Japanese Culture

Japanese Culture is based on hard work, social harmony and respect for people, objects and nature. Japanese people value their traditions, Culture, and religion. From a young age, Japanese are taught about their tradition, respect for heritage, Japanese Culture and Etiquettes. Although the Japanese lifestyle has been westernized, Japanese people still preserve their ancient Culture and tradition by wearing kimonos, celebrating tea ceremonies, and studying traditional Japanese arts.

History of Japanese Culture

There have been a lot of changes over time; currently, Japanese culture is a blend of new and ancient traditions. Let’s briefly discuss Japanese cultural history:

Jomon period (c.14000-300BC)

Meaning of Jomon is cord pattern and it was starting era of advancement. The Jomon people were hunter-gatherers who made Japanese pottery and decorated it with cord markings.

Kufon and Asuka period(300-710 )

Kofun and asuka was the starting period of Buddism. A key-hole-shaped burial mound was constructed for supreme authorities, and Kofun is named after it.

Nara Period (710-794 )

The capital was moved to Heijo-kyo(the new name: Nara), and Japan started to intrigue Chinese Culture, including its political institutions, writing system, and Buddism, in the Nara period.

Heian Period(794-1185)

Heian means “peace.” During the Heian period, Emperor Kammu moved Japan’s capital to Heian-Kyo( Now Kyoto), and Esoteric Buddhism was very popular.

Kamakura Period (1185-1333)

A samurai-led government was established, and Buddism spread more during the Kamakura period. Art shifted from ideal to more realistic in that Kamakura period. Kamakura had a long-lasting impact on Japanese Culture, tradition, religion, and the arts, which is still evident today.

Muromachi Period (1336-1573)

During the Muromachi period, the civil war started, and cultural forms such as tea ceremonies, ink paintings, and Noh drama escalated.

Edo Period (1603-1868)

In the Edo period, Japan was secluded from the rest of the world and started to prosper and practice its native Culture. Kabuki(Japanese traditional drama performed by only males) and bunraku (puppet theatre) became prevalent, and the middle class started to gain importance.

Meiji period (1868-1912)

Modernization and Westernization started in the Meiji period. During this period, foreign influence increased, and the country built its military power. Shinto religion and Western clothing became more popular. This was the starting era of modernization and Meiji Restoration campaign was started in this era for making Japan a modern country. The feudal system was demolished, and a centralized government and bureaucracy emerged, which led to the emergence of an egalitarian society.

The Meiji government focused on industrialization, developing industries, modernizing infrastructure, and building railway stations. Society shifted from agrarian to industrial, which impacted people’s lifestyles. The education system was reformed, and technology, modern science, and Western knowledge were introduced and became compulsory.

Education became accessible to all. Upper- and middle-class people adopted Western clothing styles. The influence of Western cuisine, customs, and etiquette increased among Japanese. Although Western Culture influenced the Japanese, the Japanese government started efforts to preserve Japanese heritage, Japanese Culture and tradition to stimulate gratification for Japanese heritage among Japanese people.

Taisho and early Showa Period (1912-1945)

In Taisho and the early Showa period, Western influence continued to increase in Japanese Culture, industrialization, and militarization, ultimately provoked by WW II.

Postwar Showa and Heisei Period (1945-2019)

After victory in WW II, Japan started focusing on its economy and became a global economic powerhouse. Pop culture thrived, and J-pop became famous worldwide.

Reiwa Era (2019-current)

It is the Present era of Japan under Emperor Naruhito. Japan is trying to maintain its traditions with a futuristic and modernized society.

Basics of Japanese Culture

Japanese people are very modest. Famous Japanese proverb is Iwanu Ga Hana: Silence is golden. They always respect others. Respect and politeness are the main characteristics of Japanese. One way of showing respect is a Bow; a longer bow shows more respect. They are very hygienic and love cleanliness. Japanese are Buddhist and Shintoist. Birth celebrations take place in Shinto shrines, and death ceremonies are held in Buddhist temples.

