The culture of Japan has evolved greatly over the years, from the country's original Jomon culture to its contemporary hybrid culture, which combines influences from Asia, Europe and North America. The theory favored by many Western archeologists, and unpopular in Japanese circles, is that Japanese are descendants of immigrants from Korea who arrived with agriculutre around 400 B.C.^[1] Since then it has been followed by a heavy importation of culture from China and Korea, including the transmission of Buddhism. The Jomon period (Japanese: 縄文時代 Jōmon-jidai) is the time in Japanese history from about 10,000 BCE to 300 BCE. Most scholars agree that by around 40,000 BCE glaciation had connected the islands with the mainland. ... For other uses, see Asia (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Europe (disambiguation). ... North American redirects here. ... This article is about the Korean civilization. ...

Fujin & Raijin, Tawaraya Sōtatsu, 17th century.

Image File history File links Size of this preview: 800 × 355 pixel Image in higher resolution (1870 × 830 pixel, file size: 330 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Kyoto National Museum, The Collections - Masterworks. ... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 800 × 355 pixel Image in higher resolution (1870 × 830 pixel, file size: 330 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Kyoto National Museum, The Collections - Masterworks. ... Thunder god Tawaraya Sōtatsu (俵屋宗達; fl. ...

Japanese language

Computer keyboard with Hiragana and the Latin Alphabet

Main article: Japanese language

The Japanese language has always played a significant role in Japanese culture. Spoken mainly in Japan but also in some Japanese emigrant communities around the world, it is an agglutinative language and the sound inventory of Japanese is relatively small but has a lexically distinct pitch-accent system. Early Japanese is known largely on the basis of its state in the 8th century, when the three major works of Old Japanese were compiled. The earliest attestation of the Japanese language is in a Chinese document from 252 A.D. It is regarded as an extremely hard language for westerners to learn as adults. Image File history File linksMetadata No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File linksMetadata No higher resolution available. ... Hiragana ) is a Japanese syllabary, one component of the Japanese writing system, along with katakana and kanji; the Latin alphabet is also used in some cases. ... Abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz redirects here. ... Not to be confused with the Javanese language. ... It has been suggested that Agglutination be merged into this article or section. ... Most dialects of the Japanese language have lexically-distinct pitch accent, though the position of the accent for a given word may vary among them. ... (7th century — 8th century — 9th century — other centuries) Events The Iberian peninsula is taken by Arab and Berber Muslims, thus ending the Visigothic rule, and starting almost 8 centuries of Muslim presence there. ... The Old Japanese language is the Japanese language as used in the Kojiki, Manyoshu, Nihonshoki, and other early records of Japanese history and poetry. ...

Japanese is written with a combination of three scripts, hiragana, katakana and kanji. The Latin alphabet, rōmaji, is also often used in modern Japanese, especially for company names and logos, advertising, and when inputting Japanese into a computer. The Hindu-Arabic numerals are generally used for numbers, but traditional Sino-Japanese numerals are also commonplace. Hiragana ) is a Japanese syllabary, one component of the Japanese writing system, along with katakana and kanji; the Latin alphabet is also used in some cases. ... Katakana ) is a Japanese syllabary, one component of the Japanese writing system along with hiragana, kanji, and in some cases the Latin alphabet. ... Japanese writing Kanji Kana Hiragana Katakana Hentaigana Manyōgana Uses Furigana Okurigana Rōmaji   ) are the Chinese characters that are used in the modern Japanese logographic writing system along with hiragana (平仮名), katakana (片仮名), and the Arabic numerals. ... Japanese writing Kanji 漢字 Kana 仮名 Hiragana 平仮名 Katakana 片仮名 Uses Furigana 振り仮名 Okurigana 送り仮名 Rōmaji ローマ字 Category Rōmaji (ローマ字 Roman characters, sometimes misunderstood as romanji in English), is a Japanese... I like cream cheese, it tastes good on toast. ...

Visual arts

Main article: Japanese art

Bronze statue of Amida Buddha at Kotokuin in Kamakura (1252 A.D.) Japanese art covers a wide range of art styles and media, including ancient pottery, sculpture in wood and bronze, ink painting on silk and paper, and a myriad of other types of works of art. ...

