Category Archives: #Findingasia

#FINDINGASIA: SAN FRANCISCO’S CHINATOWN

Much like nearby Japantown, San Francisco’s Chinatown is also the largest in the US and the oldest. Dating back to 1848, this enclave is still a fully functioning society that’s become stronger than ever, spanning a whopping 24 square blocks across the city. Because of this, it’s one of San Francisco’s top tourist attractions and sees even more visitors […]

#FINDINGASIA: NIHONMACHI, SAN FRANCISCO’S JAPANTOWN

San Francisco is filled with Asian culture from the city’s authentic Chinatown to its expansive Asian Art Museum. While yes, many cities in the US have a Chinatown of some sort, San Francisco is one of the few cities to have a designated Japantown, one of three cities to be exact. Today Nihonmachi (日本町), literally meaning “Japantown”, is located near the […]

#FINDINGASIA: ASIAN ART MUSEUM OF SAN FRANCISCO

The Asian Art Museum in San Francisco is the largest museum in the western world devoted to Asian art. Not only that, but it also has one of the most comprehensive collections anywhere in the entire world. It almost pains me to think that this museum all started from a donation given by Chicago millionaire Avery Brundage– […]

#FINDINGASIA: GHOSTS AND DEMONS IN JAPANESE PRINTS, CHICAGO

Chicago is known for having one of the best art museums in the country, complete with a large Asian art wing. However, from now until January 4th, 2015 guests can enjoy the exhibition Ghosts and Demons in Japanese Prints, which features some of the celebrated collection of Clarence Buckingham. This special exhibition showcases prints depicting the supernatural, a popular motif in […]

#FINDINGASIA: MOCHITSUKI AT THE MIDWEST BUDDHIST TEMPLE, CHICAGO

Mochi (餅), which is a sweet sticky rice cake, has been eaten in Japan since ancient times for special celebrations and festivals. The practice of hand-pounding mochi, known as mochitsuki (餅つき), is now rare even in Japan as most people would rather buy machine-made mochi sold at stores instead of making their own. Yet still, whether store-bought or […]