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  • TOYAMA MEDICINE.Basic material for producing traditional medicine, displayed in "Kanaoka residence" in Toyama city. From left to right: 1. ?? pronounced as "denshichi" is a kind of ginnseng, 2. ?? pronounced as " borei" is a kind of oyster, 3. ?? pronounced as "yuutan" is black bear's bile and it is a very precious ingredient in Chinese medicine. Currently in Japan it is illegal to hunt bears for their bile or to sell bear's bile, unless under a special license. The ingredient that has replaced it in traditional medicine, is produced synthetically in laboratories of traditional medicine pharmaceutical companies. In China it is still possible to get real bear's bile and animal's rights organizations protest against the cruel ways with which the bile is extracted from living bears through years of keeping them in captivity in bile farms.  Kanaoka Residence is a rare museum in Japan that preserves and exhibits a lot of materials of the 300-year history of Toyama's medicine business as well as a wide range of materials relating to Japan's pharmaceutical industry. Its main building retains the characteristic structure of a medicine shop from the early Meiji Era. Araya (family's guesthouse) is an all-cypress building that shows a traditional wooden structure.Toyama prefecture is located near the center of Japan and is approximately the same distance from the three largest cities in Japan-Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka. Toyama's pharmaceutical tradition has a more than 300 years history. As it is located on the Japan sea, it is facing China and has been an importer of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge which it developed through the years. There are now approximately 100 manufactures and over 100 factories in Toyama in terms of pharmaceutical products and Toyama prefecture acquires a steady reputation as Japan's medicine manufacturing base.
    20_TOYAMA_MEDICINE_7486.jpg
  • TOYAMA MEDICINE.Basic incredients for producing traditional medicine, displayed in "Kanaoka residence" in Toyama city.  Kanaoka Residence is a rare museum in Japan that preserves and exhibits a lot of materials of the 300-year history of Toyama's medicine business as well as a wide range of materials relating to Japan's pharmaceutical industry. Its main building retains the characteristic structure of a medicine shop from the early Meiji Era. Araya (family's guesthouse) is an all-cypress building that shows a traditional wooden structure..Toyama prefecture is located near the center of Japan and is approximately the same distance from the three largest cities in Japan-Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka. Toyama's pharmaceutical tradition has a more than 300 years history. As it is located on the Japan sea, it is facing China and has been an importer of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge which it developed through the years. There are now approximately 100 manufactures and over 100 factories in Toyama in terms of pharmaceutical products and Toyama prefecture acquires a steady reputation as Japan's medicine manufacturing base. .Kanaoka Residence is a rare museum in Japan that preserves and exhibits a lot of materials of the 300-year history of Toyama?s medicine business as well as a wide range of materials relating to Japan's pharmaceutical industry. Its main building retains the characteristic structure of a medicine shop from the early Meiji Era. Araya (family's guesthouse) is an all-cypress building that shows a traditional wooden structure.
    19_TOYAMA_MEDICINE_7484.jpg
  • TOYAMA MEDICINE.Traditional medicine packages in IKEDAYA YASUBEI SHOTEN a traditional medicine shop in Toyama city. Ikedaya-Yasubei Shoten preserves the atmosphere of a time-honored herbal medicine shop. "Ecchu-hangontan" written on it's front sign is said to be a miracle medicine that reinvigorates one's body. In the shop, visitors can watch a demonstration of making pills by using the traditional hand-operated pill maker. On the 2nd floor of the shop is the restaurant YAKUTO where healthy dishes made with Chinese herbal medicines are served. http://www.hangontan.co.jp/Toyama prefecture is located near the center of Japan and is approximatelythe same distance from the three largest cities in Japan-Tokyo,Nagoya,andOsaka. Toyama's pharmaceutical tradition has a more than 300 years history. As it is located on the Japan sea, it is facing China and has been an importer of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge which it developed through the years. There are now approximately 100 manufactures and over 100 factories in Toyama in terms of pharmaceutical products and Toyama prefecture acquires a steady reputation as Japan's medicine manufacturing base.
    09_TOYAMA_MEDICINE_6906.jpg
  • TOYAMA MEDICINE.Traditional medicine packages in IKEDAYA YASUBEI SHOTEN a traditional medicine shop in Toyama city. Ikedaya-Yasubei Shoten preserves the atmosphere of a time-honored herbal medicine shop. "Ecchu-hangontan" written on it's front sign is said to be a miracle medicine that reinvigorates one's body. In the shop, visitors can watch a demonstration of making pills by using the traditional hand-operated pill maker. On the 2nd floor of the shop is the restaurant YAKUTO where healthy dishes made with Chinese herbal medicines are served. http://www.hangontan.co.jp/Toyama prefecture is located near the center of Japan and is approximatelythe same distance from the three largest cities in Japan-Tokyo,Nagoya,andOsaka. Toyama's pharmaceutical tradition has a more than 300 years history. As it is located on the Japan sea, it is facing China and has been an importer of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge which it developed through the years. There are now approximately 100 manufactures and over 100 factories in Toyama in terms of pharmaceutical products and Toyama prefecture acquires a steady reputation as Japan's medicine manufacturing base.
    07_TOYAMA_MEDICINE_6855.jpg
  • TOYAMA MEDICINE.Traditional medicine packages in IKEDAYA YASUBEI SHOTEN a traditional medicine shop in Toyama city. Ikedaya-Yasubei Shoten preserves the atmosphere of a time-honored herbal medicine shop. "Ecchu-hangontan" written on it's front sign is said to be a miracle medicine that reinvigorates one's body. In the shop, visitors can watch a demonstration of making pills by using the traditional hand-operated pill maker. On the 2nd floor of the shop is the restaurant YAKUTO where healthy dishes made with Chinese herbal medicines are served. http://www.hangontan.co.jp/Toyama prefecture is located near the center of Japan and is approximatelythe same distance from the three largest cities in Japan-Tokyo,Nagoya,andOsaka. Toyama's pharmaceutical tradition has a more than 300 years history. As it is located on the Japan sea, it is facing China and has been an importer of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge which it developed through the years. There are now approximately 100 manufactures and over 100 factories in Toyama in terms of pharmaceutical products and Toyama prefecture acquires a steady reputation as Japan's medicine manufacturing base.
    08_TOYAMA_MEDICINE_6903.jpg
  • TOYAMA MEDICINE.Demonstration of traditional way of making pills at IKEDAYA YASUBEI SHOTEN a traditional medicine shop in Toyama city. Ikedaya-Yasubei Shoten preserves the atmosphere of a time-honored herbal medicine shop. "Ecchu-hangontan" written on it's front sign is said to be a miracle medicine that reinvigorates one's body. In the shop, visitors can watch a demonstration of making pills by using the traditional hand-operated pill maker. On the 2nd floor of the shop is the restaurant YAKUTO where healthy dishes made with Chinese herbal medicines are served. http://www.hangontan.co.jp/Toyama prefecture is located near the center of Japan and is approximatelythe same distance from the three largest cities in Japan-Tokyo,Nagoya,andOsaka. Toyama's pharmaceutical tradition has a more than 300 years history. As it is located on the Japan sea, it is facing China and has been an importer of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge which it developed through the years. There are now approximately 100 manufactures and over 100 factories in Toyama in terms of pharmaceutical products and Toyama prefecture acquires a steady reputation as Japan's medicine manufacturing base.
