Tokyo- Japan's Most Popular City

Tokyo

Tokyo is the most populous metropolitan area in the worl and Japan's capital. The population in Tokyo is 13.35 million people.

• Tokyo has 'women only' cars for women who travel to Tokyo alone.
• The name Tokyo means Eastern Capital
• there are many remote islands in Tokyo
• Tokyo fit the most people in a Mini Cooper.
• Tokyo had the longest slab of meat.
• Tokyo held Youngest dance dance revolutionary 
• Tokyo held the Biggest bikini parade 

Sumo Wrestling

Origins of Sumo dates back to 2000 years ago but didn't start becoming a sport till the early 1600's. The sport Sumo Wrestling has strict rules and traditions. They spend more time performing ceremonies in Shinto tradition instead of grappling. Shinto is the native religion of Japan. The Shinto religion isn't a system of beliefs but the Shinto religion is more of rituals and ceremonies. 

Each day of a Sumo tournament a ring ceremony is held. Japanese Sumo wrestlers believe that their body and soul is purified. 

Sumo's consist of six major tournaments a year called hon-basho. In January the tournament is held in Tokyo, In March the tournament is held in Osaka, In May the tournament is held in Tokyo again, In July the tournament is held in Nagoya, In September the tournament is held in  Tokyo, and in November the tournament is held in Fukuoka.

Intresting Facts about Sumo Wrestling:

• The highest rank in Sumo Wrestling is Yokozuna.
• Sumo wrestlers diet is to gain weight but still eating semi healthy to get all their nutrients they need.
• Sumo Wrestlers training is torturous, non stop strength training.

                                       

Japanese Landforms

Japan has four major islands; Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu, and Shikoku. Honshu is the largest island at 810 miles.

Mount Fuji is the most mentioned mountain in Japan because it is the highest mountain in Japan. Mount Fuji is located on the Honshu island.

Facts about Mount Fuji:

• Mount Fuji overlies several older volcanoes.
• last erupted in 1707 and continued till 1708.
• considered 1 of the 3 holy mountains, other 2 mountains are Mount Tate and Mount Haku.
• you can climb Mount Fuji, climbing season is from July-August.
• first person to climb this mountain was a monk in year 663.
• Mount Fuji has a symmetrical shape, which is unusual for a mountain and especially a volcano.
• there are 5 lakes surrounding the mountain; Lake Motosuko, Lake Kawaguchiko, Lake Shojiko. Lake Yamanakako, and Lake Saiko.

Geisha

Geisha means Artist.

Geisha's are entertainers that are trained in art, music, and dancing.

Becoming a Geisha is a huge deal for girls, it's an honor. Full fledged Geisha is called Geiko, and when you start training before your 21 it's called Maiko (child dancer). Geisha's wear kimonos with a sash tied in the back.

Some girls were sold to Geisha houses to become a Geisha or if you are a daughter of a Geisha than you are most likely to become a Geisha. First stage of training for Geisha's is called Shikomi, which is where the girls becomes maid and have to do everything they are told to do. They would also be attending the Hanamachi Geisha School. Second stage of training is called Minarai, their training would be in the field. Minarai's are suppose to be seen not to be heard. The Minarai's form of dress is designed to speak for the Minarai's. A Minarai teams up with an older sister and folows her to events to observe to learn the art of conversation. Third Stage is called Maiko, this stage could last years. An older sister teaches the Maiko how to be a true Geisha. The Maiko would have to pick a more professional name and would have to perfect the way they do their hair and makeup. After her older sister feels like she is ready, the Maiko becomes a full fledged Geisha.