Painting

Pictorial Scroll of Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu

Main article: Japanese painting

Painting has been an art in Japan for a very long time: the brush is a traditional writing tool, and the extension of that to its use as an artist's tool was probably natural. Native Japanese painting techniques are still in use today, as well as techniques adopted from continental Asia and from the West. Download high resolution version (803x904, 334 KB)Ilustration of the Genji Monogatari, ch. ... Download high resolution version (803x904, 334 KB)Ilustration of the Genji Monogatari, ch. ... Genji Monogatari (源氏物語), frequently translated as The Tale of Genji, is a classic work of Japanese literature attributed to the Japanese noblewoman Murasaki Shikibu in the early 11th century, around the peak of the Heian period. ... Murasaki Shikibu (紫 式部 Murasaki Shikibu, c. ... Japanese painting ) is one of the oldest and most highly refined of the Japanese arts, encompassing a wide variety on genre and styles. ...

Calligraphy

Main article: Japanese calligraphy

The flowing, brush-drawn Japanese language lends itself to complicated calligraphy. Calligraphic art is often too esoteric for Western audiences and therefore general exposure is very limited. However in East Asian countries, the rendering of text itself is seen as a traditional artform as well as a means of conveying written information. The written work can consist of phrases, poems, stories, or even single characters. The style and format of the writing can mimic the subject matter, even to the point of texture and stroke speed. In some cases it can take over one hundred attempts to produce the desired effect of a single character but the process of creating the work is considered as much an art as the end product itself. The History of Japanese calligraphy () has been heavily influenced by Chinese calligraphy. ... Contemporary Western Calligraphy. ...

This art form is known as ‘Shodo’ (書道) which literally means ‘the way of writing’ or more commonly known as ‘Shuji’ (習字) ‘learning how to write characters’.

Commonly confused with Calligraphy is the art form known as ‘Sumi-e’ (墨絵) literally means ‘ink painting’ which is the art of painting a scene or object.

Sculpture

Guardian in Todaiji, Nara

Main article: Japanese sculpture

Traditional Japanese sculptures mainly settled on the subject of Buddhist images, such as Tathagata, Bodhisattva and Myō-ō. The oldest sculpture in Japan is a wooden statue of Amitabha at the Zenkō-ji temple. In the Nara period, Buddhist statues were made by the national government to boost its prestige. These examples are seen in present-day Nara and Kyoto, most notably a colossal bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana in the Tōdai-ji temple. Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 557 × 600 pixel Image in higher resolution (1000 × 1077 pixel, file size: 289 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Statue at Todaiji, Nara, Japan I took this photo and contribute my rights in it to the public domain; orgainzations and people retain... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 557 × 600 pixel Image in higher resolution (1000 × 1077 pixel, file size: 289 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Statue at Todaiji, Nara, Japan I took this photo and contribute my rights in it to the public domain; orgainzations and people retain... Main hall of Tōdaiji Tōdai-ji (東大寺), the Eastern Great Temple, is a Buddhist temple in Nara, Japan. ... Nara can refer to: The city of Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan The Nara Period of the History of Japan Nara prefecture, part of the Kansai region of central Honshu, Japan Nara is a major Manchu clan. ... Japanese sculpture derived from Shinto funerary and Buddhist religious arts. ... A replica of an ancient statue found among the ruins of a temple at Sarnath Buddhism is a philosophy based on the teachings of the Buddha, Siddhārtha Gautama, a prince of the Shakyas, whose lifetime is traditionally given as 566 to 486 BCE. It had subsequently been accepted by... Tathāgata (Sanskrit; Pali The one thus-come or The one thus-gone; Chinese: 如來; Pinyin: Rú lái; Japanese: nyorai) This is traditionally interpreted as one who comes and goes in the same way (as the previous Buddhas). Tathāgata is the name which the historical Buddha Sakyamuni (Siddhattha Gotama... Lands Bhutan â€¢ China â€¢ Korea Japan â€¢ Tibet â€¢ Vietnam Taiwan â€¢ Mongolia Doctrine Bodhisattva â€¢ Bodhicitta Karuna â€¢ Prajna Sunyata â€¢ Buddha Nature Trikaya â€¢ Eternal Buddha Scriptures Prajnaparamita Sutra Avatamsaka Sutra Lotus Sutra Nirvana Sutra VimalakÄ«rti Sutra Lankavatara Sutra History 4th Buddhist Council Silk Road â€¢ Nagarjuna Asanga â€¢ Vasubandhu Bodhidharma      A statue of a Bodhisattva, Akasagarbha. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Wisdom King. ... Amitabha Buddha pictured in the Ushiku Daibutsu in Japan Amitābha (Sanskrit: अमिताभः, Amitābhaḥ; Chinese: 阿彌陀佛, Ä’mítuó Fó; Japanese: 阿弥陀如来, Amida Nyorai; Vietnamese: 阿彌陀佛, A Di Ðà Phật; Tibetan: འོད་དཔག་མེད་; Lhasa dialect IPA: [; Mongolian: CaÉ£lasi ügei gerel-tü) is a celestial buddha described in the scriptures of the Mahāyāna school... Zenkō-ji, in Nagano Zenkō-ji, in Nagano Zenkō-ji ) is a 7th century Buddhist temple in Nagano, Japan. ... The Nara period ) of the history of Japan covers the years from about AD 710 to 784. ... Nara can refer to: The city of Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan The Nara Period of the History of Japan Nara prefecture, part of the Kansai region of central Honshu, Japan Nara is a major Manchu clan. ... For other uses, see Kyoto (disambiguation). ... Siddhartha and Gautama redirect here. ... This article is about the primordial Buddha Vairocana. ... Tōdai-ji (東大寺) (meaning the Eastern Great Temple),[1] is a Buddhist temple complex located in the city of Nara, Japan. ...

