Tips in Finding Ikebana Vase

Vase for Ikebana is one of the important part for the arrangement. For the intended flowers we can use items that could be found around the house which might be appropriate for the display area.

Use your imagination, you can have baskets, glasses, everyday kitchenware, watering can and many other things because all can be used and has great effect for the arrangement. Even though there are also varieties types of vases which are designed special for Ikebana flower arranging.

To be matched with the intended floral materials, don’t forget to consider the color, shape, size and texture. Another thing that you should pay attention on is the display situation whenever you select the ikebana vase so that’s mean not only the flower that you should focus on.

A larger and substantial vase is suitable for a dramatic seasonal arrangement in an entry hall. For other example if you want to put it at a bedside table you can use a small, less obvious vase and arrangement as it is more suitable.

For more various shapes  such as oval , round, rectangular or triangular we can use traditional vase called Suiban (flat bottom, shallow container).

You can use a low arrangement for dining room table so people can see over, for this type of arrangement is normally recommended with diameter of 30 cm and 4-5 cm type of container. A cylinder or prism-type style has about 30-40cm high, this is a tall vase type.

For more modern arrangement or when a certain height is required then you can use a compote shaped. A heavy and stable with a small opening vase like Pot is a very suitable container.

We could also use a natural material vase for a nice Ikebana arrangement,  such  as Bamboo baskets. Bamboo baskets are suitable for wild flowers or any flowers that comes from your garden. We could also use glass containers in many type of shapes. However if you use glass container make sure you pay attention on the water because the color changing as the result of immersed stem can be a distracting view.

The Aikido

Aikido martial arts is not about fighting, nor an offensive martial art. AI means “ Harmony” KI means “Spritual or life energy” DO means “way of path”, if we put it together will be “ Way of harmonizing the spiritual energy”. Aikido is a way to harmonize your body, spirit, and mind in order to find peaceful ways of living with our challenges of life. It is to be applied for everyday living.

Aikido is not learning about striking for its philosophical teachings. Aikido use the energy of our opponent to against themselves. We learn how to harmonize our opponent flowing energy and use it to control them. In Aikido we also learn how to harmonize our own energy to control our life. The method itself emphasizes the correct reaction against movements and dynamics of motion.

Aikido techniques are developed from Kenjutso and Jujitsu, those were used by the Samurai to encompass weaponless combat. These techniques were designed to attack an enemy joints and balance to negate their armor, relying upon circular flowing movements combined with joint locks and pressure points to effect control. A Japanese man Morehei Ueshiba combined them with the philosophies of Buddhism and Bushido (The way of the Samurai) to create a peaceful, benevolent art. People in his area usually call him O-Sensei, means the Great Teacher.

HERE ARE 10 TECHNIQUES IN AIKIDO: 

IKKYO, a technique by gripping your opponent’s elbow and gripping his wrist with the other hand 

NIKKYO, this technique brings muscles together by locking the opponent wrist








SANKYO, a technique by turning the opponent wrist, the motion advanced all through the elbow, arm and shoulder

YONKYO, It has almost the same technique with Ikkyo, it is a shoulder control, only that the forearm on the opposite side should be grip with both of your hands

GOKYO, It’s a variation of Ikkyo. The hand that grips your opponent’s wrist is reversed. Shoulder and arm are rotated with a downward pressure which is applied to the elbow

KOTEGAESHI, It is a throwing technique which involve wrist locks and throw that  stretches the extensor digitorum

IRIMINAGE, It’s a throw techniques which entering the body by moving into the  space that occupied of your opponent

KOSHINAGEe, a throwing technique using your hip, put your hip position lower  than your opponent’s hip and flip your opponent with a pivoting action

TENCHINAGE, the heaven and earth throw technique. Move forward and at the  same time sweep your one hand higher which represent heaven while other hand lower which represent the earth.Your opponent will topple over because losing  their balance

KAITENNAGE. A rotation throw technique. Move your opponent’s arm  backwards until you lock his shoulder’s joints. To apply more pressure keep  maintain the hold.

Japanese Kimono

Kimono is Japan national attire which has literally meanings “something worn” or clothing in Japanese culture. Back to history Chinese traders introduced Hanfu which was their traditional clothing to Japan and were later modified throughout Japan’s history and now known as contemporary Kimono. Few images of Japanese culture portrait as an elegant lady in a beautiful silk Kimono.

Probably the most popular piece of Asian clothing both uttered and adored by western countries is Japanese Kimono
An authentic Japan made Kimono can be cost at least $10.000, even a complete outfit consisting of undergarments, obi, ties, socks, sandals and accessories can be more than $ 20.000. Yes, it is very expensive. How can be a cloth can be cost that much?? Well, preparing an authentic Kimono takes a very long process and skilled craftsmen in Japan demand quite compensation. Kimono are traditionally sewn by hand, their fabrics are also made by hand plus their hand decoration using silk, silk brocade, silk crepes, and satin weaves which known as ninzu. Those reasons could answer the question why Kimono could be expensive.