Holidays Celebrations in Japanese Culture

Japan has a beautiful culture where hard work, respect for the elderly, and politeness are some of the most important things in life. Some new laws were introduced after WW2 and now there is some difference between old and new tradition. Japanese people celebrate every event. In Japan there is a cultural celebration after almost every 1 to 2 months. Major celebrations are the Obon holiday, Shogatsu, Showa Day, and Cherry Blossom.

Obon Day

On Obon, people visit the graves of their relatives, shrines, and temples. In some places of Japan, it is celebrated between 13 and 15 July and in some places between 13 and 15 August.

Shogatsu

Shogatsu is a New Year celebration, and three public holidays are observed. All businesses shut down for three days, and people pay gratitude for the past year and hope for the best in the New Year.

Cherry blossom day

Cherry blossoms are celebrated in the spring season. In some areas of Japan, they are celebrated in the last days of March and Early April, and in some areas, they are celebrated in May. People picnic under cherry trees.

Festivals in Japanese Culture

Japan celebrates more festivals than other countries. There are 47 prefectures in Japan, each with its own festivals, which are mostly celebrated in summer. People celebrate these festivals with great enthusiasm, and they love to wear Yukata and Sandals. The most famous festivals are Yuki Matsuri, Tenjin Matsuri, Awa Odori, and Sendai Tanabata.

Yuki Matsuri Festival

Yuki Matsuri is the most famous festival celebrated in Hokkaido in winter. In this festivals people compete with each other in making sculpture form snow.

Tenjin Matsuri Festival

Tenjin Matsuri is Celebrated on the 24^th and 25^th of July in Osaka. It features dance, music, and rituals and ends with impressive fireworks that last almost one hour.

Awa Odori Festival

Awa Odori is celebrated in Obon week(mid-July/mid-August) in Tokushima.

Sendai Tanabata

Sendai Tanabata is celebrated from 6 to August 8 and is considered a colourful and romantic festival. During this festival, colourful handcrafted papers and curtains are hung throughout Sendai.

Food of Japanese Culture

Japanese love rice. They prefer rice over wheat because wheat has more carbohydrates and is difficult to digest. Until the 19^th century, the Japanese could not eat meat because Buddhism banned eating animals. They also did not consume dairy products, which is why most Japanese are lactose intolerant. Now, Japanese people eat fish and miso soup for breakfast, and for lunch, they love to eat ramen noodles and rice with deep-fried meat. Sushi is the favourite food of the Japanese.

Clothing in Japanese Culture

Japanese traditional dress is the Kimono. It is a one-piece garment made of silk, and each motif on it has a different meaning. Pine trees depict the new year, and Chrysanthemum Flowers depict the Royal Family. The Kimono is a long, wide-sleeved dress. Japanese Casual Kimono is Yukata and Wedding Kimono is Uchikake. Although Japanese adapt western style of clothing but still wear kimonos in ceremonies and on special occasions.

Religion of Japanese

Japanese were both Shintoist and Buddhist at the time; baby birth celebrations take place in Buddhist temples, and death ceremonies occur in Shinto Shrine. There is no clear definition of the God of Buddhism and Shintoism; even Shintoists have no holy book. Shintoism is the Japanese religion; there is no holy belief system, and it is more like traditions. They consider some objects sacred and worship them as a God. According to Buddhism, everyone can become Budha if they lives a simple life and is not fond of worldly things.

Arts in Japanese Culture

Japanese art is different from Western art as they prefer more realistic art over ideal beauty .Now Japanese artist make art of real and natural object that looks beautiful and aesthetic

Communication in Japanese Culture

Japanese people speak very politely, and they can not say “NO” because they think it is a sign of disrespect. Japanese Culture and Etiquettes are very different from other Culture. Instead, they use different symbols and say something indirectly so that the other person does not feel low or disrespected. Conversational Japanese is different from other languages conversation. In writing, Japanese people do not clearly express ideas, unlike Western writing, where the important point is mostly at the start or at the end. They mention the important point in the middle of the content.

