HACHIKO DOG STATUE
Hachiko was a male Akita dog who everyday would go to the Shibuya
Station to see his master off to work and would go to meet and walk home
with him. After his master died the dog continued to go to the station for
11 years. The statue of Hachiko is a popular place to meet people.
In _Moldiver_ (Tape 3) one character asks another to meet her at the
Hachiko Dog.
(LIT p.136 Vardaman-2 p.36)
HAGURO, MT.
The name of a mountain, in Yamagata Prefecture in northwestern Japan,
known for the * Shugendo * ascetics, known as * yamabushi * , who practice
their discipline there.
In one of the inserts that comes with the first _Phantom Quest Corps_
video the character Rokkon is said to have studied ascetic practices on Mt.
Hagoromo. The only mountain I can find with a name similar to this is Mt.
Haguro. The yamabushi are known, among other things, for their ability to
perform exorcisms, one of Rokkon's skills.
(JIE 486, 1724 Earhart-1)
HAKAMA.
Loose trousers tied over a * kimono * or haori. These are so loose
that they can be mistaken for a skirt.
Kuno's clothes when you first see him, and often later, include
hakama, in the _Ranma_ manga (v. 1 p.74) and _Ranma TV_ (Tape 1 Episode 2)
Goemon in the _Fuma Conspiracy_, and other Lupin anime, wears hakama.
Kaieda in _Mai the Psychic Girl_ (v.1 p.46-7) often wears hakama.
In _Sanctuary_ (v.5 p.26) Isaoka wears hakama at an official event.
(JIE p.490)
HAKONE
Hakone is a town located west of Tokyo near lake Ashinoko known for
it's good view of Mt. Fuji.
In _Sanctuary_ (v.3 p. 84) a meeting takes place in Hakone.
(JIE p.491)
HANABI
Fireworks manufacturing techniques were introduced into Japan in the
16th century by the Portuguese. Japanese fireworks are especially noted for
their variety of floral star burst rockets. Fireworks displays are common
during summer festivals. The most famous of these is the Sumidagawa Hanabi
Taikai which is held in Tokyo on the last Saturday in July on the banks of
the Sumida river.
We see fireworks at the Bon Festival in _Maison Ikkoku_ (v. 3 p.13)
"Fireworks play a role in the first episode of _Your Under Arrest_.
(LIT p.35, FoJ p.174, JIE p.376, Vardaman-2 p.42)
HAND GESTURES see: * Gestures *
HAPPI COAT
The happi coat is a straight sleeved coat made of indigo or brown
cotton and imprinted with a crest. Originally this was the family crest and
worm by servants. Later it became common for shop and organization names to
be on happi. Such coats are often worn by participants in festivals.
We see happi coats in the _Mermaid's Scar_ manga (p.57) worn by
searchers for a missing young woman.
(FoJ p. 83, check JIE p.501)
HARAE-GUSHI See: * Gohei *
HASHI
Chopsticks are rather commonly known outside of Asia even if many of
us cannot properly use them. There are several kinds of hashi, these
include: common ones for eating (often lacquered), disposable ones for
eating (these are made of a single piece of wood that you break apart), and
longs metal ones for cooking.
Disposable chopsticks are usually broken after use due to an old belief
that spirits could attach themselves to a discarded chopstick and make the
user ill.
At home people often have their own chopsticks which no one else uses.
There are special long chopsticks, called waribashi, used for cooking.
There are proper manners for using chopsticks which are explained in
several of the sources for this entry.
Natsumi accidentally breaks her disposable hashi near the end of the
first _Your Under Arrest_.
We see red chop sticks used by Akane in the _Ranma TV_ series (Tape 6
Episode 16)
(LIJ p.158, LJS p.178, , Vardaman-1 p.67, Vardaman-2 p.26, JIE 197, TJ
p.79)
HAT see: sando-gasa
HATAKI
A hataki is made up of cloth strips on a stick and is used for
knocking dust off surfaces to the floor where it can be swept or vacuumed
up.