    05_TOYAMA_MEDICINE_6777.jpg
  • TOYAMA MEDICINE.Interior of IKEDAYA YASUBEI SHOTEN, a traditional medicine shop in Toyama city. At the front right is a machine for cutting pills in a traditional way. Ikedaya-Yasubei Shoten preserves the atmosphere of a time-honored herbal medicine shop. "Ecchu-hangontan" written on it's front sign is said to be a miracle medicine that reinvigorates one's body. In the shop, visitors can watch a demonstration of making pills by using the traditional hand-operated pill maker. On the 2nd floor of the shop is the restaurant YAKUTO where healthy dishes made with Chinese herbal medicines are served. http://www.hangontan.co.jp/Toyama prefecture is located near the center of Japan and is approximatelythe same distance from the three largest cities in Japan-Tokyo,Nagoya and Osaka. Toyama's pharmaceutical tradition has a more than 300 years history. As it is located on the Japan sea, it is facing China and has been an importer of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge which it developed through the years. There are now approximately 100 manufactures and over 100 factories in Toyama in terms of pharmaceutical products and Toyama prefecture acquires a steady reputation as Japan's medicine manufacturing base.
    12_TOYAMA_MEDICINE_6885.jpg
  • TOYAMA MEDICINE.Traditional medicine in IKEDAYA YASUBEI SHOTEN a traditional medicine shop in Toyama city. Ikedaya-Yasubei Shoten preserves the atmosphere of a time-honored herbal medicine shop. "Ecchu-hangontan" written on the front sign of the shop is said to be a miracle medicine that reinvigorates one's body. In the shop, visitors can watch a demonstration of making pills by using the traditional hand-operated pill maker. On the 2nd floor of the shop is the restaurant YAKUTO where healthy dishes made with Chinese herbal medicines are served. http://www.hangontan.co.jp/Toyama prefecture is located near the center of Japan and is approximatelythe same distance from the three largest cities in Japan-Tokyo,Nagoya,andOsaka. Toyama's pharmaceutical tradition has a more than 300 years history. As it is located on the Japan sea, it is facing China and has been an importer of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge which it developed through the years. There are now approximately 100 manufactures and over 100 factories in Toyama in terms of pharmaceutical products and Toyama prefecture acquires a steady reputation as Japan's medicine manufacturing base.
    11_TOYAMA_MEDICINE_6865.jpg
  • TOYAMA MEDICINE.Demonstration of traditional way of making pills at IKEDAYA YASUBEI SHOTEN a traditional medicine shop in Toyama city. Ikedaya-Yasubei Shoten preserves the atmosphere of a time-honored herbal medicine shop. "Ecchu-hangontan" written on it's front sign is said to be a miracle medicine that reinvigorates one's body. In the shop, visitors can watch a demonstration of making pills by using the traditional hand-operated pill maker. On the 2nd floor of the shop is the restaurant YAKUTO where healthy dishes made with Chinese herbal medicines are served. http://www.hangontan.co.jp/Toyama prefecture is located near the center of Japan and is approximatelythe same distance from the three largest cities in Japan-Tokyo,Nagoya,andOsaka. Toyama's pharmaceutical tradition has a more than 300 years history. As it is located on the Japan sea, it is facing China and has been an importer of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge which it developed through the years. There are now approximately 100 manufactures and over 100 factories in Toyama in terms of pharmaceutical products and Toyama prefecture acquires a steady reputation as Japan's medicine manufacturing base.
    06_TOYAMA_MEDICINE_6779.jpg
  • TOYAMA MEDICINE.Demonstration of traditional way of making pills at IKEDAYA YASUBEI SHOTEN a traditional medicine shop in Toyama city. Ikedaya-Yasubei Shoten preserves the atmosphere of a time-honored herbal medicine shop. "Ecchu-hangontan" written on it's front sign is said to be a miracle medicine that reinvigorates one's body. In the shop, visitors can watch a demonstration of making pills by using the traditional hand-operated pill maker. On the 2nd floor of the shop is the restaurant YAKUTO where healthy dishes made with Chinese herbal medicines are served. http://www.hangontan.co.jp/Toyama prefecture is located near the center of Japan and is approximatelythe same distance from the three largest cities in Japan-Tokyo,Nagoya,andOsaka. Toyama's pharmaceutical tradition has a more than 300 years history. As it is located on the Japan sea, it is facing China and has been an importer of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge which it developed through the years. There are now approximately 100 manufactures and over 100 factories in Toyama in terms of pharmaceutical products and Toyama prefecture acquires a steady reputation as Japan's medicine manufacturing base.
    04_TOYAMA_MEDICINE_6738.jpg
  • TOYAMA MEDICINE.Demonstration of traditional way of making pills at IKEDAYA YASUBEI SHOTEN a traditional medicine shop in Toyama city. Ikedaya-Yasubei Shoten preserves the atmosphere of a time-honored herbal medicine shop. "Ecchu-hangontan" written on it's front sign is said to be a miracle medicine that reinvigorates one's body. In the shop, visitors can watch a demonstration of making pills by using the traditional hand-operated pill maker. On the 2nd floor of the shop is the restaurant YAKUTO where healthy dishes made with Chinese herbal medicines are served. http://www.hangontan.co.jp/Toyama prefecture is located near the center of Japan and is approximatelythe same distance from the three largest cities in Japan-Tokyo,Nagoya,andOsaka. Toyama's pharmaceutical tradition has a more than 300 years history. As it is located on the Japan sea, it is facing China and has been an importer of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge which it developed through the years. There are now approximately 100 manufactures and over 100 factories in Toyama in terms of pharmaceutical products and Toyama prefecture acquires a steady reputation as Japan's medicine manufacturing base.
    03_TOYAMA_MEDICINE_6731.jpg
  • TOYAMA MEDICINE.Old chest with drawers for the storage of medicine, in the restaurant of IKEDAYA YASUBEI SHOTEN a traditional medicine shop in Toyama city. Ikedaya-Yasubei Shoten preserves the atmosphere of a time-honored herbal medicine shop. "Ecchu-hangontan" written on it's front sign is said to be a miracle medicine that reinvigorates one's body. In the shop, visitors can watch a demonstration of making pills by using the traditional hand-operated pill maker. On the 2nd floor of the shop is the restaurant YAKUTO where healthy dishes made with Chinese herbal medicines are served. http://www.hangontan.co.jp/Toyama prefecture is located near the center of Japan and is approximatelythe same distance from the three largest cities in Japan-Tokyo,Nagoya,andOsaka. Toyama's pharmaceutical tradition has a more than 300 years history. As it is located on the Japan sea, it is facing China and has been an importer of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge which it developed through the years. There are now approximately 100 manufactures and over 100 factories in Toyama in terms of pharmaceutical products and Toyama prefecture acquires a steady reputation as Japan's medicine manufacturing base.
