Japan is a very interesting state, known for a wide variety of traditions and customs. The geographical position of the Land of the Rising Sun made it somewhat isolated from other states, due to which it developed without regard to European countries. The culture of Japan is extremely rich and diverse. Unique Japanese traditions were formed under the influence of historically important events. Japan gradually turned into a powerful, united state with characteristic features and a certain mentality of the population.
Basic Aspects of Japanese Culture
The country's culture is manifested in many spheres of society. In Japan its aspects are;
- Tea ceremony;
For the Japanese, the process of drinking tea is not a simple satisfaction of the physiological needs of the body, but a real cult. The tea ceremony in Japan is accompanied by special attributes and contains a lot of traditions. Such a reverent attitude, it would seem, to the everyday process took its development from the meditation of Buddhist monks. They are the ones who brought so much significance to the tea drinking process.
- National clothes of the country;
For Europeans, the concept of “kimono” characterizes the national clothing of Japan. However, in the land of the rising sun itself there are two meanings of this word - in the narrow and broad senses. The word “kimono” in Japan refers not only to the national costume, but also to all clothing in general. Under the kimono, as a rule, a special robe and seven belts are worn. The kimono worn in summer is called yukata. Depending on the age of the woman, the model of clothing may vary.
- Religion of Japan;
In Japan, two religious movements are successfully preached at once - Shintoism and Buddhism. Shintoism appeared in ancient Japan; it is based on the worship of various creatures. Buddhism, in turn, is divided into several varieties. In Japan there are many schools promoting one or another movement of Buddhism.
- Rock Garden;
Rock gardens are of particular importance to Japanese culture. They are not only an architectural creation that attracts the attention of tourists, but also a place of spiritual growth. Here the Japanese find enlightenment from contemplating stone structures arranged in a special order. Rock gardens include a specific design that only an enlightened person can unravel.
- Japanese Boys' Day;
Tango no sekku is a celebration of boys. It is dedicated not just to all small male representatives, but also to the masculinity and strength of the entire Japanese people. It is customary to celebrate the holiday in the spring, when nature wakes up and delights with its beauty. On Tango no Sekku day, boys are cared for by their parents. A father must tell his son about all the Japanese warriors and their exploits. And his mother sets the table for him with delicious food.
- Sakura Festival;
Cherry blossoms are considered the most beautiful natural phenomenon. Many tourists come here precisely to enjoy the contemplation of a flowering plant. In the spring, large crowds of people can be seen in Japanese parks. Many families go on picnics and watch the beauty of Japanese cherry trees.
- Japanese bows;
One of the unique traditions of the country includes bowing. They personify the rules of good manners. It is not customary for the Japanese to say goodbye; instead, they bow as many times as the interlocutor did.
- Samurai
Samurai represent a certain class of society, which was formed under the influence of traditions and customs. It has a direct connection with the culture of the country. Samurai are warriors who perform a certain service, which can be military, security or domestic. In any of these cases, samurai personify the courage, masculinity and nobility of the Japanese people.
Painting
In the 7th century, the main artist’s tools were brought from the Middle Kingdom: paper, ink, brushes, paints, and therefore special techniques. The basis was the monochrome and linearity of the drawings: the main thing in the composition was smooth lines, and not the laws of perspective and light and shade.
At first, the motifs of the paintings were traditionally Buddhist: bodhisattvas, fragments from the life of Buddha, events from parables. The drawings were simple, without unnecessary meanings.
At the same time, several masters could create one picture at once: one did the sketch, the second did the painting, the third did the tracing. Mandalas were often drawn. One of the most expensive such works is “Takao Mandala” on silk canvas covered with gold and silver paints.
In the 8th-9th centuries, not only Buddhist motifs, called the “kara-e” style, developed, but also secular ones – “yamato-e”. Paintings in the Yamato-e style depicted landscapes, portraits, flowers, court and everyday scenes. They were also made on silk, and the paint had added gold.
The paintings were mainly in the form of scrolls. There are two types: emakimono and kakimono. The first ones are oriented horizontally and are designed to be viewed on a table. Kakimono are oriented vertically and hung on the wall.