In _Maison Ikkoku_ (v.1 p.15 top of page) we see Kyoko using a hataki
(JFC p.49)
HEIAN PERIOD
The Japanese historical period from 794-1185, from when the capital
was moved to Heian (present day * Kyoto *) until the establishment of the
Kamakura shogunate.
The Heian court is parodied in the _Urusei Yatsura_ TV series (Tape 3
Episode 11 Story 21-22)
(JIE p.517)
HEISEI PERIOD.
This is the name giver to the reign of the present emperor, Akihito,
beginning on January 7 1989. Hei means Peace and Sei means achievement.
In the opening sequence of _The Phantom Quest Corps_ there is mention
of the Heisei Period
See also: * nengo *
(JIE p.523, Vardaman-2 p.55)
HIBACHI
In the west we often think of hibachi as small square devices for
charcoal cooking. In Japan this term is used for charcoal heating units
that are often round, filled with ash and have tongs (hibashi) to move the
coals. While these are sometimes also used to heat snacks or tea water
their main purpose is to heat a room.
Princess Kurama is huddles over a hibachi in _Lum-1_ (p.379)
And Ataru is hit by one in _Urusei Yatsura_ (TV series Tape 3 Episode
11 Story 21-22)
(LIJ p.163, JIE p.525)
HISAGO.
A dried out hollow gourd, larger ones are used for carrying sake,
smaller ones for spices or pills. This gourd has a shape which is narrower
in the center allowing a cord for carrying to be tied around it.
An example of drinking from one is seen near the end of the _Zenki_
story "The Jar of Desires" (Tape 2 Episode 4)
In the _Urusei Yatsura_ TV series (Tape 3 Episode 9 Story 17) We see a
* tengu * drinking from a small hisago, Ataru thinks it wants to take
medicine.
(JIE p.542)
HOKKAIDO
The most northern and second largest of the four major islands of
Japan. Hokkaido is known for cold weather and large scale dairy farming.
The capitol of Hokkaido is * Sapporo *
In _Ranma_ (TV tape 3 Episode 7) Ryoga is seen in Hokkaido asking
directions from a dairy farmer.
In _Sanctuary_ (v.2 p.91) Hojo goes to Hokkaido to meet Mr. Ichijima.
(TJ p.52, JIE p.551)
HOT SPRINGS see: * onsen *
HOTARU.
Fireflies. Firefly viewing is a traditional pastime in Japan. There is
also a folk belief that the souls of the dead take the form of fireflies.
This folk belief puts _The Grave of the Fireflies_ in a very different
light.
(JIE p.376)
HOTEI see: * Shichifuku-jin *
HYOTAN see: * hisago *
IGO see: * Go *
IMPERIAL UNIVERSITY see: * teikoku daigaku *
INKSTONE AND INK STICK.
For you to be able to write with a brush (fude) you need to have ink
(sumi). Carrying or storing fluid ink is not easy. It is easier to carry
dried ink and to prepare ink as you need it by rubbing a stick of dried ink
on a wet inkstone.
Kuno is first seen using an inkstick and stone for writing a message
in the _Ranma TV_ series (Tape 2 Episode 4)
(LIJ p.42)
INN see *Ryokan*
INRO
Containers with small compartments that were hung from a * kimono *
sash, these were used for carrying small object and medicine.
In _Lum-2_ (p.6) Mendo is holding an inro with the family crest on it.
(LIJ p.44, JIE p.612)
IRIS FESTIVAL see: * Kodomo-no-Hi *
JAN-KEN
Often known in the west as Scissors, paper, stone. This is a very
simple game where two or more players shout "jan ken pon!" and shape their
hand into one of three shapes. The winner is determined by the following
combinations, scissors wins over paper as scissors cut paper, paper wins
over stone as paper covers stone and stone wins over scissors as stone
breaks scissors. This is often used in much the same way that a westerner
would toss a coin. I remember using jan-ken as a child in rural California
more often than tossing coins.
In _Sanctuary_ (v.1 p.144 and v.2 p.212) we cases of jan ken used to
make certain decisions.
