Erwin Miyasaka

Since I am teaching Early China this semester, I am drawing from Yuri Pines, Envisioning Eternal Empire: Chinese Political Thought of the Warring States Period (University of Hawaii Press, 2009) Pines points out a really good story to use in teaching about who the shi， 士 were. They were, of course the new class of literate experts who started running China in the Warring States. In 1910 China was still being run by people who called themselves shi , although the social class referred to had of course changed a lot. He gives us a great, much later quote , from Fan Zhongyan on their self-identity. The heart of the ancient benevolent persons . . . was neither to be delighted in things nor to feel sorry for themselves. At the loftiness of [imperial] temples and halls, they worried for their people, in the remoteness of rivers and lakes they worried for their ruler. Hence entering [the court], they worried; and leaving it, also worried: so when did they enjoy? It must be said: they were

Since someone asked me if Qing women went to opium dens, I thought I would answer and put up some of my evidence. Short answer – I don’t think so, at least as customers. Certainly in the Republic, when they started registering opium “addicts” only a very small number of women registered (although their seem to have been women registered everywhere) In Qing pictures, like the ones below, opium smoking places seem to be male spaces, although we do get a picture of a wife showing up at one looking for her husband. There seem to be female attendants/possible prostitutes smoking with men in the classier place. I also include the picture of Mr. Conspicuous Consumption, which students always like. These are all from Dianshizhai huabao. Sorry they are reversed. I think I took these from the transparencies I used to use before Powerpoint   Ver fuente

Like this post? Help us by sharing it! Japan isn’t short of special places to lay your head. Perhaps you’ve heard of Benesse House, the renowned hotel/museum on Naoshima Island. Or traditional farm-stays at Brown’s Field or Jiji no Ie. But, what about the modern cabins at the Hoshinoya Fuji? With a vastly different experience […] The post Luxury Japan: Staying at the Hoshinoya Fuji appeared first on InsideJapan Blog . Ver fuente

Like this post? Help us by sharing it! Close to the sea and the mountains, Osaka has always been a city with abundant ingredients, helping shape its strong sense of food culture. These days it’s known affectionately as ‘Japan’s Kitchen’ – you won’t leave empty bellied! Travel consultant Holly takes to the streets to find […] The post Japan’s Kitchen: Best food in Osaka appeared first on InsideJapan Blog . Ver fuente

Like this post? Help us by sharing it! History helps to understand culture in context, and this is never truer than in Japan, where complex and unique traditions and rituals continue to shape the country today. Tour leader Marky Hobold brings us up to date. History in Japan At some point, hopefully I’ll have a […] The post Crash course in Japanese history appeared first on InsideJapan Blog . Ver fuente