Around the same time, the tradition of painting on screens appeared. It reached its peak already in the 16th century. One of the most famous paintings on the screen is called “Woman with Bird Feathers.”
"Woman with Bird Feathers", Japanese painting on a screen
Gradually, painting moved from religious themes to secular ones. Works of fine art began to be used in the interiors of castles and palaces: on screens, fans, wall scrolls, portraits, as well as special panels made on golden foil with bright colors. Such panels began to be called dami-e.
At the turn of the 16th-17th centuries, numerous painting schools appeared, for example, Unkoku, Kaiho, Tosa, Kano, and over time they were replaced by new ones. The cities of Nara, Kyoto, Nagasaki, and Edo became the center of painting of that time.
The Ukiyo-e school is gaining particular popularity. This is a special type of bright wooden engraving that went to the masses - almost everyone, even the poorer segments of the population, could buy it. Ukiyo-e depicted scenes from the lives of ordinary people, sellers, theatergoers, and geishas.
Japanese ukiyo-e print
Especially in this genre it is worth highlighting the masters Hishikawa Moronobu (XVII century) and Katsushika Hokusai (XIX century). Hokusai also painted landscapes and had a huge influence on such Western artists as Van Gogh, Matisse, Gauguin.
The process of formation of the culture of ancient Japan
The culture of ancient Japan began to develop with the birth of the Japanese language and writing. The land of the rising sun borrowed the basis for this from China. Japanese writing also contains hieroglyphs that a foreign citizen will not be able to understand. Over time, new words, sounds and phrases began to be added to the Japanese language. So it was completely transformed, but common features with China can still be traced.
The country's religiosity also dates back to ancient times. Shintoism was a consequence of the development of various mythologies. At the moment, this teaching promotes the cult of leaders and dead people. Buddhism has such deep roots that the opinions of scientists and historians about the emergence of this type of religion vary greatly.
Features of theatrical creativity
Japanese traditional theater is the country's calling card. One of the first directions of theatrical art is considered to be the “no” theater, where artists came out to perform in masks and chic costumes. In the 17th century, the most famous version of stage creativity appeared - kabuki theater. Only men played in such a theater, and an impressive layer of makeup was applied to their faces. Men also played female roles (onnagata). At the same time, another famous theatrical direction developed - the banraku theater (with puppets).
One cannot ignore a special originality - Japanese animation “anime”, which was originally aimed at adults. In such films, national comics – manga – were most often processed.
Japanese art
Almost all types of art practiced in Japan carry one main idea - calm and relaxation. It is precisely the harmony of a person with himself that contains art, regardless of the method of presenting information. Many types of art known throughout the world began their development in Japan. Among them we can highlight origami - the ability to fold various shapes from paper.
Another popular part of Japanese art is ikebana. This is the skill of forming bouquets of flowers using special technology. From here came an equally popular activity called bonsai. This is the creation of various compositions from dwarf trees. In Omiya, not far from Tokyo, there is a whole Bonsai park. Each dwarf tree presented here is unique and beautiful in its own way.
Japanese painting deserves special significance, since each painting carries a hidden meaning. As a rule, bright colors, contrasting transitions and clear lines are used as design. Japan also has the art of calligraphy. This is the skill of aesthetically beautiful writing of hieroglyphs. Applied art is also widespread in Japan. There is an entire museum in Tokyo dedicated to this craft. Here you can see products made of paper, glass or metal. And this is not a complete list of materials used for this purpose.
The Japanese style of interior design also deserves special attention. It includes functionality and simplicity, along with originality of execution. In addition, interior design carries religious philosophy, just like any other form of Japanese art.
Sculpture
The sculptural direction is also largely connected with Buddhism - most of the statues depicted various Buddhas, deities, and bodhisattvas. During the Asuka period, their number was already quite impressive.
For example, a very famous work of that time, created by the master Atanaguchi, called “A Thousand Buddhas”. It is curious that gradually the appearance of the deities changed, for example, creatures with a thousand arms and heads appeared.