(LIJ p.115, JFC p.67, JIE p.647)
JAPAN COMMUNIST PARTY see: Nihon Kyosanto
JAPANESE CHESS see: * Shogi *
JAPANESE INDUSTRIAL STANDARDS see: * Nihon Kogyo Kikaku *
JAPANESE INN see * Ryokan *
JIS see: * Nihon Kogyo Kikaku *
JIZO.
A very popular * bodhisattva * who is seen as a savior of children and
those suffering in hell. Small statues of Jizo are often seen by the side
of the road in Japan, sometimes in groups and often with a cloth or bib
around the image's neck.
These road side statues show up several times in _The Hakkenden_.
In the _Ranma TV_ series (Tape 6 Episode 17) a statue of Jizo is used
to hit Ranma.
(JIE p.688, LIJ p.33, JFC p.166, Vardaman-2 p.17)
JUROJIN see: * Shichifuku-jin *
JUZU BEADS.
A rosary of beads used to keep count while reciting the name of the Buddha.
The Hadja priest in the _Phantom Quest Corps_ (Tape 2 Episode 4) story
"Lover Come Back To Me" carries a small set of these beads as does one of
the praying members of the chemistry club in the _Ranma TV_ series (Tape 3
Episode 8 ).
(JIE p.135)
KADOMATSU
(Gate pine) A decoration usually made of pine and bamboo which is
placed in front of the house from January 1 until the 7th or 15th. These
are considered temporary quarters for the god of the New Year.
In _Urusei Yatsura_ (TV series Tape 3 Episode 11 Story 21-22) Ataru's
parents are admiring the kado-matsu they bought, it is rather small.
(Vardaman-2 p.34, FoJ p.16, JFC p.75, JIE p.708, LIJ p.81)
KAMAKURA PERIOD
c1185-1333. This period in Japanese history is named after the city of
Kamakura, the capital of the Kamakura shogunate.
In Zenki (Tape 2 Episode 4) there is mention of the Kamakura Period.
(JIE p.720-724)
KAMI
The word kami is impossible to translate directly into English. Words
that have been used to translate kami include: god, deity, spirit, and
"superior and mysterious force".
(JIE p.727)
KAMIDANA.
Shinto altars mounted on walls, the word literally means "kami shelf".
These often are in the form of a shelf placed high on a wall with a
miniature shrine and offerings to the * kami * in front of it. These are
found in homes, shops, restaurants, offices and martial arts halls (dojo).
So far in anime I have usually seen them in dojos, for example in the
_Ranma TV_ series (Tape 1, Episode 1), the Ranma manga (v. 1 p.22), and
_Your Under Arrest_ (Tape 1)
You see a kamidana when you see Princess Kurama's control room in
_Urusei Yatsura_ (TV series Tape 3 Episode 12 Story 24)
(JIE p.1390, BTS p.28, LJS p.20, JFC p.114)
KAMINARIMON GATE
The Gate of Thunder. This is the famous entry way to the * Sensoji
Temple *. A huge red lantern is suspended above the entryway, this lantern
weighs more than 100 kg and is 3.3 meters tall.
We see this gate when Momiji and Kome go to the * Sensoji Temple *
(Identified erroneously as the Kaminarimon shrine) in _Blue Seed_ (Tape 2
Episode 4)
(LIT p.18)
KARAOKE.
The word karaoke means literally: "empty orchestra" This is a
prerecorded music track which allows one to be the singer of the song. This
is a very popular pastime which is often found in bars, clubs and even
homes.
A karaoke machine is in a cab at the beginning of the _Phantom Quest
Corps_ episode "The End of the World" (Tape 1 Case 2)
The _Tenchi-Muyo_ special _Pretty Sammy_ begins with the mother
singing to a karaoke recording at home.
(JIE p.746-7, JFC p.140-, LJS p.84-)
KARUTA HAJIME
A card game in which cards are spread out on the floor. Each card has
the last two verses of a famous tanka poem. One person reads the first part
of the poem and the others reach for the card that has the rest of the
poem.