    15_TOYAMA_MEDICINE_6973.jpg
  • TOYAMA MEDICINE.Paper balloons realted to medicine and were used as a traditional way to entertain clients, displayed at the museum of Kokando traditional medicine company, one of the oldest medicine companies in Toyama, founded in 1876. .Toyama prefecture is located near the center of Japan and is approximately the same distance from the three largest cities in Japan-Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka. Toyama's pharmaceutical tradition has a more than 300 years history. As it is located on the Japan sea, it is facing China and has been an importer of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge which it developed through the years. There are now approximately 100 manufactures and over 100 factories in Toyama in terms of pharmaceutical products and Toyama prefecture acquires a steady reputation as Japan's medicine manufacturing base.
    29_TOYAMA_MEDICINE_7170.jpg
  • TOYAMA MEDICINE.Basic materials for the production of traditional medicine, displayed in "Kanaoka residence", in Toyama city. From left to wright: 1. ??? Chinese medicine which's name is translated as "the knee of a mountain bull" and it is pronounced: "sen goshitsu". It's function is related to the flow of blood, 2. ??? pronounced: "yabu goshitsu", a Chinese medicine goshitsu as it comes from the bush plant, 3. ?? pronounced as "ninjin" is the Asian "ginseng", 4. ??? pronounced as "hamaboufuu" is the "Glehnia Littoralis" a species of umbellifer used in Chinese medicine. Kanaoka Residence is a rare museum in Japan that preserves and exhibits a lot of materials of the 300-year history of Toyama?s medicine business as well as a wide range of materials relating to Japan's pharmaceutical industry. Its main building retains the characteristic structure of a medicine shop from the early Meiji Era. Araya (family's guesthouse) is an all-cypress building that shows a traditional wooden structure.Toyama prefecture is located near the center of Japan and is approximately the same distance from the three largest cities in Japan-Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka. Toyama's pharmaceutical tradition has a more than 300 years history. As it is located on the Japan sea, it is facing China and has been an importer of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge which it developed through the years. There are now approximately 100 manufactures and over 100 factories in Toyama in terms of pharmaceutical products and Toyama prefecture acquires a steady reputation as Japan's medicine manufacturing base.
    21_TOYAMA_MEDICINE_7496.jpg
  • TOYAMA MEDICINE.Medicine meal at IKEDAYA YASUBEI SHOTEN a traditional medicine shop in Toyama city. Ikedaya-Yasubei Shoten preserves the atmosphere of a time-honored herbal medicine shop. "Ecchu-hangontan" written on it's front sign is said to be a miracle medicine that reinvigorates one's body. In the shop, visitors can watch a demonstration of making pills by using the traditional hand-operated pill maker. On the 2nd floor of the shop is the restaurant YAKUTO where healthy dishes made with Chinese herbal medicines are served. http://www.hangontan.co.jp/Toyama prefecture is located near the center of Japan and is approximatelythe same distance from the three largest cities in Japan-Tokyo,Nagoya,andOsaka. Toyama's pharmaceutical tradition has a more than 300 years history. As it is located on the Japan sea, it is facing China and has been an importer of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge which it developed through the years. There are now approximately 100 manufactures and over 100 factories in Toyama in terms of pharmaceutical products and Toyama prefecture acquires a steady reputation as Japan's medicine manufacturing base.
    14_TOYAMA_MEDICINE_6968.jpg
  • TOYAMA MEDICINE.Front of IKEDAYA YASUBEI SHOTEN a traditional medicine shop in Toyama city.Ikedaya-Yasubei Shoten preserves the atmosphere of a time-honored herbal medicine shop. "Ecchu-hangontan" written on the sign is said to be a miracle medicine that reinvigorates one's body. In the shop, visitors can watch a demonstration of making pills by using the traditional hand-operated pill maker. On the 2nd floor of the shop is the restaurant YAKUTO where healthy dishes made with Chinese herbal medicines are served. http://www.hangontan.co.jp/Toyama prefecture is located near the center of Japan and is approximatelythe same distance from the three largest cities in Japan-Tokyo,Nagoya,andOsaka. Toyama's pharmaceutical tradition has a more than 300 years history. As it is located on the Japan sea, it is facing China and has been an importer of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge which it developed through the years. There are now approximately 100 manufactures and over 100 factories in Toyama in terms of pharmaceutical products and Toyama prefecture acquires a steady reputation as Japan's medicine manufacturing base.
    02_TOYAMA_MEDICINE_6941.jpg
  • TOYAMA MEDICINE.Traditional medicne-box at the museum of Kokando traditional medicine company, one of the oldest medicine in Toyama, city founded in 1876.   Medicines manufactured in Toyama spread by medicine peddlers who were called "Baiyaku-san". They traveled all over Japan bringing medicine boxes to their clients, employing a unique business style known as "Senyo-kori" (Use first, and pay later service), in which a box filled with medicines is placed at customer's home free of charge, and later the customer pays for actual consumption. Today, a lot of Baiyaku-san are still active in Japan..Toyama prefecture is located near the center of Japan and is approximately the same distance from the three largest cities in Japan-Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka. Toyama's pharmaceutical tradition has a more than 300 years history. As it is located on the Japan sea, it is facing China and has been an importer of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge which it developed through the years. There are now approximately 100 manufactures and over 100 factories in Toyama in terms of pharmaceutical products and Toyama prefecture acquires a steady reputation as Japan's medicine manufacturing base.
    27_TOYAMA_MEDICINE_7172.jpg
  • TOYAMA MEDICINE.Medicine meal at IKEDAYA YASUBEI SHOTEN a traditional medicine shop in Toyama city. Ikedaya-Yasubei Shoten preserves the atmosphere of a time-honored herbal medicine shop. "Ecchu-hangontan" written on it's front sign is said to be a miracle medicine that reinvigorates one's body. In the shop, visitors can watch a demonstration of making pills by using the traditional hand-operated pill maker. On the 2nd floor of the shop is the restaurant YAKUTO where healthy dishes made with Chinese herbal medicines are served. http://www.hangontan.co.jp/Toyama prefecture is located near the center of Japan and is approximatelythe same distance from the three largest cities in Japan-Tokyo,Nagoya,andOsaka. Toyama's pharmaceutical tradition has a more than 300 years history. As it is located on the Japan sea, it is facing China and has been an importer of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge which it developed through the years. There are now approximately 100 manufactures and over 100 factories in Toyama in terms of pharmaceutical products and Toyama prefecture acquires a steady reputation as Japan's medicine manufacturing base.
