Cormorant fishing (Ukai) began almost 1300 years ago on the Nagare River in Gifu prefecture. Primarily catching ayu, or sweet fish, Ukai is a daily activity for 5 months of the year, and begins late in the evening. Ukai is protected by the Imperial Household Agency; the Ukai fishers on the Nagare River have been given the title of Cormorant Continue reading «Ukai (鵜飼い): Traditional Cormorant Fishing in Arashiyama!»

The Bombardment of Kagoshima, also known as the Anglo-Satsuma War (薩英戦争), took place on 15–17 August 1863 during the Late Tokugawa shogunate. The British Royal Navy was fired on from coastal batteries near the town of Kagoshima and in retaliation bombarded the town. The British were trying to exact a payment from the daimyo of Satsuma following the Namamugi Incident Continue reading «Historical Events Today: 1863 – The Anglo-Satsuma War begins between the Satsuma Domain of Japan and the United Kingdom!»

Emperor Hanazono (花園天皇 Hanazono-tennō) (August 14, 1297 – December 2, 1348) was the 95th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. His reign spanned the years from 1308 through 1318. Events of Hanazono’s life: Tomihito-shinnō became emperor upon the abdication of his second cousin, the Daikakuji-tō Emperor Go-Nijō. Tokuji 3, in the 8th month (1308): In the Continue reading «Famous Birthdays Today: 1297-Emperor Hanazono, Emperor of Japan.»