Symbols in Japanese Culture

Japanese use many symbols in daily life. Some of them are;

Crane represents longevity
Sakura represent beautiful things that are temporary
Carp represent dedication
Chrysanthemum flower denote the imperial family
Beckoning Cat repress Good Fortune

Japanese Literature

The Tale of Genji novel and Haiku Poems are most prevalent Japanese literature. The World’s first novel is Tale of Genji. In this novel, there is the story of a boy belonging to the imperial family who falls in love with a common girl and is kicked out of the imperial family. Haiku poem mostly discuss seasonal changes. Recently, Haruki Murakami became famous because of his novel, which is about strange characters and moments in life. This novel depicts everyday life in Japan.

Japanese Folk Stories

Mostly, Japanese folk stories teach the lesson of hard work, patience and honesty. The story mainly includes grandma and grandpa, a strong boy, a little girl who grows up as a princess, a samurai, a devil, a forest and an animal with supernatural powers. Children are mostly told the Momotaro story. In this story, an old lady finds a little boy in the seed of a peach. The lady looks after him, and the boy grows up eating dumplings; then, he goes to the vampire and recovers the jewels that the vampire stole. A dog, a monkey, and a bird help him fight vampires.

Japanese Mythology

The most important Japanese myth is about how Japan was created. In Kojiki and Nihon Shoki Japanese myths are described. These are the first history books written in the 8^th century. According to these books, Japan was created by God Izanami and God Izanagi; they both are siblings. Izanagi gave birth to 3 Gods, one of them is God Amaterasu(Sun God). Gimmu, grandson of Amaterasu, turned into a human being and became the first emperor of Japan. Amaterasu is the most Important God of Japan, and his mirror, jewel and sword are still held by the Royal Family.

Japanese Superstitions

Bad luck is caused by breaking Comb.
Whistling at night attracts snakes.
Killing spiders in the morning causes bad luck.
Nails cutting at night brings a curse.
Taking rest immediately after eating makes you Pig.

Japanese Architecture

Japanese buildings are made of wood, and their design is simple, with dull colours. Most buildings have elevated basements and big roofs because of the high moisture. There is a curve at the corner of roofs that provides more light and shadow during the winter season. Wooden screens (Fusumu) and paper windows(shoji) separate the rooms. Japanese people put green mats made of plant straws on the floor.

Garden in Japanese Culture

There are three types of Japanese gardens: courtyard gardens, pond gardens, and rock gardens. A courtyard garden is a mini garden built inside a house and located in the middle of the house. The logic behind this is that people feel like they are living in nature. A pond garden is a water-featured garden. In a pond garden, there is a lake and greenery across the lake; its design is more aesthetically appealing. A rock garden consists of pebbles and stones.

Ikebana

Ikebana is the art of arranging flowers and cutting stems and leaves In an aesthetically appealing way. Master of this art is called ikebono. Arrangements include main flowers on the top, ancillary flowers on the right to the main flower, and decorative flowers below the main flowers. Mostly, flowers are arranged in beautiful vases. Moribana is small vase, and Nageire is big vase.

Bonsai

Bonsai is a small tree that grows in small trays but still looks natural. Most people think that bonsai is a dwarf tree or that there is a special seed for bonsai trees, but they are converted into bonsai by cutting, trimming, and using wires or tiny ropes to shape the branches. Bonsai trees also change in seasons like normal trees.

Sumo Wrestling in Japanese Culture

In Sumo, wrestling occurs to please God. People believe that if they do not please God, they will not have a good harvest season. On the roof of the Sumo Stage, usually, there is a roof of a Shinto shrine. The Wrestling Round lasts for 4 minutes. Sumo Wrestlers eat high-calorie food called “chanko nabe,” which includes vegetable hot pot, which includes almost all vegetables and chicken broth or beef stew.

Martial Arts

Martial arts is not just about beating the enemy but also about raising a strong personality. Japanese people learn and use martial arts for self-defense. Japanese police learn and practice “Aikido” to clench criminals. The most famous martial arts in Japan are ninjutsu, naginatajutsu, kyudo kendo, Aikido and jujitsu. There are some Principles of martial arts in Japan. Dojo is a place where people learn martial arts; keep this place clean and keep quiet, and learn martial arts by only watching “sensei”; mental strength is as important as physical strength, must respect the opponent, must memorize “kata” and junior must have to obey seniors.

