romana

On Japan Blogging

By Muza-chan on Nov 22, 2009 | In Web, About | 62 feedbacks »

This month marks 2 years since my on-line projects started, and since I wrote my first Japan travel article. Since then, I received a lot of questions, ranging from personal information about myself to questions about the site’s content, Japan blogging, Japan travel tips and photography advices.

This is not necessarily an FAQ, but it does answer to some of the most frequent inquiries about me and this site.

  • Why blogging?
    There are many reasons why people maintain blogs, the passion for a certain domain, the desire to communicate or just the desire to earn some money…

    Me? I do have a passion to share and I do feel I have something to say… :)

  • About what?
    A friend calculated that since I started working on this website, I lived in Japan approx. 8% of my life. Is this much or little? If you ask my family and friends, it’s a lot. I agree that it’s a lot more than a normal traveler spends in a foreign country… but if you ask me, this is just the beginning.
    I want to share with you my travels through Japan and my readings about this wonderful culture, to see Japan through my eyes, from the temples and shrines…

    Muza-chan
    Muza-chan, Daibutsu, Kamakura
    … to the cities and people of Japan, from places filled with history and spirituality, to the the modern Japan with skyscrapers and pop culture.

Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower

There are many clichés about Japan and a huge amount of generalizations. And to my surprise, many people love to read cliché stories… I won’t dwell into this.
I just try to share with you the Japan I have seen and experienced, with its contrasts, a world old and young at the same time.

Setagaya Summer Festival
Setagaya Summer Festival

  • Why Japan?

    Like other people feel attracted by Africa, Egypt, Tibet, China, India or Mexico, so I was attracted, long time ago, by Japan. When I arrived for the first time in Japan, in a country where I didn’t knew the language, I was surprised to feel… “home". Since then, every time I traveled in Japan, that feeling returned and until now, I still cannot explain it.

Hozomon Gate at Senso-ji Temple
Hozomon Gate at Senso-ji Temple

Truth to be told, long time before my first Japan travel, I had a lot of connections with Japan, on various domains, from ukiyo-e to music, from zen readings to history lessons (especially the Feudal Japan and the WWII period), from practicing martial arts to Reiki and from watching the old Kurosawa movies to the manga/anime culture…

Muza-chan
Muza-chan, Minato Mirai, Yokohama

Since adolescence, I studied with passion the folklore, the cultures and traditions of various nations, I was fascinated by the old civilizations, their myths and the history of the religions. I discovered relatively late the Shinto and the Japanese Buddhism, mainly because my favorite writer, Mircea Eliade, didn’t covered the religion from Japan. But after I’ve discovered it, I was fascinated by Shinto.

Torii at Hie Shrine, Asakasa
Torii at Hie Shrine, Asakasa

So, I will return to the Land of Rising Sun as often as possible, to continue all this…

So, if you happen to see in Japan a blond girl holding a Nikon D90 camera decorated with a Japanese lucky charm, that could be me… :)

My Nikon

  • Is this site successful?

    Someone asked me “can you have success with a cultural website?". Oh, yes!

    Muza-chan`s Gate to Japan reached last month over 180000 visits, with over 1340000 page views and with an average of 5881 unique daily readers, reading 43513 pages per day!

    On the other hand, photos from this website have been and will be featured in books published in Taiwan, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and the Netherlands…

    And there are just 8 months since I started writing in English, so this site is still quite young…

    I want to thank to all my readers for their useful and interesting comments and for their support and encouragement I received (from some of them even daily), that brings me a lot of joy.

    Arigatou gozaimasu! I couldn’t have done all this without you!

