City of the Week
Tokyo
Tokyo, the infamous capital of Japan. A center of technology and culture. It is the home of multinational companies such as Toyota and Sony that produce a great variety of products. There are many unique arts and sports related to Tokyo, such as ikebana, sumo wrestling, , shodo, kabuki, and more. Ikebana is the art of flower arranging, orinating from a ritual involving the dead spirits of ancestors. Examples of this art can be found throughout the city, in practically all public areas. Shodo is Japanese calligraphy, an art taught to all Japanese children and recognizable to everyone. As far as sports go, sumo wrestling is one of the most actively watched ones. It dates back 1,500 years as a demonstration of strength as an offering to the gods. In January, May, and September, the arenas are packed with visitors and sumo enthusiasts. Other entertainment can be found in kabuki theaters. The actors in elaborate make-up are able to perform dramatic dances that express their characters' feelings exceptionally. The food is also good. When there, try some dango and mochi and some of their specialties: wasabi, umeboshi, and konnyaku.
- Recommended sites to visit are:
- Ginza's Kabuki-za playhouse
- Ohara School of Ikebana in Aoyama
- Ota Memorial Museum of Art in Harajuku
- Japan Calligraphy Museum in ltabashi Ward
- Oshimaya Onda
- Hotel New Otani
