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Discover How Japanese Myths Inspire Anime Characters At Epcot
Within the Japan Pavilion, where for years Japanese Tin Toys were on display in the Bijutsu-kan (a collection of Japanese arts) Gallery now resides "Spirited Beasts - from Ancient Stories to Anime Stars."
It is here that the Disney World guests will get the chance to learn about various characters from Japanese Mythology and see how they still have connections in modern Japanese society through their inclusion in the popular Anime Characters.
From one of the key displays within Spirited Beasts reads:
For centuries, heroic animals and magical creatures have appeared in traditional Japanese myths, stories, and art. Today, they are the heroes and villians of Japan's manga comics and anime. These "spirited beasts" from Japan's past have become pop culture superstars, known and loved around the world.
Above is an homage to Kitsune - the magical fox spirits. They are capable of growing extra tails as they gain in age, wisdom, and power. They have the ability to take on human form and are known as expert tricksters. You can find Kitsune characters in popular kabuki drama and in manga and anime series.
Saru
Saru is the Japanese name for monkey. It is often used to represent the guardians of sacred shines and temples. The famous Monkey King is known as Son Goku, and is frequently found as a hero in comics and anime due to his popularity.
Tanuki
Japan's "racoon-dog", known as Tanuki is actually a real species, but is better known by its mythical references. The Tanuki is a magical trickster that possesses shape shifting abilities to go along with it's wisdom and spirituality. In modern times you will see the tanuki figure donning a straw hat and carrying a sake bottle used as a sign of good fortune for shopkeepers.
Kappa
The Kappa are mythical water sprites that live in Japan's lakes and streams. They have turtle-like shells, webbed feet and, oftern a beaked face. A bolw like indentation on top of their head holds water, the source of their might sumo wrestling ability.
Bakeneko & Inugami
Even cats and dogs have a role in Japanese mythology. Bakeneko is the cat spirit. It can walk on its hind legs, cast ghostly fire, and impersonate humans. Inugumi is the dog spirit. Known for its fierce loyalty, this magically gifted spirit is diffficult to capture. and quite powerful.
Tsuru
The beautiful Japanese crane is known as Tsuru. For centuries the crane has been a popular subject of Japanese artwork and decorations. The Tsuru is a symbol of happiness, prosperity, and world peace.
Legend has it if you fold 1,000 paper cranes, which is known as Senbazuru, you will be granted one wish.
Moon Rabbit
The legend of the Moon Rabbit states that a rabbit came across an old beggar looking for food. Since he had none to offer, he offered himself to the beggar. The beggar was actually a deity and rewarded the rabbit's compassion by enshrining him on the moon. The Moon Rabbit as he became known ( Tsuki no Usagi in Japanese) can be seen on a full moon night pounded rice cakes with a wooden mallet.
Japanese Myths Inspire Current Culture
"Spirited Beasts" is an excelllent display that shares an element of Japanese history and present day culture that was very interesting to see and learn about. The self guided display allows you to spend as much or as little time as you wish to read about the displays and look at all there is to discover. I would definitely recommend this Gallery for all Epcot visitors to check out. The subject matter is such that it can appeal to all ages.
This is one of the great aspects of Epcot's World Showcase where you come away knowing a little more about cultures other than your own. This is an experience that you do not get from any of the other Walt Disney World Resort Theme Parks.
Disney World Dining: Yakitori House
If you are looking for a picturesque setting for your Disney Dining experience, then look no further than the Yakitori House in the Japan Pavilion of Epcot.
This Epcot Quick Service Restaurant not only serves authentic Japanese dishes like Teriyaki Chicken, Tempura, and Sushi, but also provides a beautiful setting in which to enjoy your meal.
Based Upon Historic Japanese Tea House
The Yakitori House was designed upon the architecture of the Tea House at the Katsura Imperial Villa in Kyoto, Japan that was built in the 17th centurty.
