Can you guess what this kanji character is? If you guessed water, you got it right. This character's kunyomi, or Japanese pronunciation, is 'mizu', while its onyomi, or Chinese derivation, is pronounced 'sui'. It is seen in many words, such as 水曜日, pronounced suiyoubi (Wednesday); 水着, pronounced mizugi (swimsuit); and 潜水, pronounced sensui (diving underwater). A little fun fact: Wednesday is often associated with Mercury in many cultures - the word for Mercury in Japanese contains the above-pictured kanji character as well! 水星, pronounced suisei, means Mercury. Learn more about Japanese calligraphy at our Shodo Workshop, which is Saturday, February 25th with our sensei Tomoko Hetherington.

Experience through JASGA’s Cultural Workshops “the way of writing” SHODO. Learn and experience the meditative flow of the inked brush on Japanese handmade “washi” paper. Sign up soon as the workshop begins Feb. 25th!

New website. This new experience offers easy registration for our new language program, events, and ways to connect + contribute. Arigato!

Hiroshima is one of the few places outside the United States where Martin Luther King Jr. Day is celebrated. A passionate anti-nuclear activist, King wrote, “Japan knows the horror of war and has suffered as no other nation under the cloud of nuclear disaster. Certainly Japan can stand strong for a world of peace.” https://japantoday.com/category/features/lifestyle/martin-luther-king-jr's-near-appearance-on-nippon-television-50-years-ago

Happy New Year! In Japan, 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit (usagi), the 4th animal in the Chinese zodiac. For the Japanese, these contemplative creatures are considered messengers of the gods. Photo: Choju Jinbutsu Giga (Scrolls of Frolicking Animals) from the 12th/13th century. Considered the earliest example of manga. Kōzan-ji Temple, Kyoto (高山寺) Learn more about the year of the rabbit: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2023/01/01/lifestyle/chinese-zodiac-rabbit-2023/

Osoji or Tidy Up is an annual end of the year event in Japan that started hundreds of years ago and was then called “susu harai” meaning “sweep the soot.” Students in Japan learn the importance of keeping their physical environments clean by the schools not employing janitorial staff, but rather have the students be responsible. It is believed this adds to your focus and is a positive chore. Now we have Marie Kondo spreading the message of tidying with the slogan “spark joy.” This year at the World Cup the Japanese visitors to these games sparked joy and cleaned up the stadium with pride! Join JASGA monthly for our fun Taniguchi 🧹 Tidy Up. 😎

November 3rd is Culture Day “Bunka no Hi.” The history of this national holiday began November 3, 1868. The kimono has been a part of Japanese culture since the Nara Period. Kimonos can be formal or casual. This kimono is called “Komon,” a casual style kimono with tiny patterns. The patterns on this kimono represent spring and fall called “Shun jyu.” The obi is a Nagoya obi with an illustration of the ritual journey of the “Daimyo Gyoretsu.” JASGA will be presenting more posts on the kimono and how to tie an obi. Stay tuned. 👘

"Chanoyu" is translated into English as "hot water for tea." Join Urasenke teacher, Linda Mosley, to experience harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility with a good friend, family member and/or buddy. Enjoy matcha + a dessert and friendship. Saturday, October 22nd 2-4pm in-person at the AARC. Register now at: www.JASGA.org

The “rice ball” has a long history in Japan dating back to 350 BCE. In the days of the Heian Period when Murasaki Shikibu was writing “the Tale of Genji” domestic servants received these egg shaped brown rice treats and called them “tonjiki.” These days the rice ball is called many names one being “onigiri.” This is the comfort food of Japan and you may have seen it eaten or referenced on Netflix shows like “Old Enough” or “Tokyo Diner.” Another common term for the rice ball is "omusubi” which is in the title of the famous Japanese folktale "Omusubi Kororin.” This story starts when the omusubi rolls out of the old man’s bento box into mouse hole. And yes, there is another term you might hear often from an older gentleman called “Nigirimeshi.” What are Onigiri? Onigiri are made with a handful of Japanese steamed rice which is sticky and holds together. Oftentimes formed by hand or a mold into a sphere or triangular shape then sprinkled w/salt and/or wrapped with a nori seaweed wrapper to help your hands from getting sticky. The fun part is the various fillings “onigiri gu” which are placed inside the rice ball or on the top. Unless labeled you might be in for a fantastic surprise when you bite into one! Check some out locally at Asahi Imports daily. Search online too for a recipe as they are easy to make at home by yourself. Terms: musubi (v) means to bind together. (omusubi) nigiri (v) means to squeeze or to grasp (onigiri) Photo: Asahi Imports

Get your Hiragana & Katakana black belt! A few more spots to study with Kazki Watanabe author of “Japanese for Dogs.” www.JASGA.org