Muza-chan.net traffic October 2009

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 caminante_x
On Twitter:
RT: @Muzachan: On Japan Blogging [link]
11/22/09 @ 15:54
 HenryStradford
On Twitter:
RT @Muzachan: On Japan Blogging [link]
11/22/09 @ 15:55
 purplehayz
On Twitter:
RT @Muzachan: On Japan Blogging [link] - Nice post, thanks for sharing!
11/22/09 @ 15:56
 Lowlowlove
On Twitter:
RT @purplehayz RT @Muzachan: On Japan Blogging [link] - Nice post, thanks for sharing!
11/22/09 @ 15:57
 IH39
On Twitter:
I love and admire, your spirit, your passion and love for Japan. Thank You. RT @Muzachan: On Japan Blogging [link]
11/22/09 @ 15:59
 shikinami
On Twitter:
RT @Muzachan: On Japan Blogging [link]
11/22/09 @ 16:00
 uberVU - social comments
Social comments and analytics for this post
This post was mentioned on Twitter by Muzachan: On Japan Blogging http://bit.ly/5K9rKh
11/22/09 @ 16:00
 RickWDavies
On Twitter:
[link] good update on a fantastic japan blog! RT @Muzachan: On Japan Blogging [link]
11/22/09 @ 16:01
 michichan
On Twitter:
@Muzachan great blogs... hopefully one of these years, we will cross paths. [link]
11/22/09 @ 16:02
 KimonoBox
On Twitter:
good update on a fantastic japan blog! RT @Muzachan: On Japan Blogging [link]
11/22/09 @ 16:02
 5thstar
On Twitter:
ええっ、Muza-chanって女性だったんですか？！ エヴァ好きな少年だと思ってました！ 失礼しました！ RT @Muzachan: On Japan Blogging [link]
11/22/09 @ 16:11
 5thstar
On Twitter:
Wow, didn't know u r such a nice lady! I enjoy ur blog site a lot!! RT @Muzachan: On Japan Blogging [link]
11/22/09 @ 16:13
 nickelby
On Twitter:
Very good read! RT: @Muzachan: On Japan Blogging [link]
11/22/09 @ 16:18
 JapanSoc
About Japan Blogging, after 2 years
This month marks 2 years since my on-line projects started, and since I wrote my first Japan travel article and, since then, I received a lot of questions.
This is not really an FAQ, but it does answer to some of the most frequent inquiries about me an...
11/22/09 @ 16:20
 HelloNavi
On Twitter:
@muzachan Liked your piece on Japan Blogging. Very true about the cliche stories. I hate writing them but sometimes seems people love them
11/22/09 @ 16:23
 IrealiTY
On Twitter:
@Muzachan Nice Article ^^
11/22/09 @ 16:24
 ohsweetBloG
On Twitter:
On Japan Blogging [link]
11/22/09 @ 16:27
 dans · http://thumbnail-of-life.blogspot.com
great job, Muza ! I wish we could cross path someday. Would love to do photo shoot with you one day.
11/22/09 @ 16:33
 Muza-chan [Member] Email · http://www.muza-chan.net
Thank you! Maybe we'll do it on my next trip! :)
11/22/09 @ 16:35
 osiodhachan
On Twitter:
A superb blog on #Japan. Use the tabs an learn a lot1 RT @Muzachan: On Japan Blogging [link]
11/22/09 @ 16:36
 Chikuwa4649
On Twitter:
RT @Muzachan On Japan Blogging [link]
11/22/09 @ 16:49
 seiun_hosei
On Twitter:
RT @KimonoBox: good update on a fantastic japan blog! RT @Muzachan: On Japan Blogging [link]
11/22/09 @ 16:57
 bloglinkjapan
On Twitter:
On Japan Blogging [link] #JBlogs
11/22/09 @ 17:06
 seyma · http://seyma-erol.blogspot.com
oh God, the pics you take are definitely kick ass!!!

love.
11/22/09 @ 17:15
 James · http://www.naffworld.co.uk/blog
Congratulations! I love your site and pictures, I hope it continues for many years to come!
11/22/09 @ 17:28
 Muza-chan [Member] Email · http://www.muza-chan.net
@seyma: Thank you! Starting from tomorrow, there will be even more pics... ;)

@James: Thanks! Oh yes, it will continue... Like I said, it is just the beginning. B)
11/22/09 @ 17:48
 neurodrive1
On Twitter:
On Japan Blogging: This month marks 2 years since my on-line projects started, and since I wrote my first Jap.. [link]
11/22/09 @ 17:53
 drGeorgePradhan,mb,ind.
= such fine photography, w nikon D90. goood.[ i had a Canon Pellix f 1.2 upto 1979!].............apply for perma jap reporter for NatGeoGraphicUSA.?
= Tell us in your blog about what was special about Shinto faith.
=do you have a feeling you were a jap some births ago?
=you say martial arts, and your arms look weak, do develop the biceps triceps and the wrist.
=all the best......
=reply in your blog.........drGeorgePradhan,mb,ind.
11/22/09 @ 18:35
 drGeorgePradhan,mb,ind
= yes, yours is a cultural website, but with a full travelogue added, and deep insight into the philosophy of the jap people, which we have a sour opinion.if you have time for detailed notes about each pic, and more educative writeups about the people and the places, it will be helpful to us who cant visit Japan a second time since 1970!Even if it goes on to a 1000 pages ! and even if the book is beyond my budget to purchase; may be i could buy my subscription to the site....But if i can access the whole blog/book on the net free or for a small pay, it will be wonderful !!! Help us, people like me.
11/22/09 @ 18:49
 Kimberly · http://Www.kampkk.blogspot.com
Sounds like an amazing journey.
11/22/09 @ 19:23
 DanRyanBrisbane
On Twitter:
@Muzachan You talk about just being drawn to Japan, like others are just drawn to other places. I feel the same way.
11/22/09 @ 19:30
 Muza-chan [Member] Email · http://www.muza-chan.net
@dr George Pradhan: Thank you for all!
"a feeling you were a jap some births ago" - Interesting, I didn't think about this before... :)

