Japanese art and entertainment

Calligraphy=shodo, paper folding=origami, flower arrangement=ikebana, tea ceremony=chanoyu, Japanese clothing=kimono. I got a chance to get a glimpse of these visual arts of Japan. Each of them is unique and complicated. Being able to perform them, one has to be very patient and understanding, and then one will be rewarded with a peace of mind and calmness. While experiencing these Japanese arts I became more familiar with Japanese customs, traditions and proper etiquette. I could see inside their way of life.

Shodo: http://www.theartofcalligraphy.com/

Origami: http://www.lisashea.com/japan/origami/sales/history/

Ikebana: http://www.ikebanahq.org/whatis.html

Chanoyu: http://aabss.org/journal1999/f23Turay.html

Kimono: http://www.sallys-place.com/beverages/tea/chanoyu.htm

I provided web-sites, which I think describe very well each of these arts.

The picture with many cranes-origami creations, I made in Okinawa in Japanese Naval Underground. The cranes represent Japanese soldiers’ loyalty towards Japanese people and land. Also, this is peoples’ way of honouring Japanese soldiers by bringing the cranes to this memorial site.