12/30/97 - History of Japanese Literature (2)
The oldest historical work existing in Japan is the Kojiki. A fascinating three volume set.

12/18/97 - History of Japanese Literature (1)
Japan, lacking a writing system prior to the arrival of kanji, has no historical records earlier than the 5th century.

12/11/97 - Calligraphy Styles
Japanese calligraphy has three basic styles: kaisho, gyousho, and sousho. Kana is sometimes considered a fourth style.

12/04/97 - Japanese Calligraphy - History
One can trace shodo’s history to China, where the master Wang Xizhi is credited with the creation of the art.

11/26/97 - Japanese Calligraphy
Japanese calligraphy, shodo, is a specialized art using a brush and black ink to write kanji and Chinese characters.

11/19/97 - Labor Thanksgiving Day
A celebration for the people to honor labor, celebrate manufacturing and give thanks to one another.
 
11/12/97 - Shichi-Go-San
A celebration for boys and girls who have reached their 7th, 5th or 3rd birthday.

11/03/97 - Hiragana Chart
A little background and introducing to the hiragana characters.

10/16/97 - Bowing
Learn more about the most common greeting in Japan.

10/09/97 - Counting on One's Fingers
If you are not use to the Japanese style you may find it hard to count to five.

10/02/97 - Xs and Os
Learn the special physical communication each of these gestures represents.

09/25/97 - A Friendly Word
The Japanese are very fond of salutations and other such pleasantries, though some are reserved just for friends.

09/18/97 - Japanese Verbal Signals (2): Indirect Expressions
The Japanese art of getting one's opinion across without offending anyone.

09/11/97 - Japanese Verbal Signals (1): Aizuchi
During a conversation between two Japanese people, the listener plays more than just a passive role.

08/27/97 - Transiency
Transiency relates to the idea of the transmigration of souls, and is one of the most important tenets of Buddhist philosophy.

08/20/97 - Ma - Interval in Time and Space
Ma means an interval in time and space, but it is much more than just a blank space. 

08/12/97 - On - Debt of Gratitude
One undertakes on when favors (gifts, etc..) are received from others. It is a special reciprocal arrangement between different classes of people that provides a sense of appreciation and contentment.

08/05/97 - Nemawashi - Prior Consultation
The Japanese have very different ways of conducting business meeting. This is called nemawashi.

07/28/97 - Ninjo
Ninjo relates to the range of human emotions such as sympathy, compassion, love, friendships, etc. Like many things in Japan, it has a much deeper meaning.

07/21/97 - Giri - Moral Obligation (2)
To a foreigner, giri can been seen as irrational and against the principles of Western business, where one is intent on personal growth.
 
07/14/97 - Giri - Moral Obligation (1)
It is not an easy task to translate (yet explain) Japanese morals and emotions. The birth of the concept of giri occurred during the feudal period in Japan, and holds the highest regard in human relationships.

07/07/97 - Haji - Shame
Japan, by nature, can be a very confusing experience for foreigners. Beyond the language, there is the Japanese collective conscience to take into consideration. 

06/30/97 - Japanese Language Education
Japan is presently enjoying a surge of popularity around the world. This increase in popularity is most evident on the Pacific Rim region. 

06/23/97 - Moji
This weeks feature will focus on some history of the the three Japanese writing (moji) systems.  

06/14/97 - About Nihongo
It is not absolutely known to which language group Nihongo (Japanese language) belongs. The structure of Nihongo is completely different from Indo-European languages such as English and French. 

06/07/97 - Gimukyoiku -Compulsory Education
Nine years: six in elementary school, and three in junior high school, make up compulsory education in Japan. This system was adopted from the American system after W.W.II. 

05/29/97 - Hogen
To a foreigner, Japan may seem like a homogeneous country. The truth is that Japan has a wide variety of regional dialects that needed to be united to maintain communication. 

05/22/97 - Keigo
Honorific language is a staple of Japanese communication. This is a very important part of the Japanese language that is not to be missed.

05/16/97 - Taue - Rice Planting
Even with the advent of mechanization, rice harvesting still plays a powerful role in the Japanese economy. 

05/09/97 - Cha-tsumi - Tea Picking 
Find out more about Japan's favorite beverage.

05/02/97 - Kodomo-no-hi - Children's Day
Get out your carp kites. Celebrate this day of children to insure their strength and good fortune.

04/25/97 - Setsubun
Don't forget to eat your beans! To insure one's good health one must eat a number of soy beans equal to one's own age during this festival.

04/18/97 - Hinamatsuri - Doll's Festival
Hinamatsuri is a time to pray for the health and well being of young girls.

04/11/97 - Cherry Blossoms
Celebrate the coming of spring and meditate on life under the beautiful cherry blossoms.  A great time to gather with friends.

Other Features:  1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001