Japanese household appliances

May I have one … , please?

Heian Era 平安時代 へいあんじだい

Heian Era  平安時代   へいあんじだい   heian jidai

Heian Era  平安時代   へいあんじだい   heian jidai

The Heian Period was a time period when the Imperial Court lived in great splendour and opulence. The common people did not, of course.

Heian Era  平安時代   へいあんじだい   heian jidai

Heian Era  平安時代   へいあんじだい   heian jidai

Heian Era  平安時代   へいあんじだい   heian jidai

Heian Era  平安時代   へいあんじだい   heian jidai

The dolls represent courtly ladies who would be busy all day long talking about poetry, silk, hair dressing, make-up, children, men and status, and gossip and other equally important matters. Although every so often a lady would rise in fame because of her personality, her birth rank and her talents. 

Hundreds of years ago, one of these courtly ladies, the Lady Murasaki, has been credited with writing the first novel in history. Also, over a period of time courtly ladies were the first women to develop the hiragana handwriting script, as a sort short-hand version of Chinese kanji.

Heian Era  平安時代   へいあんじだい   heian jidai

Heian Era  平安時代   へいあんじだい   heian jidai

These photos were taken during various Kyoto Festivals all celebrating the glorious past of the Imperial Court and the aristocracy. We doubt there is a festival celebrating the Age of the Wretched Common Worker. Never mind – it’s colourful.

Each layer of kimono indicates a higher status level. Layers could be counted on the arm and around the neck. Mind you, to be realistic, if you were in the presence of a person who wore such an elaborate kimono, you would either wear one yourself, or you would be a servant. Either way, you would already know the other person, so you wouldn’t have a need to count kimono layers. Imagine that these days Queen Elizabeth II would have to explain to her guests that the glittering stones on her head are actually diamonds! 

Here is a link to a support page:

JUNIHITOE

JR700 Even more wow!

Comfort and convenience on wheels

Inside the carriage above the doors the display shows the next stations where the train will stop. It will be in Japanese, as well as in English. The display will run in time for passengers to get themselves ready should they need to leave the train. The announcer will also explain the stop in Japanese as well as in English.

The Nozomi Super Express to Himeji, 
where you could visit Japan’s most beautiful castle.

The Super Express to Hakata (= Fukuoka)
Train will stop at stations: Shin-Osaka, Shin-Kobe,
(The word Shin here means Shin-kansen station)