These two girls are walking up the hill to reach Temple Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto. The temple was founded in 798, and its present buildings were constructed in 1633. In 2007, Kiyomizu-dera was one of 21 finalists for the New Seven Wonders of the World. However, it was not picked as one of the seven winning…
East Shinjuku is a shopping area in Tokyo that is not as posh as Ginza. The first time I thought the area was quite ugly. Then I felt there was something special about it. February 2012. Shinjuku Est est un quartier commerçant de Tokyo qui n’est pas aussi chic que Ginza. La première fois j’ai…
The shinkansen (Japanese high-speed train) is famous for its incredible punctuality: the average delay from schedule per train is 36 seconds. This station master in Kyoto makes sure the train leaves on time. February 2012. Le shinkansen (le TGV japonais) est réputé pour son incroyable ponctualité : le retard moyen à l’arrivée, par rapport à…
You do not know if the pink lolitas you meet in Takeshita street on Sundays in Harajuku are boys or girls. They are said to be white-collar employees who dress up to evacuate the working life stress. February 2012. On ne sait pas si les « pink lolitas » qu’on croise rue Takeshita les dimanches à Harajuku…
This Japanese lady with sophisticated make-up and affected gestures is a real geisha. Geishas are elegant hostesses working for wealthy clients, whose life is dedicated to traditional Japanese arts. Their education costs their family a fortune. Their number is constantly decreasing in Japan. February 2012. Cette Japonaise au maquillage élaborée et aux gestes maniérés est…
The shinto marriage is the traditional Japanese marriage. The bride wears heavy make-up and a white kimono, that symbolizes virginity and obedience to her husband. I had the opportunity to witness several ceremonies in Japan. They all end up with a photo session. Nothing proves that the guests will have a good time. The ceremony…
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