Japanese Hair Straightening

By now, I'm sure you've heard of the hair straightening process invented in Japan that has swept America and made countless women forever grateful to it's hair-transforming powers. It goes by several different names - Japanese Straightening, Thermal Reconditioning, Straight Perm, and Japanese Straight Perm. So, what exactly can you expect after a thermal reconditioning service? Well, it's actually nothing short of miraculous, if you choose the right product and stylist.

I had my treatment done at a Japanese salon in Ohio that specializes in this service. After about six hours of sitting in the salon, being alternately shampooed, heated under intense heat lamps, blown out, flat ironed, and then going through the entire process again, I emerged from the salon with a completely retextures, smooth and sleek head of hair. All together, the straightening process cost about $750, including a VERY generous tip and a large bottle of shampoo and conditioner specially formulated for my new tresses. The hourly rate for the service was $80, which is actually below most others that charge about $100 an hour. I was under strict instructions to guard my hair from water or any type of moisture for the next 72 hours.

I was completely thrilled with my new hair. The light reflected off of it like crazy, and it blew naturally in the breeze, not at all dried out or artificial, like you might expect after a chemical treatment. It actually was in the best condition ever, which seemed counterintuitive since it had essentially just been through six hours of chemical and heat treatment. Nevertheless, it was absolutely and undeniably true.

I was told I would need to come back for a touch up on the new growth anywhere from 6 months to a year, depending on how straight I wanted it to stay and the rate of hair growth. It is now six months later, and even though it has more body, it is still shiny and smooth. I actually like it a little more with some body at the roots. It gives it a little extra lift, and the remaining hair is still straight and manageable.

There are some things you want to look out for when searching for a salon that offers thermal reconditioning. First, find out which straightening product they use. The best Japanese Straightening System is Liscio, and the second is Yuko. Both are made in Japan. Any others are to be cautiously researched. Liscio has produced the best results on clients, and if you've read about it anywhere, there is nothing negative to be reported. This is the system the salon I went to used, and my results were healthy and beautiful. Second, make sure the technician performing the service has plenty of experience in the process. Any good salon will provide you with before and after pictures of their work. Third, be sure to be open and honest with the stylist about any prior hair coloring or processing, so they can adjust the treatment accordingly for the best results. Don't fall in to the trap of buying expensive shampoos and conditioners like I did (I spent about $85 on shampoo and conditioner). You can actually use several quality, gentle shampoos and intensive conditioners and get the same, if not better, results.

After Japanese Straightening, you do want to be sure to keep hair protected from the sun and moisturized, so frequent deep conditioning and an SPF spray or other UV protective hair product is highly recommended. You must wait at least one to two months before coloring your hair after the treatment, depending on your stylist's recommendations. If you can, go to a stylist who was actually trained by a top technician at the corporate headquarters for the system they use. This assures they have been trained correctly and specifically on how to get the best results possible. What this means for you is a lower risk of getting a "botched" straightening job or damaged hair. Do your research. Get online and find the salons in your area that offer the service along with their credentials. After all, you don't want to waste your hard-earned money on something that is less than a superior result. The cost of the treatment can be very high, especially if your hair is particularly long or hard to "de-curl". Typically, the longer and curlier the hair, the longer the process takes, and the more you will spend.

Bottom line, if your hair is unruly, frizzy, or overly curly and you would like to have low maintenance, hassle free hair that is shiny and straight, the "Japanese Straight Perm" is just the thing for you. I know I will be going back for a second round!

Japanese Anime 漫画, 動画

Anime is the Japanese word for Animation. In Japan, the animation industry is much more towards the forefront than it is in the United States, and shows covering virtually every genre can be found in the form of television shows, Original Animation Videos (OAVs or OVAs) and feature films. Much like any other entertainment medium, Japanese anime can range from the very silly to the very serious, and is not necessarily intended for children or any specific age group.

Common Misconception Concerning Ninja 忍者（にんじゃ）

Ninja are largely a myth; a product of Edo period drama, adapted to Japanese and then Western cinema. The modern image of the black-pajama clad super warrior, turning invisible and throwing "Chinese stars" and the like is pure, unadulterated. It's a pop image because people keep buying into the Ninja fantasy.

What we know about Ninjas.

