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The moon is the subject in art, poetry, legends and various art forms in numerous cultures. Japan is no exception to this and the appreciation and significance of the moon dates back for centuries. Tsukuyomi is the name of the...

Spring Moon at Ninomiya Beach, by Hasui Kawase (1932) Both in the Japanese and Chinese culture, the evergreen pine is regarded as a symbol of longevity, good fortune and steadfastness. During the cold a long winter the pine remains green...

 Mt. Fuji After Snow at Tagonoura Bay by Hasui Kawase (c. 1932) Mount Fuji has been throughout history a symbol for Japan, and one of the biggest inspirations for Japanese artists. One of the most commonly accepted origins of the name...

Bush Warbler and Plum Blossoms, by Tsuchiya Koitsu (1930) The bush warbler occurs throughout Japanese literature as well as in the visual arts, representing early spring, and it is often portrayed alongside the plum blossom. Expressive of enduring happiness, the...

Fox spirits or simply ‘kitsune’ (fox in Japanese) have a long history in both China and Japan. In both Chinese and Japanese folklore, fox spirits are intelligent and have the ability to shape shift into human form causing tricks and...

In Japanese, the word for frog is "kaeru", which also means to "return" and therefore the symbolism is the return of luck and good fortune. Some even place a frog amulet in their purse or wallet so that money will...