Wood has traditionally been used as the chief material in Japan, along with the traditional Japanese architectures. Statues are often lacquered, gilded, or brightly painted, although there are little traces on the surfaces. Bronze and other metals are also used. Other materials, such as stone and pottery, have had extremely important roles in the plebeian beliefs. Japanese architecture ) has as long a history as any other aspect of Japanese culture. ... In a general sense, lacquer is a clear or coloured coating, that dries by solvent evaporation only and that produces a hard, durable finish that can be polished to a very high gloss, and gives the illusion of depth. ... To cover something in a thin layer of gold or a material that looks like gold. ... This article is about the geological substance. ... Unfired green ware pottery on a traditional drying rack at Conner Prairie living history museum. ...

Ukiyo-e

The Great Wave at Kanagawa
Printed by Hokusai

Main article: ukiyo-e

Ukiyo-e, literally "pictures of the floating world", is a genre of woodblock prints that exemplifies the characteristics of pre-Meiji Japanese art. Because these prints could be mass-produced, they were available to a wide cross-section of the Japanese populace — those not wealthy enough to afford original paintings — during their heyday, from the 17th to 20th century. Image File history File links Size of this preview: 800 × 552 pixelsFull resolution (4335 × 2990 pixel, file size: 2. ... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 800 × 552 pixelsFull resolution (4335 × 2990 pixel, file size: 2. ... The Great Wave off Kanagawa[1] The Great Wave off Kanagawa ) is a famous woodblock printing by Hokusai. ... Katsushika Hokusai, (葛飾北斎), (1760—1849[1]), was a Japanese artist, ukiyo-e painter and printmaker of the Edo period . ... View of Mount Fuji from Numazu, part of the Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō series by Hiroshige, published 1850 Ukiyo-e ), pictures of the floating world, is a genre of Japanese woodblock prints (or woodcuts) and paintings produced between the 17th and the 20th centuries, featuring motifs of... A page from an 18th century printed book by Nishikawa Sukenobu depicting Hina Matsuri (Dolls Festival) events. ... The Meiji period ), or Meiji era, denotes the 45-year reign of Emperor Meiji, running, in the Gregorian calendar, from 23 October 1868 to 30 July 1912. ... (16th century - 17th century - 18th century - more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 17th century was that century which lasted from 1601-1700. ... (19th century - 20th century - 21st century - more centuries) Decades: 1900s 1910s 1920s 1930s 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s As a means of recording the passage of time, the 20th century was that century which lasted from 1901–2000 in the sense of the Gregorian calendar (1900–1999 in the...

