January 2001 QUESTIONS
- (Kara)
How do you put on a kimono?
Putting a kimono on yourself or another person is very difficult.
Some people go to special kimono classes to learn how to wear this
beautiful Japanese garment. Luckily, you don't have to go to class
to see how a kimono is worn, because Kids Web has created a Kimono
page, where you can learn about the history and of kimonos and even
try your hand at putting a kimono on in the Virtual
Kimono section.
-
(No name)
Does Japan have a national flower or bird?
 There is no official national
flower or bird. Some people say the unofficial national flower of
Japan is the chrysanthemum, which has long been a symbol of Japanese
emperors. However, most say that the sakura (cherry blossom)
is the national flower because so many Japanese love to watch and
celebrate these flowers in the spring cherry-blossom season. There
are also several candidates for Japan's unofficial national bird.
Recently, the crested ibis has been in the news because some rare
ibis chicks were born. The crane is also a very popular bird in Japan
and often appears in Japanese art. However, most people say the national
bird is the kiji (green pheasant), shown above.
-
(Ben, USA)
When did sumo start?
Sumo is said to have started over 2,000 years ago. From around the
Heian period (794-1192), the imperial family often watched sumo as
a form of entertainment. Sumo evolved over many centuries, with the
first professional sumo wrestlers appearing in the Edo period (1603-1868).
Because of this long history, sumo is considered Japan's national sport. Find out more at this
web site.
-
(Larissa, Canada)
What happens at the Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival)?
The Hina Matsuri is a celebration for girls that takes place on March
3. Families with daughters display a special set of dolls in the weeks
leading up to this day and eat special foods to mark the festival.
You can find much more about the Doll Festival on our Hina
Matsuri page or on our sister site, Trends
in Japan.
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