This poetry matching game is being played in _Urusei Yatsura_ (TV
series Tape 3 Episode 11 Story 21-22)
(JFC p.76)
KASHIWADE.
Clapping hands at chest height in worship. This is a Shinto custom
which is not done at Buddhist temples.
This custom that can be seen in the first _Tenchi-Muyo!_ tape after
the explosion at the school.
(BTS p.30, Vardaman-2 p.97)
KENDO.
The word kendo is a recent term that means "way of the sword". This is
Japanese fencing based on samurai two handed sword fighting styles. In the
18th century protective equipment and a bamboo sword, the * shinai *, were
introduced to reduce injuries.
In his introduction Kuno notes that he is a practitioner of kendo.
(Ranma TV Tape 1 Episode 2) and one sees kendo training in the _Ranma_
manga (v. 4 p.38)
(JIE p.772, LIT p.93)
KIMONO.
A traditional robe like garment worn by both men and women. Women's
kimonos tend to be more colorful. There is a light cotton version of the
kimono called a yukata.
A kimono are worn by Nabiki (in the TV series) when Ranma first
arrives (_Ranma TV_ Tape 1 Episode 1) and by Ranma and Akane when they go
to the fair (_Ranma_ manga v. 4 p.170)
Kyoko wears one in _Maison Ikkoku_ (v. 2 p.81)
(JIE p.780-783, LJS p.17)
KINGYO-SUKUI.
Goldfish dipping, this is done by attempting to catch goldfish in a
tank with a "spoon" made of a handle with a loop of wire and paper over the
loop. This takes a great deal of skill otherwise you break the paper.
In _Your Under Arrest_ (Tape 2) this game is listed by Natsumi as one
of the activities she wanted to do that summer.
In the _Ranma_ manga we see Ranma playing this game. (v. 4 p.170)
And in _Maison Ikkoku_ (v. 3 p.122) Godai and Shun both try this at
the * Bon festival *.
(LIJ p.94, JFC p.87)
KINTARO.
In Japanese folklore Kintaro (literally: "Golden Boy"), the childhood
name of Sakata no Kintoki, was born the son of a mountain witch, possessed
a hatchet and wrestled with bears and other animals as a child. The
historical Sakata no Kintoki was one of retainers of the warrior * Minamoto
no Yorimitsu. *
In _Urusei Yatsura_ (Tape 1, Episode 4, Story 1) we see Kintaro
portrayed as an alien child come to Earth.
The character Kinta in _Metal Fighters Miku_ is sometimes also called
Kintaro.
(JIE p.788)
KISSHOTEN see: * Shichifuku-jin *
KITSUNE.
Foxes have been thought to have supernatural abilities and to be
messengers of Inari, the kami of cereal crops. One finds both a reverence
for foxes, in small shrines for foxes, and a fear of possession by fox
spirits. Fox shrines have a statue of a sitting fox and Inari shrines often
have statues of foxes near them.
There is a small fox shrine in _My Neighbor Totoro_ in the scene where
the girls wait for their father at the trolley stop.
In the upper right panel of p.80 in _Lum-1_ you can see a fox statue
near the * torii * as well as (on p.82) a fox statue on a Shinto altar
along with a mirror (* seidokyo *), paper slips on the wall (*senja-fuda*),
and a statue of a * tanuki *.
(JIE 406, 598, LIJ p.105, Vardaman-2 p.45)
KODOMO-NO-HI
Before WWII May 5, the 5th day of the 5th month, was a festival for
boys now it is a national holiday in honor of all children. There is still
a certain emphasis on boys on this day. For example * koinobori * are flown
on this day and small stands are set up with replica's of ancient weapons,
swords, armor, bows and arrows etc. or just a samurai helmet as symbols of
strength.
(JFC p.84-, TJ p.63, JIE p.187, LIJ p.86 )
KOI.
The Carp is both eaten and bred as an ornamental fish in Japan. The
koi are special breeds of ornamental carp which are kept in ponds.
We see examples of ornamental koi in ponds in the _Ranma TV_ series
(Tape 1 Episode 1) and in _Zenki_ (Tape 2 Episode 4)
(JIE p.163)
KOINOBORI.