Like the Torii Gate and the pagoda that also grace the Epcot Japan Pavilion, the Yakitori House has a remarkable resemblance to the original Japanese Landmark.
It is worth your time to explore the Yakitori House and the surrounding areas. In addition to the fascinating architecture of the building you will find a quiet outdoor seating area, beautifully landscaped gardens, a koi pond.
The picture above shows some of the remarkable pathways and landscaping just outside of the Yakitori House. Across the small bridge you will find the peaceful outdoor seating area. This location is a great place to "get away" for a little bit and have a relaxing moment within Epcot.
There is also seating within the Yakitori House, where the decorations and design of the building transport you to Japan.
Yakitori House Menu
We would be remiss is we didn't talk about the menu. You have a variety of Japanese Entrees to choose from, as well as, Green Tea, Japanese Beer, Wine, and Sake.
Some of the entrees you will find are:
Teriyaki Chicken - Chicken with teriyaki sauce and steamed rice.
Japanese Curry Rice - Spicy curry sauce with onions, carrots, potatoes, and beef served over steamed rice.
Tempura Shrimp Udon - Tempura Shirmp and Udon Noodles in a clear broth with green onions.
Chicken Ginger Salad - Garden Salad served with broiled chicken and origianl ginger dressing.
Spicy Tuna Sushi Roll - Spicy Tuna mix, cucumber, green onions, sesame seeds reversed rolled in sushi rice and seaweed.
Sukiyaki Beef Sushi Roll - Sukiyaki Beef, green onions, sesame seeds reversed rolled in sushi rice and seaweed.
California Roll - Avocadoe, Cucumbers, seafood mix, and smelt roe reverse rolled in sushi rice and seaweed.
Shogun Combination - Teriyaki Chicken, Sukiyaki Beef, and steam rice.
Tonosoma Combination - Teriyaki Chicken, Sukiyaki Beef, and Tempura Shrimp with steamed rice.
Great Disney Dining Experience
The Yakitori House is a great Disney World Quick Dining Restaurant. Lou Mongello of the WDW Radio Show, recently rated this as one of his top 2 favorite Quick Service Dining locations. If you have listened to Lou's podcasts you know that food is an important part of his Disney experience.
In addition to the Japanese cuisine to try, it is worth it to just explore the building and the surrounding gardens. As mentioned before the outdoor seating area is a great place to take a break a relax in a secluded place at Epcot.
For all of the above reasons the Yakitori House is a recommended place to visit during your next visit to Epcot.
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Holidays Around The World At Epcot Part III
Today we will look at 2 of the countries that have rich traditions for celebrating the New Year.
Japan
In Japan the storyteller is a Daruma Vendor. The Daruma doll is an important symbol of the Japanese New Year and a good luck charm.
The Japanese New Year's celebration is called O-Shogatsu, which lasts from January 1st through January3rd. It is considered a time for reflection, family, friends, food, and fun!
The storyteller reveals that the Daruma doll has no pupils in its eyes. During the O-Shogatsu celebration, you make a wish as you paint in the left pupil on your doll. If the wish comes true before the end of the year you get to paint in the right pupil.
China
In China you will meet See how kong, the Monkey King. Here he will tell his tall tale about the Chinese New Year.
As the story goes, he was a monkey raised by humans that single-handedly defeated a terrible monster. He then gained incredible powers when he obtained a Magic Stick that had been guarded by the Dragon King.
He started to use his powers to look for adventure and mischief. Buddha was not pleased with his abuse of his powers, so he decided to seal him in a mountain for eternity.
The Monkey King quickly realized the error of his ways. Thang Seng believed that there was good in the Monkey King and asked Buddha to release him. The Monkey King then joined Thang Seng on a journey to India to retrieve Buddha's original teaching tests.
The Monkey King proved to be a loyal comrade to Thang Seng on his journey.
Holidays Around The World
At Epcot's Holidays Around The World there are many great stories to be heard. Take the time and learn about the wonderful traditions and celebrations that occur this time of year around the world.
Happy New Year!
