OK - I've gotten a few requests to post this already, so here it is. The
original post is from rec.arts.anime.info, and the original poster is Gilles
Poitras (cowpunk@sirius.com)
The remainder of this will follow shortly.
- Jeanne
=============================================================
Japanese Cultural Details in Anime and Manga
Version 2, April 1996.
Given the increasing interest in Japanese animation (anime) and comics
(manga) in the English speaking world I have decided to start producing
some kind of guide to many things Japanese that invariably show up in these
art forms. These cultural details can be physical objects, persons, places,
words, cultural patterns or anything folks ask me to look into.
One problem with looking at something from another culture is that we
can easily assume that there are no differences with our culture. With
anime we are often confronted with a very different society and the
differences are not always apparent. I hope in this document to cover the
obvious, architecture, historical figures, furniture, and the more subtle,
buying souvenirs for others, the significance of gestures, social
hierarchies etc. as I find examples in anime and manga.
To do this well I ask you to help me by pointing out errors, asking
questions and telling me about things you have noticed in anime and manga.
FORMS OF ENTRIES.
Each entry will be generally in the form of a short article, several
examples of anime and manga which contain the item (using the U. S. titles
and the earliest example from a series in most cases ), and the source(s)
of the information I used for the article. This last part is so folks would
know where else to look for more information and who to blame for the major
errors ;^)
Specific details as to tape, episode number/name (for anime) or
volume, issue (for manga) and full records for the source citations are in
the bibliographies at the end of this work.
As not everyone will have access to the same sources I use here I will
be somewhat redundant in my use of examples and texts on cultural
information. In the case of anime and manga I will try to use the first
clear example in more than one work or series.
Words that show up surrounded by * asterisks * are ones that have
separate articles.
Anime and manga titles are off set by _underlines_ before and after
the title. An easy way to tell if something is anime is if it says "tape"
as part of the description, any citation that indicates a volume number or
says manga is a book.
I also will attempt to have the name of each entry in transliterated
Japanese with cross references from the English. Of course I cannot include
the accent marks so don't assume that my spelling is completely correct,
see the cited sources for the proper spelling of the terms.
Personal names shall be given in the Japanese order, that is with
family name first than personal name. In this manner full name of the
author of Ranma is Takahashi Rumiko.
I am now splitting this document into several numbered parts for the
Usenet postings. The end of this file has a note stating: "End of _Japanese
Cultural Details in Anime and Manga_" If you did not get the entire
document let me know this and where you got it so I can repost it.
SPOILER WARNING!
I am trying not to give away too many details in the entries but to
provide enough information to enable you to identify what I am referring
to. For this reason you will at times see references such as "two
characters" rather than naming the persons involved and possibly giving
away an important part of the plot.
If you see something from Japanese culture in translated anime or
manga that you are curious about let me know and I'll see what I can find
out.
If you do find errors or know of other sources that I should look at
please e-mail me.
Finally anime clubs have permission to reprint excerpts from this
document as long as I am credited as the author. If its not too much to ask
for please send a copy of the document containing the excerpt to:
Gilles Poitras
PO Box 4452
Berkeley, CA 94704
Permission is also granted to re-post this document on any BBS or
electronic service as long as no extra fees are charged for downloading it.
Gilles Poitras
gilles@well.com
cowpunk@sirius.com
------------------------------------
Before we begin here is some information on Japan itself which will
put everything else into a sort of context.
Geographical features:
Japan consists of some 3,600 islands from the north where it is close
to eastern Siberia to the south where Taiwan is a short distance from the
southernmost island.
The total land area is 145,809 square miles, or smaller than the state
of California which is 155,973 square miles.
About 75 % of Japan is mountainous or hilly with 67% of the territory
covered with forest. Historical records exist for about 60 volcanoes, out
of 200 having eruptions since writing entered Japanese culture in the 8th
century.
The climate for most of the country is temperate with clearly defined seasons.
The population is about 125 million people, California has about 29 million.