Sanjusangendo Temple in Kyoto
During the time of Nara, local sculptors improved their art even more - the proportions became more correct and the lines smoother. Moreover, all the images were very canonical, the sculptures were made from a variety of materials: wood, stone, clay, varnish, metal.
If by the beginning of the Heian period works were created from a single piece of wood, then later the kiyose technique appeared, in which individual blocks were made, which were then carefully attached to each other.
With the advent of the Kamakura era, such a colossal number of temple statues were no longer required, so sculpture went “into the light”: portrait sculptures depicting secular people began to be made. Amazing craftsmen worked in the famous Zethe workshop. These include Unkei with his father Kokei and student Kaikei.
Gradually the sculpture began to take on an even more secular character. During Muromachi, they began to make sculptural images of animals, nature, and theatrical masks.
An outstanding figure in Edo is the sculptor Enku. He adhered to the Zen philosophy, but at the same time breathed new life into the sculpture: the deities no longer looked strictly canonical, and his wooden figurines were dynamic and simple.
Sculpture of Enku (1632 - 1695) Buddha. Tokyo
Architecture of Japan
Architectural structures in Japan are, in one way or another, associated with religion. At first, temple buildings were most often devoid of any flowers. This was due to the use of unpainted wood in construction. Later they began to use red and blue shades.
Wood is considered the main material for architectural buildings in Japan. This is due to the fact that the reserve of this resource in the country is quite large. In addition to the fact that wood conducts heat well and absorbs moisture, it is also practical in case of earthquakes, which occur quite often in Japan. If a stone house is very difficult to recreate after destruction, then a wooden one is much easier.
The main feature of Japanese architecture is the presence of smooth geometric shapes. Most often, these are triangles and rectangles. It is almost impossible to find smooth and round lines in any structure. The main principle on which the Japanese arrange their homes is the inseparable existence of the inside and the outside of the house. This applies to Japanese gardens. They should be decorated in exactly the same style as the house itself. Otherwise, it is considered bad form and complete bad taste. The Japanese pay special attention to their gardens.
Japanese worldview
Harmony with nature is a necessity for the Japanese. They learned from the world, not fought with it. By improving the environment, people improved themselves. Life in peace with nature is harmonious, otherwise a person cannot achieve balance.
Even Eastern martial art was connected with the outside world. Some blows are similar to the habits and movements of animals:
- monkeys;
- tigers;
- snake;
- bears.
The Japanese are always true to their traditions. Anyone who violated the rituals was considered a traitor. Here they believe in a vicious circle of all living things. It is believed that one’s own destiny is impossible and should not be changed.
Japanese music
In terms of musical development, Japan looked at other countries using some kind of musical instruments. But later she modernized them under the influence of local tastes and traditions. The first to influence the formation of classical music in Japan was the local folklore of Dengaku, mixed with foreign influences and giving birth to the music that is currently familiar to Japan.
The religious side of the issue also made its contribution to the musical origins. Thanks to Christianity, playing the organ began to spread. And Buddhism promoted playing the flute.
Currently, classical music has gained popularity in Japan. Many representatives of this creative cell travel abroad in Japan. These include Goto Midori, Ozawa Seiji and Uchida Mitsuko. Relatively recently, halls designed for comfortable listening to classical music were opened in Japan. These include Kiyo Hall, Osaka Symphony Hall, Orchard, etc.
The beginning of a new era
Japan at the beginning of the 19th century was practically protected from all contacts that could harm its existence. However, in 1853, the thirteenth President of the United States sent four warships under the strict leadership of Matthew Perry to the shores of Japan in order to establish communications between the two superpowers. This is truly a historical event. The Japanese were so amazed by the greatness of the technology presented and the power of the ships that it was from that moment that trade with the West resumed again. Moreover, a year later, an agreement was signed that regulated relations between Japan and the West. The same document provoked the construction of two ports, which contributed to the establishment of trade relations.
- Soon, similar documents appeared in Russia, Britain and Holland. Opponents actively criticized the Tokugawa policy for signing such treaties, as well as for all other unresolved problems within the state. Everything led to the Meiji revolution and the establishment of new orders.