    13_TOYAMA_MEDICINE_6959.jpg
  • TOYAMA MEDICINE .In the lab of "Kokando" traditional medicine company. The final product of the company is based in bear's bile. Kokando, one of the oldest medicine companies in Toyama, was founded in 1876.  The bile is now produced in the company's lab as currently in Japan it is illegal to hunt bears for their bile or to sell bear's bile, unless under a special license. The black bears from which the bile was originaly extracted are protected species. In China it is still possible to get real bear's bile and animal's rights organizations protest against the cruel ways with which the bile is extracted from living bears through years of keeping them in captivity in bile farms. .Toyama prefecture is located near the center of Japan and is approximately the same distance from the three largest cities in Japan-Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka. Toyama's pharmaceutical tradition has a more than 300 years history. As it is located on the Japan sea, it is facing China and has been an importer of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge which it developed through the years. There are now approximately 100 manufactures and over 100 factories in Toyama in terms of pharmaceutical products and Toyama prefecture acquires a steady reputation as Japan's medicine manufacturing base. Toyama, Japan. 21 Dec 2007
    33_TOYAMA_MEDICINE_7396.jpg
  • TOYAMA MEDICINE.Display of the making of medicine in "Kanaoka residence" in Toyama city..Kanaoka Residence is a rare museum in Japan that preserves and exhibits a lot of materials of the 300-year history of Toyama?s medicine business as well as a wide range of materials relating to Japan's pharmaceutical industry. Its main building retains the characteristic structure of a medicine shop from the early Meiji Era. Araya (family's guesthouse) is an all-cypress building that shows a traditional wooden structure..Toyama prefecture is located near the center of Japan and is approximately the same distance from the three largest cities in Japan-Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka. Toyama's pharmaceutical tradition has a more than 300 years history. As it is located on the Japan sea, it is facing China and has been an importer of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge which it developed through the years. There are now approximately 100 manufactures and over 100 factories in Toyama in terms of pharmaceutical products and Toyama prefecture acquires a steady reputation as Japan's medicine manufacturing base.
    22_TOYAMA_MEDICINE_7502.jpg
  • TOYAMA MEDICINE.Old style medicine shop display inside "Kanaoka residence" in Toyama city.  .Kanaoka Residence is a rare museum in Japan that preserves and exhibits a lot of materials of the 300-year history of Toyama's medicine business as well as a wide range of materials relating to Japan's pharmaceutical industry. Its main building retains the characteristic structure of a medicine shop from the early Meiji Era. Araya (family's guesthouse) is an all-cypress building that shows a traditional wooden structure..Toyama prefecture is located near the center of Japan and is approximately the same distance from the three largest cities in Japan-Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka. Toyama's pharmaceutical tradition has a more than 300 years history. As it is located on the Japan sea, it is facing China and has been an importer of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge which it developed through the years. There are now approximately 100 manufactures and over 100 factories in Toyama in terms of pharmaceutical products and Toyama prefecture acquires a steady reputation as Japan's medicine manufacturing base.
    17_TOYAMA_MEDICINE_7461.jpg
  • TOYAMA MEDICINETraditional medicne-box displayed at IKEDAYA YASUBEI SHOTEN a traditional medicine shop in Toyama city.  Medicines manufactured in Toyama spread by medicine peddlers who were called "Baiyaku-san". They traveled all over Japan bringing medicine boxes to their clients, employing a unique business style known as "Senyo-kori" (Use first, and pay later service), in which a box filled with medicines is placed at customer's home free of charge, and later the customer pays for actual consumption. Today, a lot of Baiyaku-san are still active in Japan.Toyama prefecture is located near the center of Japan and is approximately the same distance from the three largest cities in Japan-Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka. Toyama's pharmaceutical tradition has a more than 300 years history. As it is located on the Japan sea, it is facing China and has been an importer of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge which it developed through the years. There are now approximately 100 manufactures and over 100 factories in Toyama in terms of pharmaceutical products and Toyama prefecture acquires a steady reputation as Japan's medicine manufacturing base.
    10_TOYAMA_MEDICINE_6846.jpg
  • TOYAMA MEDICINE.Workers or "Kokando" traditional medicine company, putting the plastic cover on the packaging of the medicine that is based on bear's bile (from gall bladder). Kokando, one of the oldest medicine companies in Toyama, was founded in 1876.  The bile is now produced in the company's lab as currently in Japan it is illegal to hunt bears for their bile or to sell bear's bile, unless under a special license. The black bears from which the bile was originaly extracted are protected species. In China it is still possible to get real bear's bile and animal's rights organizations protest against the cruel ways with which the bile is extracted from living bears through years of keeping them in captivity in bile farms. .Toyama prefecture is located near the center of Japan and is approximately the same distance from the three largest cities in Japan-Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka. Toyama's pharmaceutical tradition has a more than 300 years history. As it is located on the Japan sea, it is facing China and has been an importer of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge which it developed through the years. There are now approximately 100 manufactures and over 100 factories in Toyama in terms of pharmaceutical products and Toyama prefecture acquires a steady reputation as Japan's medicine manufacturing base. Toyama, Japan. 21 Dec 2007
    31_TOYAMA_MEDICINE_7325.jpg
  • TOYAMA MEDICINE.Display showing the clothes that traditional medicine salesmen used to wear,  in the Medicine museum of the Toyama folk-craft village. Located in the west of Toyama City and at the foot of Kureha Hills, this village is a small theme park of Toyama's history and culture. .Medicines manufactured in Toyama were spread by medicine peddlers who were called "Baiyaku-san". They traveled all over Japan bringing medicine boxes to their clients, employing a unique business style known as "Senyo-kori" (Use first, and pay later service), in which a box filled with medicines is placed at customer's home free of charge, and later the customer pays for actual consumption. Today, a lot of Baiyaku-san are still active in Japan..Toyama prefecture is located near the center of Japan and is approximately the same distance from the three largest cities in Japan-Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka. Toyama's pharmaceutical tradition has a more than 300 years history. As it is located on the Japan sea, it is facing China and has been an importer of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge which it developed through the years. There are now approximately 100 manufactures and over 100 factories in Toyama in terms of pharmaceutical products and Toyama prefecture acquires a steady reputation as Japan's medicine manufacturing base.
    24_TOYAMA_MEDICINE_7053.jpg
  • TOYAMA MEDICINE.Display showing the way of making traditional medicine in the Medicine museum of the Toyama folk-craft village. Located in the west of Toyama City and at the foot of Kureha Hills, this village is a small theme park of Toyama?s history and culture..Toyama prefecture is located near the center of Japan and is approximately the same distance from the three largest cities in Japan-Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka. Toyama's pharmaceutical tradition has a more than 300 years history. As it is located on the Japan sea, it is facing China and has been an importer of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge which it developed through the years. There are now approximately 100 manufactures and over 100 factories in Toyama in terms of pharmaceutical products and Toyama prefecture acquires a steady reputation as Japan's medicine manufacturing base.