The indigenous religion of Japan is Shinto but Buddhism is also a
major religious force from the early days of written history. In this
document the word shrine refers to Shinto shrines and the word temple to
Buddhist temples.
Given that Japan is a series of islands it has maintained a certain
degree of isolation from foreign interference. This has allowed Japan to
develop a unique culture with many influences from China, Korea and the
West being integrated into its society.
------------------------------------
ADOPTION INTO WIFE'S FAMILY.
"The husband of a daughter takes his wife's surname and becomes the
successor to his wife's father as head of the household."
This seen in the first episode of the _Ranma TV_ series (Episode 1)
where Soun Tendo is explaining to his daughters that one of them will be
engaged to Ranma so then the family tradition can continue.
And in the Lupin anime _The Fuma Conspiracy_ when Goemon is told as
part of his wedding ceremony that he is going to become a member of the
Suminawa clan.
(JIE p.8)
AGING POPULATION
Japan is one of the fastest aging populations in the world. The
percentage of the population over 65 reached 13.5% in 1993. The birthrate
in Japan was 1.5 children per family in 1992 and since the Japanese have
the longest life expectancy in the world means that the percentage of aged
will continue to increase. This means that problems regarding the care of
the elderly will increase.
The _Roujin Z_ anime centers around an experiment to deal with the
problem of care for the elderly.
(Vardaman-2 p.53)
AICHI
A prefecture located in central Honshu, the capital is Nagoya. Aichi
is a major industrial area in Japan.
Nagumo Shinobu mentions Aichi in her lecture in _Patlabor 2_
(JIE p.20)
AKUTAGAWA PRIZE,
A twice annual prize given since 1935 to little known writers of prose
to encourage new talent.
* Momotaro * claims, a little anachronistically, to have won the
Akutagawa Prize in the _Urusei Yatsura_ TV series (Tape 3 Episode 11 Story
21-22)
(JIE p.30)
ALCOHOL FLUSH
Most Japanese will have an "alcohol flush" (red face) if they have
been drinking.
For this reason makeup is applied to Yoshi's face before he performs a
wedding ceremony in _Rumic Theater_ (p.39)
In _Maison Ikkoku_ (v. 3 p.109) Godai says that Kyoko is blushing from
embarrassment but Mrs. Ichinose accuses her of being drunk
(Vardaman-2 p.39)
ALCOVE see: * Tokonoma *
ALTAR, FAMILY see: * Kamidana *
ALTAR, FAMILY BUDDHIST see: * Butsudan *
ALTAR, MEMORIAL see: * Butsudan *
ALTAR ON WALL see: * Kamidana *
ANNIVERSARIES OF DEATHS see: * meinichi *
AOYAMA CEMETERY see * Aoyama Reien *
AOYAMA REIEN
In 1872 Tokyo opened the first municipally operated cemetery in Japan.
This cemetery is also noted for its cherry blossoms ( * Sakura * ).
There is a mention of the Aoyama cemetery in _Mai the Psychic Girl_
(v.3 p.56)
(LIT p.143)
ARAGAMI see: * Susanoo-no-Mikoto *
ARCHERY see: * kyudo *
ARRANGED MARRIAGE see: * Marriage, arranged *
ASAKUSA
A district in the eastern part of the Taito Ward of Tokyo. This area
has retain much of its Edo period charm which draws many sightseers.
Early in the _Mermaid Forest_ video we see a bit of 1930s Asakusa.
This is also one of the places Ryoga went on way to meet Ranma when
they were school mates, _Ranma TV_ (Tape 3 Episode 7)
(LIT p.16, JIE p.63)
ASOSAN
This volcano in central * Kyushu * has one of the largest caldera in
the world with a circumference of 80 km.
