UCLA Asia Institute
Japan via the Web
Academic Organizations | America and Japan | Art | Biography | Business-Economics | Directories | Discussion Lists | Dictionaries/Encyclopedias | Education | Etexts | Films | Folklore | General Interest | Government | History | Images | Internet Guides | Language | Law | Literature | Maps | Museums | News and Opinion | Photographs | Politics | Radio and Television | Religion | Software | Sports | Swords | Tea and Tea Rituals |
FAJ (Foreign Academics in Japan) Project
Issho Kikaku, Japan
Institute of Social Science, Tokyo University
Includes links to the institute's online journal: Social Science Japan.
Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme (JET)
This is a well-known program permitting students and teachers the opportunity to study and work in Japan.
Japan Foundation Japanese Studies Programs
The Foundation offers both individual fellowships and support for institutions.
Japan Information Access Project
This is a US based research center's directory of information about science, technology, industry, security and public policy.
Japan Policy Research Institute
This think tank is headed by Chalmers Johnson, who has written on MITI and other topics (and, much earlier, on Chinese peasant nationalism).
Social Science Research Council Administered Programs
Postdoctoral Programs for Advanced Research in Japan
Japanese Studies Dissertation Workshop (annual event, held in the U.S.)
American Movies in Japan
This site features weekly updates on which US films are being exhibited in Japan and how they fare at the box office.
An American in Japan, 1923 diary
Discusses bathing and other customs as well as the devastating Kanto earthquake. This site is maintained by the author's grandson.
The Confusion Era -- Art and Culture of Japan During the Allied Occupation
This Smithsonian Institution site focuses on posters from American-occupied Japan (1945-52). It includes background readings and a fascinating poster gallery, including "Don't Sell Salt Illegally."
Japan-America Societies
This website provides information on the activities of a large number of Japan-America societies in the United States. In addition to news and calendar information, the site also includes links to other information sources.
Okinawa Under American Occupation, 1945-72
Biographical essays, photos, political cartoons, a bibliography and more. Quite an interesting site.
Art Materials
Information on Japanese art resources, with sections in Japanese and in English. Focuses on materials used in producing various forms of art, including traditional forms. Aimed primarily at those able to read Japanese.
Brief Descriptions
The Webmuseum, Paris offers brief descriptions of Japanese art by historical periods.
The Confusion Era -- Art and Culture of Japan During the Allied Occupation
This Smithsonian Institution site focuses on posters from American-occupied Japan (1945-52). It includes background readings and a fascinating poster gallery, including "Don't Sell Salt Illegally."
Horace Mann Webpage on Traditional Japanese Art
Kabuki Manuscript Exhibit at Kyoto University LibraryWonderful annotated page of links to art-related websites.
"The original of this reproduced manuscript, 'Kunijo Kabuki Ekotoba' (IIIustrated Manuscript of Kuni's Kabuki), property of the Kyoto University Library, is one of the most important and distinguished materials for the study of the Kabuki, a classical play in Japan, established at the opening of the Tokugawa period about 350 years ago.
Kyoto National Museum Dictionary
The pages at this site are written and illustrated at a level students can understand. Pages on archaeology, ceramics, sculpture, paintings, calligraphy, textiles, lacquerware, metalworking, and architecture are available. Both English language and Japanese language versions of the pages are available.
Reader's Guide to the Arts of Japan
This Asia Society website was created by Sylvan Barnet and William Burto. It offers a rich annotated bibliography of works on Japanese art.
Ukiyo-e: The Pictures of the Floating World
Hans Olaf Johansson's website offers a large collection of prints and details about their creation.
John Fiorillo (a UC Berkeley researcher) has produced a wonderfully rich website. One can learn a great deal about the art form, major artists, and about caring for prints. Highly recommended.
CNN Newsmaker Profile of HASHIMOTO Ryutaro, Japanese PM 1996-98
MORI Yoshiro, b. 1937, Japanese PM 2000-
Official profile prepared for G-8 Summit in Okinawa
BBC Profile (June 22, 2000)
OBUCHI Keizo, b. 1937, Japanese PM 1998-2000
Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs offers "Episodes in the Life of Prime Minister Obuchi"
Ten episodes are offered at this site (dated September 1998) to help readers understand OBUCHI Keizo who became prime minister in 1998, succeeding HASHIMOTO Ryutaro.BBC Profile (July 24, 1998), Real Audio clip
PBS's Newshour with Jim Lehrer
In July 1998, this television program included a discussion about the challenges facing Japan's new prime minister and his ability to address them. Walter Mondale, former US ambassador to Japan, and KOMORI Yoshihisa, Sankei Shimbun editor at large, offered their observations.ÔE Kenzaburô, b. 1935, 1994 Nobel Prize Winner in Literature
Click here to read his 1994 Nobel Prize in Literature acceptance speech.