Carp streamers, these banners are flown outside houses on May 5,
Children's Day. Carp are noted for their strength in swimming upstream and
it is hoped that sons will show the strength and perseverance of carp in
their lives.
In _Urusei Yatsura_ (Tape 1, Episode 4, Story 1) Lum is 'airing out'
the steamers in the autumn, the wrong time of year.
(JIE p.811, FoJ p.167, JFC p.84)
KOKKAI
The Japanese legislative branch the Kokkai or Diet is a bicameral
system divided into the Shugiin (House of Representatives or lower house)
with 512 members serving 4 year terms and the Sangiin (House of Councilors
or upper house) with 252 members serving 6 year terms.
In _Sanctuary_ much of the story involves political maneuvering in the
Kokkai.
(JIE p.282-284, TJ p.166)
KOMA-INU.
A pair of sculpted animals , sometimes referred to as lions or as
dogs, often seen in front of shrines and temples for protection from evil.
One always has it mouth open the other has it closed. These are also
sometimes known as Shishi-Koma-Inu.
In _Sanctuary_ (v.3 p.313) koma-inu can be seen in front of the shrine.
(BTS p.34 LIJ p.20, JIE p.821)
KONGOSHO see: * Vajra *
KOTATSU.
These are tables with a heat source underneath them. In the past the
heat source was a pit with a small charcoal fire in the center of it.
Nowadays these tables have an electric heater installed underneath. The
table has a removable top and in the winter a quilt is draped between the
leg section and this top to hold the heat in.
Kozue and Kyoko sit at a covered kotatsu in Kyoko's apartment in v.2
of _Maison Ikkoku_ (p. 27).
We see one of these at Ryoko's hideout in the _Tenchi-Muyo! Mihoshi
Special_.
And in the upper right corner of page 161 in _Lum-1_.
Also in _Otaku no Video_ (pt. 1 3rd animation sequence)
(LIJ p.163, JIE p.833)
KOYASAN
Mt. Koya. A mountain in northern Wakayama prefecture in central
Honshu. This mountain is famous for the headquarters of the Shingon sect
and its Buddhist temples. There are over 111 temples on this mountain.
In the _Mermaid's Scar_ manga (p.272) a story is told about the priest
* Saigyo * on Koyasan.
(JIE p.835)
KYOTO
From 794 until 1868 Kyoto was the capital and site of the imperial
court of Japan. Originally known as Heiankyo this ancient capital was
designed in a rectangular format after the Tang China capital of Chang'an.
This city is famous for its architecture and cultural heritage.
P-chan returns from Kyoto in the _Ranma_ manga (v.2 p. 99)
The * Heian period * Kyoto is parodied in the _Urusei Yatsura_ TV
series (Tape 3 Episode 11 Story 21-22)
In the _Sanctuary_ manga (v.5 p.250) we see a meeting being
served by * geisha * in the * Gion * district of Kyoto.
(JIE p.857-)
KYUDO
Japanese archery, literally: "The way of the bow". In this case what
is known as civil archery, archery from a standing position shooting at a
target with form and etiquette being stressed. The military form is known
as "kyujutsu" which is often done from horseback.
In the Rumic World manga (p.66) and video "Laughing Target" we see
examples of kyudo.
(JIE p.868)
KYUSHU
The third largest and most southern of the four main islands of Japan.
Ryoga travels to Mt. Aso (* Asosan *) in Kyushu with the old woman who
he is helping to find directions in the _Ranma TV_ series (Tape 3 Episode
9)
(JIE p.868)
LANTERN FESTIVAL see: * Bon Festival *
LEGISLATURE see: * Kokkai *
LITTLE FINGER see: * Gestures *
LOAN WORDS see * gairaigo *
MAGATAMA
Ancient crescent shaped beads found in many ancient archaeological
sites and mentioned in legendary literature.
Mamoru has several of these implanted in his body in the _Blue Seed_
anime series.
