho is a Japanese specter that is introduced in "Hyakki Tsurezure Bukuro" (One hundred bags in idleness) which is a collection of specters illustrations by Sekien TORIYAMA, and it is a type of Tsukumo-gami (gods to a variety of things) of chinaware.

Setsubun or Sechibun (the day before the beginning of a season) (節分) - Setsubun,' or 'sechibun,' means the day before the beginning of a season, while the first day of spring, summer, autumn or winter is called 'risshun,' 'rikka,' 'risshu' or 'ritto,' respectively.

Setsugetsuka (雪月花) - Setsugetsuka (or pronounced as Yuki Tsuki Hana (Snow, the Moon and Flowers)), is a word from the phrase, 'Setsugetsuka no toki mottomo kimi wo omou (I remember you especially when snow, the moon or flowers are beautiful)' in an old Chinese poem, 'In Kyoritsu ni yosu (A poem sent to In Kyoritsu)' composed by Juyi BAI.

Setsugo (pseudonym using the character, 雪) (雪号) - Setsugo is a pseudonym after the retirement, using a Chinese character, '雪,' in shite-kata (main roles) of Kanze school of Noh.

Seven Wonders of Shimabara (島原七不思議) - The Seven Wonders of Shimabara are wonders taught in Shimabara (the entertainment area in Kyoto City).

Seven-and-five Syllable Meter (七五調) - Save-and-five syllable meter is a form of poem in which words of Shichion (seven syllables) and Goon (five syllables) repeat one after another.

Shabu-shabu (しゃぶしゃぶ) - Shabu-shabu is a Japanese dish in which extremely thin slices of meat are cooked by swishing them back and forth several times in dashi (broth) boiled in a special tabletop pot, dipped in sauce and eaten with boiled ingredients such as vegetables, tofu and kuzukiri.

Shakkei (Borrowing landscape) (借景) - "Shakkei" (borrowing landscapes) is one type of landscape gardening techniques in Chinese and Japanese gardens.

Shakkyo (Stone Bridge) (Noh play) (石橋 (能)) - "Shakkyo" is a Noh play (classical Japanese dance theater).

Shakubyoshi (wooden clappers) (笏拍子) - Shakubyoshi is a kind of percussion instrument used in music such as gagaku (ancient Japanese court dance and music).

Shakuhachi (尺八) - The shakuhachi is a traditional Japanese musical instrument.

Shamichoro (三味長老) - Shamichoro is a Japanese specter that is introduced in "Hyakki Tsurezure Bukuro" (One hundred bags in idleness), a collection of specters illustrations by Sekien TORIYAMA.

Shamisen (a three-stringed Japanese banjo) (三味線) - Shamisen is a Japanese stringed musical instrument with a neck.

Share (洒落) - Share' describes the way in which someone/something is refined and tasteful.

Shaved Ice (Flavored with Syrup) (かき氷) - Shaved ice is a frozen sweet made from finely shaved or crushed ice that is flavored with syrup, for example.

Shibai-jaya (A tea room located in a theater) (芝居茶屋) - Scene of the second floor of a high class shibai-jaya (ooyaja).

Shibaraku () - "Shibaraku" is a program of Kabuki and is one of the Kabuki juhachiban (eighteen best plays of the Ichikawa family of Kabuki actors).

Shibazuke (柴漬) - As far as Tsukemono is concerned, '紫葉漬け' is correct and '柴漬' is wrong.

Shichi-go-san (literally, 7, 5 and 3: a gala day for children of three, five and seven years of age.) (七五三) - Shichi-go-san is an annual event praying for the growth of children of three, five, and seven years of age.

Shichifukujin (Seven Deities of Good Luck) (七福神) - Shichifukujin refers to seven deities which are believed to bring good luck in Japan.

Shichihoda (also called Shichifuja) (七歩蛇) - Shichihoda which is also called Shichifuja is a Japanese yokai (ghosts, spirits and monsters).

Shichimi Togarashi (七味唐辛子) - Shichimi togarashi (seven flavor chili pepper) is a Japanese blend of seven spices.

Shidarezakura (a weeping cherry tree) (シダレザクラ) - Shidarezakura is a variety of Edohiganzakura.

Shigai (絲鞋) - Shigai (also known as Ito no Kutsu, or Shiai) is a pair of silk shoes worn by underage member of Imperial family, performers of Dobu (also known as Warawamai Dance, performed by children), or young shrine maidens who participate in the Shinto rituals.

SHIGEMORI Koen (重森弘淹) - Koen SHIGEMORI (July 27, 1926 - October 13, 1992) was a photography critic.

SHIGEYAMA Sengoro (茂山千五郎) - Sengoro SHIGEYAMA is a family name of Kyogen Okura-ryu (comic actors of Okura school) and the name of the head of the Sengoro Shigeyama family.

Shigin (reciting Chinese poems) (詩吟) - Shigin is one of Japan's traditional performing arts.

Shigoto hajime (the first business day of the year) (仕事始め) - "Shigoto hajime" means working on January 2, for the first time in the new year.

Shigoto-osame (仕事納め) - Shigoto-osame means to carry out the last business of a year near the end of December, i.e. the end of the year.

Shigure (a shower of rain in late autumn and early winter). (時雨) - Shigure refers to rain or snow which falls and stops temporarily mainly from autumn to winter.

Shigureni (時雨煮) - Shigureni (seafood or meat that has been cooked in soy sauce and mirin) is a kind of tsukudani (small fish, shellfish, konbu (a kind of kelp used for Japanese soup stock), etc. boiled in sweetened soy sauce) cooked with ginger.

Shihandai (assistant instructor) (師範代) - Shihandai (assistant instructor) is an instructor in an art field and an assistant of Shihan (grand master).

Shijin-so-o Topography (四神相応) - The term "Shijin-so-o" refers to the topography and land physiognomy that are traditionally believed to be the best suited for the 'Four Gods' that govern the four directions of the heavens in China, Korea and Japan.

Shijo school (四条派) - The Shijo school is a large group among those of the Japanese painting world.

Shijo School of the Way of the Kitchen Knife (四条流庖丁道) - The Shijo School of the Way of the Kitchen Knife ("Shijoryu-Hochodo" in Japanese) is a school of Japanese cuisine which is said to have originated in the Heian period.

Shika senbei (deer crackers) (鹿せんべい) - Shika senbei are sold in Nara Park, Nara City, to tourists for them to feed the deer that roam free in and around the park.

Shikan NAKAMURA (the seventh) (中村芝翫 (7代目)) - The seventh Shikan NAKAMURA (March 11, 1928 -) is a Kabuki actor.

Shike (teaching master) (師家) - Shike ([Zen] teaching master)

Shiki Sanban (The three rituals) (式三番) - "Shiki Sanban" is one of the performing arts that form part of Nohgaku (the theatrical art of Noh), along with Noh (Noh plays) and Kyogen (a farce presented between Noh plays).

Shimai (仕舞) - Shimai refers to a part of the Noh play where a performer dances without wearing masks or costumes.

Shimaibakama (仕舞袴) - Shimaibakama (also called Shimaihakama) is a "hakama" (a kind of trousers worn with a kimono) of a special shape, mainly used in Noh drama.

Shimamono (imported tea caddy) (島物) - Shimamono is a type of classification of tea utensils.

Shin Kabuki (new kabuki) (新歌舞伎) - Shin Kabuki refers to kabuki plays written by authors independent from theaters after the Meiji period.

Shin Kabuki Juhachi Ban (新歌舞伎十八番) - Shin Kabuki Juhachi Ban refers to the specialty plays of Danjuro ICHIKAWA of Naritaya selected by Danjuro ICHIKAWA the seventh and Danjuro ICHIKAWA the ninth.

Shin-shu (Nouveau style beverages) (新酒) - Shin-shu is generally used in the following examples:

Shinai (竹刀) - Shinai is a substitute sword made of bamboo used in the Japanese martial art of kendo for training or for hitting or pushing against armor (Kendo) in tournaments.

Shinbashi-dori Street (新橋通) - Shinbashi-dori Street is one of the streets from east to west in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City.

Shindo school (進藤流) - The Shindo school is an extinct school of waki-kata (supporting actors) in Nohgaku (the art of Noh).

Shingaku (Qing-era Chinese music) (清楽) - "Shingaku" is a group of music that is centered on "minyo" (traditional folk songs) and "zokkyoku" (folk songs), introduced from Qing.

Shini-e (death prints) (死絵) - The Shini-e is a Japanese woodcut print Ukiyo-e, (lit. Pictures of the floating world) produced and published for the commemoration of a famous actor or a writer when he passed away.

Shinja (a kind of Noh mask) (真蛇) - Shinja is a kind of Nohmen (Noh mask).

Shinju Tenno Amishima (心中天網島) - "Shinju Tenno Amishima" refers to Joruri (dramatic narrative chanted to a samisen accompaniment) written by Monzaemon CHIKAMATSU.

Shinkei Sanjurokkaisen (New Forms of Thirty-six Ghosts) (新形三十六怪撰) - Shinkei Sanjurokkaisen is a series of monster pictures by ukiyo-e artist Yoshitoshi TSUKIOKA from the late Edo period to the early Meiji period.

Shinko Engeki Jusshu (新古演劇十種) - Shinko Engeki Jusshu refers to the specialty plays of Kikugoro ONOE of Otowaya selected by Kikugoro ONOE the fifth and Kikugoro ONOE the sixth.

Shinnen Enkai (New Year's Banquet) (新年宴会) - Shinnen Enkai is a holiday which used to be celebrated before the World War II.

Shinnenkai (new year gathering) (新年会) - Shinnenkai is an annual event of an organization or a group held at the beginning of the new year.

Shino School (Tea Ceremony and Traditional Incense-smelling Ceremony) (志野流) - The Shino school is one of the schools of Kodo (traditional incense-smelling ceremony) and tea ceremony.

Shinobue (Japanese Bamboo Flute) (篠笛) - The shinobue is one of the Japanese woodwind instruments.

Shinodamaki (various foods wrapped in deep-fried bean curd) (信太巻) - Shinodamaki is a dish of meat, vegetables, tofu, kamaboko (boiled fish paste) and other ingredients rolled with a sheet of opened abura-age (deep-fried bean curd), and simmered to season.

Shinozuka school (of dance) (篠塚流) - The Shinozuka school is the oldest school of "kamigata-mai dance" established by a Kamigata Kabuki (kabuki of the Kyoto and Osaka area) shosagoto (the way of dance) choreographer Bunzaburo SHINOZUKA during Bunka and Bunsei era (1804-1830) at the end of the Edo period.

Shinsaku-Noh (a Noh song written in and after Meiji period) (新作能) - Shinsaku-Noh refers to songs of noh which were written in and after Meiji period.

Shinshi (伸子) - Shinshi is a tool for use in Arai-hari of Wafuku (Japanese traditional clothing) (a Kimono cleaning technique of laying or stretching out a starched Kimono to dry) or dyeing fabrics by sticking each of its ends into a longer edge of the fabric, respectively, so as to stretch out the fabric in the shape of a bow (a type of weapon) and support it while keeping its width without shrinkage.

Shiokara (salted fish guts) (塩辛) - Shiokara is a preserved food made from flesh of seafood, salted mostly with the guts in order to prevent rot, fermented and matured with the aid of enzymes (an autolyzed enzyme and ones possessed by the internal microorganisms).

SHIOTSU Akio (塩津哲生) - Akio SHIOTSU (January 22, 1945 -) is a shite-kata (a main actor) of the Kita school of Noh.

Shirabyoshi (literally, White rhythm) (白拍子) - Shirabyoshi is a type of singing and dancing performance developed from the late Heian period to Kamakura period.

Shirako (milt) (白子 (精巣)) - Shirako is the name of the milt of fish when the milt is used as ingredients in various dishes.

SHIRAKURA Yoshihiko (白倉敬彦) - Yoshihiko SHIRAKURA (1940 -) is a researcher and a writer on Ukiyoe (Japanese woodblock prints).

Shiranami-mono (a Kabuki Play) (白浪物) - Shiranami-mono is the name of a kabuki play.

