This date marks the beginning of the independence movement against the Japanese during their colonial rule of Korea.
On this day in 1919, leaders of social and religious circles gathered at a park in central Seoul and declared Korea's independence from Japan.
Two million students, patriots and Christians responded and joined the march and demonstrations.
The Japanese Colonial Government suppressed the Independence movement with brutal force.
Christian leaders were nailed to wooden crosses, and Japanese police beheaded young Korean school children. The police burned down churches with people locked inside. The official Japanese count of casualties include 553 killed, 1,409 injured, and 12,522 arrested.
The Korean estimates are much higher, over 7,500 killed, 15,000 injured, and 45,000 arrested.
A songwriter, singer, actress and dancer from Kanagawa Prefecture, Ami-Go was discovered by the Sony Music talent show Asayan in 1998. In 2000 her career came to an halt when AG Communications, was convicted for tax evasion. She filed a claim against the parent company Sony. In 2003, Ami negotiated an out-of-court agreement . Her contract with Sony ended December 2004 with no products released since 2001.
The unwritten rule of the entertainment business in Japan: artists who get into legal disputes with their masters are blacklisted.
In October 2005 Ami-Go released her first studio album in five years, on Avex Trax, “ Around the World”. This is her hit song “Can't Stop The Disco". Her style is electronic Euro-Pop Dance.
Each year, this national festival is held in the Phu Tho Province to worship the Hung Kings, who were instrumental in founding the nation of Vietnam.
The festival has two main parts, the ceremony and rituals. The Hung Festival ceremony last three days. The rituals last five days. Cakes and rice dumpling are also served to remind people of the Lang Lieu Legend that this 18th century Hung King invented rice cakes. The Hung Kings also taught the people to grow there own rice.
The Hung Kings Festival attracts international visitors who are allowed to participate in the traditional cultural activities. The ceremony takes a sacred trip back in time to the origins of the Vietnamese culture.
Tokyo born Yukie Yamamura as singer and actress Kou Shibasaki presents Jazz Japanese style: "Yoku Aru Hanashi".
Shibasaki made her debut in the music industry in 2002 Her first album spent 68 weeks on the Oricon charts. She became famous outside Japan for her role as the ruthless Mitsuko Souma in the film "Battle Royale." Shibasaki returned to television in 2007 as the female star of the highly rated TV drama "Galileo".
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DOLL FESTIVAL
March 3rd
Hina Matsuri
Okinawa, Japan
Girls Day
In Okinawa durning Hina Matsuri you will see Hina Doll displays in stores all over the city. The dolls are called Hina Ningyo, and vary in size and price. They wear traditional court costumes of ancient Japan, and are exhibited on one to seven tiered display stands.
Traditionally, the dolls representing the emperor and empress are positioned on the top. These dolls are called Dairi-sama.
A set of Hina Dolls consists of 15 dolls. Three ladies in waiting, called Kanjo, five musicians, two retainers and three guards. They are displayed in descending order.
An inexpensive set of Hina Dolls can be purchased for $200USD. A full set can cost as much as $10,000USD or more depending on the quality.
Edo Period
Hina Matsuri translates as “Doll Festival” but is more commonly known now in Japan as Girls Day celebrated on March 3rd.
Lee was the oldest member and leader of the Korean pop girl group "Fin.K.L". The group debuted in 1998 with their single "Blue Rain".
Her solo album entitled "Stylish E",was released at the end of 2003.
In November 2006, Lee signed a three-year contract with M-Net Entertainment becoming the highest paid female singer in South Korea.
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