In the Sengoku period, they were referred to by a variety of names, but not "Ninja". "Ninja" is an Edo period term. The two characters, "Nin" and "Ja" are the same characaters as "Shinobi" and "mono". One of the original terms was "Shinobo no mono"--literally, person of stealth. Someone in the Edo period decided this was too much of a mouthful, so used the Sinified readings of the two characters and presto, you've got "N". Prior to the Edo period, the word was not used. Shinobi, or Shinobi no mono, was one term. "Kusa" was a very common term also, used to denote stealthy scouts.

"Ninja" activities include all manner of covert activities. Spying, assassination, planting rumors, sabotage...all these can be considered "shinobi" activities. However, being a spy didn't mean you were some sort of secret agent from some clan of secret agents, raised from birth to be a spy.

Common Myth #1: "Ninjas" wore black night uniforms and skulked around in the dark.

Think about it--like no one's going to look at you and guess what you're doing if you go around in a night suit at noontime? Idiocy. Night uniforms were typically blue, anyways--if you care to verify, visit the Iga-Ueno "Ninja" Museum at Iga-Ueno Castle, in Mie Prefecture. Black outlines you on a dark night. It makes you MORE visible, since the sky isn't black, it's blue. Dark blue is much more effective. And of course, just because you wear a night outfit to avoid being seen, doesn't make you a "Ninja" (thieves are also often depicted in similar attire in Japanese theater/paintings), but I think that should be obvious enough that I don't have to say it.

The black "uniform" comes from the Edo stage theater. Prop assistants and others who are supposed to be "unseen" in Kabuki, Bunraku, etc., wear all black uniforms to signify their "invisible" role. When Edo-period playwrights struggled on how to show their "invisible" assassin characters, they hit upon clothing them like the stagehands. The audience of the time KNEW that the character was "invisible", and understood the point. The common image carried over into film, unfortunately, and modern audiences frankly aren't as in tune with the conventions of the theater.

What DID "Ninja" wear? Anything that wouldn't attract attention. Peasant, traveling priest, low-level samurai, merchant--all these were perfect disguises for walking around the countryside, gathering information for your lord. The 3 "N" characters in the Kurosawa film "Kagemusha" are dressed like 2 peasants and a traveling priest--they're actually spies for Nobunaga and Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Common Misconception #2: "Ninja" were dishonorable, and used underhanded techniques that samurai would never use, and "Ninja" were a separate, lower class from samurai.

Um, no. Especially pre-Edo, samurai would use whatever techniques/tactics they could to win and survive. Spying, assassination, etc. were just part of the game. Even the Edo period paragon of virtue and loyalty, the 47 Ronin (or 47 loyal retainers of Ako), were a CLASSIC example of supposedly "N" tactics--everything from faking death and dishonor to surprise night attacks, it's all there.

As to being "separate" from samurai, that's bull too. The two most famous "Ninja" in history, Hattori Hanzo and Yagyuu Jubei, were both samurai. Hattori Hanzo, "Devil Hanzo", was Tokugawa Ieyasu's chief of clandestine operations, and was noted for being from Iga, a hotbed of "Ninja" activity. He ran Ieyasu's spying campaigns, and possibly more. As a senior retainer, he held the rank of Hatamoto--now, one couldn't be a hatamoto without being a samurai--so how could he be a samurai if a "Ninja" couldn't be one?

Yagyuu Jubei, of the famous Yagyuu clan (also from Iga, and masters of the afore-mentioned Iga-Ueno Castle) is also famous as a "Ninja". The Yagyuu were from Iga, were well known practitioners of clandestine arts, and were appointed hatamoto and kenjutsu instructors to the Tokugawa Shoguns. Most of the legends around Jubei stem from when he was "dismissed" for several years from the Shogun's service, only to be recalled later. This prompted speculation that he was off conducting missions under cover. No one knows, but again--a "Ninja" who was obviously, and undeniably, a samurai.

Now, does this mean that all "Ninja" or people who conducted "Ninja" activities were samurai? By no means. If Lord Date's wife's maid is passing what she overhears Date saying about his plans in his sleep to an agent of mine, she's most definitely conducting shinobi activity. Does it mean she's trained to kill 37 ways with a chopstick? No.

Common Myth #3: "Ninja" used straight swords, different from samurai swords.