    23_TOYAMA_MEDICINE_7070.jpg
  • TOYAMA MEDICINE.Old style medicine shop display inside "Kanaoka residence" in Toyama city.  .Kanaoka Residence is a rare museum in Japan that preserves and exhibits a lot of materials of the 300-year history of Toyama's medicine business as well as a wide range of materials relating to Japan's pharmaceutical industry. Its main building retains the characteristic structure of a medicine shop from the early Meiji Era. Araya (family's guesthouse) is an all-cypress building that shows a traditional wooden structure..Toyama prefecture is located near the center of Japan and is approximately the same distance from the three largest cities in Japan-Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka. Toyama's pharmaceutical tradition has a more than 300 years history. As it is located on the Japan sea, it is facing China and has been an importer of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge which it developed through the years. There are now approximately 100 manufactures and over 100 factories in Toyama in terms of pharmaceutical products and Toyama prefecture acquires a steady reputation as Japan's medicine manufacturing base.
    18_TOYAMA_MEDICINE_7463.jpg
  • TOYAMA MEDICINE.Front view of Kanaoka residence in Toyama city..Kanaoka Residence is a rare museum in Japan that preserves and exhibits a lot of materials of the 300-year history of Toyama's medicine business as well as a wide range of materials relating to Japan's pharmaceutical industry. Its main building retains the characteristic structure of a medicine shop from the early Meiji Era. Araya (family's guesthouse) is an all-cypress building that shows a traditional wooden structure..Toyama prefecture is located near the center of Japan and is approximately the same distance from the three largest cities in Japan-Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka. Toyama's pharmaceutical tradition has a more than 300 years history. As it is located on the Japan sea, it is facing China and has been an importer of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge which it developed through the years. There are now approximately 100 manufactures and over 100 factories in Toyama in terms of pharmaceutical products and Toyama prefecture acquires a steady reputation as Japan's medicine manufacturing base.
    16_TOYAMA_MEDICINE_7457.jpg
  • TOYAMA MEDICINE.The final product of "Kokando" traditional medicine company, that is based in bear's bile, in the company's lab. Kokando, one of the oldest medicine companies in Toyama, was founded in 1876.  The bile is now produced in the company's lab as currently in Japan it is illegal to hunt bears for their bile or to sell bear's bile, unless under a special license. The black bears from which the bile was originaly extracted are protected species. In China it is still possible to get real bear's bile and animal's rights organizations protest against the cruel ways with which the bile is extracted from living bears through years of keeping them in captivity in bile farms. .Toyama prefecture is located near the center of Japan and is approximately the same distance from the three largest cities in Japan-Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka. Toyama's pharmaceutical tradition has a more than 300 years history. As it is located on the Japan sea, it is facing China and has been an importer of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge which it developed through the years. There are now approximately 100 manufactures and over 100 factories in Toyama in terms of pharmaceutical products and Toyama prefecture acquires a steady reputation as Japan's medicine manufacturing base. Toyama, Japan. 21 Dec 2007
    32_TOYAMA_MEDICINE_7374.jpg
  • TOYAMA MEDICINEWorkers or "Kokando" traditional medicine company as they are processing medicine that is based on bear's bile. It comes out as a paste which they shape and cut to plates that later will be cut to small pieces and packaged in boxes. Kokando, one of the oldest medicine companies in Toyama, was founded in 1876.  The bile is now produced in the company's lab as currently in Japan it is illegal to hunt bears for their bile or to sell bear's bile, unless under a special license. The black bears from which the bile was originaly extracted are protected species. In China it is still possible to get real bear's bile and animal's rights organizations protest against the cruel ways with which the bile is extracted from living bears through years of keeping them in captivity in bile farms. .Toyama prefecture is located near the center of Japan and is approximately the same distance from the three largest cities in Japan-Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka. Toyama's pharmaceutical tradition has a more than 300 years history. As it is located on the Japan sea, it is facing China and has been an importer of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge which it developed through the years. There are now approximately 100 manufactures and over 100 factories in Toyama in terms of pharmaceutical products and Toyama prefecture acquires a steady reputation as Japan's medicine manufacturing base. Toyama, Japan. 21 Dec 2007
    30_TOYAMA_MEDICINE_7276 (1).jpg
  • TOYAMA MEDICINE.Traditional medicine packagings about 100 years old, displayed at the medicine museum of the Toyama folk-craft village. Located in the west of Toyama City and at the foot of Kureha Hills, this village is a small theme park of Toyama city's history and culture.Toyama prefecture is located near the center of Japan and is approximately the same distance from the three largest cities in Japan-Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka. Toyama's pharmaceutical tradition has a more than 300 years history. As it is located on the Japan sea, it is facing China and has been an importer of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge which it developed through the years. There are now approximately 100 manufactures and over 100 factories in Toyama in terms of pharmaceutical products and Toyama prefecture acquires a steady reputation as Japan's medicine manufacturing base.
    28_TOYAMA_MEDICINE_7091a.jpg
  • TOYAMA MEDICINEDisplay showing the traditional medicine-box and it's incredients,  in the Medicine museum of the Toyama folk-craft village. Located in the west of Toyama City and at the foot of Kureha Hills, this village is a small theme park of Toyama?s history and culture.Toyama prefecture is located near the center of Japan and is approximately the same distance from the three largest cities in Japan-Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka. Toyama's pharmaceutical tradition has a more than 300 years history. As it is located on the Japan sea, it is facing China and has been an importer of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge which it developed through the years. There are now approximately 100 manufactures and over 100 factories in Toyama in terms of pharmaceutical products and Toyama prefecture acquires a steady reputation as Japan's medicine manufacturing base.
    25_TOYAMA_MEDICINE_7060.jpg
  • TOYAMA MEDICINETraditional medicne-boxes and their incredients at the museum of Kokando traditional medicine company, one of the oldest medicine in Toyama, city founded in 1876. Medicines manufactured in Toyama spread by medicine peddlers who were called "Baiyaku-san". They traveled all over Japan bringing medicine boxes to their clients, employing a unique business style known as "Senyo-kori" (Use first, and pay later service), in which a box filled with medicines is placed at customer's home free of charge, and later the customer pays for actual consumption. Today, a lot of Baiyaku-san are still active in Japan.Toyama prefecture is located near the center of Japan and is approximately the same distance from the three largest cities in Japan-Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka. Toyama's pharmaceutical tradition has a more than 300 years history. As it is located on the Japan sea, it is facing China and has been an importer of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge which it developed through the years. There are now approximately 100 manufactures and over 100 factories in Toyama in terms of pharmaceutical products and Toyama prefecture acquires a steady reputation as Japan's medicine manufacturing base.
