Cool Japanese Stuff

I love manga. For a lot of people, I probably seem like I only like Japan because of manga, but that is definitely not the case. I suppose if I hadn't watched Sailor Moon and later found manga, I would never have developed the passion that I have for Japan. Over the years, I have read an absurd amount of manga (I own over $2,000 worth and I currently read 160 series), but I also found other things to learn about. I think that the Japanese education set-up is very interesting, especially after discussing some education theory in my college classes. I really like Japanese fashion, J-pop, J-rock, and more. But, I really wanted to talk about some of the other cool Japanese stuff I am currently into.

I am now officially a card-carrying (once the card arrives) member of the SCA, the Society for Creative Anachronism. This is considered the current Middle Ages. We do period recreation with our own kings and queens and kingdoms and building up our own stuff. I have decided to have a Japanese persona, which means I need Japanese garb. I am currently making my first attempt at a kosode to make sure my measurements are right and I am wicked excited about it. If you look into traditional Japanese clothes, the color combinations are gorgeous and have so much meaning and all the garb is impressive. I also have taken up archery (my father-in-law is super into archery) and I am trying my best to shoot enough this year to be considered one of the archers of the East ^_^ Eventually, I want to learn the Japanese bow (though it is certainly intimidating to think about with my current skills).

I also am reading Genji Monogatari at the moment. It is beautiful. I wish I could read it in Japanese, maybe someday I will. But Genji is frequently considered Japan's classic. This is the novel that Western literary scholars consider to Japan's Shakespeare or Homer. Honestly? It deserves the title. The prose is gorgeous, even after being translated. The story is impressive and the characters are fascinating. I am planning to read The Pillow Book eventually and some classic poetry that has been recommended to me.

That's it for my short bit about the cool (or I think it's cool) stuff that I do that is Japan related ^_^