Ryoga travels here with the old woman who he is helping to find
directions in the _Ranma TV_ series (Tape 3 Episode 9)
(JIE p.69)
AWA DANCE see: * Awa Odori *
AWA ODORI
A variation of the Bon dance (* Bon odori *) performed in and near the
city of Tokushima. The location of this city is in what was once known as
Awa Province. This dance is also known as the fools dance, Aho odori, from
a line in the song "You're a fool whether you dance or not, so you might as
well dance"
We see a fool's dance parody of the Awa odori in the * Heian period *
capital of * Kyoto * in the _Urusei Yatsura_ TV series (Tape 3 Episode 11
Story 21-22)
(JIE p.87)
AWA ODORI see also: * Bon odori *
BADGER see: * Tanuki *
BAMBOO PIPE MOVING UP AND DOWN, GARDEN DECORATION
see: * Shishiodoshi *
BAMBOO SWORD see * shinai *
BANNERS see: * Fu-Rin-Ka-Zan *, * koinobori *
BANZAI
Originally the term banzai ("long life") was used to show respect for
the emperor. The custom of raising both hands and yelling banzai dates from
the Meiji era in celebration of the new constitution. Today shouting banzai
three times while raising both hands is used to express joy for a person or
achievement.
Banzai is shouted by Mink and her friends in _Dragon Half_ (part 2) at
the end of the tournament.
(Vardaman-2 p.13, JIE p.100)
BATH IN HOME.
The typical bath in Japan is deep enough for one to be immersed up to
the neck, as in _Mai the Psychic Girl_ (v.1 p.34). Japanese bathrooms
usually have a separate changing room where you undress before entering the
bath room proper, for example the first _Ranma TV_ episode (Tape 1 Episode
1) where Akane undresses before entering the bath room.
Bath rooms are totally separate from the room with the toilet.
Bath rooms in Japan have a drain on the floor as one washes before
soaking in the tub. Such washing can be done with a shower head or with a
bucket of water. There is a small stool one uses to sit on when washing
before entering the tub. Washing before entering the tub is important as
the water in the bath is often shared by several people during a day. The
tubs are usually covered to keep the water hot for the next user. It is
also common for parents and children to bath together in Japan.
Given the nature of the story in _Ranma_ both the videos and manga
have many bath scenes.
We can also see the changing room and the stool on the wet floor of
the bath room in _Lum-1_ (p.255)
In _My Neighbor Totoro_ there are two scenes with the house's bath, in
one the girls find where the bath is, and later they take a bath with their
father.
(JIE p.102, 104-105, JFC p.47, Vardaman-1 p.35-)
BATH, PUBLIC. see: * sento *
BATH, PUBLIC see also: * onsen *
BEADS see: * Magatama *
BECKONING see: * Gestures *
BECKONING CAT see: * manekineko *
BEDDING see: * Futon *
BELL ON ROPE AT SHRINE see: * suzu *
BELLY BANDS
According to traditional Japanese medicine the belly is the center of
the body and important to health. It was felt that keeping the belly warm
would be important for preserving good health.
Tamiya in _Oh my Goddess_ often wears one of these.
(Vardaman-2 p.17)
BENTEN
Originally the Goddess of the River she became the Guardian deity of
wisdom, the pursuit of knowledge and the arts. Later Benten became the
Goddess of Money. Benten is one of the Seven Lucky Gods (* Shichifuku-jin
*)
In _Lum-1_ (p.163) we see one of Takahashi Rumiko's visions of Benten.
Another portrayal by Takahashi Rumiko is in the story "The Golden Gods
of Poverty" (_Manga Vizion_ v.1 #9 p.3-)
(LIT p.47)
BENTEN see also: * Shichifuku-jin *
BENZAITEN see: * Benten *
BISHAMON see: * Shichifuku-jin *
BLUSHING AS SIGN OF BEING DRUNK see: alcohol flush
BODHISATTVA
In Buddhism a bodhisattva is a being who has such a degree of
spiritual attainment that they are about to become a Buddha but they put
this moment off and take a vow to help all other beings attain Buddhahood.
Bodhisattvas are just below a Buddha in spiritual development and are
considered to have unlimited compassion.