(JIE p.102)
MAGIC SYLLABLES see: * Rin-byo-to-sha-kai-jin-retsu-zai-zen *
MAH-JONG
A Chinese game that has become popular in Japan since it was
introduced to Japan from China in the 1920s. Mah-Jong is played with 136
small tiles that are used in much the same way as cards in western games.
Usually Mah-Jong is played by four players and it is not unusual for money
to change hands in a game. Business men may play Mah-Jong to socialize with
their clients. The Chinese characters for Mah-Jong literally mean "house
sparrow" after the sound the tiles make when they are mixed on the table.
We see an example of Mah-Jong in _Lum-2_ (p.144)
(JFC p.143, TJ p.87, LIJ p. 135, JIE p.909)
MAME-MAKI see: * setsubun *
MAMUSHI see: * unagi *
MANEKINEKO
This word literally means "Beckoning cat" These are small statues of a
sitting cat with one paw raised in beckoning. Made of ceramic or
paper-mache these good luck talismans are often seen in businesses near the
entrance as they are felt to bring in good fortune in the form of
customers.
We see a beckoning cat statue near the bottom right in a restaurant in
_Lum-1_ (p.70 )
In the _Ranma_ manga (v.4 p.54) one of these is seen behind Ranma as
he assumes a "cat fist" position.
(LIJ p.102-3, JIE p.917, Vardaman-2 p.24)
MANGA
While the term can mean any illustrated story the term manga is
usually used for Japanese comics. These are read by people of all ages from
school children to adults. The four main groupings that are given to manga
are: boy's (shonen) manga, girl's (shojo) manga, youth (seinen) manga, and
adult (seijin) manga.
In _Mai the Psychic Girl_ (v.3 p.192) Hong is reading manga.
_Otaku no Video_ (3rd animation sequence) we see shelves of manga in
Tanaka's apartment when Kubo goes to visit him.
We see Ataru reading manga in his bedroom in the _Urusei Yatsura_ TV
series (Tape 3 Episode 9 Story 18)
(TJ p.117, JIE p.214-217)
MARRIAGE, ARRANGED
In Japan, as in many parts of the world, arranged marriages still
exist. What is actually done is that a go-between (baishakunin or nakodo)
handles communication between the families or the couple and sometimes even
arranges the initial meeting.
At times arraigned marriages are done without a go-between with the
families arranging things themselves, as in the engagement between Ranma
and Akane in _Ranma_.
While these customs are declining it is still not unusual for a couple
to have someone play the role of the go-between at the wedding and
reception.
(Vardaman-1 p.95, Vardaman-2 p.68)
MARRIAGE CEREMONY
In Japan weddings are usually Shinto rituals, but Buddhist and
Christian weddings are also common.
In the beginning of the Lupin anime _The Fuma Conspiracy_ the bride
wears a * tsunokakushi * and we see the Shinto priest shaking * harae-gushi
* as part of a purification ritual.
(JIE p.1694. BTS p.14, LIJ p.112-114)
MASKS, WEARING SURGICAL MASKS IN PUBLIC
see: surgical masks, wearing in public
MASSAGE PARLORS
Massage parlors in Japan are only for men. Often the young women who
work in them offer a range of services, for a fee of course.
Godai finds out that Ayako works at a massage parlor in _Maison
Ikkoku_ v.3 (192).
(LJS p.99)
MATOI
The traditional standard for fire brigades dating back to the days
when fires were fought by local brigades, these often have interesting
designs.
The standard on the roof of Kodachi's (St. Bacchus in the translated
manga, St. Hebereke in the anime) school in _Ranma_ (manga v. 2 p.114 and
_Ranma TV_ tape 4 Episode 11) looks very much like one of these.
(LIT p.68)
MEINICHI
Loved ones who have passed on are remembered by observing
anniversaries of their deaths. Common practices include prayers, visiting
the grave and placing something at the household altar that the person
liked.
We see a visit to the graveyard in _Maison Ikkoku_ (v. 1 p.59) with a
pouring of water over the memorial stone, burning incense and praying.
