University at Buffalo - The State University of New York

Published: November 1, 2007

Japanese culture online

Since Nov. 3 is Bunka-no-hi (Culture Day) in Japan and 2007 has been dubbed "Year of Japan in Buffalo Niagara" by the Buffalo-Kanazawa Sister City Committee, it seems like the perfect time to learn more about Japanese culture.

A good starting point for an online exploration of Japan might be the guide by Ayako and Steven Archer or Japan-guide. There is a plethora of sites online where you can learn more about specific aspects of Japanese culture. If you're intrigued by pop culture, try the Anime News Network, CosplayWiki, Jpop or the manga section of Comic Books for Young Adults.

Of course, there also are sites focusing on more traditional aspects of Japanese culture, like the Bonsai Site, Encyclopedia Mythica, Immortal Geisha, Japanese Kimono or Kendo America.

Academic literature on Japan is easily accessible through the Bibliography of Asian Studies and JSTOR, which provides full-text from journals like Far Eastern Quarterly, Harvard Journal of Asiatic Studies, Journal of Asian Studies, Monumenta Nipponica, and Pacific Affairs. You also can find more detailed information on library resources in the University Libraries' Asian American and Asian Studies Resources by subject guide.

You also can keep up with what's going on in Japan with English-language newspapers like Asahi Shimbun, Kyodo News, Mainichi Daily News, News on Japan and Yomiuri Shimbun, and radio—listen online to NHK World Daily News.

How about learning about Japanese culture firsthand? UB also offers a number of study abroad programs to Japan. The Study Abroad Web site lists all of them and features a virtual tour of the Kanazawa University Program, created by alumnus Ken Giese. Before you head off to Japan for study or vacation, online phrase books like Japanese Reference and Japanese Phrases for Travelers can help you prepare.

For a taste of Japan closer to home, check out Bill Rapaport's Buffalo Restaurant Guide for Japanese restaurants in the area and visit the Year of Japan Web site to learn about local events celebrating Japanese culture, including a Bunka-no-hi celebration Nov. 3 to benefit the Japanese Garden of Buffalo and numerous festivities at Gusto at the Gallery on Nov. 9.

—Karen Walton Morse, University Libraries