Two examples of bodhisattvas seen in anime are: * En-no-Gyoja * and *
Jizo *
(JIE 112)
BON DANCES see: * bon odori *
BON FESTIVAL.
An annual Buddhist festival honoring the spirits of the ancestors
which takes place July 13-15 or August 13-16 in some areas. This festival
is also called Obon or Urabon. Families welcome the spirits with special
fires and a spirit altar which is set up in front of the * Butsudan *
(Buddhist family altar). This a time of year when people often return to
their home town to celebrate the festival with their family. The reason for
the two dates is that the festival is observed between the 13th and 15th
days of the 7th month, in the Gregorian (western) calendar this is July, in
the old lunar calendar still observed by many farmers it is in August.
Godai in _Maison Ikkoku_ (v.3 p.118) gets a letter from his mother
stating that since he is not likely to come home for the Bon festival that
they are sending him a * yukata * made by his grandmother.
In _Moldiver_ (Tape 5) one can see the Daimonji * Okuribi * fire on
Mt. Nyoigatake which forms the Chinese character dai (large) at the end of
the Bon festival
(FoJ p.98-99, BTS p.3, JFC p.90-, JIE p.113, Vardaman-2 p.18)
BON ODORI
Bon dances, these are part of the * Bon festival *. These dances are
often done around a temporary stage called a * yagura *.
In the _Maison Ikkoku_ manga we see people dancing at the Bon
festival. (v. 3 p.124)
(FoJ p.172, JIE p.113)
BONFIRE see: * Okuribi *
BONUS see: * shoyo *
BOWING ON KNEES
Bowing is a part of respectful greeting in Japan, when someone is
visiting a home a more formal bow may take place with the greeter on their
knees with hands on the floor. In such a formal bow the most formal form
involves the head touching the hands and is called zarei.
Compare the bows of Godai and Yotsuya to Kyoko when she introduces her
self in _Maison Ikkoku_ (v.1 p.10)
(Vardaman-1 p.17, JIE p.118)
BOY'S DAY see: * Kodomo-no-Hi *
BOY'S FESTIVAL see: * Kodomo-no-Hi *
BRAIN DEATH see: * Organ Transplants *
BRIDE'S HEADDRESS see: * Tsunokakushi *
BRONZE MIRROR see: * seidokyo *
BUDDHIST FAMILY ALTAR see: * Butsudan *
BUDDHIST ROSARY see: * Juzu beads *
BUDOKAN HALL
Built in Kitanomaru Park in Tokyo for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics Judo
competition this building is used for a variety of events among which
martial arts competitions are still included.
In _Metal Fighters Miku_ (Tape 1 Episode 1) we see the Neo-Budokan of
the future.
(LIT p.92)
BULLET TRAIN see: * Shinkansen *
BUTSUDAN
The Buddhist family altar which is a cabinet or niche with an image of
the Buddha and memorial tablets (ihai) or photos of recently dead family
members. Offerings of food, flowers and incense are regularly made at this
altar.
We see a clear example of this in the _Ranma TV_ series (Tape 5 Episode 14)
(JIE p.150, LJS p.20)
CALPIS WATER OR SODA
Brands of soft drinks made with cultured milk. This is actually quite
good. Given its unappetizing name it is sold in the U.S. as CalPico.
In _Blue Seed_ (Tape 1 Episode 1) Momiji has a cold can applied to her
forehead by a classmate.
(I had to research this one in local markets.)
CARP see: * koi *
CARP STREAMERS see: * Koinobori *
CHALK MARKS AND ILLEGALLY PARKED CARS.
Given the population density of Japanese cities illegal parking has
become a problem. Female traffic wardens patrol the city and when they find
an illegally parked car they mark the locations of the wheels with chalk on
a long holder. If the car stays there too long it is then towed.
In the _Phantom Quest Corps_ (Tape 2 Episode 4) we see chalk marks
where Karino's car was illegally parked.