Kawaii in Japanese

Kawaii means “Cute,” but Japanese people use this word for any tiny thing, animals, or children. Small decorative pieces, animals, or kids are called Kawaii. They call a baby a “kawaii,” even if the baby is not cute or attractive.

Hobbies and Games of Japanese

The most beloved hobby of the Japanese is traveling. They love to play games like Karaoke, Shogi, and Kendama. Karaoke means empty orchestra. It is a form of entertainment in bars and clubs in which pre-recorded music is played, the lyrics of songs are displayed on screen, and a singer sings a song. Shogi is a board game like chess. Kendama is a game that teenagers love to play. In this game, you must put a ball in a cup without touching it through the string.

Japanese Artistic Performance

The most popular artistic performances are Kabuki, Noh, and Bunraku puppet theatre. Kabuki is a drama that includes stylish costumes, mime, songs, and dance. In the past, females performed it, but now it is only performed by male actors. Noh is a classic drama that includes apathetic dance and choral music, a performer wearing a specific costume and mask, and acting. Bunraku is a puppet theatre show in which the person who controls the puppet hides with black fabric so that the audience only focuses on the puppet.

Music and musical Instrument of Japanese

The most famous Japanese instruments are the Lute, Taiko, Koto, and Shamisen. The Japanese lute, also called Biwa, is short-necked, pear-shaped, and has 5 silk strings. The taiko is a big drum used by samurai in fights to address the leader of their opponent. The koto is Japan’s national instrument. It is a longboard zither with 13 silk strings. The shamisen is a guitar with silk strings, and its body is capped with snakeskin or cat skin.

Shodo

Three different alphabets of Japanese writing are hiragana, katakana and kanji. Japanese calligraphy is called Shodo. Shodo is a way of writing this alphabet aesthetically. Concentration, persistence, aesthetic appreciation and human character formation. Brushes that are used in calligraphy are made up of horse hair.

Origami

Origami is the art of making objects like flowers and animals with paper. Japanese learn this skill in school, which improves their focusing skills and teaches them the importance of obeying instructions to achieve a goal. This is considered to be the best family activity. All family members make objects from paper, compete with each other, and keep these objects.

Kintsugi

Kintsugi is the art of repairing. It is the Practice of repairing broken pottery with lacquer mixed with silver or gold powder. Japanese people do not throw away damaged objects; instead, they repair them. Sometimes, after repairing, the pottery becomes more beautiful than the original.

Ukiyoe

Ukiyoe means a picture of a floating world. In Ukiyoe painting, woodblocks of different colours are used. Mostly, paintings are by kabuki artists because samurai paintings are not allowed. It was not allowed to draw samurai characters in ukiyoe paintings. The most popular ukiyoe painting is the Great Wave of Kanagawa, made by Hokusai in 1877.

Japanese Etiquettes

Do not eat while walking

In Japan, it is not allowed to eat while walking. People eat only when there is the proper place to sit. Even eating in bus or train is also considered impolite. If someone is eating while standing, the Japanese see them as if that person is doing something weird.

Chopsticks Etiquettes

Only use chopsticks for eating. Passing food directly from chopsticks is not considered good. Don’t play with them. Don’t use chopsticks to point out a person or call a waiter. Don’t stick them in food, especially in rice. Don’t rub them. After eating, put both chopsticks aside separately on a plate.

Fill other’s Glass

It’s very common etiquette to fill others’ cups of tea or coffee or glasses of drink. The most common alcohol in Japan is sake, which is made from fermented rice. When in a group, it is common etiquette to fill others’ glasses. If someone leaves a sip of drink in the glass, it means that they do not need more. Putting a hand over the glass is also a sign that they do not want more drink.

Daily Interaction

Japanese people do not like much body contact, such as handshakes, kisses, and hugs, as a greeting, but it’s not totally abandoned. See how others are greeting each other around you and then behave according to it.

Bowing

Japanese are habitual of bowing. Bowing signify respect and the deeper the bow show more respect. They bow when greeting. Business people take deep bows to show respect for others.

Take off your shoes at the Entrance.

