Ukiyo-e - NINJA KOTAN

The New ¥1,000 Note Featuring Hokusai’s “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” Hokusai’s Ukiyo-e, ‘The Great Wave off Kanagawa’, Featured on New Currency Note for the First Time On July 3, 2024, new banknotes (Japanese Banknotes) will be issued for the first time in 20 years since 2004. This new series of notes features numerous anti-counterfeiting technologies and universal designs, which will be detailed below. Ukiyo-e enthusiasts will likely focus on the reverse side of the new ¥1,000 note, which features the ukiyo-e master Katsushika Hokusai’s ‘The Great Wave off Kanagawa.’ This marks the first time in history that ukiyo-e artwork has been used on currency. Additionally, the obverse of the new ¥1,000 note features a portrait of Shibasaburo Kitasato, a Nobel Prize-winning bacteriologist. Source: Photo taken by our company of a poster from the Bank of Japan Prototype of “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” Hokusai persistently challenged himself throughout his life with the depiction of waves. He drew waves multiple times in his life, constantly experimenting to capture the elusive movement of water. His masterpiece “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” was created in his early 70s, but its prototype is believed to be “Oshiokuri Hato Tsusen noread moreThe New ¥1,000 Note Featuring Hokusai’s “The Great Wave off Kanagawa”

24May, 20242024年5月23日

Experience

Shinjuku’s Kagurazaka: Deep Connections with the Third Shogun of the Edo Shogunate

By ninjakotan

Shinjuku’s Kagurazaka: Deep Connections with Tokugawa Iemitsu, the Third Shogun of the Edo Shogunate Tokugawa Iemitsu, the Third Shogun who Consolidated the Foundations of the Edo Shogunate Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third Shogun of the Edo Shogunate (in office from 1623 to 1651), had a deep connection with Kagurazaka. Iemitsu solidified the hierarchical feudal system of the Shogunate and mandated the Sankin-Kotai system, which required feudal lords to reside in Edo periodically. He was also instrumental in establishing the isolationist policies that defined the Edo period. Kagurazaka Street in Shinjuku, Constructed by Shogun Iemitsu The most notable connection with Kagurazaka is the construction of Kagurazaka Street itself by Iemitsu. Designed as the ‘Onarimichi,’ or Shogun’s route, it connected the Ushigome gate of Edo Castle to the residence of the senior councilor Sakai Tadakatsu. Shogun Iemitsu Named Denchuji Temple Denchuji Temple, located between Kagurazaka and Edogawabashi stations, is a historic Zen temple named by Iemitsu. In 1650, while on a falconry outing, Iemitsu visited the temple and, noting its location amidst the fields, named it Denchuji. This temple has deep ties with Eiheiji Temple in Fukui Prefecture, a prominent Zen temple of the Soto sect. Saishoji Temple Founded byread moreShinjuku’s Kagurazaka: Deep Connections with the Third Shogun of the Edo Shogunate

18Mar, 20242024年3月16日

Experience

Protect Japanese Traditional Crafts and Culture

By ninjakotan

Protect Japanese Traditional Crafts and Culture In an era where modernization often overshadows heritage, preserving traditional crafts and culture becomes more crucial than ever. Tokyo, a city known for its skyscrapers and cutting-edge technology, also holds the key to a treasure trove of Japanese heritage—offering an authentic artisan experience that not only delights but educates visitors about the importance of safeguarding these cultural gems for future generations. The Essence of Tradition in the Heart of Tokyo Nestled near the historic Edo Castle, in the charming Kagurazaka area with a history spanning over 400 years, lies the gateway to experiencing Japan’s rich cultural past. This area, once a hub for samurai residences, temple towns, entertainment districts, and shopping streets, now serves as the perfect backdrop for those looking to delve into authentic Japanese traditional crafts and culture. Our tours, guided by genuine artisans, monks, and geisha, stand in stark contrast to the tourist-centric shows found elsewhere. By participating in these experiences, you’re not just a bystander; you become an active preserver of history. From the delicate art of Ukiyo-e, the intricate braiding techniques, to the vibrant world of dyeing, each craft tells a story of Japan’s past, present, and future. Yourread moreProtect Japanese Traditional Crafts and Culture

26Feb, 20242024年2月26日

art Experience Sustainable travel

Opened a Sales Site for Traditional Crafts and Culture Experience Tours

By ninjakotan

Opened a Sales Site for Traditional Crafts and Culture Experience Tours We are thrilled to announce the launch of our experience tour sales site, “ninjakotan-travel.com.” Our site offers “Authentic Artisan Experiences in Tokyo,” centered around the Kagurazaka area in Shinjuku. Our mission is to provide foreign travelers with deep, satisfying experiences connecting with Tokyo’s traditional artisans, monks, and geishas, fostering repeat visits, and contributing to preserving and continuing traditional crafts and culture. Furthermore, we aim to encourage foreign travelers who have enjoyed these traditional crafts and cultures to visit other regions of Japan such as Hokkaido, Miyagi, and Kagoshima, thereby promoting local tourism. Our unique experience tours are more than just tourist attractions; they are deep dives into Japan’s rich cultural heritage, guided by the true bearers of its traditions. From Ukiyo-e creation experiences to Zen meditation sessions, each tour offers an authentic journey through the essence of Japanese culture. Kagurazaka, with its 400-year history, provides the backdrop for many of our tours, allowing visitors to experience traditional crafts and cultures that have been preserved for 300-400 years. Once home to samurai residences and temple towns, this area now blends charming “Kagurazaka Geisha,” shopping streets, and French culture, making itread moreOpened a Sales Site for Traditional Crafts and Culture Experience Tours