Shiraore (Twig Tea) (白折) - Shiraore is a type of Japanese tea that consists of tea stems eliminated from Gyokuro (refined green tea) or green tea of middle grade in processing and has an unique flavor derived from stems.

Shiratama (rice-flour dumplings) (白玉) - "Shiratama" is dumplings made from rice flour called shiratamako.

Shiro Shozoku (白装束) - Shiro Shozoku means white clothing in the broad sense.

Shiroan (white strained sweet bean paste) (白餡) - Shiroan, white strained sweet bean paste, is made from kidney beans or small beans boiled, crushed and sweetened with sugar or honey.

Shirouneri (a ghost of a white dish towel) (白溶裔) - Shirouneri is a Japanese specter and a type of Tsukumo-gami (artifact spirit) described in "Hyakki Tsurezure Bukuro" (One hundred bags in idleness), a collection of specters illustrations, by Sekien TORIYAMA, and it is written 白溶裔, 白容裔 or 白うねり.

Shirozake (Japanese sake) (白酒 (日本酒)) - Shirozake refers to a sake served to celebrate the Hinamatsuri (the Doll's Festival).

Shiruko (Sweet Red Bean Soup) (汁粉) - Shiruko is a food whose main ingredient is boiled red beans sweetened with sugar, and in which mochi (rice cake), shiratama dango (Japanese rice-flour dumplings), and chestnuts stewed in syrup are added.

Shishimai (Japanese Lion Dance) (獅子舞) - "Shishimai" (Japanese lion dance) is one of the traditional Japanese performing arts, in which performers mimic a lion's movements in a lion costume to festival music.

Shishiodoshi (decorative bamboo irrigation pumps) (ししおどし) - Shishiodoshi is a general name for devices used to intimidate and drive away agriculture-damaging birds and animals.

Shiso (Perilla) (シソ) - Shiso (紫蘇,Perilla, the scientific name: Perilla frutescens var. crispa) is a plant, a genus of Perilla that belongs to the Lamiaceae family.

Shitachi (who counterattacks) (仕太刀) - "Shitachi" is a term used in Bujutsu (martial art) especially in Kenjutsu (swordplay), and Budo (martial art) especially in Kendo (Japanese art of fencing).

Shitagasane (long inner robe) (下襲) - The term "shitagasane" refers to an inner robe which is put on between ho (outer robe/vestment) and hanpi (sleeveless body wear) when wearers put on a sokutai (traditional ceremonial court dress) or an ikan shozoku (traditional formal court dress).

Shitone (cushions stuffed with floss silk) () - The term "shitone" refers to an ancient name of cushions to sit on or lie on.

Shittaku (wet rubbing) (湿拓) - The term "shittaku" refers to a rubbed copy made by placing wet paper on an object and then putting black ink on it.

Shiyu no Utage (四雄の宴) - Shiyu no Utage is a public event of cheerleading clubs sponsored by K.K.D.R.UNIV. Cheerleader Union (the four private universities cheerleading league in Kansai region).

Sho () - The sho is a type of wind instrument used in gagaku (Court music in Japan).

Shobuyu (bathwater with iris petals) (菖蒲湯) - Shobuyu is the bathwater heated with iris roots and leaves in it on Tango no Sekku (Boys' Day) of May 5.

Shochu (焼酎) - Shochu is a kind of distilled liquor amongst alcoholic drinks.

Shochumimai (summer greeting card) (暑中見舞い) - A shochumimai is a letter sent to acquaintances to ask how they are doing in the mid-summer.

Shodo (calligraphy) (書道) - Shodo or Sho is a creative eastern art that expresses the beauty of characters by writing.

Shoei Makino Kinema (正映マキノキネマ) - Shoei Makino Kinema (established in February 1932, liquidated in April) was a film company that existed in Kyoto.

Shogatsu (正月) - Shogatsu refers to the first several days of a calendar year and, from a cultural viewpoint, an event to celebrate passing of the previous year, which was uneventful, and the new year.

Shogatsugoto-hajime (正月事始め) - Shogatsugoto-hajime (New Year Preparations) means to begin preparations for welcoming the New Year.

Shoji (Paper Sliding Screen) (障子) - A shoji refers to a screen consisting of a wooden frame covered in paper allowing the passage of light, used as a sliding door or window in a Japanese house.

Shojo (猩猩) - Shojo (Xingxing, written as 猩猩 or 猩々) is an imaginary animal first appeared in Chinese legends.

Shoka (Subject) (唱歌 (教科)) - Shoka (music) is one of the subjects in the former ordinary and higher elementary schools.

Shokado bento (松花堂弁当) - Shokado bento is a meal in a box, whose inside is divided into sections in a cross pattern and has a lid with high sides.

Shokuyo-giku (edible chrysanthemum) (食用菊) - Shokuyo-giku is a kind of chrysanthemum which is especially grown as food.

Shomyo (声明) - Shomyo is one of the traditional forms of Japanese music.

Shoronagashi (精霊流し) - Shoronagashi is an event held during the Obon festival (a Festival of the Dead or Buddhist All Soul's Day in mid-August) in different parts of Nagasaki Prefecture.

Shoso (public repository) (正倉) - Shoso is an repository for grain and property, and is placed in the public facilities, such as central and regional kanga (government office) and temples in the ritsuryo system (a system of centralized government based on the ritsuryo code).

Showa-modern (昭和モダン) (昭和モダン) - Showa-modern is a term referring to a modern civil culture that flourished in the early Showa period merging Japanese and Western styles.

Showaraku (承和楽) - Showaraku or Jowaraku is a gagaku (ancient Japanese court music and dance) music piece.

Shubun (秋分) - Shubun (Autumnal equinox) is one of the 24 seasons in the solar year.

Shugi (祝儀) - The term 'goshugi' is also used, with 'go' being an honorific prefix.

Shukuba Ichiya Yumekaido (One Night of Dream Road at Inn Town) (宿場一夜夢街道) - Shukuba Ichiya Yumekaido is a festival that takes place in Furuichi, Sasayama City.

Shunbun (春分) - Shunbun (Vernal Equinox) is one of the 24 seasons in the solar year.

Shundo school (春藤流) - The Shundo school is an extinct school of waki-kata (supporting actors) in Nohgaku (the art of Noh).

Shunga (erotic art) (春画) - Shunga (erotic arts) is a kind of ukiyoe (Japanese woodblock prints) that portrayed sexual culture (especially the scenes of sexual intercourse between the sexes or the same sex) that was in fashion in the Edo period.

Shungiku (シュンギク) - Shungiku (the scientific name: Chrysanthemum coronarium, Syn, Leucanthemum coronarium, or Glebionis coronaria, the English name: Crown daisy) is a plant native to the Mediterranean coast, and is classified in the genus Chrysanthemum of the family Asteraceae.

Shunnichi school (春日流) - The Shunnichi school is an extinct school of fue-kata (flute players) in Nohgaku (the art of Noh).

Shuppinshu (出品酒) - Shuppinshu is an alcohol beverage brewed for the purpose of entering the shows or competition.

Shura Noh (修羅能) - Shura Noh is one of the programs of Noh theatrical performance, in which a warrior is the shite (the main actor of a Noh play).

Shuriken (Small Throwing Blade) (手裏剣) - A shuriken is a small weapon shaped like a sword or needle, thrown at an opponent to diminish the fighting power of an enemy.

Shusseuo (fish called by different names at different stages of its growth) (出世魚) - "Shusseuo" is a term used in Japan to refer to fishes that are called by different names depending on their growth stage, from an alevin to an adult fish.

Shuto (salted and fermented bonito intestine) (酒盗) - Shuto is salted fish guts of a skipjack tuna, a bonito.

Shuzan Jusshu (秀山十種) - Shuzan Jusshu refers to the specialty plays of Kichiemon NAKAMURA of Harimaya (kabuki) selected by Kichiemon NAKAMURA the first.

Sightseeing Volunteer Guide (観光ボランティアガイド) - A sightseeing volunteer guide is an individual who voluntarily assists and guides tourists for free or a nominal fee on a continual basis.

Simmered takuan pickles (たくあんの煮物) - Simmered takuan pickles (pickled daikon radish) is a local dish of some regions in Japan.

Skeleton woman (骨女) - Skeleton woman is a specter described in "Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki" (Continued Illustrations of the Many Demons Past and Present), a collection of specters illustrations, by Sekien TORIYAMA.

Soba (buckwheat noodles) (蕎麦) - Soba is a type of Japanese noodles made from buckwheat berries and cuisine using those noodles.

Sobagaki (Boiled buckwheat-flour dumpling) (蕎麦がき) - Sobagaki is a dish made from buckwheat-flour, and one characteristic of the sobagaki is that a ball of dough, not a noodle, is made by mixing buckwheat-flour with boiled water or heating a mixture of buckwheat-flour and water and then quickly stirring the mixture into gruel with tools such as chopsticks.

Soboro (Seasoned fish or meat powder) (そぼろ) - Soboro is the soy-simmered, fine-crumb ground meat using pork, chicken, fish or shrimp.

Soboshu (僧坊酒) - Soboshu is a collective term referring to Japanese sake brewed in major temples from the Heian period to Edo period.

Soburen (a musical piece of gagaku [ancient Japanese court dance and music]) (想夫恋 (雅楽)) - Soburen is a piece of music for gagaku.

Soen-kei Group of Sekishu-ryu School (a school of tea ceremony for samurai family) (石州流宗猿系) - Soen-kei group of Sekishu-ryu school is a group in buke sado (the tea ceremony of samurai family)

Soh (a long Japanese zither with thirteen strings) () - Soh is a Japanese traditional musical instrument.

Sohenryu School of Tea Ceremony (宗偏流) - The Sohenryu school is a branch of tea ceremony founded by Sohen YAMADA.

Sojuro-zukin (宗十郎頭巾) - "Sojuro-zukin" is a kind of hood for men.

Sojutsu (the art of the spearmanship) (槍術) - The art of Sojutsu (the spearmanship) is one of the martial arts that has been performed since ancient ages in Japan.

Soke (宗家) - Soke is a term used to refer to:

Sokutai (束帯) - Sokutai is a formal costume for those from the Emperor to the court nobles in and after Heian period (Heian costume).

Sokyoku (koto music) (箏曲) - Sokyoku refers to music for the koto (long zither with 13 strings).

Somato (a kind of a garden lantern) (走馬灯) - Somato is a kind of a garden lantern, which is crafted to show a revolving shadow picture with its inside and outside frames.

Someiyoshino (ソメイヨシノ) - Someiyoshino (scientific name: Prunus x yedoensis) is a type of cherry tree as a garden plant, having been produced by crossbreeding Cerasus spachiana 'Komatsuotome' in the line of Edohigan (P. pendula Maxim. f. ascendens (Makino) Ohwi) and the Oshima cherry (P. lannesiana var. speciosa).

Somen (Japanese vermicelli) (素麺) - Somen is a kind of noodle made from flour.

Somin Shorai (a Japanese old story about a folk religion) (蘇民将来) - Somin shorai refers to a folk tale that has been told as a legend in Japan in mainly the Kinki region, referring to folk beliefs that originated in the folk tale.

Sonen School (尊円流) - Sonen School is a school of calligraphy founded by Cloistered Imperial Prince Sonen.

Sonin-sandai (庶人三台) - Sonin-sandai or shonin-sandai (庶人三台) is a name of gagaku (Japanese classical music).

Sonkyo (蹲踞) - 蹲踞 (Sonkyo or Sonko) is a way of sitting by squatting down or kneeling down on the knees to lower the hips.

Soroban Bozu (Abacus imp) (算盤坊主) - Soroban Bozu or Soroban Kozo is a ghost whose stories are told in Tanba Province (Kyoto Prefecture).

Soshi Arai Komachi (Komachi Washing the Manuscript) (草子洗小町) - 草子洗小町' (Soshi arai Komachi; aka. 草紙洗 [Soshi Arai] or 草紙洗小町 [Soshi arai Komachi]) is a Noh program categorized into sanbanme-mono (third-category plays), genzai kazura-mono (realistic women plays) and daishomono (plays with three instruments of fue [a Japanese flute], kozutsumi and ozutsumi [small and large hand drums]).

