Fan Shop
The whole Shogun thing is a pretty compelling tale. It's got drama, legend, romance, myth, swords, costumes, everything that appeals to my long-lost childhood.
The "Shogun" refers to the period of Japanese history known as the feudal era, specifically from 1192 to 1868, when a military dictator, the shogun, wielded real political power.
On a recent trip to Tokyo, wanting to get in touch with some of Japan's history, I was fascinated by some of the shops in the city that have been around since the shogun era.
I tracked down Ibasen, an amazing little fan shop not far from the Imperial Palace. It rang up its first purchase in 1590 — the year Toyotomi Hideyoshi completed his conquest of Japan by laying siege to Odawara Castle, stronghold of the Hōjō clan.
One of Japan's most powerful warlords, Toyotomi Hideyoshi laid the groundwork for the era of peace and stability that followed under the Tokugawa shogunate — a period lasting over 250 years after centuries of civil war.
Yes, they sell fans. Not movie-star fans, but actual physical ones made of paper (and, in a nod to modernity and practicality, some more durable ones made of plastic). And the shop that's been selling them since those turbulent days is still very much open for business.
And they were magnificent, beautifully printed with traditional scenes and carefully assembled from delicate wood and string.
Next time you are in Tokyo and you've covered all the usual tourist sites (and are sick of the crowds), drop in and browse Ibasen, and say hello to the two charming women running the shop.