From pro beauty artists to the casual makeup wearer, many people put special thought and care into the quality and appearance of their makeup. However, a surprising number of people overlook the most important part of their makeup kit—brushes. A high-quality makeup brush makes a significant difference, not only for smooth and even control when…
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Nextremer: The company behind AI-Samurai Nextremer is a company based in Tokyo’s Itabashi district aiming to contribute to an innovative society. Changes brought by technologies should create an inventive working atmosphere leading to innovative business opportunities. Nextremer especially focuses on the question how artificial intelligence should be incorporated in human society. Therefore they dedicate themselves…
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On the northeastern shore of famous Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture, one can find a certain one-man armor workshop in the city of Nagahama “長浜”. Named after its sole craftsman, Ichisuke Hogetsu, this workshop distinguishes itself through its custom-made wearable Kacchuu (samurai armor). For the last decade Ichisuke crafted for the sake of his customers,…
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Just a few minutes walk from Tokyo station is a portal to Japan’s storied samurai era, a time that spanned 1185-1868, from the Kamakura period, through the Warring States period and all the way to the end of the Edo era. This fascinating section of history lives on at Kinokuniya, a Japanese company dedicated to…
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The samurai era has captivated both Japanese and foreigners alike for hundreds of years. The era, which spanned the Kamakura, Warring States and Edo periods, was characterized by the indomitable warriors of the time and their extravagant armor. At Samurai Armor Photo Studio, visitors have the chance to transform themselves into one of these warriors…
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Sengoku Buyuden is an izakaya (Japanese gastronomic bar) located in Shinjuku’s famous nightlife district of Kabukicho. But it’s not just any regular izakaya–Sengoku Buyuden is a unique samurai-themed dining establishment, which offers locals and travelers with an interest in Japanese history the chance to experience the culture of Japan’s renowned sengoku (Warring States) era. Operated…
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This is the extraordinary story of Marutake Sangyo, the company that brings ancient Japan into the present with its authentic samurai armor replicas. Marutake Sangyo: Manufacturer of Authentic Samurai Armor Marutake Sangyo, based in Kagoshima, Kyushu Prefecture, is one of Japan’s foremost producers of o-yoroi, or “Great Armor”, bringing the ways of ancient Japanese warriors…
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Understanding Yoroi–the “Great Armor” of Japan’s ancient samurai–means knowing what makes it authentic. Read our essential guide to samurai armor parts. Samurai Armor Parts: An Essential Guide to Yoroi Components Japanese samurai armor, also known as Katchu, is comprised of the Kabuto (helmet) and O-Yoroi (“great armor”). O-yoroi, or simply Yoroi, first appeared on the…
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