The widespread popularity of ukiyo-e prints lead to their recognition as a very Japanese artform, which in turn has led to significant modern mimicry of ukiyo-e stylings in advertisements, posters, and other art including manga. This article is about the comics created in Japan. ...

Ikebana

Main article: ikebana

Ikebana (生け花, Ikebana^?) is the Japanese art of flower arrangement. It has gained widespread international fame for its focus on harmony, color use, rhythm, and elegantly simple design. It is an art centered greatly on expressing the seasons, and is meant to act as a symbol to something greater than the flower itself. Traditionally when third party marriages were more prominent and practiced in Japan many Japanese women entering into a marriage did learn to take up the art of Ikebana to be a more appealing and well-rounded lady. Today Ikebana is widely practiced in Japan, as well as around the world. Ikebana arrangement A Japanese hanging scroll (kakemono) and Ikebana Ikebana arranged flower),[1] is the Japanese art of flower arrangement, also known as kadō , the way of flowers) In contrast to the decorative form of flower arranging in western countries, Japanese flower arrangement emphasizes the linear aspects. ...

Performing arts

Main article: Theatre of Japan

The four traditional theatres from Japan are noh, kyogen, kabuki and bunraku. Noh had its origins in the union of the sarugaku with music and dance made by Kanami and Zeami Motokiyo.^[2] Among the characteristic aspects of it are the masks, costumes and the stylized gestures, sometimes accompanied by a fan that can represents other objects. The noh programs are presented in alternation with the ones of kyogen, traditionally in number of five, but currently in groups of three. The kyogen, of humorous character, had older origin, in 8th century entertainment brought from China, developing itself in sarugaku. In kyogen masks are rarely used and even if the plays can be associated with the ones of noh, currently many are not.^[2] Kabuki appears in the beginning of the Edo period from the representations and dances of Izumo no Okuni in Kyoto.^[3] Due to prostitution of actresses of kabuki the participation of women in the plays was forbidden by the government in 1629 and the feminine characters had passed to be represented only by men (onnagata). Recent attempts to reintroduce actresses in kabuki had not been well accepted.^[3] Another characteristic of kabuki is the use of makeup for the actors in historical plays (kumadori). Japanese puppet theater bunraku developed in the same period that kabuki in a competition and contribution relation involving actors and authors. The origin of bunraku however is older, lies back in the Heian period.^[4] In 1914 appeared the Takarazuka Revue a company solely composed by women who introduced the revue in Japan.^[5] Traditional Japanese theatre includes kabuki, noh and bunraku. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Kyogen (Japanese: 狂言 Kyōgen, literally mad words or wild speech) is a form of traditional Japanese theater. ... The oldest Kabuki theatre in Japan: the Minamiza in Kyoto The Kabukiza in Ginza is one of Tokyos leading kabuki theaters. ... Bunraku ), also known as Ningyō jōruri (), is a form of traditional Japanese puppet theater, founded in Osaka in 1684. ... Sarugaku was a form of theater popular in Japan during the 11th to 14th centuries. ... Kanami was a Japanese noh actor, author, and musician during the Muromachi period. ... Zeami Motokiyo (世阿弥 元清; c. ... It has been suggested that this article be split into multiple articles accessible from a disambiguation page. ... (7th century — 8th century — 9th century — other centuries) Events The Iberian peninsula is taken by Arab and Berber Muslims, thus ending the Visigothic rule, and starting almost 8 centuries of Muslim presence there. ... The Edo period ), also called Tokugawa period, is a division of Japanese history running from 1603 to 1868. ... Okuni, wearing a samurai sword and a Christian cross. ... For other uses, see Kyoto (disambiguation). ... This is the current Japanese collaboration of the week! Please help improve it to featured article standard. ... The hero of Shibaraku, wearing kumadori makeup. ... The following text needs to be harmonized with text in the article History of Japan#Heian Period. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... A revue is a type of theatrical entertainment that combines music, dance and sketches that satirize contemporary figures, news, or literature. ...

