The ancients believed the
world was constructed
from four basic elements.

The ancients believed the
world was constructed
from four basic elements.

The ancients believed the
world was constructed
from four basic elements.

The ancients believed the
world was constructed
from four basic elements.

Kabuki actors use the “mie,”
a pose, as the visual climax
of a scene.  Other devices
include rapid costume changes,
revolving stages and trap doors.

Gangster plays were introduced
to Kabuki in the 1800s.  Classic
Kabuki plays are still performed
regularly in Japan.

The actress Okuni performed
the first Kabuki dances and
comic sketches in 1603.
Women were banned from
professional stages in
Japan in 1629.

Kabuki is a highly stylized
Japanese theatre using
elaborate mask-like makeup,
fantastic costumes, dance,
mime, music and melodrama.

Believed to be the oldest
cultivated ornamental flower,
lilies have been in gardens
for at least 3,000 years.

Though June in Japan is usually
filled with rain, the peony
blooms in China during that
month.

The sight of cherry trees in full
bloom is the highlight of spring
in Japan.  Striped curtains hung
from the trees mark locations of
parties held to view the blossoms.
Identified with March.

September is the month this
flower prefers.  The mum
originated in Japan, China,
India and Korea.  It is the
floral emblem of the Japanese
imperial family.

Though June in Japan is usually
filled with rain, the peony
blooms in China during that
month.

The floral symbol of youthful
virility, with its bold color
and sword-shaped leaf.
Identified with May.

Also called “windflower,”
the anemone blooms in autumn.

The English name is a
corruption of “day’s eye.”

This flower’s showy,
fragrant blooms have
a wider variety of
colors than almost
any other flower.

The sight of cherry
trees in full bloom
is the highlight of
spring in Japan.

The large, heart-shaped
leaves and fragrant
purple flowers of the
“princess tree” are at
their prime in December.

The delicate violet
blossoms usher in
April and dismiss the
remains of Winter.

Associated with Autumn,
which, according to the old
calendars, begins in July.

Symbolic of long
life and good luck.
Identified with January.

As in the West, maples’
brilliant hues are often
at their peak during October.

A fast-growing grass of
tropical Asia, Africa and
America.  Some species grow
more than 30.5 m (100 ft) high.

Have been cultivated for
centuries for their
decorative flowers and
delicious fruit.  The
Japanese Plum is believed
to be native to China.

This sturdy, formal tree
begins life upright but
spreads its branches low
as it grows older.

Since the iris is more strongly
identified with May, the willow
has been tied to November, even
though May is its strongest month.

As in the West, maples’
brilliant hues are often
at their peak during October.

The silvery plumes of
this tall grass are the
most beautiful in August.

The nightingale’s delicate
song and the plum’s cheery
blossoms help to brighten
the chill of February.

Both symbols of long
life and good luck.
Identified with January.

The delicate violet blossoms
usher in April and dismiss
the remains of Winter.

Generally active at night
or twilight, rabbits are
native to Africa, Europe,
Asia, and the Americas.

Salmon overcome many
obstacles to return
upstream to their
birthplace and spawn.

Both associated with Autumn,
which, according to the old
calendars, begins in July.

Fans were most popular
in the 17th and 18th
centuries, in Europe.

Folding fans were
introduced into Europe
in the 14th century.

The Japanese invented
the folding fan in
the 7th century.

Chinese fans were
introduced into Japan
in the 6th century.

This grass blooms its best
in August.  Viewing it by
moonlight is a traditional
Japanese pastime.

This grass blooms its best
in August.  Viewing it by
moonlight is a traditional
Japanese pastime.

The silvery plumes of
this tall grass are the
most beautiful in August.