ASSSIGNMENT IN ENGLISH

Japanese Traditions

Japan is known for its unique culture and heritage, which has been preserved by the Japanese people
since ancient times. The age-old Japanese traditions and customs which give a unique character to the
lifestyle of the Japanese people have to be experienced to be truly appreciated. Some of the unique
aspects of Japanese life are mentioned here as an introduction to the traditions of Japan.
Japanese Gardens: The original Japanese gardens were inspired by Buddhist and Chinese philosophy
and later evolved to have their own distinct Japanese identity. The gardens found in Japanese temples
and shrines are inspired by the Shinto religion and the belief in an ideal state of harmony. The Japanese
attempt to recreate this idealized harmony in their beautifully designed gardens that include aspects
such as water, rocks, gravel, moss and miniature plants or Bonsai. One of the most famous Zen Rock
Gardens in Japan is the Ryoan-ji Zen Rock Garden in Kyoto.
Japanese Architecture: Traditional Japanese Architecture has a distinct style deeply influenced by the
religions Buddhism and Shintoism. Houses and temples made of wood, placed on stilts to raise them
above the ground, and with sloping roofs made of thatch or tiles create a distinctive silhouette in
traditional Japanese architecture. The use of lightweight wood and bamboo to create Fusuma (sliding
doors) and straw or woven grass to create Tatami (mats) are other unique features of Japanese
architectural design. People usually sat on the floor and furniture only came into widespread use after
the late-nineteenth and early twentieth century.
Japanese Tea Ceremony: The Japanese ceremony of preparing and offering tea to revered guests is a
formal and stylized ritual, almost like a meditative performance. The art or skill of preparing tea and all
the elements of the tea ceremony have special and symbolic meaning. Deeply influenced by Zen
Buddhism, the Japanese tea ceremony has evolved into a cultural ritual which means much more than
the mere sampling of powdered green tea, and is a unique part of Japanese traditions.
Japanese Cuisine: Japan is an island nation and seafood plays an important role in Japanese cuisine.
Rice and fish along with vegetables are eaten by most Japanese. Tofu or soya bean curd is another
popular and healthy dish often consumed by the Japanese people. Japanese food such as Sushi (rice
flavoured with vinegar and combined with seafood or seaweed and sometimes vegetables) and Sashimi
(cut and sliced raw meat, usually seafood) are forms of Japanese cuisine that have become famous
worldwide. Teppanyaki or food cooked on an iron griddle is another popular form of Japanese cuisine.
Sake or Japanese rice wine is also drunk at traditional meals as a toast to the health and long life of one's
dining companions.
Japanese Festivals: The Japanese people celebrate many festivals, most of which are of the Buddhist
and Shinto religions. Different temples or shrines across Japan have their own specific Matsuri or festive
holiday. Some festivals that began long ago are also celebrated today in a modern form. These include
Aomori Nebuta Festival, the Hadaka Matsuri Festival and the Cherry Blossom Festivals, which are an
integral part of Japanese culture.
Cherry Blossom Festivals: Every year in Spring the Japanese people make time to appreciate the
beauty of nature as the Cherry trees burst into full bloom and their lovely pink flowers offer a
wonderfully appealing sight. People picnic in the Cherry groves, drink tea and Sake and enjoy music in
the delightful ambience of the blooming Cherry flowers. The Cherry Blossom festivals at Okinawa and at
Matsuyama Castle in Ehime prefecture are the best-known among many flower festivals across Japan.
The natural beauty of the Cherry blossom season is celebrated by the Japanese in their art and music,
and even in the designs of their traditional clothing, the Kimono.
Japanese Kimono: The traditional Japanese costume, the Kimono, is a graceful full-length robe that
falls from the wearer's shoulders to their ankles. The robe is tied around the middle with a sash called
the Obi. Kimonos for special occasions were made of rich fabric such as silk, satin and brocade and
feature designs inspired by nature such as Cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, butterflies and pine trees.
Kimonos are now worn mostly for ceremonial occasions and events such as festivals and marriages.
Japanese Painting: Japan has a long tradition of painting and woodblock printing. Some of the famous
Japanese painters are Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858) who is famous for the Ukiyo-e or woodblock
printing style of art. Another famous Japanese painter is Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) who is famous
for a series of woodblock prints depicting Mount Fuji. The best known among these is The Great Wave
off Kanagawa.
Japanese Calligraphy: The Japanese script consists of characters which were traditionally painted
using smooth brushstrokes on handmade paper. The fine art of calligraphy requires many years of
practice and was considered essential learning for an accomplished person in Japanese society.
Ikebana: The Japanese cultural practice of flower arrangement is a fine art that encompasses the ideas
of aesthetics, spirituality, discipline and harmony with nature. It is believed to have evolved from the
Buddhist practice of offering flowers in memory of those who have passed away. The emphasis on
minimalism, attention to the line and form of the plants or flowers used in an arrangement and the
harmony of the overall arrangement exemplify this Japanese tradition.
There are many more fascinating aspects of traditional Japanese culture, such as viewing Mount Fuji, the
Samurai Code, Sumo Wrestling and the role of the Geisha. You can find out more about these uniquely
Japanese traditions when you visit this fascinating country.