However nowadays we can find cheaper Kimono, which is made by synthetic fabrics. The good thing is its more affordable.
Kimono are worn by women and men, but most often worn by women while men occasionally worn Kimono at weddings, tea ceremony, or other formal occasions. A more colorful and style Kimono use to wear younger girl and single, it has a longer sleeves and tied with a bright colored sash. It is more elaborate than older women.

Kimono for men usually has one basic shape worn in subdued colors. Furisode is a style of traditional kimono which worn by unmarried women. It has floor length sleeves and usually displayed on special occasions.

A white and heavy Kimono called Shiromuku, it has a great detail etched in it. A black kimono will be wear by men and women in funeral occasion. It shows respect in Japanese culture. Another custom from it, when a man is going to a funeral, they will need to wear black tie while a white tie will be use for wedding.

A light cotton Yukata usually worn in summer, it is an easy one for everybody to wear. Yukata can be seen during Japanese festivals and informal outdoor events.

What is Anime?!

What is Anime? Anime base on dictionary means "a  Japanese style of motion-picture animation". Anime also known as Manga, which is more more popular to be called that way in some countries. Anime can also be referred to animation or comics.

The history of Anime started on the twentieth century when the Japanese filmmakers experimenting techniques of animation. From this experiment anime characteristics and genres developed and have become the fundamental elements.

Anime itself is an alternative outlet for the art of storytelling and for this reason it becomes popular in Japan. Anime has low cost budget and its support Japan which was suffered from budgeting problem for live action movies that time, not to mention the restriction that were placed on the casting as well as location.

In September 1963 NBC syndicated a dubbed version of Astro Boy which is Japanese Anime series and this is the time when anime burst onto the scene. In the  80’s, Gundam and Macross became an instant classics of Japanese Robot Anime, up until now the robot genre still heard of the most in Japan and worldwide.

Typical drawing of Anime or Manga is with large eyes. It was actually  credited to the influence of Osamu Tezuka. He inspired by American cartoon such as Betty Boop, Mickey Mouse and Disney’s Bambi. Another typical of Manga is that they have this extremely expression when they are shocked, surprise, cry, happy, or in any kind of mood.

Some animes can be drawn by hand but nowadays with the developing of technologies it can be assisted by computer. Usually teenager and kids has become their market target. Anime considered as limited animation and can be produce in full length of motion pictures, also in live action film like television series.

Instead of calligrapher’s pen, the line of Anime often influenced by brushwork. Nowadays there are many books available where people can learn how to draw Anime with some style, even you can learn it on line, like on the video below this article. Enjoy :)

Japanese Flower Arrangement - IKEBANA

Japanese Flower Arrangement or also known as IKEBANA is more than simply putting flower in a container. It is Japanese traditional of art about decorating as well creating a harmony between human and nature. In Ikebana the art is include the vase or container, stems, leave, branches and flowers. Each of them has meaning.

Ikebana decorating can reflected our mood, it can be made which such theme line, for example when we are happy the decorating can be made as merry as we want just like our mood.

The history of Japanese flower arrangement can be track back when Buddhism was introduced to Japan.  Ikebana evolved from the Buddhist ritual of offering flowers to the spirits of the dead on the altar as part of worship.

At the beginning Ikebana was very simple, it was constructed only a very few stems of flowers and evergreen branches. This kind of decorating called Kuge. A more sophisticated style of Japanese flower arrangement, called Rikka (standing flowers), appeared in the fifteenth century. Ikebana with Rikka style reflects the magnificence of nature and its display.

Basically, IKEBANA has some styles:

Rikka Style, using 9 main branches. Ikebana – Rikka has one core basic branch and from this core can be made simply just like our mood during the time.

Shoka Style, using 3 main branches. Ikebana – Shoka was found as the development of Rikka which was considered to be more complicated. Seika or Shōka style consists of only three main branches, known as ten (heaven), 'chi' (earth), and 'jin' (human). It is a simple style that is designed to show the beauty and uniqueness of the plant itself.

Nagaire Style. The typical of Ikebana – Nagaire is using a tall container or vase. The style is characterized by a tight bundle of stems that form a triangular three-branched asymmetrical arrangement which was considered classic.

Moribana Style.  It was born when Meiji restoration. The typical of Ikebana – Moribana is using a lower or medium container.

Nowadays Japanese flower arrangement not only made by fresh flowers but also silk flower. Ikebana not only confined with flowers but every material can be used such as plastic, metal, stone.   

Uniquely Japan

Talking about Japan is like a never ending story, so many interesting things to talk about. It’s cuisine, beautiful scene, art, technology, language, fashion, their strong tradition and many things. Just like its name “ The land of the Rising Sun”, they say it was created by the God’s of Sun, and the Japanese Emperor is the Son of Sun God. Japan’s flag picture is also from the legend.

Tokyo is the capital city of Japan which is the largest metropolitan area in the world. Japan has the world’s tenth-largest population, with 6852 islands and greatly varies climate. Japan also the leading of scientific research particularly technology.

In related to their strong culture, you can easily find things in many countries related to their culture, Ikebana, Sushi, Origami, Aikido, Anime and many other things.