Soshimari (蘇志摩利) - Soshimari is a piece from gagaku (an ancient Japanese court dance and music).

Sotan Gitsune (宗旦狐) - Sotan gitsune (fox) was a monster fox, a story of which has been passed down at the Shokoku-ji Temple in Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City.

Sotoba Komachi (卒都婆小町) (卒都婆小町) - Sotoba Komachi is a Noh play.

Soup Stock (出汁) - Soup stock is a liquid seasoning used to add certain tastes--sweetness, sourness, bitterness, saltiness, and particularly the good taste extracted from meat, vegetables, mushrooms, seaweed or others--to dishes.

Sowa-ryu School (a school of Tea Ceremony) (宗和流) - Sowa-ryu school is one of the schools of tea ceremony.

Soy sauce dumpling (醤油だんご) - Soy sauce dumpling

Soy-sauce (醤油) - Soy-sauce is a general-purpose liquid fermented seasoning with salty taste and strong savoriness, made from soybeans and wheat using Aspergillus oryzae and yeast, and it is mainly used in Japanese cooking.

Soymilk (豆乳) - Soymilk is a beverage made by soaking soybeans in water, grinding them, adding water, boiling the mixture down and filtering the grounds.

Street vendor's stall (屋台) - A street vendor's stall (Yatai in Japanese) is a simple mobile store.

Stuffed Bell Peppers (肉詰めピーマン) - The stuffed bell pepper is a dish made with ground meat and bell peppers.

Sudare Bamboo Screens (すだれ) - Sudare are bamboo screens constructed by knitting together strips of bamboo or reed with string.

Suehiro (The Fan of Felicity) (Kyogen) (末広 (狂言)) - Suehiro is a program of Kyogen (farce played during a Noh cycle).

Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami (菅原伝授手習鑑) - "Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami" (Sugawara's Secrets of Calligraphy) (classic word: 傳授) was Gidayu-bushi (musical narrative of the puppet theatre) and a program of ningyo joruri (traditional Japanese puppet theater) and Kabuki (traditional drama performed by male actors) played along with it.

Sugitama (Fir Ball) (杉玉) - Sugitama is a craft made from collection of fir leaves (tips) and shaped into a ball.

Sugoroku (すごろく) - Sugoroku is a boardgame that a player throws a dice to move a piece as many squares as the numbers shown on the rolled dice.

Suguki Pickles (すぐき) - Suguki pickles are one kind of Japanese pickles.

Suiba (水馬) - Suiba was an annual event in the Edo period held by Edo bakufu (a Japanese feudal government headed by a shogun) in which people rode horses across water.

Suiboku-ga (水墨画) - Suiboku-ga (ink painting) is the art of painting in just one color using 'Sumi (Japanese ink),' not only for painting lines, but also gradation showing contrasting density and lighting.

Suichu (fresh water container) (水注) - Suichu (also called "mizutsugi") is a utensil used in the sado and sencha tea services for pouring water.

Suikan (水干) - Suikan was a garment worn by men during the Heian period.

Suikinkutsu (a traditional Japanese echoing system in the garden, like a water harp) (水琴窟) - Suikinkutsu is a decoration device in a Japanese garden that generates a sound like the koto (Japanese harp) with drops of water.

Suimono (Clear Soup) (吸い物) - Suimono is a kind of soup of Japanese cuisine consisting of suiji (soup stock flavored with soy sauce and salt), wandane (a main, solid ingredient), tsuma (a garnish lending a touch of color), suikuchi (a fragrant garnish) and so forth.

Suiseki (水石) - Suiseki is Japanese culture or hobby of viewing stones indoors.

Suitengu Megumi no Fukagawa (水天宮利生深川) - Suitengu Megumi no Fukagawa is a program of the Kabuki play.

Sukeroku (助六) - "Sukeroku" is a nickname for one of the Kabuki plays.

Sukisha (familiar name for a person infatuated with geido) (数寄者) - Sukisha (also referred to as Sukimono) is a familiar name for a person infatuated with geido (accomplishments of art).

Sukiyaki (thin slices of beef, cooked with various vegetables in a table-top cast-iron pan) (すき焼き) - "Sukiyaki" is a dish consisting of meat that is broiled (cooked) or boiled in a shallow cast-iron pot.

Sumai no Sechie (相撲節会) - Sumai no Sechie was one of the ceremonies that took place in the imperial court between the Nara period through to the Heian period.

Sumi (Chinese Ink) () - Sumi refers to soot derived from substances such as lampblack or burnt pine, solidified by mixing with gelatin (solid sumi).

Sumida-gawa Gonichi no Omokage (隅田川続俤) - "Sumida-gawa Gonichi no Omokage" is one of the kabuki kyogen play written by Shimesuke NAGAWA.

Sumida-gawa River (Noh play) (隅田川 (能)) - "Sumida-gawa River" is a Noh play (classical Japanese dance theater).

Sumo (相撲) - Sumo is a Japanese traditional ritual ceremony or festival.

Sunakake-babaa (The Sand-throwing Hag) (砂かけ婆) - "Sunakake-babaa" is a specter said to inhabit Nara Prefecture and Hyogo Prefecture.

Sunoko (すのこ) - "Sunoko" is a Japanese wooden board made of slatted thick bars.

Super Kabuki (スーパー歌舞伎) - The Super Kabuki is a modernized, contemporary Kabuki dance drama directed in a different manner from the original, classical Kabuki theatrical dance, which was introduced by the third Ennosuke ICHIKAWA in 1986.

Suppon (a stage setting through which an actor or actress appears from the trap cellar onto the stage) (すっぽん) - Suppon is a stage setting for an actor to make a stage appearance from the trap cellar, and it is located on the hanamichi (an elevated runway) in kabuki (traditional drama performed by male actors) theater.

Suribachi (すり鉢) - The term "Suribachi" (mortar) refers to cookware that is used to grind food materials into small grains or mash them up into paste.

Surigane (small gong) (摺鉦) - Surigane is one of the metal percussion instruments.

Surume (Dried Squid) (スルメ) - Surume is a processed food made by drying in the shade or machine-drying the squid whose internal organs have been removed.

Sushi (寿司) - Food called sushi (described as 寿司, 鮨, 鮓, 寿斗, 寿し or 壽司 in Japanese) is Japanese cuisine combining vinegared rice mainly with seafood.

Sushi restaurant (寿司屋) - Sushi restaurant is also called sushisho or sushiten and is a restaurant which serves Japanese food sushi.

Susoyoke petticoat (裾除け) - Susoyoke petticoat is an inner wear that is worn under wafuku (Japanese traditional clothes).

Suteteko (ステテコ) - Suteteko is underpants with the long length under the knee, and it is usually worn by men.

Suzuhikohime (鈴彦姫) - Suzuhiko-hime (literally, Princess Bells) is one of Japanese yokai (ghosts, spirits and monsters) that was portrayed in Sekien TORIYAMA's yokai art collection book: "Gazu Hyakki Tsurezure Bukuro" (The Illustrated Bag of One Hundred Random Demons; the term 'hyakki' in its title is a pun on the usual hyakki, replacing the character for demon which is written as "鬼" in Japanese with a character for vessel written as "器," and sure enough, most of the yokais shown in this book are tsukumogami [a type of Japanese spirits that originate in items or artifacts that have reached their 100th birthday and become alive]).

Suzuri (ink stone) () - Suzuri is a stationery made of stone or kawara (the clay tile of the roof) that sumi (ink) stick is ground on it with water.

Suzuri no Tamashii (the soul of Chinese inkstone) (硯の魂) - Suzuri no tamashii' or 'suzuri no sei' is one of 'tsukumogami' (a type of Japanese spirits that originate in items or artifacts that have reached their 100th birthday and become alive) as described in "Konjaku Hyakki Shui" (literally, Supplement to The Hundred Demons from the Present and the Past), a yokai (Japanese ghosts, spirits, spooks and monsters) art collection book or supernatural bestiary by Sekien TORIYAMA.

Suzuriarai (literally, washing ink stone) (硯洗い) - Suzuriarai (literally, washing ink stone) is an event carried out on July 6 in the lunar calendar in preparation for welcoming the Tanabata Star festival.

Suzuribako (case containing ink stone and other materials) (硯箱) - Suzuribako means a box that is used for keeping suzuri (ink stone) and other articles.

Syakuhashi (鵲橋) - Syakuhashi is the name of the bridge which appears on the Milky Way in a Chinese legend on the day of Tanabata star festival, the seventh of July in the old lunar calendar.

T

Tabi (a kind of split-toe-socks specific to Japan) (足袋) - A pair of tabi is a Japan-specific traditional item of clothing, and a kind of underwear worn on the feet.

Tachiyaku (立役) - Tachiyaku means the role in Kabuki (traditional performing act) of a normal adult male, and it also stands for the actor who plays the role.

Tade (タデ) - Tade (polygonum, called water pepper in English, scientific name: Persicaria hydropiper) is polygonaceous an annual grass.

Taganojo ONOE the third (尾上多賀之丞 (3代目)) - Taganojo ONOE the third (Sep 21, 1889 - June 20, 1978) was a Kabuki actor who was popular around the World War II.

Tai Meshi (Sea Bream and Rice) (鯛めし) - Tai Meshi is one of the local dishes in which sea bream is used.

Taienreki (大衍暦) - Taienreki (大衍暦: also read as Daienreki) was a lunisolar calendar once used in China and Japan.

Taikodai (太鼓台) - The Japanese word "taikodai" can be used to refer to either of the following.

Taisho Roman (大正ロマン) - Taisho Roman (often described in the Chinese character '大正浪漫') refers to a trend of thought or cultural events that conveys the atmosphere of the Taisho period.

Taishu Bungei Eiga-sha (大衆文芸映画社) - Taishu Bungei Eiga-sha (established in September 1931 and ceased operations in July 1932) was a film company that existed in Kyoto.

Taiyaki (Japanese pastry) (たい焼き) - Taiyaki is a Japanese sweet made by baking batter in sea bream shaped molds, and it is mainly manufactured, sold and eaten in Japan.

Taka-gari (鷹狩) - Taka-gari (falconry) is a kind of hunting which uses a falcon.

Takana (Leaf mustard) (タカナ) - Takana (scientific name: Brassica juncea var. integlifolia) is a biennial grass belonging to brassica family, and a variety of Brassica juncea.

Takarabune (treasure ship) (宝船) - Takarabune (treasure ship) is the sailing ship on which Shichifukujin (Seven Deities of Good Luck) and treasures are loaded, or the picture that depicts the scene.

Takarazuka Kinema Kogyo (宝塚キネマ興行) - Takarazuka Kinema Kogyo (established in November of 1932, liquidated in February of 1934) was a film company that existed in Kyoto.

Takasago (Noh play) (高砂 (能)) - "Takasago" is a Noh play (classical Japanese dance theater).

Takayama (鷹山) - Seen in a parade during the Gion Matsuri Festival in Kyoto, Takayama is one of a "yamaboko," which is a festival float mounted with a decorative long-handled sword.

Takayasu school (高安流) - The Takayasu school is one of Noh schools.

Takeda-ryu school (武田流) - Takeda-ryu is one of the schools of the Kyuba-gunrei Kojitsu (Japanese ancient practices of customs about archery, equestrian and military etiquette).

Takei Ryuzo Productions (武井龍三プロダクション) - Takei Ryuzo Productions (established and dissolved in February 1929) was a film company located in Kyoto.

Takekiri danuki (raccoon dog cutting bamboo) (竹伐狸) - Some people insist the sound was not auditory hallucination or hallucinatory image because sometimes, dozens of people heard the sound at the same time.

Takemoto (竹本) - Takemoto is the surname of Gidayu TAKEMOTO (stage name), the founder of Gidayu-bushi (musical narrative of the puppet theatre).

Takenaka Mokuhan (a Japanese woodblock printing craft center) (竹中木版) - Takenaka Mokuhan is a craft center of Japanese woodblock printings, inaugurated in 1884, with a workshop located in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture.

Takigi-noh (Noh play performed at night by a fire) (薪能) - Takigi-noh (Noh play performed at night by a fire) is a Noh play that is especially chosen and performed in Noh Theater or on a Noh stage with a beacon fire around which is temporarily installed outside mainly on summer nights.