Architecture

Hondo at Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto

Main article: Japanese architecture

Japanese architecture has as long a history as any other aspect of Japanese culture. Originally heavily influenced by Chinese architecture, it also develops many differences and aspects which are indigenous to Japan. Examples of traditional architecture are seen at Temples, Shinto shrines and castles in Kyoto and Nara. Some of these buildings are constructed with traditional gardens, which are influenced from Zen ideas. Image File history File linksMetadata Kiyomizudera_sakra01. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Kiyomizudera_sakra01. ... Kiyomizu-dera Kiyomizu-dera (or Kiyomizudera, 清水寺) refers to several Buddhist temples but most commonly to Otowasan Kiyomizudera (音羽山清水寺) in Eastern Kyoto, and one of the best known sights of the city. ... Japanese architecture ) has as long a history as any other aspect of Japanese culture. ... The Liuhe Pagoda of Hangzhou, China, built in 1165 AD. Chinese architecture refers to a style of architecture that has taken shape in Asia over the centuries. ... Buddhist temples in Japan are varied, yet there are certain generalizations that can be made, and general rules or guidelines that are followed. ... A torii is a gate leading to a jinja. ... Himeji Castle in Hyōgo Prefecture is the most visited castle in Japan. ... For other uses, see Kyoto (disambiguation). ... Nara can refer to: The city of Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan The Nara Period of the History of Japan Nara prefecture, part of the Kansai region of central Honshu, Japan Nara is a major Manchu clan. ... This view from the Symbolic Mountain Lookout in Cowra, NSW shows many of the typical elements of a Japanese garden Stone lantern amid plants. ... For other uses, see Zen (disambiguation). ...

Some modern architects, such as Yoshio Taniguchi and Tadao Ando are known for their amalgamation of Japanese traditional and Western architectural influences. MoMA, New York. ... The famous Church of the Light in Ibaraki-shi, Osaka, Japan The Westin Awaji Island designed by Ando Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art, Kobe, Japan Image:Ando. ...

Clothing

Main articles: Japanese clothing and Japanese fashion

The Japanese word kimono means "something one wears" and they are the traditional garments of Japan. Originally, the word kimono was used for all types of clothing, but eventually, it came to refer specifically to the full-length garment also known as the naga-gi, meaning "long-wear", that is still worn today on special occasions by women, men, and children. It is often known as wafuku which means "Japanese clothes". Kimono come in a variety of colors, styles, and sizes. Men mainly wear darker or more muted colors, while women tend to wear brighter colors and pastels, and often with complicated abstract or floral patterns. The summer kimono which are lighter are called yukata. Formal kimono are typically worn in several layers, with number of layers, visibility of layers, sleeve length, and choice of pattern dictated by social status and the occasion for which the kimono is worn. This article is about traditional clothing in Japan. ... Japanese fashion consists of a mixture of both traditional and modern styles. ... A traditional wedding kimono The kimono literally something worn) is the national costume of Japan. ... This article is about traditional clothing in Japan. ... A bravura pastel portrait of Louis XV by Maurice Quentin de La Tour, 1748 Pastel or pastels is an artistic expression which involves the application of soft colors by painting with soft crayons wrapped in paper. ... Young woman in yukata in Kyoto, Japan CGI image of yukata-clad woman Yukata (Japanese: æµ´è¡£) is a Japanese summer garment. ...