No, no, no, and no. Remember what I said above about the black pajamas? This was another way to tell the bad guy (in black, straight sword) from the good guy. These things DIDN'T exist. And you don't see them in Japanese "Ninja" films. It's pure Hollywood.

Common Myth #4: There are "Modern" "Ninja"

These people are typically martial artists--nothing against them, but they aren't historians. It's really easy to fake some scroll. Generally these people couldn't produce historical accuracy if their lives depended on it. I read one of his books just to see what he was talking about, and it's clear that he simply doesn't know. Any Japanese 2nd grader could have pointed out GAPING holes in his historical "facts", but because Westerners get mesmerized by tales of invisible warriors and walking on water, he's considered an "expert". When it comes to learning about Asia, people in the West are stupid. (The same, sadly, holds true in reverse.)

A corollary to this is that Manga, Anime, Movies, Books (Fiction books, like Shogun) are *NOT* historical sources. "My sensei told me so" likewise does not make it fact.

By: Nate Ledbetter (http://www.geocities.com/klancesegall/Ninja.html )

History of Geisha 芸妓（げいぎ)

Japanese Geisha have their roots in female entertainers such as the Saburuko of the 7th century. Japanese Geishas performs for the nobility and concubines to the emperor. The first walled-in pleasure quarters were built in Japan in the 16th century. In the Japanese culture, they were modeled after those of Ming Dynasty China. After they were relocated in the mid-1600s, they became known as Shimabara (after a fortress in Kyushu).

Meanwhile a marshy patch of land (Yoshi-wara) in Edo had been designated as the site for a brothel district under the auspices of the Tokugawa shogunate. Strict rules such as brothels and the like were not allowed to operate outside the district. Among these rules were that no customers were allowed to stay in a brothel for more than 24 hours. Any suspicious or unknown visitors were to be reported to the Office of the City Governor.

With Japan enjoying a long-awaited period of peace following centuries of civil war, many samurai found that society no longer had such need of their services. It's thought that many daughters of these formerly noble families became courtesans, with the result that quarters such as Yoshiwara and Shimabara were places of refinement and culture. Peace also brought an increase in prosperity and the rise of the merchant class, or chonin. Add that to the presence of artists and an atmosphere free of the strictures of the outside world, and it truly was something of an adult amusement park, with culture thrown in for good measure.

Within the hanamichi there were many different classes of courtesans, and over the decades the hierarchy and the standards expected of them changed many times, not always for the better. The situation deteriorated in the mid-18th century to the extent that a new form of entertainer emerged in Kyoto and Osaka. The earliest geiko were men, while the first females, who appeared shortly after, were odoriko (dancers) or played the shamisen. Female geisha soon became popular enough to be able to steal clients from the courtesans, and in the case of Yoshiwara it was decided to start a kenban, or registration system, to keep them under control and force them to pay taxes.

It strictly controlled their dress, behavior and movements and was considered so successful that it quickly became the norm at hanamichi across Japan.
These strict rules in fact allowed the geisha to flourish as artists and entertainers. Though more simply dressed than the courtesans, they became regarded as fashion leaders. But many aspects of the lifestyle itself were less glamorous. Young girls were sold into the geisha life by their families until the mid-20th century and were often subject to the ritual of 'mizu-age,' whereby their virginity was sold to the highest bidder. Such practices were eradicated after World War II and the geisha profession went into a steady decline. Today, if Japanese geisha are hired to entertain at a private party outside the upper echelons of society, they are most likely to be seasoned veterans, more akin to your favorite aunt or even grandmother than the girl next door.

Sumo Wrestling 相撲 (すもう)

What is Sumo Wresting?

Sumo wrestling is the traditional national sport of Japan. Just as baseball and soccer have become popular within Japan, the ancient traditions of Sumo wrestling are gaining popularity outside of Japan. There are six Grand Sumo tournaments (basho) held during the year, in each odd numbered month. Three are held in the capital of Tokyo, and one each are held in the cities of Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka. There are only seventy salaried professional sumo wrestlers in the two top divisions of Sumo, with hundreds of men striving to break into these ranks.

How is Sumo Wrestling Enjoyed?