    26_TOYAMA_MEDICINE_7158.jpg
  • TOYAMA MEDICINE.Fish shop in Toyama city..Toyama prefecture is located near the center of Japan and is approximately the same distance from the three largest cities in Japan-Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka. Toyama's pharmaceutical tradition has a more than 300 years history. As it is located on the Japan sea, it is facing China and has been an importer of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge which it developed through the years. There are now approximately 100 manufactures and over 100 factories in Toyama in terms of pharmaceutical products and Toyama prefecture acquires a steady reputation as Japan's medicine manufacturing base.
    34_TOYAMA_MEDICINE_6717.jpg
  • TOYAMA MEDICINEView of Toyama city with Toyama mountain in the background. Toyama City is the gateway to the Northern Japan Alps, which is well-known for the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route and it attracts many winter-sport tourists. Toyama prefecture is located near the center of Japan and is approximately the same distance from the three largest cities in Japan-Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka. Toyama's pharmaceutical tradition has a more than 300 years history. As it is located on the Japan sea, it is facing China and has been an importer of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge which it developed through the years. There are now approximately 100 manufactures and over 100 factories in Toyama in terms of pharmaceutical products and Toyama prefecture acquires a steady reputation as Japan's medicine manufacturing base.
    37_TOYAMA_MEDICINE_6985.jpg
  • TOYAMA MEDICINEToyama city castleToyama prefecture is located near the center of Japan and is approximately the same distance from the three largest cities in Japan-Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka. Toyama's pharmaceutical tradition has a more than 300 years history. As it is located on the Japan sea, it is facing China and has been an importer of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge which it developed through the years. There are now approximately 100 manufactures and over 100 factories in Toyama in terms of pharmaceutical products and Toyama prefecture acquires a steady reputation as Japan's medicine manufacturing base.
    36_TOYAMA_MEDICINE_6697.jpg
  • TOYAMA MEDICINE.Tram in Toyama city..Toyama prefecture is located near the center of Japan and is approximately the same distance from the three largest cities in Japan-Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka. Toyama's pharmaceutical tradition has a more than 300 years history. As it is located on the Japan sea, it is facing China and has been an importer of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge which it developed through the years. There are now approximately 100 manufactures and over 100 factories in Toyama in terms of pharmaceutical products and Toyama prefecture acquires a steady reputation as Japan's medicine manufacturing base.
    35_TOYAMA_MEDICINE_7577.jpg
  • TOYAMA MEDICINE.Budha holding a medicine pot at Gohyaku-rakan (500 acheivers of nirvana) in Toyama's Chokenji temple. .Chokeiji Temple is situated in Kureha Hills in the suburbs of Toyama City. 500 stone disciples of Buddha are placed side by side quietly on the eastern hillside of the temple. Some of them are standing, and others are sitting. It is said that none of them has the same expression. This area is noted for its cherry blossoms in spring and the colored leaves in fall, which attract many tourists every year..Toyama prefecture is located near the center of Japan and is approximatelythe same distance from the three largest cities in Japan-Tokyo,Nagoya,andOsaka. Toyama's pharmaceutical tradition has a more than 300 years history. As it is located on the Japan sea, it is facing China and has been an importer of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge which it developed through the years. There are now approximately 100 manufactures and over 100 factories in Toyama in terms of pharmaceutical products and Toyama prefecture acquires a steady reputation as Japan's medicine manufacturing base.
    01_TOYAMA_MEDICINE_7010.jpg
  • Akha women dressed in traditional clothes, dancing a traditional dance during a festival at Huei Naam Kun village that is located in the mountains near Chiang Rai.
    23_THAILAND076a.jpg
  • Huei Naam Kun village is located in the mountains near Chiang Rai. There is no public transportation for going there and it's 51 families live a very traditional stylle. There was no electricity either until the World bank offered them a few years ago some sollar panels and now they can use electricity for a few hours every day. The village has always been peaceful but because of drug armies that were trying to force them to grow opium, the village had to relocate 6 times to escape them. It was originaly in Burma and it has been in the curent location in Thailand for the last 28 years.
    19_THAILAND087a.jpg
  • Sunday morning church service at Akha village Huei Naam Kun that is located in the mountains near Chiang Rai. The village has become Christian during the last 10 years. Before that it followed the traditional animism Acha religion.
    24_THAILAND079a.jpg
  • Akha woman resting on a balcony of a traditional house at Huei Naam Kun village that is located in the mountains near Chiang Rai.
    20_THAILAND067a.jpg
  • Men guarding the Yabusame track dressed in traditional costumes, give the signal for the archer in the beginning of the track that it is all clear to start.
    YABUSAME_ASAKUSA_3281.jpg
  • Traditional fun used by the first archer. He throus in towards the sky when he enters the Yabusame rute.
    YABUSAME_ASAKUSA_3057.jpg
  • Traditional clothes hanging to air as they had been kept in storage in Vovousa village.
    VOVOUSA_7909.jpg
  • Suda (18) was born in the Akha village Huei Naam Kun that is located in the mountains near Chiang Rai. She has been living at the premices of the NGO Children of the Golden Triangle for the last 8 years so that she can go to school, and hopes to go to University and become a mathematics or English teacher.
    28_THAILAND083a.jpg
  • Older building of the museum of Taijiquan in Chenjiagou village with pictures of taijiquan postures. At he lower part of the picture a maquette showing the plan for development of Chenjiagou village.
    56_CHENJIAGOU_1017.jpg
  • Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang teaching foreignTaijquan teachers and students during a seminar at the Chenjiagou Taijiquan School. Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang is a world famous Chinese Taijiquan teacher, who was born and rased in Chenjiagou. Since 1990 he left China and started promoting Taiji around the world. He is recognized as one of four "Buddha's Warrior Attendants," the four outstanding exponents of the 19th generation in Chenjiagou village.
    38_CHENJIAGOU_0210.jpg
  • Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang teaching Chinese Taijiquan teachers during a seminar at the Chenjiagou Taijiquan School. Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang is a world famous Chinese Taijiquan teacher, who was born and rased in Chenjiagou. Since 1990 he left China and started promoting Taijiquan around the world. He is recognized as one of four "Buddha's Warrior Attendants," the four outstanding exponents of the 19th generation in Chenjiagou village.
    36_CHENJIAGOU_0877.jpg
  • Park next to a river in Chenjiagou where it is said that master Chen Wangting created Tajiquan.
    22_CHENJIAGOU_0384.jpg
  • Wang Ling Fan (12) on her dormitory bed. She is a cousin of master Chen Ziqiang. She has been living and stusying at the Chenjiagou School of Taijiquan for 3 years and she will sty untill she becomes 20 years old.