Tako to Ama (The Dream of the Fisherman's Wife) (蛸と海女) - "Tako to Ama" is a woodblock print by Hokusai KATSUSHIKA, which was included in the enpon (pornography) "Kinoe no Komatsu" published around 1820.

Takoyaki (octopus dumplings) (たこ焼き) - Takoyaki is a baked ball of wheat flour of three to five centimeters in diameter, into which a small piece of octopus is put, a dish originated in Osaka.

Takuan-zuke (沢庵漬け) - Takuan-zuke is a pickle and is referred to as daikon radish preserved in rice-bran and salt.

Tamagawa Enshu-ryu School (A school of Tea and Green Tea Ceremony) (玉川遠州流) - The Tamagawa (also known as Gyokusen) Enshu-ryu school is a school of tea and green tea ceremony.

Tamago Dofu (Egg Tofu) (玉子豆腐) - Tamago dofu is a Japanese culinary dish.

Tamago Kake Gohan (egg-sauce over rice consisting of boiled rice topped or mixed with raw egg and optionally soy sauce) (卵かけご飯) - Tamago kake gohan is a rice food prepared by mixing a raw hen's egg and rice and seasoning it with a small amount of soy sauce.

Tamagoyaki (Japanese omelette) (卵焼き) - Tamagoyaki is a general term for Japanese egg dishes in which eggs are beaten and cooked in a pan.

Tamamushi-no-Zushi (玉虫厨子) - Tamamushi-no-Zushi is a piece of furniture for storing a Buddha statue.

Tanabata (Star Festival) (七夕) - Tanabata (Shichiseki) is one of the days of sekku/sechinichi (a day of the turn of the season) in Japan, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Korea.

Tango (the Boys' Festival) (端午) - Tango is one of the seasonal festivals held on the 5th day of the 5th month.

Tango Chirimen (silk crepe) (丹後ちりめん) - Tango Chirimen is a high-quality silk fabric produced in the Tango region of Kyoto Prefecture.

Tango dialect (丹後弁) - Tango dialect is a kind of Japanese dialect that is spoken mainly in an area encompassing Miyazu City, Kyoto Prefecture and Kyotango City, Kyoto Prefecture.

Tanin-don (他人丼) - Tanin-don or tanin-donburi is a dish in which beef or pork that is boiled with onions in a stock mixed with soy sauce, mirin and sugar, stiffened with eggs, and then placed on donburi meshi (a bowl of boiled rice).

Tanzaku (短冊) - Tanzaku means paper cut into strips, or thin slices of wood.

Tanzen (丹前) - Tanzen is a thickly padded winter garment of Japanese style.

Tarako (salted cod roe) (たらこ) - Tarako refers to the ovary (roe) of cod.

Tarutaru sauce (tartar sauce) (タルタルソース) - Tarutaru sauce (tartare sauce or tartar sauce in English) is a kind of sauce (seasoning) made from mayonnaise.

Tataki (たたき) - Tataki is a cooking method used mainly for preparing fish.

Tatami-iwashi (dried baby sardines flattened like paper) (たたみいわし) - Tatami-iwashi is a processed food of baby sardines whose production process consists of cleaning and sifting, either before or after boiling, with a reed screen or fine mesh on a wooden frame, then drying them in the sun and forming them into a thin sheet (net-like).

Tatsumi Geisha (professional female entertainers) (辰巳芸者) - Tatsumi Geisha refers to professional female entertainers, who were particularly popular in Fukagawa in Edo (present-day Fukagawa, Tokyo) around the Edo period.

Tawawa-chan (たわわちゃん) - Tawawa-chan is the mascot of Kyoto Tower, which is located in Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto city.

Tazukuri (田作) - Tazukuri (also called tatsukuri) is a dried or cooked product of young anchovies.

Tea utensils (茶道具) - Tea utensils is a generic term for utensils used in the Japanese tea ceremony.

Teahouses (茶屋) - Chaya,' or teahouses were common from the middle ages through to recent times as a type of rest area in Japan.

Tegara (手絡) - Tegara is a hairdressing cloth to wrap around the topknot of traditional Japanese women's hairstyles.

Tegatana (Ceremonial Hand Movement) (手刀) - Tegatana (pronounced either Shuto or Tegatana)

Tegoto (手事) - Tegoto is a long part of instrumental music sandwiched between vocal music in a piece by an instrumental trio, which is a collective term for jiuta (a genre of traditional songs with accompaniment by shamisen (three-stringed lute)), sokyoku (koto (thirteen-stringed Japanese zither) music), and kokyugaku (Chinese fiddle music).

Tegotomono (a form of Japanese chamber music) (手事物) - Tegotomono is the style of composition which has instrumental parts (here, it is also called "tegotomono-form") or the kind of songs in sankyoku music which consists of jiuta, so (or koto) music and kokyu (Chinese fiddle) music.

Teiran (basket for tea set) (提籃) - Teiran is one of tea utensils used in Senchado (Japanese tea ceremony using Sencha [brewed green tea]).

Teiseihakushu (Japanese sake with low rice polishing rate) (低精白酒) - Teiseihakushu is a kind of Japanese sake developed around 2005.

Teishitsu Gigeiin (Imperial art expert) (帝室技芸員) - Teishitsu Gigeiin was a system for honoring craftspeople and artisans, which had been operated by the Imperial Household Ministry since 1890 until right after the end of the war (World War II).

Teishoku (set meal) (定食) - Teishoku is a style of serving food frequently found in Japanese restaurants.

Tejime (手締め) - Tejime is a Japanese custom of rhythmic hand clapping performed in time with the calls of one participant in order to celebrate the fact that an event has concluded without trouble.

Tekagami (手鑑) - "Tekagami" is a collection of dankan (fragmentary pieces of a writing) written in kohitsu (ancient calligraphy), which are stuck on a folding book made from thick papers.

Tekiya (的屋) - Tekiya are merchants who sell items such as food or toys on the street or stalls set up in the ground of shrines or temples, on the approach to them or in temple towns during festivals, markets, and fairs.

Tekka (鉄火) - Tekka is the sate of red hot iron or sparks generated during forging.

Tekkamaki (tuna sushi roll) (鉄火巻) - Tekkamaki is a kind of sushi (maki-zushi [sushi roll]).

Tekomai (Japanese Traditional Dance) (手古舞) - Tekomai is a dance performed to lead floats or omikoshi (portable shrine) in a festival.

Temari Ball (手まり) - A temari ball is a kind of toy that has been around since long ago.

Temariuta (手鞠歌) - Temariuta (written in Japanese as てまりうた, 手まり唄, 手毬歌, 手毬唄, etc.) is a kind of children's song or play song to which girls sing along as they bounce temari balls (balls of cotton wound tightly around with threads of many colors).

Temomi-cha (Hand-rolled Tea) (手揉み茶) - Temomi-cha (hand-rolled tea): Hand rolling is the primary process of making sencha.

Tempura (Japanese deep-fried dish) (天ぷら) - Tempura is a Japanese dish of deep fried battered meats, seafood, vegetables or sansai (plants growing wild in fields and mountains.)

Tencha (powdered green tea) (碾茶) - Tencha is a kind of steamed green tea.

Tendon (天丼) - Tendon is a bowl of rice topped with pieces of tenpura.

Tengu (天狗) - Tengu are legendary Japanese creatures.

Tenka San Nasu (three eggplant-shaped tea caddies) (天下三茄子) - Tenka San Nasu refers to the following three Nasu (eggplant-shaped tea caddy): Tsukumo Nasu (literally, Nasu of gray hair), Matsumoto Nasu (Nasu originally owned by Shuho MATSUMOTO), and Fuji Nasu (literally, Nasu of Mt. Fuji).

Tenka-ippin (天下一品) - Tenka-ippin (which means the best in the world), is a chain of ramen (Chinese-style noodles served in a hot soup) stores founded in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture.

Tenkasu (bits of deep-fried dough) (天かす) - Tenkasu (天かす, also written as てんかす, 天カス, 天滓) are small pieces of deep-fried dough produced during cooking tenpura.

Tenmokujawan (Tenmoku tea bowl) (天目茶碗) - Tenmokujawan means a pottery tea bowl that is fired by using glaze called Tenmoku glaze.

Tenmonkata (天文方) - Tenmonkata was a scientific research institution established by the Edo bakufu (Japanese feudal government headed by a shogun).

Tenno-sai Festival (天王祭) - Tenno-sai Festival is a festival organized by Tennosha to honor Gozu Tenno (deity said to be the Indian god Gavagriva).

Tennyo (天女) - Tennyo are legendary beings in Japan.

Tenpo-reki (Tenpo calendar) (天保暦) - Tenpo-reki (or Tenpo calendar) is a Japanese calendar based on the lunar solar calendar used in old Japan.

Tenshin-han (天津飯) - Tenshin-han is a Chinese-style dish originating in Japan.

Tento (the sun, providence, god) (天道) - Tento is the sun god in Japan.

Tenugui towel (手拭) - Tenugui towel (called Tenogoi in Edo-ben and Hakata-ben dialects) is a plain-woven cotton fabric used to dry your hands, wash your face, or wash yourself during bath time.

Teppanyaki (鉄板焼き) - Teppanyaki food, which is an area of Japanese cuisine, and teppanyaki cooking are introduced here.

Teratsutsuki (寺つつき) - Teratsutsuki is an ominous bird which is a specter described in "Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki" (Continued Illustrations of the Many Demons Past and Present), a collection of specters' illustrations by Sekien TORIYAMA, and which looks like a peckerwood.

Teriyaki (grilling with soy sauce and sugar) (照り焼き) - Teriyaki is a cooking technique used in Japanese cuisine.

Teru teru bozu (てるてる坊主) - Hanging "teru teru bozu," a hand-made doll made of white paper or cloth, at the front of a house in the straight position is a Japanese custom, which is believed to bring good weather for the next day.

Tesso (鉄鼠) - Tesso (iron rat, a huge rat as large as a bull with a stone body and iron teeth) is a specter of the ancient Japan which was connected to a deep-seated grudge of a priest and a rat.

Three Largest Festivals in Kyoto (京都三大祭り) - The three largest festivals in Kyoto refer to the three festivals held in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture.

Three portraits of Jingo-ji Temple (神護寺三像) - The three portraits of Jingo-ji Temple are three portraits owned by Kyoto Jingo-ji Temple.

Throne of Blood (蜘蛛巣城) - "Throne of Blood" is a film released in 1957 by Toho.

Toa Kinema (東亜キネマ) - Toa Kinema (Toa, established in 1923- purchased in November 1932) is a Japanese film company that once existed.

Tobiko (とびこ) - Tobiko is one kind of processed fish eggs.

Tobiroppo (a performing technique of exiting the stage by leaping) (跳び六方) - Tobiroppo refers to a performing technique in Kabuki (traditional drama performed by male actors) to raise the excitement by taking big sideways jumps when an actor exits the stage.

Tobishoku (鳶職) - Tobishoku (same as hikiya [a workman who moves a whole building without demolishing] and yarikata [a workman who make a rough design before building]) generally means a workman specializing in working in high places in the construction industry.

Tocha (a tea competition) (闘茶) - The term "Tocha" refers to a tea competition where participants taste different kinds of tea to compete in discerning them, which was popular in the medieval period.

Tochi mochi (conker rice cake) (栃餅) - Tochi mochi is a rice cake made by steaming conkers after removal of harshness with glutinous rice and then pounding them.

Todoza (the traditional guild for the blind) (当道座) - Todoza was an autonomous mutual support group for the male blind that existed from the medieval period through early modern times in Japan.

Toei Kyoto Movie Studio (東映京都撮影所) - The Toei Kyoto Movie Studio is located in Uzumasa, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City.

Tofu (bean curd) (豆腐) - Tofu is a food that's made mainly from soybeans.

Togaki (stage direction) (ト書き) - The term "Togaki" refers to a stage direction which is distinguished from dialogues spoken by actors and actresses in a play, script, etc.

Togashi (唐菓子) - Togashi refers to a series of cakes and the technique used to make them that were introduced from Tang (China) in the Nara period.