In June 1995 The Boston Globe published a story based on an interview with Ôe that focused on his son's musical achievements. Ôe's son, Hikari, suffered considerable brain damage at birth. Ôe drew upon this experience in writing A Personal Matter. The same paper published a review of Nip the Buds, Ôe's first book after receiving the Nobel Prize.
Ôe was invited to UC Berkeley to deliver the Maruyama Lecture in 1999. This website features text and video of an interview with the Nobel laureate.
Prometheus published an interview Sharon Kinsella conducted with Ôe.
An interesting website which includes a biographical summary and a bibliography of Ôe's works is the Calendar of Authors.
SHIRAKAWA Hideki -- 2000 Nobel Prize Winner in Chemistry
Nobel Prize Announcement and Webcast (requires Real Player).
The sixth Japanese to receive a Nobel Prize, Shirakawa is a professor at Tsukuba University. Click here to see his faculty page (in Japanese). Among his scientific contributions is the discovery that polymers can be made conductive.
Here are several Japan Times articles about the award and the subsequent decision to award Shirakawa the Order of Culture:
Oct. 12, 2000 || Oct. 16, 2000 || Oct. 21, 2000 || Oct. 25, 2000On October 18, 2000, Shirakawa visited with Japanese Prime Minister MORI Yoshiro.
The distinguished professor may have an interest in cactus. One company, SuccSeed, lists him among its customers and has posted a page with a letter and photos he sent them.
-- a site developed by the UCLA Anderson Graduate School of Management and Meikai and Asahi universitites. This site features information about the Japanese financial structure, business norms, and legal matters.
Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)
US website: http://www.jetro.org This government funded organization also has a Los Angeles office (213 624-8855) and website: http://www.jetro.org/losangeles/ The emphasis is on business and economic trends, but many people will also find interesting information on etiquette and workplace norms. There are supporting charts (e.g. women in the workforce) as well. JETRO also has videos available without charge (Modern Educational Services 1-800-237-8913).
Also see Government for the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Japan.
Available at other sites as well, including the US House of Representatives legal site.
Japanese version: http://www.law.osaka-u.ac.jp/statute/kenpo.html
English version: http://www.ntt.co.jp/japan/constitution/english-Constitution.htmlThis English language directory is supported by NTT. It does not offer the phone numbers of individuals, but does include organizations and businesses.
Contemporary Japan Discussion List
To subscribe, send a message containing the word "subscribe" in the subject header to: ssj-forum-request@iss.u-tokyo.ac.jp Please note your subscription will not be processed automatically. The moderators will register your subscription as soon as possible, and send you further details.
Dead Fukuzawa Discussion List
listserv@ucsd.edu
Send the following message: "add fukuzawa firstname lastname" This internet discussion group was formed in 1993 by a group of Chalmer Johnson's students at the University of California at San Diego. Visit the society's website. The site includes information about the discussion list and a few photographs of Fukuzawa Yukichi (1835-1901) who did much to introduce the West to Meiji-era Japanese.Dictionary
-- Japanese/English for Mac and Windows platformsEast West Japan Link
This is a wonderful resource providing concise and solid descriptions of Japanese customs, politics, and beliefs. Bilingual site.Japan Window
General interest site which also includes a collection of “for kids” pages.The Educational System in Japan: Case Study Findings
This is an electronic book prepared by the U.S. Department of Education in June 1998. It contains considerable information about the system in general as well as details drawn from interviews and observations. Among the more interesting sections are those on educational standards and "why become a teacher."Click here to visit the CEAS collection of links to Japan-focused teaching aids.
This is part of the Electronic Text Inititative of the University of Virginia. The site includes an introduction by J. Thomas Rimer (author of A Reader's Guide to Japanese Literature, Tokyo: Kodansha International, 1988.)
Books (in Japanese) via the web
Japan Can Say No
This is a rough, abridged and perhaps greatly flawed translation of the Japanese bestseller by Sony founder Akio Morita and conservative politician and commentator Shintaro Ishihara. Ishihara's contribution to the work is now available in bookstores in an authorized translation. This version is 27 pages long.
FolkloreA beautifully produced University of Southern California website, this site only covers feature films since 1998.
Kurosawa Akira's Films
A remarkable collection of information (in English and Japanese) on the films and vision of one of Japan's most respected directors. Among Kurosawa's films are: No Regrets for Our Youth, Rashomon, Seven Samurai, and Ran. This site is a must visit for fans of Japanese cinema. Among the site's delights are movie posters and a few stills (including several of Mifune Toshiro).
Kaidan -- Japanese Tales of the Supernatural
This flashy site (with many areas still under construction) will appeal to younger folks. In addition to these tales, the site offers information about Buddhism, Shinto, periods of Japanese history, and more.
Government (also see "Politics" below)General interest site which also includes a collection of “for kids” pages.