Cuisine

Sushi. L-R: nigiri, makizushi

Main article: Japanese cuisine

Through a long culinary past, the Japanese have developed a sophisticated and refined cuisine highly sensitive to the change of seasons. Modern Japanese enjoy a variety of traditional Japanese food, including the staples of rice and miso soup, as well as many seafood dishes (sushi and sashimi for instance), and a multitude of foreign dishes. Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 732 × 599 pixelsFull resolution (1500 × 1228 pixel, file size: 235 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 732 × 599 pixelsFull resolution (1500 × 1228 pixel, file size: 235 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... This article is about Japanese cuisine. ... There are many views as to what defines Japanese cuisine, as the everyday food of the Japanese people has diversified immensely over the past century or so. ... Cuisine (from French cuisine, cooking; culinary art; kitchen; ultimately from Latin coquere, to cook) is a specific set of cooking traditions and practices, often associated with a specific culture. ... Japanese rice is a variety called Japonica which is characterized by stickiness. ... Miso soup with miso, wakame, negi and aburaage Miso soup packets Miso soup ) is a traditional Japanese soup consisting of a stock called dashi into which is mixed softened miso paste. ... This article is about Japanese cuisine. ... Assorted sashimi Sashimi (Japanese: ) is a Japanese delicacy primarily consisting of very fresh raw seafoods, thinly sliced into pieces about 2. ...

One can easily find Chinese, Korean, and Thai dishes as well as non-regional American, French, and Italian foods. Japanese cuisine is a product of its environment and people. The ease of acquiring fresh ingredients led to sushi, high temperature and humidity led to varieties of pickled and fermented food like natto, umeboshi, tsukemono and soy sauce. Adaptation of foreign cuisines, such as ramen, which originated in China, are also popular among the masses. This article is about Japanese cuisine. ... Tsukemono (漬物) are Japanese pickles. ... For other uses, see Fermentation. ... Natto eaten on top of rice is commonly stirred before consumption Nattō ) is a traditional Japanese food made from fermented soybeans, popular especially at breakfast. ... Umeboshi Umeboshi (Japanese: 梅干; literally dried ume) are pickled umes. ... Tsukemono (漬物) are Japanese pickles. ... Japanese name Kanji: Hiragana: Korean name Hangul: Vietnamese name Quoc Ngu: Soy sauce (US) or soya sauce is a fermented sauce made from soybeans (soya beans), roasted grain, water and salt. ... This article is about the traditional Japanese noodle soup. ...

In recent years, Japanese food has become popular in the U.S. and Europe. Generally they have the reputation of being low in calories and otherwise healthy, which is potentially related to the longevity of Japanese people.

Sports

Judo played by a Japanese policeman and an American Marine

Main article: Japanese sports

In the long feudal period governed by the samurai class, some methods that were used to train warriors were developed into well-ordered martial arts, referred to collectively as Koryū. Examples include Kenjutsu, Kyūdō, Sōjutsu, Jujutsu and Sumo, all of which were established in the Edo period. After the rapid social change in the Meiji Restoration, some martial arts changed to modern sports, Gendai Budō. Judo was developed by Kano Jigoro, who studied some sects of Jujutsu. These sports are still widely practiced in present day Japan and other countries. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (1989x2634, 493 KB) Summary Going down. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (1989x2634, 493 KB) Summary Going down. ... This article is about the martial art and sport. ... Playing and watching sports are popular activities in Japan whether it is a traditional sport like judo, a team sport like baseball, a new sport like BMX or one of the many motorsports series. ... For other uses, see Samurai (disambiguation). ... Hawaiian State Grappling Championships. ... KoryÅ« (古流) is a Japanese word that is used in association with the ancient Japanese martial arts. ... Kenjutsu ) is the Japanese martial art specializing in the use of the Japanese sword (katana). ... This article contains a trivia section. ... Sōjutsu (槍術, sometimes incorrectly read as yarijutsu) is the art of fighting with the Japanese spear, yari (槍). Sōjutsu is typically only a single component of curriculum in comprehensive Japanese koryu schools; for example Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto-ryu includes spear fighting techniques. ... Jujutsu )  , literally meaning the art of softness, is a Japanese martial art consisting primarily of grappling techniques. ... For other uses, see Sumo (disambiguation). ... The Edo period ), also called Tokugawa period, is a division of Japanese history running from 1603 to 1868. ... The Meiji Restoration ), also known as the Meiji Ishin, Revolution, or Renewal, was a chain of events that led to enormous changes in Japans political and social structure. ... Gendai budō (現代 武道) is a Japanese expression that is used to define the modern Japanese martial arts. ... This article is about the martial art and sport. ... Kano Jigoro (嘉納 治五郎 Kanō Jigorō, 28 October 1860–4 May 1938) was the founder of judo. ...