Japan diversity and its unique can simply attracted people to learn more about it or just to try it. One good example is sushi, this famous cuisine has variety taste and it serves with spick and span. A unique fact about sushi that most of the chefs are men as it’s related to body temperature, research shows that men temperature is lower than women. Temperature influences the making of sushi because raw seafood is susceptible to temperature changing.

Another famous thing from Japan is Cherry Tree, this flower is a very important symbol for Japanese, cherry tree is like a metaphor to immortal life. The flower only blossom in spring. So if you have any intention to visit Japan for a holiday and the beauty of cherry blossom come around April.

Let's Make Sushi

Executive Summary About How To Make Sushi By Maggie Tan

Sushi is much much more than raw fish. I have been a victim to my addiction for sushi and had paid silly prices in sushi bars and restaurants. These are 5 Steps to the Perfect Sushi:

1) Sushi Rice
This is the essentially the heart of sushi, so if you get this right, you are 80% to making the perfect sushi! It is therefore not surprising that Sushi Experts place so much emphasis on how to prepare Sushi Rice.
Unlike normal long grains, sushi rice grains are a lot starchier. Use a damp clean cloth to cover the bowl to prevent the sushi rice from losing moisture.
*Important* Never store sushi rice in the fridge as the sushi rice will lose its moisture and taste exactly like the hard and gunny sushi that you get from supermarkets or even some sushi restaurants and bars

2) Nori
Very often, we think of nori as just the seaweed sheet for rolling sushi. However, nori plays a very important role in delivering the flavor and aroma of sushi.
Toasted nori are also more aromatic.
Over handling of the nori is a mistake that many sushi amateurs made.

3) Rolling the Roll
A pretty sushi looking sushi will whet a person's appetite even before he/she bite into the sushi. Hence, care must be taken in rolling the sushi.
Rolling the sushi roll is actually not difficult. The key to this is not to overstuff the sushi with rice and ingredients. A thin layer of sushi rice that covers the surface of the nori is sufficient.

4) Cutting the Roll
What you need is a sharpen knife so you can avoid excessive sawing motion and more critically, you need a slightly wet knife so that it will run smoothly through the roll. The knife needs to be lightly wet for every single cut.

5) Garnish & Decorations
When it comes to packaging, Japanese is King. Just use small vegetable cutters to cut out flower from carrots and cucumbers. To give it more colours, you can use red, green or yellow capsicums as well. Even just strips of these colourful vegetables will spice up your platter tremendously.

 Sushi is a very neat dish, so don't scatter your garnishing all over, but place them neatly along side the sushi. So Good Luck with your own SUSHI ^_^

How To Make Flower Origami

Executive Summary About Origami Flowers by Erich Simko

Origami is a Japanese word meaning the art of folding papers into shapes to create decorative objects. Learning how to make origami flowers will give you a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Any local hobby, or art store would carry the specific color or colors of origami paper that you may need to construct your flowers. You can use regular newspaper but it is usually too thick for the folding process, however the specialized origami paper is thin enough and cut to the right size and shape.

One of the easiest origami flowers to make is the rose. Four sheets of origami paper are needed, one sheet for the leaves (green) and three sheets for the flower (red). Origami square base is the pattern that will be used to fold all three of the red pieces. Take one square and fold it on the diagonals, then on the East-West line and the North-south line.

Make an imaginary line through the paper, then fold and unfold the right corner of the base to the middle of the imaginary line. Perform the same steps on the other two pieces of red origami paper. Origami flower art is an inexpensive hobby that can be very rewarding. The creation of origami flowers gets faster the more of these lovely flowers you make.

Money Origami

Money Origami  is one of kind origami which is interesting to be learned.  Even though the true spirit of money origami has always been kept hidden and being a secret from the main stream, however  we can seek a very good books about it and few been published.  

The true form of Money origami is Orikane.  Origami means to fold “paper” while Orikane means to fold “money”. Although it is still in grey area, as Orikane is a form or Origami, without Origami it would not have been created, but Orikane has art itself. 

Many people assume that was japanese immigrant who brought this art when they came to America in the late of 70’s, they began folding One Dollar Bills in to works or art, but the exact origin is remain unknown up until now. It’s spread very fast throughout middle class of America due to its exciting new craze, by the time the immigrant started to mingle in a higher society so did the money origami.

It’s always been an up hill struggle to learn for a perfect Orikane, but few mastered some exquisite origami with the Hundred Dollar Bill. This hundred dollar bill has been a rich men hobby because it requires many notes to practice and there is no quick way in learning it.

You can easily find how to learn Orikane in Video nowadays, even the online one. Some only show you the simple one and some other teaches you to the core.

To enhance the figure, you need to utilize the patterns, that what is called the true “ Money Origami”. There can be very clear and distinct eye markings on the figures as features and this is one of the obvious example. The different lies for a true Orikane folder would take these in to consideration and fold accordingly.

The dollar bill patterns stimulate thousands of people across the world as it creates a whole new fresh approach with its complex folds and clever fusions.