Toji (chief brewer at a sake brewery) (杜氏) - The term "toji," written as 杜氏 in Japanese, refers to a person who supervises kurabito, a group of skilled workers responsible for sake brewing, and works as the chief executive brewer at a brewery.

Toji (The Winter Solstice) (冬至) - Toji (the winter solstice) is one of Nijushi-sekki (the 24 divisions of the solar year).

Toji Union (杜氏組合) - The toji union is a union organized by toji (sake brewers) who are professionals of sake production.

Tojinuta (唐人歌) - Tojinuta is a category of popular song during the Edo period and the Meiji era.

Toka no Sechie (踏歌節会) - Toka no sechie was an event where the emperor watched toka (stamping songs) in the Imperial Court every January (by the lunar calendar).

Tokaidochu Hizakurige (Foot Travelers along the Tokai-do Road) (東海道中膝栗毛) - Tokaidochu Hizakurige is a book of comical stories by Ikku JUPPENSHA, with their first printings taking place between 1802 to 1814.

Tokan-ya (the night on the 10th day of October) (十日夜) - Tokan-ya (also read as Tokaya) is an annual festive event held on the night of October 10 (old lunar calendar).

Tokatsu Eiga-sha Film Company (東活映画社) - Tokatsu Eiga-sha Film Company (established in 1931 - dissolved in 1932) is a film company once existed in Kyoto.

Toki wa Ima Kikyo no Hataage (時今也桔梗旗揚) - "Toki wa Ima Kikyo no Hataage" is the title of a Kabuki play.

Tokkuri (sake bottle) (徳利) - Tokkuri or Tokuri is a thin-necked bottle rounded at the bottom.

Tokonoma (alcove in a traditional Japanese room where art or flowers are displayed) (床の間) - A tokonoma is a kind of Zashikikazari (a set of decorative features), seen in a tatami room of a Japanese house.

Tokoroten (ところてん) - Tokoroten, written in Japanese as ところてん, 心太, 心天, or 瓊脂, is food made by boiling seaweed such as tengusa (Gelidiaceae) and ogonori (Chinese moss) until they melt and produce agar, which is then cooled down until set.

Tokuhon/Yomihon (読本) - Tokuhon are textbooks for language learning and/or introductory books intended for the wide public.

Tomesode (留袖) - Tomesode is a type of Japanese traditional clothes and is a formal dress of the highest rank worn by married women.

Tomikuji (lottery in the Edo period) (富籤) - Tomikuji also called Tomitsuki is a way to collect fund for mutual aids and a kind of lottery that is said to be the origin of takarakuji and also a gamble.

Tonkatsu (breaded, deep-fried pork cutlet) (豚カツ) - Tonkatsu is a dish in which pork is coated with flour, beaten egg and breadcrumbs in that order, and then deep fried.

Toraken Game (虎拳) - Toraken is a game played in three Japanese rooms divided by closed Fusuma (Japanese sliding door) where people choose to wear or hand a tiger costume, women's clothes (implying Torajo, literally, a tiger woman, the mother of Watonai, another name of Seiko TEI - Zheng Chenggong or musket - implying Watonai or Kiyomasa KATO) and wait until the fusuma is opened, and they run off to decide who wins.

Tori no ichi (the Cock Fair) (酉の市) - "Tori no ichi" is an open-market fair held at Otori-jinja Shrines around the country on the Days of the Cock in November every year.

Torikabuto (鳥兜) - A torikabuto is a head costume used in performances of gagaku, a type of Japanese traditional music and dance.

Torisashi (鶏刺し) - Torisashi is chicken sashimi, or raw chicken meat, which is popular in the southern part of Kyushu region such as Kagoshima and Miyazaki Prefectures.

Toro (トロ) - Toro' is fish meat cut from a specific part of tuna, and is used as an ingredient for sushi, etc.

Toro (Garden Lantern) (灯籠) - Toro (a garden lantern) is a kind of traditional Japanese lighting fixture.

Toro Nagashi (Floating Lanterns Down a River) (灯籠流し) - "Toro Nagashi" which is also referred to as "Shoryo Nagashi" (floating lanterns down a river carrying the spirits of the dead) is a Japanese festival where people hold a memorial service for the spirits of the deceased by floating paper lanterns and other offerings in a river or in the sea for Bon festivals.

Tororo Konbu (Kelp Shavings) (とろろ昆布) - Tororo konbu is a foodstuff made by processing kelp.

Tosa school (土佐派) - Tosa school (Tosa ha)

Tosai-gogisei (統裁合議制) - The term "Tosai-gogisei " refers to the way of decision-making in an organization.

Tosazu (tosa vinegar) (土佐酢) - Tosazu is a mixture of sanbaizu (vinegar, soy sauce and sweet cooking rice wine mixed in roughly equal proportions) and soup stock made from dried bonito.

Tosenkyo (投扇興) - Tosenkyo is a Japanese game (throwing fans at a target) that is one of the Japanese traditional multiplayer games.

Toshi-otoko (年男) - "Toshi-otoko" (literally means a man of the year) is one of the Japanese customs.

Toshikoshi-soba (年越し蕎麦) - Toshikoshi-soba (Buckwheat Noodles Eaten on New Year's Eve) is a term for buckwheat noodles which are eaten on New Year's Eve (December 31st) for good luck.

Toshiya (通し矢) - Toshiya was an event held as part of of Kyujutsu (the Japanese classical martial art of shooting an arrow from a bow at a target).

Toso (屠蘇) - Toso is the name for medicinal alcoholic beverages that people drink on New Year's Day in the hope of being free from noxious bad spirits that cause illness and other misfortunes during the coming year, as well as for their longevity.

Toso (the mixture of sawdust of paulownia wood and wheat starch) (桐塑) - Toso is a kind of clay.

Tourism in Japan (日本の観光) - The history of tourism in Japan is discussed in this section.

Townscape preservation (町並み保存) - Townscape preservation refers to activities intended to renew distinctive characteristics and attractiveness of towns and to improve living conditions of the residents by preserving townscapes that retain traditional architecture and so on.

Toyoakari no sechie (豊明節会) - The Toyoakari no sechie festival is the Imperial Court ceremony held on Daijosai (first ceremonial offering of rice by newly-enthroned Emperor), held on the days of the Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, and Horse (note: yuki no sechie (seasonal court banquet) held on the day of the Dragon, and suki no sechie held on the day of the Snake) as well as on the final day of the Niiname-sai festival (ceremonial offering by the Emperor of newly-harvested rice to the deities), held on the days of the Rabbit and Dragon.

Toyoko Film Company (東横映画) - Toyoko Film Company (established June 8, 1938 and merged on March 31, 1951) was Japan's film company, but it no longer exists.

Tozaigoe (the word tozai) (東西声) - Tozaigoe refers to shouts of 'tozai, tozai' (east west) from the backstage at the jobiraki (an opening) or before kojo (a ceremony to announce that an actor takes a new stage name) of kabuki (traditional drama performed by male actors) or ningyo joruri (traditional Japanese puppet theater).

Traditional Craftsman (伝統工芸士) - The Traditional Craftsman is the accreditation examination conducted by the Traditional Crafts Industry Promotion Association Foundation in accordance with Paragraph 8 of Section 24 of the Act concerning the Promotion of Traditional Craft Industries.

Traditional Horse Racing (Japan) (古式競馬 (日本)) - This article describes Japanese traditional horse racing (running horses for the speed competition and then deciding which horse is superior), called kurabeuma, kisoiuma, or komakurabe.

Traditional Japanese Age System (数え年) - The traditional Japanese age system is one method of calculating age.

Traditional vegetables (伝統野菜) - Traditional vegetables are vegetables of native varieties that have been cultivated in various places since the ancient times.

Traditional Vegetables of Kyo (京の伝統野菜) - Traditional vegetables of Kyo (another name for Kyoto Prefecture) refers to the crops of vegetables that have been certified by the Kyoto Prefecture since the certification began in 1987, and 41 crops of vegetables have been certified so far, including those that are almost equivalent to traditional vegetables of Kyo, and those that are already extinct.

Treatises on Artistic Accomplishments (芸道論) - Treatises on Artistic Accomplishments were written records spanning the Heian period (794-1185) through to around the Edo period (1603-1868) relating to the pursuit of: Japanese traditional Waka poetry, Noh drama, flower arrangement (kado), tea ceremony (sado), incense ceremony (kodo), martial arts etc.

Tsubaki-mochi (a rice cake stuffed with sweet bean paste and coated with camellia leaves) (椿餅) - Tsubaki-mochi is a rice cake sweets eaten as a light meal in the Heian period.

Tsubazeriai (鍔迫り合い) - Tsubazeriai means warding off (and pushing back) each other's sword with one's own sword guard in a duel, this is also synonymous with "neck-and-neck" competition.

Tsuchigumo (土蜘蛛) - Tsuchigumo is not a name of an actual living spider.

Tsuina (追儺) - Tsuina is an annual event held on New Year's Eve (December 30 according to the old calendar) in the Imperial Court, and this ceremony of onibarai (to expel ogres) has been held since the early Heian period.

Tsujigahana (辻ヶ花) - Tsujigahana: The title of a movie that Shochiku Co.,Ltd. released in 1972, starring Shima IWASHITA

Tsujiura (辻占) - Tsujiura is a kind of fortune-telling seen in Japan.

Tsuka () - Tsuka (mound) means a raised round site higher than its surrounding land surface, specifically, it means an elevation made of a pile of something, a small mountain, a hill and an ancient burial mound.

Tsukemono (漬物) - Tsukemono is preserved food that vegetables (fish or meat, sometimes) are pickled together with pickling ingredients having high osmotic pressure, having an effect to decrease hydrogen-ion exponent or having an effect to shut off from the air such as salt, vinegar, rice-bran paste, soy sauce, sake lees or fat and oil, to improve preservation quality as well as to improve taste and flavor by maturing.

Tsukesage (付け下げ) - Tsukesage, which is written as '付け下げ' or '付下げ' (pronunciation is the same), is kimono for Japanese women.

Tsukeshugen (a short celebratory noh play) (付祝言) - Tsukeshugen (付祝言, also written as 附祝言) is one of the performance styles of noh (traditional masked dance-drama).

Tsuki-okure (月遅れ) - Tsuki-okure means that under the Gregorian calendar (the New Style), dates of annually scheduled Japanese programs or events are deferred one month compared to the Taiin-taiyo-reki (lunisolar calendar) (the Old Style including the Tenpo calendar, the Kansei calendar, the Horyaku calendar, and the Jokyo calendar).

Tsukigase Bairin (Plum-grove Park) (月ヶ瀬梅林) - Tsukigase Bairin refers to the plum grove located at Mt. Tsukigaseoyama and its surrounding areas (former Tsukigase Village, Soekami County) in Nara City, Nara Prefecture.

Tsukigata Productions (ツキガタプロダクション) - Tsukigata Productions (registered as Tsukigata Purotakushon, established in 1928, liquidated in 1932) was a film company that existed in Kyoto and then in Nara.

Tsukimi (月見) (月見) - Tsukimi is to enjoy viewing the moon, such as the full moon.

Tsukkorobashi (つっころばし) - Tsukkorobashi is an acting role in a Kabuki play.

Tsukudani (佃煮) - Tsukudani are made of sea foods that are boiled in soy sauce and originated in the Tsukuda (in Chuo Ward Tokyo) area of Tokyo.

Tsukumo Nasu (tea caddy from China) (九十九髪茄子) - Tsukumo Nasu refers to a 'karamono chaire' (tea caddy from China) that was a treasured possession of Yoshimitsu ASHIKAGA, the third Shogun of the Muromachi bakufu (Japanese feudal government headed by a shogun).

Tsukumogami (付喪神) - Tsukumogami, the notion of Japanese folk beliefs, is a collective name of old or long-used yorishiro (objects representative of divine spirits) (tools, living things and natural things) in which deities (Shinto religion) or divine spirits reside.

Tsukune (meatloaf) (つくね) - Tsukune is a food consisting of ground livestock meat or chicken (fish meat in rare cases) and a thickener that are kneaded or ground together and formed into a ball or stick shape.

