Well, hello there everyone.

I've been linked here from a friend, so I looked around a little and decided to join, on behalf of one fandom I've been into years ago and fed my interest on this part of Japanese history.
There's actually not much to say about me, so I'll start right away with the question. Sorry if it sounds abrupt.

See, I've started working on a comic for a homebrew magazine, set in older Japan (I picked this era because it's the one I have the most knowledge of).
The thing is, the main female character is supposed to work in a restaurant and thus be dressed appropriately, but I couldn't find any visual reference besides my old Rurouni Kenshin issues. Seeing as it might be Akabeko's own design, regarding the pattern and the obi at the very least, I decided to look elsewhere to get a better idea. But, no dice.
So, long story short... may anyone give me a hand, please?

While at it, any structural reference for restaurants and popular housing would be very welcome, if that doesn't bother any of you.

Thank you very much in advance.

~PurpleKama

Hi everyone, I'm new to the community and as it says to introduce yourself... Ta Daa!

I'm a lover of history to begin with, and I developed an interest in Japanese history after travelling there last year. I always like to read about places I'm visiting and Japan was no exception. I also started to learn Japanese, which I intended just as a way of picking up the basics so I wasn't completely lost while there, but I enjoyed it so much that I've carried on the classes since we came back. This looked like a good place to share my interest.

Hi everyone!

I am new as you see :). I have just joined this community which I found when I looking things about Shinsengumi.
Decided to join because I like learning things about Japanese culture and history /especially things about samurai/.
I hope that is enough and someday I'll be able to share something too.


Arigato :).

Or, since paulownia asked us new members to post our intro…

I am your typical history buff. Yes, obsession included.

No, not like the Discovery Channel's insane obsession with weird Nazi superweapons developed towards the end of the war.

My obsession lies beyond anime-originated "samurai are cool!" stuff. I am more interested in the repercussions of: a) the Sankoku policy taken in 1640, and b) the Kaikoku Nippon naval policy of 1885.

OK, OK! Samurais are cool. Happy now? :^)

Besides that, anything (mostly political and military developments) between the last years of the Tokugawa regimen and WWI calls my attention.

I am glad I found this community. ;^)

Hi all!
Um wow never had to do one of these before, but you caught me Lurking *^.^*

I found this Com from looking for Things on Shinsengumi,
For ever since I saw Rurouni Kenshin I've been a big big fan (if you can't tell ;) )
Plus I really like learning things about Japanese Culture and History
And I've been happyly soaking up the Neat Information on here
and hopefully I'll have something to share too someday :)

Looking foreward to learning more!

_(^.^)_ Domo!

Per paulownia's request, here is my introduction and summer project plans.

I'm an art historian, whose field of emphasis is the arts of Japan. My most recent projects have concerned the role of traditional ghost stories and ghost imagery in both Edo period politics and - most recently - in contemporary horror films. I'm interested in the construction of tradition and in how tradition effects the production of art throughout time and across distances. Because of this, most of my projects (whether centered on the past, present, or future) reference the Edo and Meiji periods that made such strong contributions to Japanese culture.

This summer I intend to do a project on the art of Japanese diaspora artist Masami Teraoka, examining how Japanese tradition (specifically ukiyo-e artistic themes) have influenced Teraoka's works produced in America.

I have been lurking for a few months now, and I very much enjoy the offering of information in this community. I've already been exposed to many historical areas that I knew nothing about previously. I look forward to a long membership and a continued increase of knowledge.

Thanks so much to all!

Konnichi wa!
I have just joined this community as I am interested in all things Japanese.
I am a member of various Japanophile forums and a few communities here and this sparked an interest as I have only started to touch upon Japanese History and that of the Samurai. Whatever information/links I can pick up are all gratefully appreciated!
I will most likely loiter around here quietly until I am sure I know enough or have something og interest to contribute - hope that is okay :)

Arigato Gozaimasu :)

Bezerkangel

Heyhey! I'm Katie, but people usually just call me Atagamay. If those four A's are a little akward, you can refer to me as Ix. ^_^; *Hands out cookies to those who get where that came from.*

I decided to join because I'm interested in this particular country at this particular time (And at any time!), and wanted to learn more! ^_^

See ya around!

-'Gamay

Greetings to all mods and members,

I saw the advertisment on thejapanophile community and thought I'd join immediately. My main interest is the history depicted in Japanese cinema and traditional forms of theater and the surrounding arts. So I'm rather happy finding this community as I hope I'll learn many new things and can contribute in a meaningful way later on.

Just a minor recommendation. You absolutely must read Behind the Mask by Ian Buruma. This is one of the most delightful and coherent cultural anthropological study I've ever read. The book discusses stereotypes and stereotypical characters and mindsets of Japanese culture (not about it, so it doesn't discuss Orientalism on a large extent).