Japan's central bank's site offers policy papers, research reports, a museum, and currency data. Information is provided in Japanese and in English.
Constitution of Japan
Available at other sites as well, including the US House of Representatives legal site.
Japanese version: http://www.law.osaka-u.ac.jp/statute/kenpo.html
English version: http://www.ntt.co.jp/japan/constitutioThe Diet (Parliament)
Shugiin House of Representatives (lower house)
Japanese and English resources.Sangiin House of Councillors (upper house)
Both Japanese and English language resources.This Japan based institution offers publications and information on cultural and economic organizations. The Santa Monica, California office of the Japan Foundation plans a website as well.
Policy statements, news, reference materials, reports from various councils, and more. Most materials are available in Japanese and English.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
This site includes policy statements, information about the Japanese economy, views on regional developments, and information on visiting Japan.
Other ministries
This Japanese language website includes a zip-code finder, information about stamps, and more.
Prime Minister
This bilingual site includes speeches, policy papers, and other information.
Graduate Students studying premodern Japanese history
Maintainted by a Princeton student, but lists students from other schools as well.
Ancient Japan -- A Web Textbook
Richard Hooker is principal author of this site which features brief descriptions of periods of Japanese history through the Heian period. The site includes maps and a glossary.
Eclectic Student, The
Theron Fairchild, a student at California State University at Long Beach has created a series of pages on Japanese history. They are brief, but have interesting illustrations.
Heros of the Heian era
-- very brief biographies include figures from the Kamakura age as well.History of Japan Information Page
The emphasis is on recent history and many of the links are to pages condemning Japanese actions during the Pacific War. Maintained at the University of Pittsburgh East Asian Library.
Hiroshima Archive
This site includes photographs and links to documents, essays, and more.
Imaging Meiji: Emperor and Era, 1868-1912
In spring 1997, Bryn Mawr, Haverford, and Swarthmore colleges held an exhibition and symposium drawing on woodblock prints from the collection of Jean S. and Frederic A.Sharf. Fifty-two images are included in the on-line exhibition. Excellent resource.
National Museum of Japanese History
Established in 1983, the museum offers both English and Japanese virtual tours.
Rekishi Kaido
Focusing on the history and culture of the Kansai area, this site (produced by Kansai Institute of Information Systems) has brief historical notes and information about existing landmarks within the region. Great photographs.
Schauwecker's Guide to Japan -- History pages
This hyperlinked guide provides abbreviated, but convenient information.
These images are from the 1995 work Japan Caught in Time and were taken during the 1870s by European and Japanese photographers.
LanguageGateway Japan
-- annotated
Indiana University -- includes links for K-12 educators
Schauwecker's Guide to Japan -- a well constructed site with original content, photos, and links.
Stanford's J Guide -- now the WWWVL site for JapanJapanese Language Instruction - in Japan
This is an incomplete list of schools offering such instruction. Each has a page of its own outlining requirements and methods.
Japanese Constitution
Available at other sites as well, including the US House of Representatives legal site.
Japanese version: http://www.law.osaka-u.ac.jp/statute/kenpo.html
English version: http://www.ntt.co.jp/japan/constitution/english-Constitution.htmlRoderick Seeman's JapanLaw
Seeman's site offers fast-loading English translations of major Japanese business and trade laws.
Bibliography for Early Japanese Literature
Prepared by Anthony Chambers of Wesleyan University.
E-texts
-- University of VirginiaMany classic works are available here. You'll need to configure your browser to correctly read Japanese or you will need a browser plug-in to gain access to the Japanese texts. One which can be used is NJWin, a shareware program which can be downloaded.
Heiki
site assembled by Michael WatsonIncludes background history, a couple images, an extensive bibliography and more.
Japanese fairy tales
Outlines for several tales.
Japanese literature discussion list Send SUB JLIT-L Firstname Lastname to listserv@vm.cc.purdue.edu
Ôe Kenzaburô
Click here to read his 1994 Nobel Prize in Literature acceptance speech.
Ôe was invited to UC Berkeley to deliver the Maruyama Lecture in 1999. This website features text and video of an interview with the Nobel laureate.
Poetry
Paul Brians et al at Washington State University have gathered several poems from early Japan.
Virginia also offers a collection of waka poetry: "100 Poems by 100 Poets".Resources Page -- Creighton University
In addition to providing an extensive print bibliography, the site includes guides which help the novice reader of Japanese literature.
Sei Shônagon
Encyclopedia Britannica article on Sei Shônagon.
Tale of Genji, The (ca. 1000)
Pacific University offers a set of pages devoted to the classic.
Lyn Reese's Women in World History Curriculum project includes a couple of short pages about Genji monogatari author Murasaki Shikibu. A 1920 book (Diaries of Old Court Ladies of Japan, Omori and Doi, trans.) included a section of Murasaki Shikibu's diary with illustrations.