    13_CHENJIAGOU_1155.jpg
  • Restaurant as seen from outside at Nonbei street. Nonbei street in Shibuya is a narrow street with little restaurants and bars, each one with a special character. Tokyo 16 September 2008, Japan
    NONBEI_STREET_7197.jpg
  • Much of the surrounding views of Ishiyamadera Temple remain unchanged since the days Lady Muraaki started writing the novel more than 1,000 years ago...
    UJI-11_GENJI_9758.jpg
  • Tokyo Eye, the new telecomunications tower as seen from Asakusa area of Tokyo.
    ASAKUSA_0556.jpg
  • Woman washing her hair at the Akha village Huei Naam Kun that is located in the mountains near Chiang Rai.
    32_THAILAND171a.jpg
  • Man cutting wood at the Akha village Huei Naam Kun that is located in the mountains near Chiang Rai.
    31_THAILAND172a.jpg
  • Akha girls Pratana (17) (left) and Aranya (17) (right) have both been living at the premises of the NGO "Children of The Golden Triangle" for about 9 years. They both want to become teachers so that they can go back to their villages and teach their people.
    18_THAILAND065a.jpg
  • Statues showing Taijiquan postures at the museum of Taijiquan in Chenjiagou village
    57_CHENJIAGOU_9865.jpg
  • The inner yard of his house where Chen Changxing used to teach his students Taijiquan. There is still a very heavy stone there that it is said that the students used to lift as part of their trainning. The house of Chen Changxing is now a museum.
    51_CHENJIAGOU_0448.jpg
  • Grandmasters Chen Xiaowang and Chen Xiaoxing (center left and right) during a visit to their family's ancestral graves where together with other members of their family they pay their respects to their ancestors with a ceremony.
    48_CHENJIAGOU_0984.jpg
  • Grangmaster Chen Xiaowang loughing after being prased by a local politician who came to visit him at the Chenjiagou Taijiquan School. Chen Xiaowang lives abroad and he only spends limited time in China. During that time he is very busy teaching but also having various meetings to help promote Taijiquan and his village Chenjiagou. He has helped to build a new museum of Taijiquan there and make his village known internationaly via his students in many countries around the world where he is teaching seminars.
    40_CHENJIAGOU_9771.jpg
  • Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang teaching Chinese Taijiquan teachers during a seminar at the Chenjiagou Taijiquan School. Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang is a world famous Chinese Taijiquan teacher, who was born and rased in Chenjiagou. Since 1990 he left China and started promoting Taijiquan around the world. He is recognized as one of four "Buddha's Warrior Attendants," the four outstanding exponents of the 19th generation in Chenjiagou village.
    32_CHENJIAGOU_1313.jpg
  • Master Chen Xiaoxing, executive president of Chenjiagou Taijiquan School, granding awards to Taijiquan teachers after a demonstration at the Chenjiagou Taijiquan School
    28_CHENJIAGOU_0771.jpg
  • Monument in Chenjiagou village with the symbol of Taiji (Yin-Yang)
    21_CHENJIAGOU_0433.jpg
  • Archer on a horse on his way to the Yabusame track in Asakusa
    YABUSAME_ASAKUSA_3167.jpg
  • Family in Uji city south of Kyoto. The last 10 chapters of The Genji are set in and around what was then the wild and remote area of Uji..
    40_GENJI_9919.jpg
  • Entrance to the contemporary Imperial Palace in Kyoto, that was build in the same location where the Heian era Imperial palace used to stand. Lady Murasaki that wrote "The Tale of Genji" 1000 years ago, used to live there..
    KYOTO-38_GENJI_9431.jpg
  • Heian era dance as presented in the conference for "The Tale of Genji", during it's 1000 years anniversary celebrations in Kyoto. The dance is representative of dances described in the novel written by lady Murasaki..
    37_GENJI_9201.jpg
  • Scents of The Tale of Genji in the Genji museum of Uji city south of Kyoto..Possibly one of the more impressive points within The Tale of Genji is scents. The tale touches upon the exquisite scents of Kaoru and Niou no Miya, which, as their names imply, became evident merely from their proximity. This indicates the importance of scents to the Heian aristocrats. This exhibit gives an insight into what scents were used in that period, along with the tools and materials for incense..
    34_GENJI_9867.jpg
  • Culture of the Imperial Court and Annual Events at the time when the novel "The Tale of Genji" was written, a 1000 years ago, as it is presented in the Genji museum of Uji city south of Kyoto..The aristocrats' costumes and the furnishings of their residences are shown in a 'shinden-zukuri' structure, a typical style of residence in the Heian Period. There are also exhibits introducing games often played by the Heian nobility, such as 'kai-awase' (a shell-matching game), 'igo' (also known as 'go') and 'sugoroku' (a board game), along with the annual events in the Heian Period for each season. This all helps to provide a clear insight into the culture of the imperial court..
    29_GENJI_9832.jpg
  • A miniature model of Hikaru Genji's residence, Rokujo-in at the Genji Museum in Uji City. As described in the novel, Genji lived here with four different ladies who were placed at separate blocks of the residence...
    28_GENJI_9904.jpg
  • A decorative screen with scenes from the novel "The Tale of Genji", exhibited at Ishiyamadera Temple as part of the 1000 years since it was written celebrations...
    21_GENJI_9471.jpg
  • Decorative shell depicting a Heian Era (794 to 1185) court lady, exhibited at Ishiyamadera Temple as part of the festivities celebrating the 1000 years since lady Murasaki wrote the novel "The Tale of Genji" . ..
    19_GENJI_9469.jpg
  • People praying in the main building of Ishiyamadera temple where lady Murasaki started writing "The Tale of Genji" , a 1000 years ago..
    14_GENJI_9713.jpg
  • The Genji Room.  Visitors these days come across a life-size replica of Lady Murasaki  in a room next to the main building of Ishiyamadera Temple. A saying goes that she started writing the novel at the same location in a moonlit night of August 1004, after being overwhelmed by the scenic reflection of the moon on the water of the adjacent Lake Biwa.
    09_GENJI_9678.jpg
  • A robot impersonating Lady Murasaki Shikibu is narrating the stories of "The Tale of Genji" to visitors at Ishiyamadera Temple. The temple, located in Otsu City north of Kyoto, is the place where it is said that Lady Murasaki started writing the novel more than 1000 years ago. .
    07_GENJI_9576.jpg
  • Tokyo Eye, the new telecomunications tower as seen from Asakusa area of Tokyo.
    ASAKUSA_0679.jpg
  • Man cleaning a candle holder in Sensho-ji temple in Asakusa
    ASAKUSA_0598.jpg
  • Morning light at the Akha village Huei Naam Kun that is located in the mountains near Chiang Rai. People in the village wake up at 4 am and go to sleep with the last daylight.
    34_THAILAND086a.jpg
  • Men playing a game at the Akha village Huei Naam Kun that is located in the mountains near Chiang Rai.