Tsuma (garnish) (つま) - Tsuma is a garnish used for sashimi dish.

Tsumoru Koi Yuki no Seki no To (積恋雪関扉) - "Tsumoru Koi Yuki no Seki no To" (The Barrier Gate), often shortened to "Seki no To," is the title of a Tokiwazu-bushi (a style of narrative music to accompany a Kabuki performance) and also the title of the Kabuki play performed to Tokiwazu music.

Tsumugi (Pongee) () - Tsumugi is a kind of fabric that tsumugi yarn, spun from floss silk, is used as either warp thread or weft thread, or both of them on weaving.

Tsunahiki (tug-of-war) of O-okuri-jinja Shrine (大送神社の綱引き) - The O-tsunahiki of O-okuri-jinja Shrine is a tug-of-war festival held in Hioki, Yagi Town, Nantan City, Kyoto Prefecture.

Tsune-shozoku (ordinary costumes) (常装束) - Tsune-shozoku means a set of most ordinary costumes worn by performers of bugaku (traditional Japanese court music accompanied by dancing on stage).

Tsunohanzo (角盥漱) - Tsunohanzo is one of Japanese yokai (ghosts, spirits and monsters) which is portrayed in Sekien TORIYAMA's yokai art collection book, "Gazu Hyakki Tsurezure Bukuro" (The Illustrated Bag of One Hundred Random Demons; the term 'hyakki' in its title is a pun on the usual hyakki, replacing the character for demon which is written as "鬼" in Japanese with a character for vessel written as "器," and sure enough, most of the yokais shown in this book are tsukumogami [a type of Japanese spirits that originate in items or artifacts that have reached their 100th birthday and become alive]).

Tsunokakushi (角隠し) - Tsunokakushi is a wide strip of cloth worn by a bride at a Japanese-style wedding ceremony, covering her head including the coiffure called Bunkintakashimada.

Tsuru Kame (Crane and Tortoise) (鶴亀) - "Tsuru Kame" is a program of Noh, traditional masked dance-drama.

Tsurushi Kazari (Hanging ornaments) (吊るし飾り) - Tsurushi kazari is one of the traditional art crafts.

Tsutamomiji Utsunoya-toge (literaly, Painted maples in the Utsunoya-toge pass) (蔦紅葉宇都谷峠) - Tsutamomiji Utsunoya-toge (literaly, Painted maples in Utsunoya-toge pass) is a Kabuki play.

TSUTAYA Juzaburo (蔦屋重三郎) - Juzaburo TSUTAYA (February 13, 1750 - May 31, 1797) is a "hanmoto" (publisher) in the Edo period.

Tsutsusode (筒袖) - As the name suggests, tsutsusode (sleeve like tube) is a sleeve in the shape of tube, however all the European clothes have sleeve in the shape of narrow tube, so tsutsusode usually refers to such sleeves of Japenese kimono.

Tsuzumi (hand drum) () - Tsuzumi (hand drum) is a traditional instrument unique to Japan, and refers to Kotsuzumi (small hand drum) in a narrow sense.

Tsuzura (葛籠) - Tsuzura (wicker clothes hamper) is originally a kind of basket with a lid and is woven out of Tsuzurafuji (Sinomenium acutum, another name is Otuzurafuji) vines.

U

Ubagabi (the mysterious fire of an old woman) (姥ヶ火) - Ubagabi' refers to mysterious fiery apparitions handed down from generation to generation in Kawachi no kuni (present-day Osaka Prefecture) and Tanba no kuni (present-day the northern part of Kyoto prefecture).

Uchiginu (打衣) - Uchiginu is one kimono of many kimonos forming juni-hitoe (twelve-layered ceremonial kimono).

Uchikake (打掛) - Uchikake (打掛) is a kind of kimono (or wafuku, either of them means Japanese traditional clothing) worn by Japanese women.

Uchiki () - Uchiki (also known as "uchigi") is a kind of kimono that is worn by women as part of Heian-period costumes, such as the twelve-layered ceremonial kimono and five-layer robe, although it may also be worn by itself.

Uchimizu (打ち水) - Uchimizu is an old Japanese custom of watering gardens and/or streets.

Uchine (打根) - An uchine is an arrow-shaped weapon 36 to 54cm in length and 18mm in diameter.

Uchitachi (打太刀) - Uchitachi is a term used in martial arts, especially in swordplay and budo (Japanese martial arts) such as in the Japanese art of fencing.

Uchiwa Fan (うちわ) - Uchiwa fan (団扇 in Chinese character) is a tool to make a wind by fanning it.

Udon (うどん) - Udon noodles count among traditional noodles eaten in Japan from ancient times.

Ueda Soko School (上田宗箇流) - Ueda Soko School is one of the tea ceremony schools and also one of the buke sado (the tea ceremony of samurai family) which has been handed down in the Ueda family, the former chief retainer of the Asano family in the Hiroshima domain.

Uguisu Mochi (鶯餅) - Uguisu Mochi is a Japanese traditional sweet made from gyuhi (kneaded rice flour with sugar or starch syrup; by being kneaded for a long time, it becomes a translucent paste) and an (a sweet red paste made from red azuki beans); an is lapped by gyuhi which is shaped like an uguisu (Japanese bush warbler).

Uguisu-an (a green sweet bean paste) (うぐいす餡) - Uguisu-an is a green smooth bean paste made by crushing boiled green peas and sweetening with sugar or honey.

Uguisubari (nightingale (flooring), method of laying floors to deliberately make a noise (like a nightingale's song) when walked across - security feature) (鶯張り) - Uguisubari is a corridor used for warning that the enemy has entered.

Uiro (a sort of sweetened steamed cake made of rice powder) (ういろう (菓子)) - The term Uiro refers to a sort of sweetened steamed cake made of rice powder.

Uiro uri (The Medicine Peddler) (外郎売) - Uiro uri is one of Kabuki juhachiban (eighteen best plays of the Ichikawa family of kabuki actors).

Uji cha (Uji tea) (宇治茶) - "Uji cha" is a high-class brand of Japanese tea with the image of being produced in the southern area of Kyoto Prefecture around Uji City.

Uji saicha shi (宇治採茶使) - Uji saicha shi was a procession that carried Uji tea leaves, one of the specialties of Uji City, Kyoto, in a chatsubo (tea jar) to be presented to the Tokugawa Shogunate Family.

Ukai (鵜飼い) - "Ukai" is one traditional fishing method used to catch ayu (sweetfish) by using a cormorant.

Ukai in the Kiso-gawa River (木曽川うかい) - Kiso-gawa ukai(木曽川うかい)is the name of cormorant fishing carried out in the Kiso-gawa River in Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture every year from May 11 to October 15, except for August 10.

Ukiyo-e Ruiko (Various Thoughts on Ukiyo-e) (浮世絵類考) - The Ukiyo-e Ruiko is basic material of the art history, collected biographies and backgrounds of ukiyo-e (Japanese woodblock prints) artists.

Ukiyoe (Japanese woodblock prints) (浮世絵) - Ukiyoe is a genre of the pictorial arts established during the Edo period.

Ukon no Tachibana (右近橘) - Ukon no Tachibana (the mandarin orange tree of Ukon) is a mandarin orange tree which existed on the right of the South floor down from the Shishin-den Hall (hall for state ceremonies) of the Imperial Palace in the Heian-kyo.

Ukontaku (an black engraved print as a feather) (烏金拓) - Ukontaku (also called Ukintaku) refers to a engraved print which is as black as a crow feather.

Umajirushi (commander's battle standard) (馬印) - This term is written as 馬印, 馬標, or 馬験 in Japanese.

Umeboshi (梅干し) - An "umeboshi" is a shiozuke (a salted food) of ume (Japanese apricots), which is dried in the sun after being preserved in salt.

Umeshu (Ume Liqueur) (梅酒) - "Umeshu" is a liqueur which is popular in Japan and made by steeping green ume (Japanese apricots), which are generally picked around June, in alcohol (normally in white liquor or shochu - distilled spirits).

UMEWAKA Kichinojo (梅若吉之丞) - Kichinojo UMEWAKA is a name used by the head of the Kichinojo Umewaka family, one of the branch families of the Rokuro Umewaka family, which is one of the schools of the shite-kata (actors who play leading characters in Noh performances) Kanze school.

UMEWAKA Manzaburo (梅若万三郎) - "Manzaburo UMEWAKA" is the name of the head of Umewaka family, a branch family of Kanze-ryu school of Noh shite-kata (main roles).

UMEWAKA Minoru (梅若実) - Minoru UMEWAKA is the name used as an "inkyomei" (name after retirement) in the UMEWAKA family, shite-kata (main roles) of Kanze school of Noh.

UMEWAKA Rokuro (梅若六郎) - Rokuro UMEWAKA is a name used by the headman of the Umewaka family, which is one of the shite-kata (actors who play leading characters in Noh performances) Kanze school groups.

Umewaka-ryu school (a school of Noh play) (梅若流) - Umewaka-ryu school refers to a school of Noh play which existed only for a period from 1921 to 1954.

Unadon or Unagi-donburi (a bowl of boiled rice topped with broiled eel) (鰻丼) - Unadon, or unagi-donburi, is a Japanese cuisine consisting of boiled rice in a bowl topped with kabayaki (broiled eel) and poured tare (a special sauce for broiled eel) on it, and as one's preference, some powdered sansho (Sichuan pepper) added on top.

Unagi (eel) (ウナギ) - Unagi is a general term used for a group of fish that belong to the order Anguilliformes family Anguilidae.

Unagimeshi (Broiled Eel Rice) (鰻飯) - Unagimeshi is a term used to refer to a Japanese cuisine that comes with broiled eel on top of rice.

Unaju (鰻重) - The terms "Unaju" (written as 鰻重, うなじゅう, うな重) refer to a Japanese dish, which contains broiled eel on rice with sauce in Jubako (generally tiered square wooden boxes with a cover which is coated by urushi Japanese lacquer) or refers to a specific kind of container used to serve broiled eel.

Unden Shindo school (雲伝心道流) - Unden Shindo school is one of the schools of Japanese tea ceremony.

Uneme Costume (采女装束) - Uneme costume is a costume for Uneme, a court lady selected among Gozoku (local ruling families) who served in the inner palace as a waiting staff of the emperor in ancient times.

Ungaikyo (雲外鏡) - The term "Ungaikyo" is a type of a Japanese ghost, that metamorphizes from a peculiar mirror after the passing of many long years.

Unshu Mikan (Unshu or Unshiu mandarin orange) (ウンシュウミカン) - Unshu Mikan (Scientific name: Citrus unshiu) is a kind of mandarin orange and evergreen bush belonging to the Rutaceae family.

Urajimai (浦終い) - Urajimai is a Japanese custom of conducting traditional ceremonies and handling the aftermath of accidents at sea.

Uraku school (有楽流) - Uraku school (Uraku-ryu) is one of the various schools of sado started by Nagamasu ODA (Urakusai), who was the real younger brother of Nobunaga ODA.

Urasenke (裏千家) - Urasenke is one of various schools of tea ceremony.

Urayasu no Mai Dance (浦安の舞) - Urayasu no Mai is a type of kagura (sacred music and dancing performed at shrines) (mikomai (female Shinto dance that the young girls each carry a small baton with bells)).

Usa-jingu Goshin Noh (Noh play at Usa-jingu Shrine) (宇佐神宮御神能) - Usa-jingu Goshin Noh is a Noh play dedicated at Usa-jingu Shrine (Usa City, Oita Prefecture) on the second day of fujo hosai festival (a festival of giving thanks to a shrine for grain of the field having been protected from storm and flood damage or from disease and harmful insects), held on October 20 and 21 every year.

Ushioni (牛鬼) - Ushioni (cow demon), or gyuki, is a specter orally handed down in western Japan.

Ushiwakamaru (children's song) (牛若丸 (童謡)) - Ushiwakamaru is a children's song.

Usuchaki (tea caddy for tea powder for thin tea) (薄茶器) - Usuchaki is a kind of chaki (tea utensil), used to hold powdered tea, and the term is used in contrast to koichaki, which refers to a ceramic chaire specially used to contain the powdered tea for thick tea.