(LJS p.35)
CHERRY BLOSSOMS. see: * sakura *
CHESS see: * Shogi *
CHILDREN'S DAY see: * Kodomo-no-Hi *
CHOPSTICKS see: * hashi *
CHRISTMAS
(Kurisumasu) With less than one percent of Japan being Christian it
may seem strange that Christmas is celebrated there. But it has been
adopted by the Japanese who manage to make it fit in quite well. Many homes
are decorated with fir tree branches and people eat "Christmas cake" Gift
giving seems to be mainly for children and persons one feels very close to.
Stores of course promote gift giving as Christmas falls close to the
December bonus (* shoyo *).
Lum gives Ataru a present in the _Urusei Yatsura TV series (Tape 3
Episode 10 Story 19 -20)
Godai in _Maison Ikkoku_ (v.2) has trouble giving a Christmas present.
(JFC p.96, JIE p.200, Vardaman-2 p.27, TJ p.66)
CICADA SOUND see: * semi *
CLAPPING HANDS see: * Kashiwade *
COMICS BOOKS see: * Manga *
COMMUNIST PARTY OF JAPAN see: Nihon Kyosanto
COMMUTER TRAINS.
Trains are a major method of transportation in Japan, as in any
civilized country. Primary school students , ages 6-12, get a half price
discount on trains. However during the rush hour commuter trains can be
very crowded. Japan Rail has the number of seats and capacity painted on
the outside of its coaches.
The famous "Bullet Train" (* Shinkansen *) of Japan is used more for
long distance trips than daily commuting.
We see Ataru take a train to an appointment with Princess Kurama
(_Lum-1_ p.311).
(JIE p.1622, JFC p.126, 128-9)
COMMUTER TRAINS see also: * Shinkansen *
CURTAINS see: * Noren *
CUSHIONS TO SIT ON see: * zabuton *
DAIKOKU see: * Shichifuku-jin *
DAIMONJI OKURIBI see: * Okuribi *
DARUMA DOLLS
Daruma dolls represent Bodhidharma the founder of Zen Buddhism who is
famous for devotion in sitting in meditation for long periods of time. His
dedication to one task has made him a symbol of working towards one goal.
When starting a project, or wishing for something, one often buys a Daruma
doll and paints in one eye and upon its completion, or the granting of the
wish, the other eye.
We see a Daruma doll with both eyes in the wish filling fantasy at the
beginning of _Oh My Goddess_ (Tape 1)
(Vardaman-2 p.31-2)
DEATH, LEGAL DEFINITION OF see: * Organ Transplants *
DEATH ANNIVERSARIES see: * meinichi *
DIET BUILDING
The building where the legislative branch of the Japanese government
meets. Construction on the Diet building began in 1920 and ended in 1937.
Diet building surrounded by troops Patlabor 2
In _Sanctuary_ (v.1 p.34, 164-167) many scenes take place outside of
and in the Diet building.
(LIT p.94)
DIET, PARLIAMENT see: * Kokkai *
DIET MEMBERS PIN
Members of the Japanese Diet (Parliament) always wear a special pin
that identifies their status. Deep purple pins are worn by members of the
House of Councilors and maroon pins by the members of the House of
representatives.
We see this pin in _Sanctuary_ (v.1 p.174)
(LIT p.95)
DIVINATION see: * sangi * * Zeichiku *
DOGEN
The founder, in 1227, of the soto sect of Zen Buddhism. A major figure
in Japanese Zen Buddhism.
In _Zenki_ (Tape 2 Episode 4) we hear a story of a jar that was made
for Dogen.
(JIE, p.289)
DOGS AND PREGNANT WOMEN
Due to a belief that dogs have little trouble giving birth women go to
shrines on "dog days" to pray for an easy birth.
In _The Hakkenden_ (Tape 1 Episode 2) Tatsuka is praying at a shrine
for a child, she has a vision of princess Fuse riding on the dog Yatsufusa
and finds a puppy at the shrine.
