This is the online Japanese dictionary developed by Free Light Software. With our tool, you can find easily an equivalent Japanese word from English, or send queries to Japanese search engines without knowing Japanese translation. Click on a Japanese word to browse in Japanese search engines. Click on a globe icon to find the position of a locality on Japanese map (maybe take a few seconds to display). The dictionary of Japanese general terms is available at Online Japanese dictionary. |
French version
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Karate空手 唐手keywords: martial art related topics: Ryukyu related web sites: http://www.karatedo.co.jp , http://www.melfirst.co.jp/karate/ explanation: Combat of 2 men without any weapons: they give chops and kicks to the adversary. Originated from China, it has been introduced into Japan via Okinawa island (Ryukyu). Okinawa being a Chinese protectorate state in the old times, this discipline had been very popular there. It has appeared in mainland Japan only since Taisho era. Initially karate had been spelled with kanji characters meaning "Chinese hand" but now it is spelled rather with "bare hand". | |