Baseball, football (soccer) and other popular western sports were imported to Japan in the Meiji period. These sports are commonly practiced in schools along with traditional martial arts. This article is about the sport. ... Soccer redirects here. ... The Meiji period ), or Meiji era, denotes the 45-year reign of Emperor Meiji, running, in the Gregorian calendar, from 23 October 1868 to 30 July 1912. ...

The most popular professional sports in today's Japan are Sumo, baseball and football (soccer). In addition, many semi-professional organizations, such as volleyball, basketball and rugby union, are sponsored by private companies. For the ball used in this sport, see Volleyball (ball). ... This article is about the sport. ... For other uses, see Rugby (disambiguation). ...

Popular culture

Main article: Japanese popular culture

Musashi Miyamoto in Vagabond by Takehiko Inoue, adapted from a Eiji Yoshikawa's novel, Musashi.

Japanese popular culture not only reflects the attitudes and concerns of the present but also provides a link to the past. Popular films, television programs, comics, and music all developed from older artistic and literary traditions, and many of their themes and styles of presentation can be traced to traditional art forms. Contemporary forms of popular culture, much like the traditional forms, provide not only entertainment but also an escape for the contemporary Japanese from the problems of an industrial world. When asked how they spent their leisure time, 80 percent of a sample of men and women surveyed by the government in 1986 said they averaged about two and one-half hours per weekday watching television, listening to the radio, and reading newspapers or magazines. Some 16 percent spent an average of two and one-quarter hours a day engaged in hobbies or amusements. Others spent leisure time participating in sports, socializing, and personal study. Teenagers and retired people reported more time spent on all of these activities than did other groups. This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (689x1000, 125 KB) Summary This image is of a book cover, and the copyright for it is most likely owned either by the artist who created the cover or the publisher of the book. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (689x1000, 125 KB) Summary This image is of a book cover, and the copyright for it is most likely owned either by the artist who created the cover or the publisher of the book. ... Miyamoto Musashi (宮本 武蔵 Miyamoto Musashi) (c. ... Serialized in Weekly Morning Original run 1998 (series), 1999 (volume) – ongoing No. ... Takehiko Inoue (井上雄彦 Inoue Takehiko, January 12, 1967 - ) is one of the most famous Japanese manga artists. ... Eiji Yoshikawa (吉川 英治 Yoshikawa Eiji, August 11, 1892 - September 7, 1962) was a Japanese historical novelist, who is mostly retelling existing stories. ... Musashi is a Japanese novel written by Eiji Yoshikawa and serialized in 1935 in Asahi Shimbun. ... This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ... This article is about motion pictures. ... A television program (US), television programme (UK) or simply television show is a segment of programming in television broadcasting. ... This article is about the comic strip, the sequential art form as published in newspapers and on the Internet. ... For other uses, see Music (disambiguation). ... Popular culture (or pop culture) is the widespread cultural elements in any given society that are perpetuated through that societys vernacular language or lingua franca. ... Reading the newspaper: Brookgreen Gardens in Pawleys Island, South Carolina. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ...

In the late 1980s, the family was the focus of leisure activities, such as excursions to parks or shopping districts. Although Japan is often thought of as a hard-working society with little time for pleasure, the Japanese seek entertainment wherever they can. It is common to see Japanese commuters riding the train to work, enjoying their favorite manga, or listening through earphones to the latest in popular music on portable music players. This article is about the comics created in Japan. ... For the music genre, see Pop music. ...

A wide variety of types of popular entertainment are available. There is a large selection of music, films, and the products of a huge comic book industry, among other forms of entertainment, from which to choose. Game centers, bowling alleys, and karaoke are popular hangout places for teens while older people may play shogi or go in specialized parlors. For other uses see Karaoke (disambiguation) Karaoke from Japanese kara(空), empty, and ōkesutora, orchestra) (pronounced ; in Japanese IPA: ;  ) is a form of entertainment in which amateur singers sing along with recorded music using a microphone and public address system. ... This article is about the Japanese board game. ... Go is a strategic board game for two players. ...