(Vardaman-2 p.36)
DRINKS, POURING FOR ANOTHER
Filling the glass of another is a sign of courtesy for the person
whose glass you are filling. This form of social interaction is common in
Japan.
In _Sanctuary_ (v. 3 p.84) we see Don Mutsuo Imai overfilling Hojo's
glass as a disrespectful gesture.
(Vardaman-2 p.38, JFC p.144)
DRUNK BLUSHING see: alcohol flush
DUSTER see: * hataki *
EBISU see: * Shichifuku-jin *
EELS see: * unagi *
EIYO DRINKS
Nutritional supplement drinks commonly consumed in Japan to build up
stamina while performing hard tasks, like work or school. These commonly
contain vitamins, herbs and caffeine.
In _Dragon Half_ (pt. 2) Mink is given what is claimed to be such a
drink before the martial arts tournament.
In _Lum-2_ (p.46) Mendo is sucking on several bottles of eiyo drink in
an attempt to stay awake in class.
The * yakuza * Tokuda is drinking such a beverage in _Sanctuary_ (v.4
p.7-8) as a preparation to having sex.
(Palter-1)
ENGI ERA
The period of Japanese history from 901-923.
A story that takes place in the Engi period is told in _Zenki_ (Tape 3
Episode 7)
(JIE p.342)
EN-NO-GYOJA.
A 8th century ascetic and sorcerer who is considered a founder of *
Shugendo *. He is also venerated as the * Bodhisattva * Jimben Dai Bosatsu.
He is the ancestor of Chiaki one of the main characters of the _Zenki_
series. See also * Zenki *
(JIE pp. 345, 1423)
ENNO-OZUNO see: * En-no-Gyoja *
ENOSHIMA
An island in Sagami Bay, about one hour south west from Tokyo by train
this is a popular spot for tourists.
One place Ryoga went on way to meet Ranma for a fight in the lot near
his house _Ranma TV_ (Tape 3 Episode 7).
(JIE p.345)
ENTRY WAY AT HOME see * genkan *
EXORCISM see: * tsukimono otoshi *
FAMILY ALTAR see: * Kamidana *
FEBRUARY 26, 1936
A military rebellion took place in Tokyo on this date. Many major
political figures were killed, there were reports that Prime Minister *
Okada Keisuke * was killed but what had happened is that his brother-in-law
was shot instead. The rebellion failed and many of its leaders were
executed.
The beginning of the _Mermaid Forest_ video takes place during this
coup attempt.
(JIE p.359)
FIRE see: * Okuribi *
FIRE BRIGADE STANDARD see: Matoi
FIRECRACKERS IN SKY AS ANNOUNCEMENT
As a reminder of an upcoming festival or school field day the Japanese
will set off two sets of three firecrackers in the sky to let the
neighborhood know something fun is happening.
This is done in _Oh My Goddess_ (Tape 3) before the race sequence.
(Vardaman-2 p.42)
FIREFLIES see: * Hotaru *
FIREWORKS see: * hanabi *
FLAG see: * Fu-Rin-Ka-Zan *
FOOD CARTS/MOBILE STALLS - see * yatai *
FOODS see: * Okonomiyaki *, * Ramen * * unagi *
FORTUNE TELLING see: * sangi * * Zeichiku * * mikuji *
FOX see: * Kitsune *
FUKUROKUJU see: * Shichifuku-jin *
FU-RIN-KA-ZAN.
The banners that the army of Takeda Shingen carried had the characters
Fu (wind) Rin (forest) Ka (fire) Zan (mountain) written on them. This
stands for Fu (as swift as the wind) Rin (as silent as the forest) Ka (as
deadly as fire) Zan (as unshakable as the mountains)
In the first _Dominion_ series, Act 2, the tank of the Squad Leader
has this banner attached to it in the scene after the police are attacked.
We also see a partially obscured banner with these characters on it
after the first race in _Oh My Goddess_ (Tape 3)
(FoJ p.45)
FUTON.
