Something about food and enjoying it brings people closer together. In mid-February, the KCP cooking club had a blast in their cooking session with Japanese college students from Hosei University. Under the supervision of Tanaka-san and Utami-san, KCP rented a cooking room at Yotsuya Ward Center, where students created delicious gyoza (Chinese dumplings) and mapo tofu (a Read more …
Japanese Culture
KCP is proud to announce the publication of a second set of a series of books on kanji! The first set was 1 nichi 15 hun no kanji 1 and 2 for Levels 1, 2 and 3. These two new ones are for pre-intermediate to intermediate Levels 3, 4 and 5. KCP Japanese language instructor with Read more …
Learning Japanese
One of the most enduring and popular origami designs is the tsuru, or crane. Origami of this design has part of the decor for many special occasions, especially weddings, in Japan. Of course, origami includes an enormous range of designs besides cranes: you can create many other kinds of origami birds. Check out this video on how Read more …
How To
The Edo-Tokyo Museum is a must-see for those who want to learn more about the rich culture and history of Tokyo. Founded March 28, 1993, the museum is a repository of Tokyo’s heritage, from its origins as a small fishing village called Edo during the 15th century to its metamorphosis into today’s sprawling and vibrant Read more …
Japanese Culture
Japanese anime and manga are deeply ingrained in Japanese pop culture. Their influence and popularity have reached other parts of the world, including the United States (e.g., Astro Boy and Dragon Ball Z). The term “manga” refers to Japanese drawings or comics, many of which were created hundreds of years ago and remain popular to Read more …
Learning Japanese
Tokyo’s Sumida River (隅田川) branches out from the Arakawa River at Iwabuchi and flows directly into Tokyo Bay. It passes through the Tokyo wards of Kita, Adachi, Arakawa, Sumida, Taito, Koto, and Chuo. The river meanders for 27 kilometers and runs under 26 bridges which are spaced about a kilometer per bridge. Some of the Read more …
Travel in Japan
The concerts of Hatsune Miku (初音ミク) are very popular—thousands of fans flock to the spectacle of her shows and rave over her singing prowess. Her appearance is unique yet appealing, with her long bubblegum blue locks of hair and schoolgirl/spy attire. But it’s not just all this that makes her extraordinary. Hatsune Miku is a singing Read more …
Trends
Recently, KCP staff and students attended a sumo extravaganza. It was not a regular tourney, but an event in honor of the renowned sumo wrestler Futenno, who has retired and will become an Oyakata, a master of Sumo house. Over a dozen culture class students went with Michiko-san to see the sumo spectacle. Extra tickets were Read more …
Japanese Culture
It’s been a week or so since the start of the term. As you can see in the photos below, the teachers are already in full-throttle! The photos were taken at 6 pm; even at that time there were still teachers and some students at school. Deep in concentration, checking a student’s papers. | KCP Read more …
KCP Program
One of the must-see spots in Tokyo is the Tokyo Imperial Palace (皇居). Also called Kōkyo, it is the main residence of Japan’s Imperial Family. Located in Chiyoda area, the Palace is composed of several interconnected buildings, including the main palace hall (Kyuden), function halls, and administrative offices. The grounds are a massive park with Read more …
Travel in Japan