To enjoy the combat sport of Sumo Wrestling, there are only a few things to know. Two men meet in a ring that is 4.55 meters across. They wear thick silk belts around their waists. The object is to force your opponent out of this ring (dohyo) or to make any part of his body (excepting the soles of the feet) touch the playing surface. There is a referee and several judges watching the action to call the winner. These bouts are very brief, averaging only a few seconds, although some exciting matchups can go on for two or three minutes. The combatants cannot pull hair, gouge eyes, or strike with a closed fist. Pushing, tripping, slapping and various body throws are commonly seen in Sumo. Judo was derived from ancient Sumo throwing techniques.

Why Learn About Sumo Wrestling?

If you are interested in Japan, Sumo is a fascinating way to learn about the culture of the country. Men and women alike are fans of the sport, and it is deeply and traditionally Japanese. The wrestlers belong to teams, and live communally in a lifestyle that is completely dedicated to the sport. Sumo is a way of life as well as a sport, and all involved wear distinctive clothing and are considered role models all year round. A strict meritocracy, you gain rank and pay in Sumo only by winning; lose and you drop in rank. An additional attraction of Sumo are the men from foreign countries who struggle to achieve fame and fortune in Japan. Recently, men from Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Mongolia, China and the United States have found success.

Kendo Technique

The way of the sword, Kendo, has its origin embedded in the antiquities of Japanese history. The weapon of survival with is multitudes of styles as perfected by the Japanese samurai (warriors) such as Musashi and Kojiro has left its impact and evolved into one of the most interesting and fasted action sports in modern times. The word “Kendo” when written in Kanji (Chinese form of writing adopted by the Japanese in the 5^th Century) is made up of two ideograms; (ken, meaning the sword) and (do, the way or philosophy).

Most Japanese historians are in agreement on many aspects of Kendo technique as contained in the Kojiki (Stories of Ancient Japan) that covers the period of Japanese history from mythological ages to the reign of Emperor Suiko (593-628) and in Nihonshoki (720 A.D.) pertaining to period up to the reign of Emperor Jito (686-697). It is generally conceded that Iyenao Yamashironokame Iishino (known later as Choisai Iishino) opened one of the first schools of fencing. It was called the Shinto Ryu.

The development of Kendo comes from a crude form of combat began some 1600 years ago. The use of a solid wooden sword (bokken) and the establishment of the art of Tachikaki (the attack or the drawing of sword technique) is recorded about 400 A.D. Kendo developed one of individual art of swordsmanship during the Taika Restoration (646 A.D.). This form continued until the later part of the Heian Period (794 to 119 A.D.).

In order to comprehend the evolution of Kendo, one must study the rise to power of the samurai, the warrior-knights of Japan. The rise of the samurai class in 1067 A.D. heralded the beginning of various styles or schools (ryu’s) in sword techniques.

Before the Heian Period the samurai wore his sword suspended from a sash-like belt (obi) by two strings with the cutting edge of the blade toward the ground. However, at the turn of the 10^th century the long sword was worn on the left side by tucking it through the obi with the cutting edge upward. This facilitated a “quick draw” in which the sword was withdrawn with cutting edge toward the enemy with minimum effort. It was not until later that a short sword was worn tucked in the obi with the long sword.

During the Nara Era (650-793 A.D.) Tachikaki was replaced by a new form of combat, the Tachiuchi (duel). This form was comparable to the European combat-of-arms. The various styles of fencing underwent a slow transition for many years, but began to exert itself during the latter part of the Heian Era to the Kamakura Period (1192-1336 A.D.).

The rise of the samurai into the Japanese historical picture developed slowly; it began soon after the capitol was moved from Nara to Kyoto (794 A.D.). As the defects in the system of the centralized government began to assert themselves, discords with the rural administration began to plague the central authorities. As the landowners in rural communities were forced to maintain armed forces to insure the safety of their possessions, the groundwork for the entrance of the samurai was laid.

The samurai, who arose from families of influential persons, local chieftains, or servants of government officials or nobles, began to exert a greater influence in the rural estates of the noblemen. The aristocrats now enjoying the peace and ease of metropolitan life in Kyoto, the new capitol, were indifferent and failed to remedy this dangerous trend. The class who was to gain power in the following periods arose from those who had served the aristocracy during the peaceful Nara and Heian periods . . . the samurai.

However, it was during this transition that the art of Kendo developed. Opportunities offered to master swordsman spurred samurai to seek skillful Kendo teachers in order to perfect their fencing or sword techniques. As a master swordsman a samurai could set up a fencing school subsidized by a lord of a clan.