In Japanese Culture, shoes must be removed at the Entrance. Sometimes, a pair of indoor shoes is provided, which can be worn. You can also put your shoes aside or in a shoe rack. Shoes must be removed, especially when on tatami mats.

Japanese Dining Etiquette

Usually, a Hand towel is served in restaurants to clean hands before eating; it is inappropriate to clean a face with it.
Start eating after Everyone is on the table.
It’s inappropriate to start eating before an honourable person or the family’s eldest member.
Don’t left food in plate, it’s a sign that you do not like food.
Say bon appetite (enjoy your meal), when serving meal.
Making sound during eating is not considered good.
When eating with chopsticks, don’t rub them, try not to point out the person with chopsticks, and after finishing the meal, put the chopsticks aside properly on a plate.
When someone serves food, it is inappropriate to leave food on a plate, and when someone fills their own plate, it is also dislikable to overfill the plate and not finish the food.
Tipping is very rare in Japan.

Gift Giving Etiquettes

Giving gifts is popular in Japan. Mostly, gifts are given at graduations, weddings and anniversaries. Chugen and seibo are seasons in which most people give gifts to each other. In Chugen, people give gifts to someone superior, and in Seibo, people give gifts to people who are very special to them. When giving a gift to one person, it is given privately, but when giving a gift to groups, it is given in gatherings. Flowers, plants, and edible items are mostly given as gifts.

Giving and receiving gifts with both hands are considered good. Japanese not accept the gift at first. But after insisting, they take the gift. It is an improper act to vaunt about the gift. Most flowers, chocolates, snacks, clothing, and decorative items are given as gifts. People love gifts that are not from their place. Avoid giving white flowers because it is related to funerals. Avoid giving gifts that include 4 or 9; for example, don’t give four chocolates. Ovoid giving knife or scissors and things that are related to fire.

Business Cards Etiquettes

There are some specific Japanese business etiquette. Business cards must given and received with both hands. Show a slight bow while giving and receiving; it is a sign of respect. After receiving a card, you must read it and put it aside properly. Putting it aside without reading it shows disrespect and rudeness.

Onsen Japanese Culture and Etiquettes

Top Onsens of Japan are Kasutsu Onsen, Noboribetsu Onsen, Ginzan Onsen, Gero Onsen and Kinosaki Onsen. There are some Japanese Onsen manners that must be followed. Bathing in an onsen requires full nudity. Wearing swimsuits or any clothing is not allowed in the majority of Onsen; very few Onsen are allowed to wear swimsuits. Cloth and shoes must be placed aside on the Onsen; it is prohibited to touch your clothes with onsen water. Washing towels and cloths and using soap is not allowed in Onsen.

Transportation Etiquettes

It is considered good to give seats to old, disabled person and Pregnant. Keep phones silent to avoid noise or any disturbance. Talk with companion softly on a bus or train. Maintain the decorum of the bus or train station. Don’t push other people; walk according to directional lines. It’s obligatory for a person to wear a mask if he/she is ill.

Temple and Shrine Etiquettes

Respecting sacred places is crucial. One must maintain respectful behaviour in temples and shrines, not speak loudly, keep the phone silent, and avoid entering restricted areas. One must also dress nicely in worship places. In most shrines, it is obligatory to pour water on one’s hand and face with a dipper and spit it on the ground. It is obligatory to respect the Japanese Culture and Etiquettes of Temple and Shrine.

Conclusion

In Japanese Culture and Etiquettes, many changes and modifications occur over time. Today’s Japanese Culture is different from that of ancient Cultures. It’s not totally different; it is a blend of old and new traditions. Japanese are working hard to keep their ancient Culture alive. Japanese love to celebrate every little event.

They started teaching the importance of hard work and patience from an early age as famous Japanese proverb iI no naka no kawazu taikai wo shirazu; A frog in well does not know the Sea. It’s important to follow the etiquette in Japan. Must follow all the etiquette of greetings, eatings, dinings, gatherings, ceremonies, daily interaction, sacred places, respect, and transportation. If you want to learn all about Japanese Culture and Etiquettes, we are offering a course. Visit our website, Asha Gakko, and get all the details about the course.

Japanese Culture and Etiquettes

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