A teru teru bōzu (Japanese: てるてる坊主 or 照る照る坊主, literally "shine shine monk") is a small traditional handmade doll made of white paper or cloth that Japanese farmers began hanging outside of their window by a string. In shape and construction they are essentially identical to ghost dolls. This talisman is supposed to have magical powers to bring good weather and to stop or prevent a rainy day. Teru is a Japanese verb which describes sunshine, and a bōzu is a Buddhist monk (compare the word bonze), or in modern slang, "bald-headed"; bōzu is also used as a term of endearment for addressing little boys.

Teru teru bōzu became popular during the Edo period among urban dwellers, whose children would make them the day before the good weather was desired and chant, "Fine-weather priest, please let the weather be good tomorrow."

Traditionally, if the weather does turn out well, a libation of holy sake is poured over them, and they are washed away in the river. Today, children make teru teru bōzu out of tissue paper or cotton and string and hang them from a window when they wish for sunny weather, often before a school picnic day. Hanging it upside-down acts as a prayer for rain. They are a very common superstition in Japan.

There is a famous warabe uta associated with teru teru bōzu, written by Kyoson Asahara and composed by Shinpei Nakayama, that was released in 1921.

Making a Teru Teru Bozu is as easy. First, prepare two same-sized square pieces cloth or simply use two pieces of tissue paper and one rubber band. Second, crumple-up one of the pieces of cloth into a ball-shape for the head, then wrap the other piece around it, twisting to make the doll’s head. Last, use your rubber-band to keep the head in place. And if you want to get a bit more creative, you can find many tutorials on YouTube showing you how to make cute Teru Teru Bozu from a soft wool material! The principle is basically the same.

Hachiko’s Grave

Hachiko is Japanese Shiba dog, famous for his loyalty to his owner, Hidesaburo Ueno, whom he meet every day at Shibuya station after Professor Ueno returned home from work (as an agricultural scientist). Mr Ueno passed away one day from a cerebral hemorrhage but Hachiko continued to show up at Shibuya station every evening for the next 9 years. This act of loyalty moved the hearts of many Japanese and led to the creation of this statue in his honor. In 1934, a bronze statue commemorating the dog was set up in front of Shibuya Station a year before his death. Shibuya Station is one of Japan's busiest railway stations, a major spot for fashion and youth and attracts many visitors. With so many exits at the subway station, it is often difficult to meet up with friends or family. It is very common for people to meet in front of Hachiko’s statue.

What many people don’t know is that Hachiko was buried next to his owner in Tokyo’s famous Aoyama cemetery. You can find the exact location on Google Maps when you visit Tokyo!

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It is the largest and very beautiful cemetery in the Aoyama district of central Tokyo. It is known for its cherry blossoms and also as the final resting place for many foreigners who came to Japan in the Meiji era to help advise the government in its drive to modernize Japan. This is a very pleasant and pretty place to walk through. The graves are very well kept and there are many flowers and trees. During every season we enjoy walking through the cemetery as it is a big green area in the center of Tokyo. In spring many people enjoy “Hanami” cherry blossom viewing here. There is a long street in the center of the cemetery lined with cherry blossoms. When they are in full bloom you can feel that you are inside a flower tunnel.

Tamanohada

Founded in 1892, Tamanohada is one of the oldest soap company in Japan. Based in Tokyo, they debuted by producing soaps for schools and hospitals.

In 2003, they started their first line of branded soaps, with a popularity growing year by year.

Each soap is made using a carved wood mold, like traditional Japanese pastries, using "RSPO" vegetable oils, a certification made in collaboration with Green Peace against deforestation.

Tamanohada soaps are perfect for sensitive skin, hands and body. Its texture is between liquid and milk, leaving a delicate moisturize protection and scent to your skin. Leaving your soap on a small dish will also perfume your bathroom.

This soap is made from entirely plant-based material. And thanks to its round shape, it could be easily rolled around in your hand and gives you a pleasant feeling. This soap is also excellent at moisturizing, cleaning and lathering during bath. It is well considered and designed to have a stable form, and does not oxidize easily.

This soap series is made to give your skin an extra gentle care, and thus could be used for washing your body and also your face. With the extravagant original perfume blend from this soap series, you would be surrounded with lovely and natural aroma from the originally used plant, while going out. During your bath, and when you start rolling this soap in your hands, your bathroom will be also filled with this lovely and natural fragrance!

Fragrances include:

Lavender: blend of lavender essential oil and rosemary oil. Floral and elegant scent.

Rose: emphasizes the sweetness of the gorgeous rose scent. An elegant yet sweet impression.

Gardenia: blend of lemon oil and ylang-ylang oil with a sweet and sensual gardenia (gardenia). Fresh sweet scent.

Orange: Based on the scented bitter orange blossom, the bittersweetness of Petit Glen is well blended. The fresh scent of green spreads and provides also a light floral tone.

Musk: refreshing sheer floral with a touch of sexual spice. Elegant and fascinating musk.

Fig: blend of fresh figs and sweet-scented citrus and rosewood oil. A refreshing, fruity scent.

Please visit Bows & Arrows to see and smell these wonderful Soaps! You can also visit our Website Here to purchase them online.