Journal

The Kotoba Interactive journal.

Editorial features on the cultures, history and languages of Asia. Filter by culture, by topic, or search for what inspires you.

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4 articles

China

Table complète du cycle sexagésimal (ganzhi 干支) gravée sur un plastron en os de bœuf, os oraculaire de la dynastie Shang, énumérant les combinaisons des dix troncs célestes et des douze rameaux terrestres.

Traditions10 min

Sexagenary cycle ganzhi: five elements, twelve animals

The sexagenary cycle ganzhi pairs ten heavenly stems with twelve earthly branches over sixty years. Oracle-bone origins, elements, animals, and time as return.

July 24, 2026Read

Japan

Intérieur richement coloré de la salle principale du temple Bongeunsa à Séoul, aux poutres peintes de vermillon, d'or et de motifs dancheong

Arts12 min

The vermilion of the torii: why Asian temples are these colours

Red that repels evil and protects wood, the gold of the Buddha, the five colours of dancheong: what the colours of Japanese, Chinese and Korean shrines actually say.

July 22, 2026Read

China

Boussole de feng shui chinoise, le luopan, en laque sur bois et laiton.

Culture6 min

Feng shui: the Chinese art of harmonizing space and qi

History and principles of feng shui, the Chinese art of harmony: qi, yin and yang, the five elements, the luopan compass, and the line between tradition and superstition.

June 2, 2026Read

China

Figurines funéraires du zodiaque chinois, dynastie des Wei du Nord.

Traditions19 min

Chinese Zodiac: The Twelve Animals and Their Legend

From twelve animals to five elements, the Chinese zodiac hides a fascinating cosmology. The great race legend, the betrayed cat, and Fruits Basket.

April 24, 2026Read