Glossary
305 terms
2channel (2ch)
Explore 2channel (2ch), Japan's most influential anonymous internet forum that shaped modern Japanese online culture, memes, and communication.
AKB48
Iconic Japanese idol group known for its "idols you can meet" concept and large rotating roster, influencing modern pop culture.
Ainu Music
Explore the rich vocal traditions, instrumental melodies, and cultural significance of Ainu music from Hokkaido, Japan.
Akira Toriyama
Explore the life and monumental legacy of Akira Toriyama, the legendary manga artist behind Dragon Ball and Dr. Slump, who shaped global pop culture.
Akutagawa Ryunosuke
Akutagawa Ryunosuke was a pivotal Taishō era writer, celebrated for his psychologically astute short stories that often reinterpreted classical Japanese tales.
Animal Crossing (Dōbutsu no Mori)
Explore Animal Crossing, Nintendo's beloved life simulation game, and its surprising connections to traditional Japanese aesthetics, nature appreciation, and community values.
Anison
Anison refers to music specifically created for or associated with Japanese animation, a vibrant genre with a massive global following.
Arcade Stick (Fight Stick)
Explore the Arcade Stick, a specialized controller originating from Japanese arcades, essential for competitive fighting games and a symbol of gaming precision.
Arita-ware
Discover Arita-ware, Japan's first porcelain, celebrated for its exquisite beauty, intricate designs, and significant influence on global ceramics since the 17th century.
Art Theatre Guild (ATG)
Explore Art Theatre Guild (ATG), a pivotal Japanese independent film company (1960s-1980s) that championed experimental and avant-garde cinema.
Asadora
"Asadora" refers to NHK's popular morning serial dramas, cherished in Japan for their inspiring stories of strong female protagonists.
Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin)
Explore the global phenomenon of Attack on Titan, its profound themes of freedom and conflict, and its resonance with timeless Japanese philosophical concepts.
BL (Boys' Love)
BL, or Boys' Love, is a popular Japanese genre depicting romantic and sexual relationships between male characters, primarily for a female audience.
Benshi
Benshi were live narrators and performers for silent films in Japan, shaping early cinematic experiences and influencing Japanese film style.
Biwa
The biwa is a short-necked, fretted lute of Japanese origin, traditionally used in narrative storytelling and gagaku court music.
Biwa Hōshi
Blind mendicant monks in medieval Japan who recited epic tales like The Tale of the Heike while accompanying themselves on a biwa lute.
Bon Odori
Bon Odori is a traditional Japanese folk dance performed during the Obon festival, a vibrant summer celebration honoring ancestral spirits with joyful communal dances.
Bonsai
Explore Bonsai, the Japanese art of cultivating miniature trees, embodying nature's beauty and the philosophy of patience and harmony.
Bugaku
Bugaku is a traditional Japanese court dance and music form, preserved for over a millennium, known for its elaborate costumes, masks, and majestic movements.
Bungei Eiga (Literary Film)
Bungei Eiga are Japanese films adapted from acclaimed literary works, blending cinematic artistry with deep storytelling from novels and plays.
Bunraku
Bunraku is a traditional Japanese puppet theater combining intricate puppetry, dramatic recitation (jōruri), and musical accompaniment (shamisen).
Bushido
Explore Bushido, the "way of the warrior" in Japan, its historical origins, core virtues, and enduring influence on modern culture.
Bōsōzoku
Bōsōzoku are Japanese youth subculture groups known for highly customized motorcycles, distinctive uniforms, and a rebellious attitude that emerged post-WWII.
CLAMP
Explore CLAMP, the iconic Japanese female manga artist group known for their distinctive art style and diverse storytelling across genres like shojo, shonen, and seinen.