Japanese Ice Bra

Japan’s hot and humid summers have led to many great ideas and inventions to try and stay cool and beat the summer heat. Last summer it was the Air Conditioned Jacket.

The latest is a bra with built in ice packs that promises to keep women cool this summer. The ice bra from underwear firm Triumph Japan dubbed the “Super Cool Bra” was unveiled on Wednesday. The bra features a pair of small fish tanks encompassing the breasts, a traditional Japanese wind chime and a mint leaf.

How does it all work?

JCV Japan Festival

The Japan Club of Victoria Japan Festival in support of the Japan Tsunami Appeal is on Sunday, 20th May, 2012 at the Box Hill Town Hall and TAFE.

The Japan Festival will features special events such as Cosplay Contest and Sumo Show as well as various performances, which will include Japanese drumming, traditional dance, shamisen and martial arts. The exhibits on the day will include tea ceremony, ikebana, go, shogi, bonsai and origami. Don’t miss the fabulous stalls selling sushi, takoyaki, yakitori and Japanese sweets.

Kodomo no Hi - Children’s Day

Kodomo no hi or Children's Day is a Japanese National Holiday during Golden Week which takes place on the 5th of May. While it is a holiday for children in general, it is primarily for boys (girls have a day of their own on the 3rd of March called (Hina Matsuri).

Children’s Day is a Japanese boy’s festival and is a day to pray for the healthy growth of boys. It is Japanese tradition for families with boys to display carp streamers (koinobori) outside their houses around this holiday. Carp are believed to symbolize successes in children’s lives, and by displaying koinobori it is hoped to bring boys of the family future success and luck. Samurai dolls called gogatsu ningyo (May Dolls) are also put on display in homes.

In my home, because we have a son we display kabuto (samurai helmet). Many people have these as a seasonal decoration displayed during Children’s Day. Kabuto is displayed to express hope that each boy in the family will grow up healthy and strong. We bought quite an expensive one in Japan, but really like having it out on display during Children’s Day. Our son loves wearing it on this special day as well.

You can see a picture of our family kabuto below

Family Kabuto (Samurai Helmet)

Some other interesting Japanese Festivals are:

• Golden Week - A period of Japanese National Holidays
• Hina Matsuri - Japanese Dolls Festival
• Tanabata - Japanese Star Festival

Kodomo no hi Japan Festival

JAFA's Kodomo no hi Japan Festival is the biggest Japan festival in Adelaide with a 17-year history. Last year the event was attended by up to 5000 people.

The day is filled with Japan-related performances, exhibitions, activities, stalls and plenty of Japanese food. 

Come along for a fun day for the whole family at this unique community event.

1,000,000 Smile by SUPER GiRLS

This week's Japanese Song of the Week is 1,000,000 Smile by SUPER GIRLS, which has debuted at number 5 on the Japanese Jpop Oricon charts.

SUPER GIRLS are a twelve member all girl group from Japan signed to the famous Avex Trax label. The group made their stage debut in 2010 and released their first single in 2011.

This is the group's 4th single and is old fashioned candy pop that is very upbeat and happy.

Japan Australia on Technorati

Japan Australia has just joined Technorati

4YTH2ZNHF5CM

Golden Week 2012 in Japan

Golden Week in Japan is fast approaching. The end of April through around May 5th is called “Golden Week” in Japan and is based around a period of Japanese national holidays. Golden Week in 2012 is based on two separate holidays of 3 and 4 days. The first is from Saturday, April 28 through to Monday, April 30 and then Thursday, May 3 through to Sunday, May 6.