Together, the publishing, film/video, music/audio, and game industries in Japan make up the growing Japanese content industry, which, in 2006, was estimated to be worth close to 14 trillion Yen (USD$ 120 billion.)^[6][7].

Nihonjinron

Main article: Nihonjinron

The term Nihonjinron literally means "theories/discussions about the Japanese" and refers to a large number of texts, ranging over such varied fields as sociology, psychology, history, linguistics, philosophy,and even science, published predominantly in Japan by Japanese, though noted examples of the genre have also been penned by foreign scholars, journalists and residents. Nihonjinron (, discourse on, theories about, the Japanese) is a highly popular genre of writing purporting to examine the characteristics—national, social, cultural, behavioural and spiritual—which are presumed to be unique to the Japanese people. ... Sociology (from Latin: socius, companion; and the suffix -ology, the study of, from Greek λόγος, lógos, knowledge [1]) is the systematic and scientific study of society, including patterns of social relationships, social action, and culture[2]. Areas studied in sociology can range from the analysis of brief contacts between anonymous... Psychological science redirects here. ... This article is about the study of the past in human terms. ... For the journal, see Linguistics (journal). ... For other uses, see Philosophy (disambiguation). ... A magnet levitating above a high-temperature superconductor demonstrates the Meissner effect. ...

See also

Stalls selling food or toys are a familiar sight at festivals throughout Japan. ... Japanese pottery, one of its oldest art forms, dates back to the Neolithic period (ca. ... This view from the Symbolic Mountain Lookout in Cowra, NSW shows many of the typical elements of a Japanese garden Stone lantern amid plants. ... == [== Headline text ==]Link title == poo in my :Seiza woman tea. ... Japanese cinema (映画; Eiga) has a history in Japan that spans more than 100 years. ... A cleansing jet of water designed to wash the anus of the user of this bidet-style toilet. ... In Japan, mobile phones have become ubiquitous. ... Otaku ) is a derisive Japanese term used to refer to people with obsessive interests in manga, anime or hentai. ... Tourists in Kyoto enjoy a ride in a rickshaw in front of Nonomiya Shrine Tourists visit spots in all prefectures in Japan. ... Etiquette is the code that governs the expectations of social behavior, the conventional norm (main article: Etiquette). ...

References

• Cwiertka, Katarzyna J. (2007). Modern Japanese Cuisine: Food, Power and National Identity. Reaktion Books. ISBN 1-86189-298-5.  Review
• Japan This article contains material from the Library of Congress Country Studies, which are United States government publications in the public domain.
• Diamond, Jared (June 1998). "Japanese Roots". Discover Magazine 19 (6). 

The Country Studies are works published by the Federal Research Division of the Library of Congress ( USA), freely available for use by researchers. ... The U.S. Constitution, adopted in 1789 by a constitutional convention, sets down the basic framework of American government in its seven articles. ... The public domain comprises the body of all creative works and other knowledge—writing, artwork, music, science, inventions, and others—in which no person or organization has any proprietary interest. ...

Notes

“PDF” redirects here. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Anno Domini (or common era), in accordance to the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 60th day of the year (61st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... “PDF” redirects here. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Anno Domini (or common era), in accordance to the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 60th day of the year (61st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... “PDF” redirects here. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Anno Domini (or common era), in accordance to the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 60th day of the year (61st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Anno Domini (or common era), in accordance to the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 60th day of the year (61st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

Culture of Japan

• Agency for Cultural Affairs
• JAPANESE CULTURE, Mi Marketing Pty Ltd.
• Japanese culture and info
• "Working with the Japanese," BBC
• "A Fan in Japan," a BBC online game regarding Japanese culture
• Rare Materials Exhibition -- Kyoto University Digital Library(貴重資料画像--京都大学電子図書館) Image files of rare materials related to culture of Japan