Japanese Studies

One of my favorite areas of Japanese Studies is art. This is a scan from an art book of my favorite ukiyo-e artist, Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (Meiji-jidai). His work is full of detail and meaning. Please click on the above thumbnail for a larger version of the picture.		Another one of my personal favorite works of Tsukioka Yoshitoshi. Please click on the above thumbnail for a larger version of the picture.
This picture was taken of me when I recieved my third degree brown belt in Shorinji Kempo. I attended Kansai Gaikokugo Daigaku in Hirakata City, Osaka my junior year of college. The Shorinji Kempo club there is one of the best in all of Japan. Standing next to me on the left is my sempai Yuhei and on my right is my sempai Isamu. Both are third degree black belts and are incredibly strong. I would practice with the club about twelve hours a week. It was very difficult, but also very rewarding. When practicing kempo my mind becomes clear and I am able to focus. I hope to continue practicing Shorinji and would like to one day earn shodan (first degree black belt).