Awaji Island, located between the islands of Honshu and Shikoku, is the largest island in the Seto Inland Sea and holds cultural, historical, and geographical significance. Connected to the mainland by the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge Awaji has long been considered a sacred place in Japanese mythology, believed to be the first island created by the gods Izanagi and Izanami. Today, it blends rich tradition with modern tourism, offering everything from ancient shrines like Izanagi Shrine and vibrant festivals to contemporary attractions the Awaji Yumebutai complex designed by Tadao Ando, and the expansive Awaji Hanasajiki flower park. Known for its fertile land and mild climate, the island also boasts a thriving agricultural scene, producing high-quality onions and seafood. Visitors are drawn to its scenic coastal drives, hot springs, and peaceful countryside, making Awaji Island a captivating destination that fuses spiritual heritage, natural beauty, and innovative design.

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Karaoke is Japan’s gift to the world of joyous off-key singing and shameless mic-hogging. Born in the 1970s thanks to musician Daisuke Inoue (who, fun fact, never patented his invention), karaoke combines the thrill of performing with the safety of not needing a real band—or much vocal talent. The word comes from kara (empty) and oke (orchestra), which basically means “you’re the star now, ready or not!” In Japan, people belt their hearts out in cozy karaoke boxes with friends, snacks, and maybe a little sake for courage. It quickly spread worldwide, turning quiet nights into full-blown power ballad performances and giving us all an excuse to pretend we’re rockstars for five glorious minutes.

Japan Reach - Reaching the Japanese people one relationship at a time.

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The sohei, or warrior monks, were armed Buddhist monks in medieval Japan who played significant military and political roles from the late Heian period (794–1185). Originating from powerful monasteries like Enryaku-ji on Mount Hiei, sōhei defended their religious institutions against rival sects, samurai warlords, and even the imperial court. Clad in monk robes and wielding weapons like the naginata, they often marched in large, organized forces, blurring the line between spiritual devotion and military aggression. Their influence waned during the unification of Japan under Oda Nobunaga, who viewed them as a threat and brutally suppressed their power—most notably in the 1571 destruction of Enryaku-ji—marking the decline of militant monasticism in Japan.

Japan Reach - Reaching the Japanese people one relationship at a time.

www.japanreach.org