@Kimberly: Thanks, it was... :)
11/22/09 @ 19:37
 rainbowhill
On Twitter:
On Japan Blogging [link]
11/23/09 @ 00:08
 Zyaga
On Twitter:
RT @rainbowhill: On Japan Blogging [link]
11/23/09 @ 00:34
 whipcracker Email
RT @Muzachan: On Japan Blogging http://bit.ly/5K9rKh It's always a pleasure reading your blog. Great stories and photos. :) Your insite to Japan and history always give the readers something to look forward to. I've been a daily commenter to your site for awhile now. Keep On Keepin On. Your eyes wide open and your camera at the ready.:wave:
11/23/09 @ 00:38
 Jamaipanese · http://www.jamaipanese.com
congrats on two great years, you visitor stats are amazing.

Keep up the good work, I enjoy the photos in your posts
11/23/09 @ 00:50
 caminante_x
On Twitter:
RT: @rainbowhill: On Japan Blogging [link]
11/23/09 @ 01:03
 otakudan
On Twitter:
RT @Muzachan: On Japan Blogging [link]
11/23/09 @ 01:43
 Linda G · http://keystonestatephotographer.blogspot.com
We hosted an exchange student from South Korea. He gave myself and my husband a good luck charm similar to the one you have on your camera. My charm did hang on my camera for some time. I moved it to my casino card; it has brought me a little bit of luck :-)
11/23/09 @ 02:21
 SalVidali
On Twitter:
@Muzachan nice post - never really discussed why my life is so deeply rooted in Japanese culture - its been a long journey
11/23/09 @ 04:42
 phelansensei
On Twitter:
RT @KimonoBox good update on a fantastic japan blog! RT @Muzachan: On Japan Blogging [link]
11/23/09 @ 05:30
 kuang_eleven
On Twitter:
RT @Muzachan: On Japan Blogging [link]
11/23/09 @ 08:00
 LEon · http://openthetoy.blogspot.com/
Congratz. That is some accomplishment. I hope my blog can do as well as you did when the time comes for my 2nd year of blogging.
11/23/09 @ 11:33
 LuciF
On Twitter:
RT @Muzachan: On Japan Blogging [link]
11/23/09 @ 11:52
 locohama · http://goinglocoinyokohama.wordpress.com/
Muza Chan, Honto ni omedetto gozaimasu!!!
Your blog is wonderful and I wish you continued success in ALL your endeavors!
Sincerely, Loco :-)

11/23/09 @ 12:48
 Muza-chan [Member] Email · http://www.muza-chan.net
@whipcracker: Thank you again, for your constant feedback and encouragements.

@Jamaipanese: Thank you very much!

@Linda G: Me too, I think mine brought me luck. ;)

@LEon: Thank you. I hope your wishes come true!

@locohama: Hontou ni arigatou gozaimasu!
11/23/09 @ 14:37
 keitenaijin
On Twitter:
@Muzachan I came to know your site recently. It is very interesting. Let us know Japan from different angle.
11/23/09 @ 15:50
 kemlo
On Twitter:
Well worth reading! Arigatou Gozaimasu Muzachan for the brilliant pix and posts RT @Muzachan On Japan Blogging [link]
11/24/09 @ 09:37
 David John Shewsbury Email · http://www.shewsbury.com/
That Buddha statue is magnificent...
11/25/09 @ 05:55
 Indigo Roth · http://indigowrath.blogspot.com/
Hi Muza-Chan,

I stop by at your fabulous site often, and link to it from my blog. In fact, I recently passed along a blogging award to you, but forgot to drop you a line to tell you - sorry!