Usukawa-manju (薄皮饅頭) - Usukawa-manju is cha-manju (steamed yeast bun with filling) smaller than its normal size.

Uta-awase (歌合) - Uta-awase is a contest in which two teams of poets divided into the right and the left sides.

Uta-e (歌絵) - The Uta-e is an elaborately designed pictorial work consisting of several illustrations depicting tools, natural phenomenon, plants and animals among other things that appear in Japanese poems, stories, and famous ceremonies, aimed at helping readers imagine and understand the backgrounds of these works.

Utaemon NAKAMURA (the sixth) (中村歌右衛門 (6代目)) - Utaemon NAKAMURA, the sixth (January 20, 1917 - March 31, 2001) was a kabuki (traditional drama performed by male actors) actor representative of the postwar period.

Utagaki (Poetry Reading Party) (歌垣) - "Utagaki" is a kind of folkway based on a magical belief, where young men and women gather on a specific time and date to exchange courtship songs and ballads.

Utakai Hajime (歌会始) - Utakai Hajime is a poetry reading which is held at the beginning of the New Year.

Utsuroi-giku (the white Chrysanthemum changing its color to purple) (移菊) - Utsuroi-giku refers to the variety of white chrysanthemum whose petals begin to be tinged with purple from their edges around late autumn.

Uwanari (jealousy) () - Uwanari is one of the eighteen best plays of kabuki by the Ichikawa family.

Uzagaku (Ozagaku) (御座楽) - Uzagaku (Ozagaku) is chamber music of the Ryukyu kingdom.

Uzuka (鵜塚) - Uzuka is a monument located in Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture that was constructed for the repose of cormorants of Nagara-gawa ukai (cormorant fishing in Nagara-gawa River).

Uzumasa Hassei Eiga (太秦発声映画) - Uzumasa Hassei Eiga (established 1933-stopped production in 1936) is a movie company once existed in Kyoto.

V

Vernal Equinox Day (春分の日) - The vernal equinox (the spring equinox) is the day when the vernal equinox occurs.

Vertical type rice-milling machine (縦型精米機) - A vertical type rice-milling machine was introduced around 1930 and originally used to produce sake.

Visit Japan Campaign (ビジット・ジャパン・キャンペーン) - The Visit Japan Campaign is a promotional scheme to encourage foreign tourists to visit Japan.

W

Wabi and Sabi (わび・さび) - Wabi and sabi are sense of beauty in Japan.

Wabicha (wabi style of tea ceremony) (わび茶) - Wabicha is a style of chanoyu (Japanese tea ceremony) in a restricted sense of the word.

Wadagassen Onna Maizuru (和田合戦女舞鶴) - Wadagassen Onna Maizuru (Wada Battle and Woman Flying-Crane) is a Kabuki play, but originally a ningyojoruri.

Wadaiko (Japanese drum) (和太鼓) - Wadaiko (Japanese drum) is one of the percussion instruments.

Wafu (和風) (和風) - Wafu

Wafuku (和服) - Wafuku is traditional Japanese clothing.

Wagakki (traditional Japanese musical instruments) (和楽器) - Wagakki is a term used to refer to traditional musical instruments that have been used in Japan from ancient times.

Wagashi (和菓子) - Wagashi (Japanese traditional confectionery) is a whole category of confectionary made using traditional production techniques in Japan.

Wagashi no hi (the Day of Japanese Confectionery) (和菓子の日) - Wagashi no hi' (the Day of Japanese Confectionery) was a memorial day, established by 'Zenkoku Wagashi Kyokai' (Japan Wagashi Association) in 1979.

Wakaayu (若あゆ) - Wakaayu is a kind of Japanese confectionery which is made with gyuhi (a kind of rice cake made from glutinous rice or glutinous rice flour) wrapped in an oval sponge cake, shaped into a semicircle and marked with an eye and fins.

Wakamizu (the first water drawn from the well on New Year's Day) (若水) - Wakamizu means drawing water from a well early on New Year's Day morning and offering it at a household Shinto altar.

Wakatakeni (若竹煮) - Wakatakeni (simmered bamboo shoots and seaweed) is one of the Japanese "nimono" (simmered foods).

Waki Noh (脇能) - Waki Noh is one of the programs of Noh theatrical performance, when the shite (the main actor of a Noh play) performs the roles of gods.

Wakyu (Japanese bow) (和弓) - Wakyu is the Chokyu (long bow) (weapon) used in Japanese Kyudo (Japanese art of archery).

Wall painting (壁画) - Wall paintings are paintings applied to the surface of walls and ceilings of buildings and caves.

Wanyudo (輪入道) - Wanyudo is a Japanese specter described in Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki (Continued Illustrations of the Many Demons Past and Present), a collection of illustrations of specters by Sekien TORIYAMA.

Wareki (Japanese Calendar) (和暦) - Wareki (Japanese calendar) refers to a calendar peculiar to Japan, by which time is divided into periods based on gengo (an era name) and ensuing years

Warigo (破籠) - Warigo is a kind of portable tableware which is made of thinly stripped plain wood boards such as hinoki (Japanese cypress).

Warikanoko (a kind of traditional hair styles of females which were popular in the Edo period) (割り鹿の子) - Warikanoko was a hairstyle widely worn by women from their late teens to early twenties in the late Edo period.

Warosoku (Japanese candle) (和蝋燭) - Warosoku is a kind of candle which is a lighting device.

WASA Norito (和佐範遠) - Norito WASA was a feudal retainer of Kishu Domain in the early Edo period.

Wasabi (ワサビ) - Wasabi is the plant of Brassicaceae Wasabia.

Wasai (Japanese clothing manufacture) (和裁) - Wasai is the making of wafuku (Japanese traditional clothing) or the technique that is employed.

Wasan (Japanese mathematics) (和算) - Wasan (Japanese mathematics) is a type of mathematics uniquely developed in Japan.

Wasanbon (和三盆) - Wasanbon is one kind of sugar products traditionally produced mainly in the east region of Shikoku, such as Kagawa Prefecture and Tokushima Prefecture.

Wayo (Japanese Style) (和様) - The Japanese "Wayo" (Japanese style) means things with Japanese tastes or Japanese-style, used as the opposite of "karayo" (Chinese style) meaning those with Chinese tastes or Chinese-style.

Wayo secchu (和洋折衷) - Wayo secchu' refers to the way in which Japanese style and Western style are blended together.

Western Dishes (西洋料理) - Western dishes are the dishes peculiar to the Western countries.

Whale meat (鯨肉) - Whale meat is defined as the edible parts of cetaceans and of smaller-sized cetaceans called dolphins, which are used for food.

Wind God and Thunder God Screens (Fujin Raijin-zu) (風神雷神図) - Wind God and Thunder God Screens ("Fujin Raijin-zu") is the folding screen painting of the wind god and thunder god.

Winter Festivals (冬祭り) - Winter festivals are the festivals celebrated during the winter

X

Y

Yabo (unrefined, gauche) (野暮) - "Yabo"means the unsophisticated condition.

Yabunouchi-ryu school (藪内流) - The Yabunouchi-ryu is a school of the tea ceremony.

Yabusame (shooting arrows from a galloping horse) (流鏑馬) - Yabusame is the Japanese traditional skill, practice and rite of shooting whistling arrows from a galloping horse.

YAEZAKI Kengyo (the highest title of the official ranks within the Todo-za (the traditional guild for the blind)) (八重崎検校) - Kengyo YAEZAKI (around 1776 – October 7, 1848) was a blind musician who was active during the early nineteenth century in Kyoto (jiuta shamisen (traditional Japanese shamisen music) player, so or koto (a long Japanese zither with thirteen strings) player and composer).

Yagura (Turret) () - "Yagura" (turret), which is written as "櫓" in Japanese, is a term for Japanese traditional constructions, buildings, and structure.

Yakata-bune Boat (a roofed pleasure boat) (屋形船) - Yakata-bune is a kind of Japanese boat and is a roofed ship with zashiki (tatami room) for use in festivals and enjoying food on a ship.

Yaki-Dofu (焼き豆腐) - A yaki-dofu is a tofu where both sides are singed after being drained.

Yakiniku (焼肉) - Yakuniku refers to dishes in which meat is cooked on a grill or iron plate.

Yakitori (grilled chicken) (焼き鳥) - Yakitori is a food consisting of several bite-size chunks (from one to five or so) of meat (mainly chicken) that are seasoned and grilled on skewers.

Yakizakana (broiled fish) (焼き魚) - Yakizakana is a dish in which fish is broiled.

Yama-arashi (山あらし) - Yama-arashi is a Japanese Yokai (specter) introduced in books such as a Yokai picture book, "Hyakki Yagyo Emaki" (picture scroll of a hundred specters strolling at night) by Yoshi ODA.

Yamada-nishiki (山田錦) - Yamada-nishiki is a variety of rice.

Yamaguchi Toshio Productions (山口俊雄プロダクション) - Yamaguchi Toshio Productions (established in June 1928 and dissolved in August) was a film company located in Kyoto.

Yamahai-jikomi (山廃仕込み) - Simply referred to as yamahai, yamahai-jikomi (yamahai-shikomi) is a method of brewing sake (Japanese rice wine) that belongs to the kimoto-kei (traditional moto, or yeast starter, developing method).

Yamakasa (山笠) - A "yamakasa" refers to a ceremonial implement used in shrine festivals, the form of which is similar to that of a mikoshi (portable shrine carried in festivals) or a dashi (float).

Yamamoto Reizaburo Productions (山本礼三郎プロダクション) - Yamamoto Reizaburo Productions (established in June 1928 and dissolved in August) was a film company located in Kyoto.

YAMAMOTO Tojiro (山本東次郎) - Tojiro YAMAMOTO is a professional name for a kyogen performer of the Tojiro Yamamoto family of Okura school, which is handed down generation to generation.

YAMANOUE no Soji ki (The Record of Soji YAMANOUE) (山上宗二記) - YAMANOUE no Soji ki is a book of secrets written in 1588 by Soji YAMANOUE, who was a highly regarded disciple of SEN no Rikyu.

Yamato Enshu School (大和遠州流) - The Yamato Enshu school is one of the Japanese tea ceremony schools headed by the Kobori Gonjuro family, which originated from Masai KOBORI, the third son of Enshu KOBORI (also known as Masakazu KOBORI).

Yamato Sarugaku (大和猿楽) - The Yamato Sarugaku is one of the groups performing Sarugaku (a traditional form of a Japanese theatre) mostly in Yamato Province (today's Nara Prefecture).

Yamato School (大和流) - Yamato school, one of the Kyudo (Japanese art of archery) schools, was founded by Kozan MORIKAWA in the early Edo period (in 1652).

Yamato-cha (大和茶) - Yamato-cha green tea is a kind of Japanese tea produced in an area centering Yamato Plateau in Nara Prefecture.

Yamato-damashii (the Japanese spirit) (大和魂) - The common sense and social skills required to know the stream and make things go smoothly in society.

Yamato-e painting (大和絵) - Yamato-e is one concept of style in Japanese paintings.

Yamato-yasai (Yamato Vegetables) (大和野菜) - "Yamato-yasai" collectively refers to locally produced vegetables that have been recognized by the Nara Prefectural governament (old Yamato Province), consisting of 17 types of local produce called 'Yamato no dento yasai' (traditional vegetables of Yamato) and four types called 'Yamato no Kodawari yasai' (particular vegetables of Yamato) which are grown with particular technique.

Yamauchi School (山内流) - Yamauchi school (also read Yamanouchi school) is a style of Japanese Martial Arts Swimming maintained in Usuki City, Oita Prefecture.

Yarai Kanze family (矢来観世家) - The Yarai Kanze family is one of the occupational branch families of Kanze school of Nohgaku theatre shite-kata (main roles).

Yasei-kobo (野生酵母) - Yasei-kobo (wild yeast) refers to all kinds of yeast which originally live in the nature including the air, the soil, and plants while, in the fermentation process of Japanese sake, refers to all kinds of yeast other than those that are used to obtain the desired sake quality.

Yashima (Noh play) (八島 (能)) - Yashima is a Noh play based on Heike Monogatari (The tale of the Heike).