    29_THAILAND108a.jpg
  • Akha women Milu (left - 55 years old) and Minee (right - 42 years old), near the rice-fields of the Akha village Huei Naam Kun that is located in the mountains near Chiang Rai.
    21_THAILAND071a.jpg
  • Older building of the museum of Taijiquan in Chenjiagou village with pictures of taijiquan postures and display of weapons used in taijiquan.
    55_CHENJIAGOU_1025.jpg
  • The house of one of the greatest masters of Chen style Tai Chi Quan, Chen Chang Xing (1771-1853), the 14th generation standard bearer of the art, has been transformed to a museum. There the statues of Chen Chang Xing and Yang Lu Chan tell an old story. "Taiji Quan (Tai Chi Chuan), or the system of taiji martial arts, has its origins in the Village, dating to Chen Wan Ting (1600-1680), a patriarch caught at the turn of the dynastic change in the 17th century. In the old days, the art was well guarded and not taught outside the Village, nor to anyone who was not of the Chen stock from the Village. In the early 1800's, a Chen Village native, Chen Dehu who owned the Taihetang Drugstore in Yongnian, returned home with his family to retire. A young man, Yang Lu Chan (1799-1872), who was working for the family, was brought along as he was well-liked. There are many versions of how this young man, an outsider, managed to break through the clan barrier to learn the art, and become a disciple of Chen Chang Xing (1771-1853), the 14th generation standard bearer of the art. Whichever the case, Yang proved to be of exceptional talents. He mastered the art and took it outside the village. Chenjiagou
    54_CHENJIAGOU_0430.jpg
  • The house of one of the greatest masters of Chen style Tai Chi Quan, Chen Chang Xing (1771-1853), the 14th generation standard bearer of the art, has been transformed to a museum. There the statues of Chen Chang Xing and Yang Lu Chan tell an old story. "Taiji Quan (Tai Chi Chuan), or the system of taiji martial arts, has its origins in the Village, dating to Chen Wan Ting (1600-1680), a patriarch caught at the turn of the dynastic change in the 17th century. In the old days, the art was well guarded and not taught outside the Village, nor to anyone who was not of the Chen stock from the Village. In the early 1800's, a Chen Village native, Chen Dehu who owned the Taihetang Drugstore in Yongnian, returned home with his family to retire. A young man, Yang Lu Chan (1799-1872), who was working for the family, was brought along as he was well-liked. There are many versions of how this young man, an outsider, managed to break through the clan barrier to learn the art, and become a disciple of Chen Chang Xing (1771-1853), the 14th generation standard bearer of the art. Whichever the case, Yang proved to be of exceptional talents. He mastered the art and took it outside the village. Chenjiagou
    53_CHENJIAGOU_0426.jpg
  • A chinese student of Taijiquan standing by the wall were it is said that Yang Lu-chan used to secretly watch master Chen Changxing teaching taijiquan to his students at that inner yard of his house. It is said that Chen family's taijiquan was only taught to its members so Yang Lu-chan chose this way to learn but he was later accepted by master Chen Changxing as his official student. He later developed his own style of Taijiquan which is known as Yang style. The house of Chen Changxing is now a museum.
    50_CHENJIAGOU_0447.jpg
  • Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang with one of his official students, outside a temple after a ceremony to accept a number of students as his official students and new members of the Chen family.
    46_CHENJIAGOU_9634.jpg
  • Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang in the mausoleum of the founder of Taijiquan and 9th generation of Chen family Chen Wangting (1600-1680), during a ceremony to accept a number of students as his official students and new members of the Chen family.
    45_CHENJIAGOU_9552.jpg
  • Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang in the mausoleum of the founder of Taijiquan and 9th generation of Chen family Chen Wangting (1600-1680), during a ceremony to accept a number of students as his official students and new members of the Chen family.
    43_CHENJIAGOU_9564.jpg
  • Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang giving a speach outside the mausoleum of the founder of Taijiquan and 9th generation of Chen family Chen Wangting (1600-1680), where he will take part in a ceremony to accept a number of students as his official students and new members of the Chen family.
    42_CHENJIAGOU_9534.jpg
  • Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang guided by one of his students to the mausoleum of the founder of Taijiquan and 9th generation of Chen family Chen Wangting (1600-1680) where he will take part in a ceremony to accept a number of students as his official students and new members of the Chen family.
    41_CHENJIAGOU_9502.jpg
  • Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang teaching Chinese Taijiquan teachers during a seminar at the Chenjiagou Taijiquan School. Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang is a world famous Chinese Taijiquan teacher, who was born and rased in Chenjiagou. Since 1990 he left China and started promoting Taijiquan around the world. He is recognized as one of four "Buddha's Warrior Attendants," the four outstanding exponents of the 19th generation in Chenjiagou village.
    35_CHENJIAGOU_1439.jpg
  • Chinese teachers practicing during a breack at a seminar taught by Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang in Chenjiagou Taijiquan School.
    34_CHENJIAGOU_1254.jpg
  • Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang teaching Chinese Taijiquan teachers during a seminar at the Chenjiagou Taijiquan School. Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang is a world famous Chinese Taijiquan teacher, who was born and rased in Chenjiagou. Since 1990 he left China and started promoting Taijiquan around the world. He is recognized as one of four "Buddha's Warrior Attendants," the four outstanding exponents of the 19th generation in Chenjiagou village.
    31_CHENJIAGOU_0837.jpg
  • Taijiquan student (left) talking with teacher Chen Hui (right) before a demonstration at Chenjiagou Taijiquan School.
    25_CHENJIAGOU_0628.jpg
  • Poster with members of the Chen family with the  four "Buddha's Warrior Attendants," the four outstanding exponents of the 19th generation in Chenjiagou at the bottom of it. I is located in the center of the village very near the Chenjiagou Taijiquan School.
    19_CHENJIAGOU_9470.jpg
  • The oldest shop of Chenjiagou village.
    18_CHENJIAGOU_9441.jpg
  • Street market in Chenjoagou village
    17_CHENJIAGOU_9848.jpg
  • Street market in Chenjoagou village
    14_CHENJIAGOU_9838.jpg
  • Wan Jian Yu (27) in his room. He has been living and studying at the Chenjiagou School of Taijiquan for 4 months already and he wants to stay for at least a year. He has done many jobs with his latest being a designer for advertising but he wants to become a Taijiquan teacher.
    12_CHENJIAGOU_1047.jpg
  • Master Chen Ziqiang, Vice president and chief coach of the Chenjiagou Taijiquan school. He is the 20th generation lineage holder of Chen family Taijiquan.
    09_CHENJIAGOU_1199.jpg
  • Teacher Chen Hui showing pushing hands techniques to students which are trainning outdoors at  the Taijiquan school in Chenjiagou village. Most students of the school live at the dormitories and rooms of the school untill they complete their studies.
    07_CHENJIAGOU_1382.jpg
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