For the next 200 years and until the Ashikaga Era (1337 – 1573 A.D.) the art of fencing underwent very little change. However, during Ashikaga Era many fencing schools flourished and the popularity of Kendo was, again, on the rise. Fencing schools (dojos) founded by exceptionally strong and skillful swordsmen produced various styles of Kendo. The most famous of these were the fencing schools of Nagahide Chujo (1380), Bunguro (1380), Bunguro Hukida (1437), Choisai Iizasa (1488) and In-Ei (1521), a renowned spearman as well as a swordsman.

During practices zealous students with a desire to display their skill before their teachers would be carried away with such enthusiasm that he would challenge anyone in the gym. Such actions often led to serious injuries and in some cases … death.

Contests where contact was made, i.e., with a wooden sword (bokken), etc., distressed the famed Iko Aisu (1452–1538 A.D.). During his meditations at Udo Shrine in Miyazaki Prefecture, the inspired Aisu devised a new method of defense techniques. His school, established in 1488 and called the Aisu Kuge School of Swordsmanship, was to have a profound influence on the Yagyu Clan; the most distinguished swordsmen of later years.

During the later part of the Ashikaga Era, Kendo as a martial art stagnated. However, during this period Kata-kenjitsu (where two fencers faced one another and practiced with a wooded sword) was developed. Stress was placed upon form and motion; personal contact was restricted. The Kata-kenjitsu techniques required skill and the mastering of many movements with little thought given to realistic values of contact.

The interest in action and actual contact with wooden sword was renewed during the Nobunaga (1568–1581 A.D.) and the Hideyoshi (1582–598 A.D.) periods. This, again, resulted in serious injuries and even deaths to the participants during practice sessions.

In order to minimize serious injuries among fencers during the practice matched, Chuzo Nakanishi (1750) of Edo (as Tokyo was called in ancient times) invented a stave (shinai)) made with four sections of bamboo. Each section was fitted so all dangerous edges and splinters were eliminated. This original shinai was to undergo very little change and is basically similar to the fencing shinai of today.

Even with the introduction of the shinai, Nakanishi required all students to wear protective equipment. Rules and regulations on fencing etiquette were established. The style of Kata-kenjitsu was replaced by Kenjutsu or Kengaki (sword action).

The fencing skirt (hakama) and a heavy jacket (kekogei) was adopted as the standard wearing apparel. The first protective equipment to be worn outside of the hakama was the waist band (tare) that fits snugly around the waist to protect the hips from any blow which might miss the center protective armor. The tare has five pendants hanging down about 12 inches in length.

Next the chest armor (do … pronounced as dough) was worn for the protection of the chest. The do was held in place by crossing the cords at the back and tying ends to the loops on each side of the armor at the front. A cord at the base of the do prevents the armor from sliding forward.

Later the face and head protector (men) was devised so that additional action could be added to Kendo. Before a fencer places the men on his head he generally wraps a towel over his head to prevent perspiration from running into his eyes.

The next protective equipment developed was the wrist guard (Kote). A decisive blow was considered to be to the right wrist since the right had holds the sword. The kote with its padded cotton reinforcing was designed to protect the joints against the powerful blows struck at the wrist.

After a kendoist has secured his equipment he must stand, place his shinai in his left hand and bow as he enters the training gym. If there is an opponent who wishes to fence with him, both must face the head instructor and present themselves with a slight bow. When both participants are ready, they must face each other, acknowledging with another slight bow. They must take six steps directly toward each other, then together in unison, slowly lower to a squatting position while drawing the fencing shinai in front. When the contestants rise together or at a command, the match is on. This procedure must be repeated after each practice session and as in ancient times, it is still a standard procedure practiced in the fencing schools throughout the world.

Various point systems were developed for the sport of Kendo; they are a follows: Kote (wrist), Men (Migi-Men, right side of head; Men, top of head; and Hidari-Men, left side of head), Do (waist), and the Tsuki (throat). Each strike or cut must be called out at the same time they are made. In other words, as the kendoist strikes the opponent, he must instantaneously call out the point as he hits. This not only develops the physical but full mental coordination.

