Category Archives: Folklore

On Katanagatari

Posted on November 16, 2011 by J Sensei

Katanagatari (“Katana Tale”) is ostensibly about swords, but it is really about people. It is epic in various senses. It is 12 episodes of 50 minutes. It is beautiful, yet simple; frivolous, yet deadly serious. It is an experience. It … Continue reading →

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On Japanese Popular Culture

Posted on February 14, 2011 by J Sensei

Rejecting A Restrictive View In reading an article in the Japan Times about popular culture in Japan, the article takes a position that is overtly or covertly taken by many purported conveyors of wisdom about Japan: the position that popular … Continue reading →

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Japanese Folklore: Yuki Onna (The Snow Woman)

Posted on November 23, 2010 by J Sensei

雪女（ゆきおんあ） While I like the younger, cuter version in Nurarihyon no Mago, by rights, Yuki Onna a.k.a. “Snow Woman” is one of Japan’s more popular and enduring figures in folklore. The above image is taken from “Kwaidan,” a film from … Continue reading →

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