Household traditions of Japan
The Japanese are a well-mannered people who observe their traditions and customs. Treating yourself and others with respect is considered the norm in Japan. From childhood, children are taught good manners, the basic values of the Japanese people are explained to them, and they are educated in every possible way. And it all benefits society. Any tourist who comes to the land of the rising sun from another country is surprised at how friendly, friendly and well-mannered the Japanese are.
Unlike European countries, Japan has long had a ban on smoking in public places. This also applies to private property. Smoking near other people is only permitted if they have given their consent.
Among other things, the Japanese strictly follow all the rules of hygiene that society dictates to them. For example, in any room, including religious buildings, there are special straw mats. You cannot walk on them in shoes; they are considered not only an interior decoration, but also a real sacrilege. Also, the Japanese decided to protect themselves from possible bacteria that come from the toilet on their feet. In any public place and in apartments there are special slippers for the toilet, which do not allow harmful germs to be transferred to other rooms.
For the Japanese, eating is not considered a process of life, but a real cult. Before eating, the Japanese always wipe their hands with a special towel moistened with water, which is called oshibori. Table setting does not occur in any random order, but according to a special pattern. Even each device has its place. The Japanese divide them into male and female, and this is very important for them. In Japan, spoons are used only for eating o-zoni soup, which is prepared for the New Year; the Japanese prefer to drink the rest of the first courses exclusively from special bowls. Moreover, smacking your lips during a meal is not considered bad manners. It is believed that this way the taste of the dish is better revealed.
The relevance of good manners in Japan is proven by the following rules:
- It is necessary to discuss the place and time of the meeting in advance. In Japan, being late is considered impudence beyond the bounds of decency.
- You cannot interrupt your interlocutor; you need to wait patiently for the person to speak out, then begin to express your opinion.
- If you call the wrong number, you must apologize.
- If someone came to your aid, then you definitely need to thank him.
- Some guests of the Japanese may be considered honorary. They are even allocated a special place at the table, which, as a rule, is located farthest from the entrance to the room.
- When giving a gift to Japanese people, you should apologize for being modest, despite what it represents. These are the rules, they should not be broken.
- While sitting at the dinner table, men can cross their legs, but women are strictly prohibited from doing so. The legs should be tucked and pointed in one direction.
Also among the traditions in everyday life in Japan is the veneration of older people. It doesn’t matter what a person’s profession, income, appearance or character traits are, if he is older, then he must be treated with respect. Old age in Japan evokes respect and pride. This means that the person has come a long way and now deserves honor.
Preference in food and drinks
The Japanese love to eat tasty and satisfying food. Europeans and Americans are sure that in Japan people only eat sushi, rolls, sukiyaki and other exotic dishes that are available in restaurants around the world. In fact, this is not true. Different types of restaurants serve almost the same dishes. There are several types of places where you can eat:
- Shokudo – all visitors must be seated in a circle.
- Izakaya - pub.
- Okonomiyaki - visitors are allowed to participate in the preparation of dishes. Here you can order meat, vegetables, and seafood, which are wrapped in dough mixed with vegetables and cabbage and fried.
- Robotayki is a type of village restaurant where all the food is cooked on charcoal and grill.
- Restaurants where food is prepared at the table. They serve beef, vegetables, which are boiled in broth (sukiyaki dish) or nabemono (this is a soup in which all the elements for it are chosen by visitors. For this, trays with raw products are placed next to them).
- Establishments that serve camp lunches (the so-called benthos or shokudo).
- Cafes and inexpensive restaurants - you can try teishoki.
The Japanese are quite a drinking nation. Alcoholic drinks are consumed by both men, women, and teenagers. First of all, beer is popular. It is sold everywhere - from kiosks, street stalls, supermarkets, shops, temples. In second place in popularity is rice vodka or sake, which should be drunk either cold or warm (it gets to your head very quickly). The Japanese also drink a lot of green tea, which contains a lot of caffeine and vitamin C. It is used to quench thirst, to restore strength, to saturate the body with useful minerals, and to prevent cancer.