(JFC p.103)
MEMORIAL ALTAR see: * butsudan *
MIKO
Supplementary priestess found at Shinto shrines. Miko wear a long
sleeved top called a chihaya and hibakama over their legs. In ancient time
miko were more powerful figures and in some cases rulers.
Sakura in introduces herself as a miko and we see her later in the
traditional garb. (_Lum-1_ p.77 and Urusei Yatsura TV series Tape 2,
episode 5, story 9, in the anime miko is translated as sorceress, not quite
the same.)
(JIE p.960, LIT p.116)
MIKUJI
Also known as Omikuji. A common fortune telling method found at many
shrines and temples. Usually this method of fortune telling involves
shaking a stick from a canister through a small hole in a corner. The stick
has a number that corresponds to a slip of paper with the fortune written
on it. These fortunes are often tied to trees on the temple or shrine
grounds.
We see Momiji and Kome use this method of fortune telling at the *
Sensoji Temple * (Identified erroneously as the Kaminarimon shrine) in
_Blue Seed_ (Tape 2 Episode 4) After this they walk past a tree with some
of these fortunes tied to it.
(Vardaman-2 p.44, LIJ p.22)
MINAMOTO NO RAIKOH see: * Minamoto no Yorimitsu *
MINAMOTO NO YORIMITSU
948-1021. A * Heian Period * military leader who aligned himself with
the Fujiwara family.
A story of how his men killed the running demon is told in _Zenki_
(Tape 3 Episode 7)
(JIE p.965)
MINISTRY OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND INDUSTRY
see: * Tsusho Sangyo Sho *
MIRROR see: * seidokyo *
MISOGI.
"A practice of removing sin and pollution from body and mind by use of
water." There are many specific forms of misogi depending on the
circumstances. Some forms of using water for purification include *
mizugori *, kessai, te-mizu, and shubatsu (where salt water is sprinkled).
There is also a custom of sprinkling water at the gate of one's home in the
morning and the evening.
On the way to school Ranma gets wet by stepping in the way of an old
woman who is sprinkling water at her gate in the _Ranma TV_ series (Tape 1
Episode 2)
(BTS p.40, JIE p.978)
MISOGI see also: * Mizugori *
MITI see: * Tsusho Sangyo Sho *
MIZUGORI
(Lit: "removing impurities by water") This ascetic practice is related
to * misogi * and is done by standing under a waterfall or by pouring
buckets of cold water on oneself.
Princess Karama has Ataru doing * misogi * under a waterfall in
_Lum-1_ (p.298) and the _Urusei Yatsura TV_ series (Tape 3 Episode 9 story
17)
In _Akane vs. Ranma_ Soun Tendo is pouring water on his shoulder as
part of a prayer for his daughter's success in the kitchen.
In _Blue Seed_ (Tape 1 Episode 1) we see Momiji doing this in the
cave, and the water must be quite cold as its winter.
(BTS p.40, JIE p.978)
MOKUGYA.
A fish shaped wooden percussion instrument often associated with
Buddhist chanting.
Early in the Lupin anime _The Fuma Conspiracy_ you don't get a clear
view of it but Zenigata is hitting one of these while chanting sutras.
(LIJ p.26)
MOMOTARO
A character from folklore who left home with a dog, a pheasant and a
monkey to fight demons on an Island and return with their treasure for his
foster parents.
He is parodied in the _Urusei Yatsura_ TV series (Tape 3 Episode 11
Story 21-22)
(JIE p.998)
MONEY OFFERINGS see: * Saisen *
MONKS HAT see: * sando-gasa *
MT. ASO IN KYUSHU see: * Asosan *
MT. KOYA see: * Koyasan *
MURASAKI SHIKIBU
The court lady who is best known as the author of the masterpiece of
Japanese literature the Genji Monogatari (Tale of Genji).
She is parodied in the _Urusei Yatsura_ TV series (Tape 3 Episode 11
Story 21-22)
(JIE p.1015)
MURASAKI SHIKIBU see also: * Genji *
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS see: * Mokugya *
MY CITY
A building located just outside the * Shinjuku * station in Tokyo.