This is the main traditional bedding in Japan. It consists of a thick
quilt like mattress and quilted bedcover laid out on the floor. When not in
use futon are folded up and stored in a cupboard. It is important to keep
futon dry to prevent mildew so on sunny days futon will be aired out by
hanging them over a rail on a balcony.
Ranma and his father sleep on futons in the _Ranma_ manga and TV series.
And when we first see Towa in the _Mermaid Forest_ video she is laying
on a futon, in the manga this is on page 196.
In the _Mermaid Forest_ manga (p.3) we see Mana sitting up on a futon.
In _Maison Ikkoku_ (v. 1 p.68) we get a clear view of a futon.
In _Rumic Theater_ (chapter 4 p.105) we see the hanging out futons on
a balcony rail.
In the _Rumic World_ manga ( p.90) we see a young Azusa on a futon.
(LIJ p.163, JIE 435, LJS p.11, JFC p.50-51)
GAIRAIGO.
In the modern world all languages have words from other cultures.
English would not sound at all like it does without the French, Spanish,
German and Asian words it has. And many foreign words and phrases are also
used in Japanese. The words I most often notice are English or French but I
have had friends say they often hear Spanish or Portuguese words, such as
"Pan" for bread.
To English speakers it may seem strange to hear an anime character say
"thank you" as Ranma-chan does when she is handed P-chan in the boys locker
room, or Ranma-kun does at the rich folks house (_Ranma TV_ (Tape 4 Episode
10)
(JIE p.897, Vardaman-2 p.96)
GAMES see: * Go *, * Mah-Jong *, * Shogi *
GARDEN DECORATION BAMBOO PIPE MOVING UP AND DOWN
see: * Shishiodoshi *
GATES see: * Torii *
GEISHA
Geisha are highly skill entertainers who from childhood learn to play
music, sing old songs, and traditional Japanese dances. The skills of a
geisha are so highly prized that most people never meet real ones. The
usual way to meet a geisha is by a very proper introduction from someone,
usually a long established customer. The fees paid to geisha are
astronomical so to be entertained by a geisha on someone else's expense is
quite an honor.
In the _Sanctuary_ manga (v.5 p.250) we see a meeting with geisha in
the * Gion * district of * Kyoto *.
(LIT p.110, Vardaman-2 p.48)
GENGO see: * nengo *
GENJI
The major character of the Genji Monogatari (Tale of Genji) the early
11th century novel which is considered a major literary masterpiece written
by the court lady * Murasaki Shikibu *. This work devotes a great deal of
space to the loves of Prince Genji
We see a parody of this character in the form of Ataru Genji in the
_Urusei Yatsura_ TV series (Tape 3 Episode 11 Story 21-22)
Genji is also the title character of the _Tale of Genji_ anime.
(JIE p.1518)
GENKAN
This is an area at ground floor height just inside the entry way of
houses. It is here where you remove your shoes before entering the main
part of the house. It is important not to step in this area with your
stockinged feet to prevent bringing dirt into the house. It is also
considered proper to face your shoes towards the door so that you can
easily slip into them when you are ready to leave. Genkan are occasionally
found in some other buildings
In _Lum-1_, on page 31, we see this lower entry area, and in the lower
left panel of page 149 in we see shoes facing out towards the door.
In _Maison Ikkoku_ (v. 1 p.10) we see the genkan of the boarding house.
We see a genkan in the Bridal Chamber in "The Merchant of Romance"
(_Rumic Theater_ chapter 2 p.37)
(Vardaman-1 p.46, LJS p.18)
GESTURES.
The meanings of hand gestures vary worldwide according to culture.
- In Japan something that looks like what we would call waving, palm
down fingers moving up and down, means 'come here'.
This gesture can be seen in _Metal Fighter Miku_ (Tape 2 Episode 4),
in the first Ranma OVA Tape ("Shampoo's Sudden Switch, the Curse of the
Contrary Jewel") as well as several other anime. Ataru uses this come here
gesture to Lum before giving her the yellow ribbon in _Urusei Yatsura_ (TV
series Tape 2, episode 7, story 13)
- Another gesture is holding up the little finger when referring to a
girlfriend or mistress.
