It's said that Japanese o-bon is similar to Halloween. It is a Buddhist event and is the period of praying for the repose of the souls of one's ancestors. Japanese ghost story telling and kimo-dameshi (traditional Japanese bravery test) events, where people walk through creepy places, are often held in summer. Also, Japanese haunted houses (obake yashiki) are very popular, especially in summer.

If you want to experience spooky attractions, the Namco Nanja Town in the Ikebukuro Sunshine City, Tokyo is a place to go. As people dress in Halloween costumes, costume play has been a trend among Japanese youth. Kosupure is a Japanese word for costume play. Cosplay in Japan usually means masquerade. People dress in anime/movie/computer game character costumes, uniforms,...

If your are serious about your Martial Arts training and have dreamed about studying Martial Arts from it's country of origin than there are programs available that will assist in your journey to study Martial Arts abroad. There are quite a few Martial Arts Study Tours available that are available for serious trainers that were created for the perfect Martial Arts training experience abroad. These special tours include just about everything that the trainer would need in order to practice Martial Arts from it's country of origin.

Once the student makes his or her way to their final destination they will be quickly introduced to the foundations and principles of aikido,...

A dojo is a formal gathering place that is set up for students of any of the many Japanese martial arts styles. Students conduct training, examinations and other related encounters in the dojo. The dojo will most likely have its name prominently displayed at the front entrance also known as the shomen. Also displayed will usually be the dojo kun which are the dojo rules. These are also usually displayed for all to see at the front entrance. A dojo generally has various artifacts displayed around the inside. These artifacts can include a Shinto shrine and a kanban. Other dojo art that may be displayed include taiko drums and armor. Also, weapons are usually displayed on the back wall.

One way of the ways to decorate a dojo is by having custom dojo art created. Scrolls can be custom...

Chinese symbols are quite interesting. The way the symbols are written are a complete piece of art. This is why many folks like to get Chinese symbol tattoos. It gives others that stroll by something to wonder about the person. Why is the particular Chinese symbol relevant to the one that wears it? The tattoo may even strike up a conversation as a passerby may want to know what the Chinese symbol tattoo means. In other words, the Chinese symbols are mysterious as many people do not know what they mean.

The Chinese symbols are not only mysterious but beautiful as well. Many people choose to get the Chinese zodiac and/or symbols that stand for strength, faith, love, friendship, happiness, family, peace, luck and hope. When folks choose one of these Chinese symbols it is what the person wants in their lives. Perhaps it also describes...

Hop in your car at the far end of the North Pole and drive all the way down to the southernmost tip of Florida. Only then will you have traveled the amazing length of the Great Wall of China!

Stretching more than 3,106 miles, the Great Wall of China earns its name Wan-Li Qang-Qeng or “10,000-Li Long Wall” (The Li is an ancient unit of measure). It is the longest and largest construction ever completed, winding across the northern China mountains and snaking north and northwest from Beijing. Built from rocks, bricks, and packed-earth, the Great Wall beckons hundreds of thousands of visitors around the world to come to China to witness its grandeur. Even astronauts claim (with much-heated debate) that the Great Wall can be seen from the Earth’s orbit.

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