[Link to blog award entry: http://bit.ly/4gMPAS]

Thanks for sharing Japan with us, it's a place I long to visit.

Indigo
11/27/09 @ 13:46
 Muza-chan [Member] Email · http://www.muza-chan.net
Oh, thank you very much for your kind words!

I hope you'll visit Japan someday, it's a great experience! B)
11/27/09 @ 19:57
 vandenboomen
On Twitter:
RT @Muzachan: On Japan Blogging [link]
11/28/09 @ 11:10
 Austin Otaku · http://www.austinotaku.com
Hi Muza-chan,

I love the site, and I hope you keep up the good work. This site is a daily stop for me.

Best regards,
Keith
@AustinOtaku
11/29/09 @ 22:57
 Victor · http://maggiesensei.com
Congrats! First time visitor. Amazing pics!
12/12/09 @ 23:28
 Brian Ray Todd Email · http://www.briantodd.blogspot.com/
I love your story. As a fellow fan of world travel, I appreciate your take on the world (and your passion for Japan). You do have something to say ... and people are listening. God bless you! Brian
01/09/10 @ 17:54
 Delia
Hey muza-chan...
vreau doar sati spun ca ceea ce faci tu este cu adevarat o munca apreciata...ador absolut totul despre japonia...iar ceea ce ai adus tu aici ma facut sami doresc si mai mult sa vad aceasta tzara minunata...iti multumesc ptr absolut toate informatiile si pozele pe care le aduci....


Arigatou!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D


xD




xoxo

04/05/10 @ 23:01
 Joshua Zimmerman · http://www.wideislandview.com
Wow! Your photos are always awesome!

Some of us down here in Hiroshima are running a Spring Japan Photo Contest, and we'd love to have you submit one of your awesome photos!

http://www.wideislandview.com/?p=2973

It's completely free, and while we're no where near as popular as your site, it might be a bit of good promotion!

Joshua
04/12/10 @ 20:36
 Muza-chan [Member] Email · http://www.muza-chan.net
Thank you very much to all of you!

@Joshua Zimmerman:
Thank you very much for you invitation!

However, I'm sorry, but until now I visited Japan only during summer and autumn... so I don't have spring time photos. But if you'll run a Summer or an Autumn Contest... I'll be participating for sure. :)
04/12/10 @ 20:59
 Dani
Hey! Vreau sa-ti spun ca blog-ul imi place foarte mult (si numai ce l-am descoperit. Cand am vazut ca esti din Bucuresti am fost si surprinsa dar si bucuroasa. Tot ce ai scris e foarte interesant iar pozele sunt chiar reusite. :D Imi doresc foarte mult sa ajung si eu in Japonia si de ceva timp incerc sa invat japoneza dar mi se pare putin cam greu avand in vedere ca invat singura din carti luate de pe net :D
Oricum, e asa de tare ca ai vizitat atatea locuri! Mult succes in continuare cu blog ul si calatoriile! take care :)
05/18/10 @ 20:03
 Edward · http://idleidol.net
Hi Muza-chan

How are you? Great site, I regularly check it, thank you for helping me find out so many little things about Japan. I only found out about it about it late last year when I was researching a book on Japanese mascots. I wanted to tell you about it so you could hopefully write a post on it. If you're interested I could send you a press release. Here's a link where you can see some of the pages
http://idleidol.net/book/
Have a look around the site and you can find out more.
All the best
Ed
06/17/10 @ 12:19
 Hugo · http://www.japanese-buddhism.com/about-us.html
Hello from a fellow expat in Japan. Love the pictures. I'm also making a site, specifically on Buddhism in Japan. Have a look if you fancy it.
http://www.japanese-buddhism.com
06/28/10 @ 05:13
 George · http://www.onetravel.wordpress.com
Hi,

This is a wonderful blog! It was a very good read.

I was wondering if you would be interested in guest blogging on my blog. It is a collection of my travels and the travels of my guests. If you scan the site you can see that now almost 100% of the posts are from guests. Lately I’ve been finding many people interested in guest posting.

The blog receives about 2000 visitors a day and that number is steadily growing.

So if you are interested in being a guest, please let me know.

Send me an Email:
gchristodoulou(-at-)OneTravel(-dot-)com

Thank you,

Warm Regards,
George Christodoulou
Travel Blogger | OneTravel
gchristodoulou(-at-)OneTravel(-dot-)com
:wave:
07/06/10 @ 19:57

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