Yatsuhashi (八ツ橋) - Yatsuhashi refers to one of the Japanese-style confectioneries.

Yawata-maki (steamed eel roll with a burdock root) (八幡巻) - Yawata-maki is a name of food.

Yo-ryu hojutsu (gunnery of Yo school) (陽流砲術) - Yo-ryu hojutsu was a school of gunnery.

Yodogimi shu (淀君集) - Yodogimi shu refers to the arts handed down from father to son, selected by Utaemon NAKAMURA the fifth.

Yohanasake Ukinano Yokogushi (与話情浮名横櫛) - "Yohanasake Ukinano Yokogushi" is one of the Sewamono (play dealing with the lives of ordinary people) masterpieces of Kabuki.

Yohen Tenmoku Tea Bowl (spotted Tenmoku tea bowl) (曜変天目茶碗) - The term "Yohen Tenmoku tea bowl" refers to a tea bowl considered to be the best of Tenmoku (a stoneware glaze which is deeply stained by iron oxide) tea bowls.

Yojinbo (用心棒) - "Yojinbo", which hit the screens in 1961, is a period action movie directed by Akira KUOSAWA,.

Yokai (specter) (妖怪) - Yokai (specter), in folk beliefs handed down in Japan, is an unusual being with supernatural powers that can cause bizarre and abnormal phenomena that are beyond human understanding.

Yokan (adzuki-bean jelly) (羊羹) - Yokan, in general, is a Japanese confection which is made by jellifying bean jam, mainly made from adzuki beans, with Japan agar.

Yoken-ryu School (庸軒流) - Yoken-ryu school is the name generally given to a school of Sado (tea ceremony) that regards Yoken FUJIMURA as its founder.

Yokota Shokai (film studio) (横田商会) - Yokota Shokai (founded in June 1903, consolidated in September 1921) is a Japanese film company once existed in Kyoto.

Yomei Tenno Shokunin Kagami (The Mirror of Craftsmen of the Emperor Yomei) (用明天皇職人鑑) - Yomei Tenno Shokunin Kagami (The Mirror of Craftsmen of the Emperor Yomei) is a play written by Monzaemon CHIKAMATSU for Bunraku (Japanese puppet theater).

Yonaki Ishi (夜泣き石) - Yonaki Ishi is one of the folk stories about stones.

Yose (a place where rakugo stories are mostly told for audiences) (寄席) - A yose originally referred to a permanent hut operated by a promoter where professionals of rakugo (traditional comic storytelling), rokyoku (naniwabushi recitation), kodan storytelling, manzai or a comic dialogue, or magicians entertained their audiences by exhibiting their skills in speaking or trickery.

Yosegi zaiku (mosaic woodwork) (寄木細工) - Yosegi zaiku is a traditional craft often seen at souvenir shops in the town of Hakone as well as in countries overseas.

Yosenabe (a pot of chowder) (寄せ鍋) - Yosenabe is a one-pot dish.

Yoshimura school (of dance) (吉村流) - Yoshimura school refers to Kamigata mai (dance from the pleasure quarters of Osaka and Kyoto, and are very reserved and refined) originated by Fuji YOSHIMURA during the early Meiji period.

Yoshimura Shuzo (吉村酒造) - Yoshimura Shuzo Co., Ltd. is a company engaged in production and sale of seishu (refined sake), with its principal office at Kami-itabashi cho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City.

Yoshingo-ryu school (容眞御流) - The Yoshingo-ryu school is a school of flower arrangement established by Seiryusai SAKURAI ichinyokoji (Ichinyo).

Yoshitsune Senbonzakura (Yoshitsune and One Thousand Cherry Trees) (義経千本桜) - Yoshitsune Senbonzakura is a program of ningyo joruri (traditional Japanese puppet theater) or Kabuki of Gidayu-bushi (musical narrative of the puppet theatre) or performed along with Gidayu-bushi.

Yoshiwara no Mandoro (吉原の万灯籠) - Yoshiwara no Mandoro is a traditional and vibrant festival that takes place in Maizuru City, Kyoto Prefecture.

Yoshoku (western food) (洋食) - The term "Yoshoku" refers to western food served in Japan.

Yoshuku Geino (予祝芸能) - In seeing the traditional perfuming arts from a religious point of view, Yoshuku Geino refers to various performing arts for celebrating the New Year such as Manzai (a traditional celebratory chant-like song) or Harukoma (a dance in which a performer carries a wooden horse's head), and Ta asobi or Onda, a performance mimicking the processes of rice production to pray for a good harvest before farm work starts.

Yosozake (sake brewed outside of the Kyoto area) (他所酒) - People living in Kyoto called sake (rice wine) brewed outside of the Kyoto area and brought to Kyoto as yosozake over the Muromachi period and the Edo period.

Yuage (湯揚げ) - Yuage is one of the Mizuage (method of prolonging the lives of flowers) methods.

Yuan Yaki (a kind of grilled fish or meat) (幽庵焼き) - Yuan yaki is a kind of yakimono (grilled fish or meat) of Japanese cuisine.

Yuba (bean curd skin) (ゆば) - Yuba is a processed food made from soybeans.

Yubeshi (ゆべし) - Yubeshi (written as 柚餅子) is a processed food which is made using citron.

Yudofu (湯豆腐) - Yudofu is one of the dishes made with tofu.

Yugake (a glove on the right hand) (ゆがけ) - Yugake, also referred as Kake, Sho is a deerskin glove-like gear for drawing Japanese bow used in Japanese kyudo (Japanese art of archery) or the art of Japanese archery.

Yugen (幽玄) - Yugen is one of the basic ideas of Japanese culture in the area of various arts such as literature, paintings, performing arts and architecture.

Yuin (遊印) - Yuin is a seal that has no character belonging to any individuals or corporations such as full name, gago (pseudonym), trade name and yago (shop name), but has inmon (words or symbols engraved on the seal) curved.

Yukaku (red-light district) (遊廓) - Yukaku was a block enclosed with walls and moats where licensed prostitute houses were concentrated.

Yukata (a kind of traditional Japanese clothing) (浴衣) - Yukata is a kind of wafuku (traditional Japanese clothing).

Yukeibunkazai (tangible cultural properties) (有形文化財) - Tangible Cultural Properties are as follows.

Yukimi (雪見) - Yukimi is one of the Japanese folkways since the medieval period, where people enjoy watching the snowing or the snowscape.

Yumai-zukuri (融米造り) - Yumai-zukuri is the modern method for brewing sake (rice wine) wherein rice is reduced to a gruel-like consistency to enable saccharification at a high temperature.

Yumiya (bow and arrow) (弓矢) - The term "Yumiya" refers to a tool for hunting which consists of bow (weapon) and arrow.

Yumoji (湯文字) - Yumoji is a type of female inner wears.

Yurei (Ghosts) (幽霊) - In Japanese folk belief, yurei are faintly visible figures who have remained in Utsushiyo (the land of the living) even after their soul left their body after death, in order to resolve some form of lingering attachment or to seek revenge for a wrong.

Yusoku Cuisine (有職料理) - Yusoku cuisine is a type of taikyo ryori (dishes served at a grand banquet) which was developed through the social etiquette of nobles during the Heian period, and survived into the modern day as a cuisine in the style of the court nobles.

Yusoku Kojitsu (Ancient Court and Military Practices) (有職故実) - Yusoku kojitsu is the study of government positions, ceremonies, and costumes based on their ancient precedents.

Yusurutsuki (ゆするつき) - Yusurutsuki is a container for shiromizu (water after washing rice) which is to be used for washing and arranging hair.

Yuya (Noh play) (熊野 (能)) - "Yuya" is one of the most representative Noh pieces.

Yuzamashi (a tea utensil used in Senchado [green tea ceremony]) (湯冷まし) - Yuzamashi is one of the tea utensils used in Senchado.

Yuzen (友禅) - Yuzen is a technique to dye cloth with patterns on it.

Yuzu Citron (ユズ) - Yuzu citron (pronounced "yuzu"; scientific name: Citrus junos, synonym C. ichangensis x C. reticulata var. austera) is a rutaceous evergreen tree.

Yuzu kosho (a spicy, hot Japanese condiment made from yuzu rind, chili and salt) (柚子胡椒) - "Yuzu kosho" (also called Yuzu gosho) is a type of condiment that is made by seasoning a paste of chili and yuzu peel with salt and then matured.

Yuzuyu (Japanese citron hot water) (柚子湯) - Yuzuyu refers to the drink made by boiling yuzu (citrus fruit) in sugared water and diluting the sugared water seasoned with the yuzu flavor with hot water (yuzu tea).

Z

Zabuton (座布団) - A zabuton (Japanese cushion) is an item of furnishing for placing under the legs or bottom when sitting on the floor or tatami.

Zan-Shin (残心) - Zan-shin is a term used in Japanese budo (martial arts) and geido (accomplishments).

Zangirimono (cropped-hair plays) (散切物) - The term "Zangirimono" (cropped-hair plays) refers to kabuki kyogen plays (plays [programs] presented in Kabuki [traditional drama performed by male actors]) which are classified into Sewamono (plays dealing with the lives of ordinary people) and reflect the folkways after the Meiji Restoration.

Zashiki (座敷) - Zashiki (literally, sitting mat) is the place where (in the medieval times) the floor was covered with a mat or carpet so as to, literally, sit down.

Zashikibina (the hina doll landscape) (座敷雛) - Zashikibina is a form of the Hinamatsuri (Doll Festival) celebration inherited specifically in Ma-ana district, Yawatahama City, Ehime Prefecture.

Zen Nihon Senchado Renmei (National Japanese Sencha Association) (全日本煎茶道連盟) - Zen Nihon Senchado Renmei (National Japanese Sencha Association) is an incorporated association founded for the promotion and development of Sencha-do (the way of sencha).

Zenfusho (禅釜尚) - Zenfusho is a type of Tsukumo-gami (gods to a variety of things) and a specter of chagama (iron tea ceremony pot) that is introduced in "Hyakki Tsurezure Bukuro" (One hundred bags in idleness) by Sekien TORIYAMA.

Zengoro (善五郎) - Zengoro is one of the head schools of the Kyo yaki (Kyoto style ceramic art).

Zenki and Goki (Ogre in front and the one in back) (前鬼・後鬼) - Zenki and Goki refer to an ogre couple which EN no Ozunu (A semi-legendary holy man noted for his practice of mountain asceticism during the second half of the seventh century), a founder of Shugendo (Japanese mountain asceticism-shamanism incorporating Shinto and Buddhist concepts), was accompanied with.

Zenzai (ぜんざい) - Zenzai refers to stewed red beans sweetened with sugar that are served in a bowl with mochi (sticky rice cake), shiratama dango (dumplings made of sticky rice flour called shiratamako), and chestnuts stewed in sugar.

Zeshi rokuju igo Sarugaku dangi (世子六十以後申楽談儀) - Zeshi rokuju igo Sarugaku dangi (also known as "Sarugaku dangi") was established in the Muromachi Period, which is a written record on Zeami's discourse about the art and has been handed down from ancestors as a collection of art treatises on Nohgaku.

Zeze-yaki Pottery (膳所焼) - Zeze-yaki Pottery is a pottery that is produced in Zeze, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture.

Zohiki (Pulling the Elephant) (象引) - Zohiki (Pulling the Elephant) is a kabuki play.

Zoi (conferral of a posthumous rank) (贈位) - Zoi

Zokuso (the modern music of koto [a long Japanese zither with 13 strings]) (俗箏) - Zokuso (zokugoto) is the koto or the koto music from the time Yatsuhashi Kengyo reformed the koto music in the early modern ages of Japan, and his koto contrasts with gakuso (the koto used in gagaku [ancient Japanese court music and dance]).

Zoni (雑煮) - Zoni is a soup dish which contains mochi (rice cakes) and other ingredients, and it is usually eaten in the New Year.

Zori (草履) - Zori are a sandal-like type of Japanese traditional footwear.

Zosui (porridge of rice and vegetables) (雑炊) - Zosui is made by simmering cooked rice again with meat, fish and shellfish, mushroom and vegetable, seasoned with soy sauce, miso, etc.