This is seen in _Oh! My Goddess_ (Tape 1) when Keiichi and Belldandy
are looking for a place to stay.
In _Ranma_ (Tape 4 Episode 14) when Dr. Tofu's mother is first talking
with Kasumi she holds up her little finger.
Sakamoto uses the little finger gesture to indicate that Godai has
arrived at a bad time in _Maison Ikkoku_ (v. 3 p.255)
Tokai in _Sanctuary_ (v.3 p.19) is using this gesture when talking
about Japanese girls.
- Holding a hand flat in front of the face and waving it back and
forth is very similar to the western shaking of the head in disagreement or
to indicate no.
Mink's friend Lufa does this waving of the hand in front of her face
in _Dragon Half _ (Part 1)
- When the Japanese refer to themselves they do not point at their
chest but at their face.
We see this in the meeting after the suit accident in _Metal Fighter
Miku_ (Tape 2 Episode 4)
(JIE 453, LIJ p.110-111, Vardaman-1 p.18-21)
GETA.
These are wooden shoes, with two cross-wise supports on the bottom,
that are attached to the foot with a thong.
Geta are worn by the coach in the _Metal Fighter Miku_ anime.
Ataru get hit in the head by a tossed geta on page 75 of _Lum-1_.
Geta are always worn with * kimono * when outdoors, in _Maison Ikkoku_
(v. 3 p.120-1) we see Kozue in a kimono and geta.
(JIE p.454)
GINKO
Also known as ginkgo, this hard tree is found in much of Japan. Its
fan shaped leaves turn an attractive yellow in the Fall. In the Jingu Gaien
park in Tokyo there is a 800 meter long street called Ginko Tree Lane which
is one of the landmarks of this area.
Ginko leaves are seen on the wind in _Zenki_ (Tape 1 Episode 2)
And Lum is depicted ridding one of these on the cover of Lum-1.
(LIT p.147, JIE p.455)
GION DISTRICT
Gion district of * Kyoto * developed in the middles ages in front of
Yasaka Shrine. Eventually this part of Kyoto became a major red light
district, Today this is an entertainment area famous for its preservation
of ancient styles.
In the _Sanctuary_ manga (v.5 p.250) we see a meeting with * geisha *
in the Gion district of * Kyoto *.
(MSK p.60)
GO.
Also called igo, an ancient game which entered Japan from China. Go is
played on a board of 19 by 19 lines with black and white pieces which are
placed on the intersection of the lines on the board. The rules of go are
very simple and can fit on a small piece of paper, but the play is quite
subtle and it can take years of play to become skilled. But go players
don't seem to mind putting in that kind of effort.
The fathers are playing Go in the second _Ranma_ OVA tape ("Akane vs.
Ranma I'll be the One to Inherit Mother's Recipes").
Also the coach in _Gunbuster_ (Episode 4) is seen playing a game in
his quarters on the ship when Amano visits him.
(JIE p.458, LIJ p.137, JFC p.142)
GOD OF THUNDER SEE: * Raijin *
GOHEI.
(1.)
A wand decorated with paper or cloth streamers used in Shinto rituals.
Often this is in the form of harae-gushi, "Sacred mulberry paper called
nusa attached to a stick" waved to the right, left and right in a
purification ritual.
This can be seen in the beginning of the Lupin anime _The Fuma Conspiracy_
In the first _Zenki_ episode we see the use of this by Chiaki.
As well as by Sakura in _Lum-1_ in an exorcism ritual (p.82)
(2.)
Zigzag paper streamers often attached to * shimenawa * or other
objects used in rituals.
(JIE p.462, 501, BTS p.11, 14).
GOLD FISH DIPPING see: * Kingyo-sukui *
GOURD see: * hisago *
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)