The ready stance (Kamae) is extremely important to master in Kendo. It is from this basic position that all movements originate. When the Kamae of a kendoist is so perfect, it is almost impossible to find an opening. There are instances when a match of three points ends without a point being scored because of the skill of an opponent.

Chudan Kamae, one of the basic positions or stances, must be mastered first. Footwork is vital in Kendo. The right foot is always forward with the left foot in a heel-up propelling position. The right foot and the right hand always lead together.

The stave (shinai) is held by the right hand at a point one to two inches from the guard (tsuba). The left hand firmly grasps the end of the shinai (tsuka). The tsuka is held three inches from the lower edge of the chest armor (do).

The point of the shinai (Sakigawa) is always held pointed at the throat protector (tsuki) of the opponent when Chudanno Kamae stance is assumed. The position of the throat protector is always the centerline of the opponent; therefore, the tip of the shinai should follow this point.

The Gedan no Kamae is similar; however, the shinai is lowered. The left foot is always back; the heels about two and one-half inches off the floor.

The hips must be kept level, the shoulders drawn back, and the arms must be relaxed. There are many stances. The Left Stance (Hidari Jodan) is assumed with the left foot leading and the shinai fully above the shoulders. The Right Stance (Migi Jodan) is the reverse; the right foot must lead.

There are two types of Kendo matches: the one point or two-out-of-three points match. Each match lasts five minutes. A tie results in an additional five minutes or the first blow or point scored in the overtime period wins the match.

There is no black belt as such in Kendo. The beginner’s ranks range from 10^th to 1^st Class (Kyu); whereas, the advanced students or instructors are awarded ranks ranging from 1^st Degree (Shodan) to 10^th Degree, is reserved for active members of the art; there are only four living 10^th degree (Judan) holders in the world.

Kendo is one of the most fascinating arts in the world since age, height, weight, sex, or physical condition have little bearing on heights to which a kendoist can advance. He can develop specific skills and techniques within a pattern of set movements. He can build his own character and attitude at a pace compatible with his daily schedule. The training and patience is for him to choose and follow.

Kendo is a mental as well as physical activity. The study and discipline take years to develop. It is often said that if one will study a full year he will follow Kendo as an active member of a fencing school for many years to come. And, like the samurai of the bygone days, the kendoists are working for the future of his country today and for a better tomorrow through an ancient art that has become a modern sport … Kendo.

Kendo Equipment

All the protective equipment used in kendo are shown in the picture below:

The head gear is called "men" and is made of layers thick cloth on the sides with a metal grill and leather trimmings. Padding on the inside of the grill allows a tight fit between the top of the head and the chin. A throat guard ("tsuki") is made of padded cloth with leather on the outside. Usually the tsuki will have a "X" patter of stitches which serve as a target for thrusts.

The protective gloves are called "kote" and are also made of thick layers of cloth on the wrists with padded cloth or leather for the fingers. For a better grip, the inside of the kote is lined with suede. The kote can be adjusted by tightening up the strings on the inside of the wrist.

The torso protector is called a "do". The do is traditionally made of bamboo panels although plastic materials and even carbon fiber can be found. The outside of the do is lacquered to give it a nice dark gloss look to it. A dojo crest or other emblem can also be included in the lacquer. The top of the do always exhibits a nice pattern of stitches over leather. The do is tied to the body by strings on the upper part that are crossed over the shoulder and tied around the loops on the top. A second set of strings are located at the lower part and are tied across the hips.

The lower body protector is called a "tare". The tare is also made of thick layers of cloth with leather and stitches making patterns on it. The tare is tied to the body by cloth belts along the top part.

Besides protective armor, kendo kendo uses a bamboo sword called a "shinai" during practice. The shinai itself is made of four bamboo or carbon fiber slats held together at the tip and grip. The standard length of the "blade" portion of the shinai is 39 inches for men, 38 inches for women and 37 inches for juniors. The standard weight of a shinai for men is 0.515 kg, approximately half of the weight of a real sword. Also carbon fiber shinais can be made with difference balance and handle sizes.

A wooden sword, ("bokken") is used to practice kata or forms in kendo. Kendo kata involves two participants and are a set of movements and strikes in the proper form. Proper concentration, breathing and manners are also important when performing a kata. It is said that all movements of kendo can be found in the seven kata with the bokken and three kata with the "kodachi" or short sword.