When people talk about Japan, most people would on instinct
picture the well-run very built-up cities and their famous brands of cars and
electronics. Mixed with this is images of sushi, geishas, samurais, anime,
karaoke, gardens and cherry blossoms. Really, Japan has an assorted mix of culture
and traditions that was uniquely shaped throughout their colorful history,
especially during the age when they were disconnected from the rest of the
world.
Examples of unique practices in Japan are the geishas.
Widely mistaken as “Japanese prostitutes”, it is in fact a admired and
respected profession for women who are smart, friendly and talented. They are amusing
master of ceremonies for guests who are seeking entertainment and humor. They
can get a feel for to whatever the guests like better, have many talents and training
a job that takes years to perfect. Another example of unique tradition in Japan
is the tea ceremony. It is ritual that promotes beauty, tranquility and the
principles of Zen Buddhism such as harmony, respect and purity (“Geisha,” n.d.).
Weddings in Japan are now influenced by Western culture, but
the tradition of wearing the white bridal kimono (shiromoku) for the bride and
all-black “montsuki haori hakuma” for the groom is still present for at least
the give-and-take of vows. A Shinto priest usually runs the give-and-take of
vows by praying to the gods or spirits (kami) for the sweet marriage of the
bride and groom. The couple then perform the “san-san-kudo” ritual, a tradition
that involves the give-and-take of sake by the couple three times (“Japanese Weddings,” n.d.).
Other important celebrations that are unique to the Japanese
culture are the celebration of holidays limited to Japan. Some of these are
“Seijin no Hi”, “Hina Matsuri”, and “Kodomo no Hi.” The first one, “Seijin no
Hi” is the Coming of Age Day for Japanese youth. When they turn 20 during that
school year, which is from April to next March, the youth can join in this
celebration. Women wear traditional kimonos known as “furisode” which has long
sleeves, and the men wear “hakama” which are waist-high oversized trousers.
Hina Matsuri is the Doll’s Festival, also known as Girl’s day. Celebrated every
March 3, families with young daughters arrange showy emperor and empress dolls
which are believed to have the power of catching evil spirits, and so protects
their daughters. Of course, there is an same celebration for boys, known as
Kodomo no Hi, which is also known as Children’s Day. Families fly one konobori
(carp-shaped flag) per son or child and display a special “Kintarou”, a model
of a legendary boy folk hero with a military samurai helmet (“Japanese Holidays,” n.d.).
There are some theory and studies that say that 70% to 80%
of Japanese are non-believers of any religion. Even so, participation in
traditions and festivals mostly based on Shintoism and Buddhism is high.
Customs such as the first shrine visit of the New Year, and Bon Festival which
is the event that marks the once a year visit of the dead ancestors to the alive
members of their family, are very popular (“Japan
– Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia,” n.d.).
Japanese culture is rich, varied, and well preserved. One
can still see kimono-clad women walking on the street, watch traditional sports
such as sumo wrestling, and still taste customary sushi and unique mixtures of
Japanese cuisines. Famous cultural arts of Japan include: Ikebana, the art of
flower arrangement; Origami, the art of paper folding; Shodo, the art of
calligraphy; Ukiyo-e, the art of woodblock prints; Bonsai, the art of miniature
tree cultivation; Karesasui, the art of rock gardens; and Japanese theater.
Japan is also very famous for their influence in pop culture. Manga, anime,
karaoke, otaku, jero, j-pop, j-rock and many other things have become fashionable
and popular the world over (“Culture,” n.d.).
Modern Japan has grown to be one of the most powerful
countries in the world. Their culture has become iconic for the rest of the
world for its uniqueness and assortment. Made by a history that is both intense
and distinctive, their culture has grown to be one of the most admired and imitated
arts. Some examples would be manga, with millions of fans around the world,
anime, with followers across the globe, and karaoke, which is practiced in many
countries. It is also obvious that Japan has made itself somewhat of an ideal
country, with their economic and financial power, ultra-urbanized and modern
society, and yet still maintains to preserve most of their culture, traditions
and customs.