In _Otaku no Video_ (pt. 1, 1st animation sequence) after the tennis
game we see My City.
In _Patlabor 2_ My City is seen, from the street, behind the officer
who is ordering the troop evacuation to higher areas.
( LIT p.149)
NAWA NOREN see: * noren *
NENGO
Official names of reigns or parts of reigns of rulers. The present era
is known as the * Heisi Period *
(JIE p.1073)
NEW YEARS ORNAMENTS see: * kado-matsu *
NEW YEARS PINE see: * kado-matsu *
NEW YEARS SHRINE VISIT
Starting after 12 A. M. on the new year and continuing for a few days
many Japanese will visit a shrine to pray for what they desire in the new
year. Some will do this at Buddhist temples.
In _Maison Ikkoku_ (v.2 p.81) Godai and Kyoko go to the temple for the
new year.
(Vardaman-2 p.77, TJ p.59)
NEW YEARS TEMPLE BELLS
Buddhist temples ring their bells 108 times starting at midnight on
New Years. Each of the rings symbolize the sufferings that people afflicted
by in this world according to Buddhist teachings.
In _Maison Ikkoku_ (v.2 p.81) Godai and Kyoko go to the temple for the
ringing in of the new year.
(Vardaman-2 p.77)
NIHON KOGYO KIKAKU
The Japanese Industrial Standards. This is the officially established
standard for mining and industrial products. This standard was established
to encourage productivity through standard terminology, symbols, signs and
quality of goods. Foreign made goods have been subject to this standard
since 1980. Goods that qualify are allowed to carry a JIS label. This
specifications for this standard are set by the MITI, the Ministry of
International Trade and Industry (* Tsusho Sangyo Sho *).
We see the Japanese Industrial Standards label on the bottom of the
bottle of Chinese made shampoo Ranma got from Shampoo in the _Ranma TV_
series (Tape 6 Episode 17)
(JIE p.686)
NIHON KYOSANTO
Japan Communist Party. Founded in 1922 the Nihon Kyosanto operated
illegally until after WWII. The party survived the anti-communist purges of
the government and industry ordered by the occupation forces in the early
1950s.
In _Sanctuary_ (v.3 p.25) we see an election poster for a communist
party candidate.
(JIE p.660)
NINE MAGIC SYLLABLES see: * Rin-byo-to-sha-kai-jin-retsu-zai-zen *
NOODLE SLURPING
While noodle slurping is a common way to cool hot noodles when eating
them it is not considered proper behavior among the more cultivated
Japanese.
Ataru however is not bothered by such niceties in _Lum-1_ (p.71).
(Vardaman-2 p.78)
NOODLE SLURPING see also: * ramen *
NOREN.
Split curtains usually seen in front of businesses to indicate that
they are open, or to separate the kitchen from the rest of the house. Often
these are half curtains that end about chest or neck height.
Noren are seen in front of a business in the _Ranma TV_ series (Tape 1
Episode 3)
Noren in front of a restaurant can be seen in _Lum-1_ (p.70)
Another good example is on p.100 of volume 1 of _Maison Ikkoku_.
Noren are also seen at the entrance to the Tendo's kitchen in many of
the _Ranma_ videos (for examples see the first episode and vol. 1 p.27 of
the manga.) and in Zenki (Tape 3 Episode 6)
There is also a style of noren which consists of cords rather than
curtains. This indicates a drinking establishment and is called nawa noren.
An example of nawa noren is seen at the entrance of a bar in the
_Maison Ikkoku_ manga (v. 1 p.262-3)
(JIE p.1113-4, LIJ p.93)
Gilles Poitras "Otaku snob"
Profession: Librarian Obsession: Anime
President Otaku-beya anime club Oakland, CA.
Oakland's smallest anime club.
Jeanne Hedge
http://www.accsyst.com/jhedge/main.htm
* * *
"Man gives every reason for his conduct save one,
every excuse for his crimes save one,
every plea for his safety save one;
and that one is his cowardice."
-- George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950)