Administrative Divisions
(1996 U.S. Government map)
Physical Relief (1996 U.S. Government map)
Political (1996 U.S. Government map)
Small (1997, 40k)Japan National Tourist Organization
This is an impressive website, offering regional and city maps as well as transportation maps.
Kyoto National Museum
This is a marvelous site in English and Japanese. Included are details about masterworks in the collection, a searchable catalog of the museum's holdings, and a special dictionary aimed at children.National Museum of Art, Osaka
Relatively few images available at the site (in English and Japanese), but a great deal of information about past and current exhibitions.National Museum of Japanese History (Rekihaku)
There is a great deal of information available for those interested in going to the museum (maps, bus and train routes, etc.), but not much for web surfers. Most images are not close-ups, but rather photographs of the items as installed in the museum.Tokaido Hiroshige Art Museum (Yui Honjin Park)
Museum devoted to the wood block prints of Hiroshige Utagawa. Website offers a few images and information about the park and the museum. Additional information is provided in Japanese about Yui town.Tokugawa Art Museum
This privately sponsored museum features works that were uniquely those of the Edo-period (1600-1867), but also collected artifacts from earlier periods. Each exhibition room page offers a handful of images and a brief description of the topic (e.g. a daimyo's tea room).Asahi Shimbun
On-line English edition of one of Japan's leading national papers.
Japan Times
Now one hundred years old, this English language daily (there is also a weekly edition) offers editorials and news on its website.
Published by Shogakukan, the weekly news magazine's site includes a search function.
Schauwecker's Photo Gallery
Features historical and contemporary photos, including an exhibition on the 1923 Kanto earthquake.
Politics (also see "Government" above)
Japan Can Say No
This is a rough, abridged and perhaps greatly flawed translation of the Japanese bestseller by Sony founder Akio Morita and conservative politician and commentator Shintaro Ishihara. Ishihara's contribution to the work is now available in bookstores in an authorized translation. This version is 27 pages long.
July 1998 Upper House Elections
As a result of the poor performance of the Liberal Democratic Party in this election, Prime Minister HASHIMOTO Ryutaro resigned from office. This page provides links to the websites of Japan's principal political parties.
Political Parties
International Resources/Asia of Vox Pop (vox populi: voice of the people) contains links to information about Japan's various political parties.
Parties with Japanese and English language websites
Liberal Democratic Party
Democratic Party of Japan
Social Democratic Party
Japanese Communist Party
Komei (established in 1994 to continue the effort of Komeito, the Clean Government Party)
Liberal League
Sakigake (New Party)
New Socialist PartyParties with Japanese language websites
Japanese Well-being Party
Liberal Party
Youth Freedom Party (Seinen Jiyu Party)See Japan on the Asia via Web Radio/TV page.
Bibliography of works on Zen, 1977-92
Part of the International Research Institute for Zen Buddhism website. The institute site includes links to electronic texts, guides to teachers, and more.
Creation Myth from the Kojiki (ca. 712 ce)
An excerpt from Reading About the World, Volume 1 selected for use in a Washington State University course and published by Harcourt Brace Custom Publishing.
International Shinto Foundation
(ISF)A bilingual site which introduces the religion, its history and practices, and its place in present-day Japan.
Kaidan -- Japanese Tales of the Supernatural
This flashy site (with many areas still under construction) will appeal to younger folks. In addition to these tales, the site offers information about Buddhism, Shinto, periods of Japanese history, and more.
ReligiousTolerance.org: Shinto
A useful summary of Shinto beliefs and practices.
Shinshu Texts in Western Translations Bibliography
Musee d'ethnographie de Geneve, Switzerland
Soka GakkaiThis lay Buddhist organization is Japan's largest. Their multilingual website is regularly updated and includes news items, editorials, and information about Soka Gakkai's religious and secular activities.
http://www.uwtc.washington.edu/computing/japanese/japaneseresource.html
http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/~felsing/ceal/welcome.htmlBaseball in Japan
There's still a lot of excitement in Japanese baseball. This site includes a short outline of the history of baseball in Japan and an annotated bibliography of works on the subject.
Sumo Wrestling Websites
This is an index of sumo-related Japanese and English-language websites.
Swords
Any Japanese sword enthusiast will want to visit this multilingual site (English, French, German and Spanish). Historical information, vocabulary and definitions, sword care, and information for collectors/traders is available here.
Tea Ceremony
This site includes useful information on the various items used in the tea ceremony, the ceremony's place in Japanese history and culture, and more. There are clear pictures to help the novice.
This page and the others in this Asia via the Web series are maintained by Clayton Dube. Send comments and suggestions to him at the UCLA Asia Institute (cdube@isop.ucla.edu).Copyright ©1997-2000 by the UCLA Asia Institute