Karakuri ningyō
March 6th, 2008
japan, trivia
“Karakuri ningyō … are mechanized puppets or automata from Japan from the 18th century to 19th century. The word ‘karakuri’ means a “mechanical device to tease, trick, or take a person by surprise”. It implies hidden magic, or an element of mystery. In Japanese ningyō is written as two separate characters, meaning person and shape. It may be translated as puppet, but also by doll or effigy.[1] The dolls’ gestures provided a form of entertainment.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karakuri_ningyo
Hikikomori
January 15th, 2008
japan, social, trivia
“Hikikomori … is a Japanese term to refer to the phenomenon of reclusive individuals who have chosen to withdraw from social life, often seeking extreme degrees of isolation and confinement due to various personal and social factors in their lives. The term hikikomori refers to both the sociological phenomenon in general as well as to individuals belonging to this societal group.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hikikomori