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 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 soy bean curd is another popular and
healthy dish often consumed by the Japanese people. Japanese food such as
Sushi (rice flavored 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 take
time out 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 the 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.

Japanese Customs and Traditions

Japanese

The gardens found in Japanese temples and shrines are inspired by the

Gardens:

Shinto religion and the belief in an ideal state of harmony.

Traditional Japanese Architecture is deeply influenced by Buddhism and

Japanese

Shintoism.

Architecture:

Earlier, people usually sat on the floor. Furniture only came into
widespread use after the late-nineteenth and early twentieth century.

Japanese Tea

The Japanese ceremony of preparing and offering tea to revered guests

Ceremony:

is a formal and stylized ritual. The Japanese tea ceremony is deeply

influenced by Zen Buddhism.
Seafood plays an important role in Japanese cuisine. Rice and fish
along with vegetables are eaten by most Japanese.
Tofu or soy bean curd is a popular and healthy dish.

Japanese

Sushi (rice flavored with vinegar and combined with seafood or seaweed

Cuisine:

and sometimes vegetables) and Sashimi (cut and sliced raw meat,
usually seafood) are famous Japanese cuisines.
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

Famous Japanese festivals are Aomori Nebuta Festival, the Hadaka

Festivals:

Matsuri Festival and the Cherry Blossom Festivals.

Japanese

Kimono is a traditional Japanese costume. It is a graceful full-length

Kimono:

robe that falls from the wearer's shoulders to the ankles.

Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858) is famous for the Ukiyo-e or woodblock

Japanese
Painting:

printing style of art.

Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) is famous for a series of woodblock
prints depicting Mount Fuji. The best known among these is The Great
Wave off Kanagawa.

Ikebana is the Japanese cultural practice of flower arrangement and is

believed to have evolved from the Buddhist practice of offering flowers
Ikebana:

in memory of those who have passed away.

It is a fine art that encompasses the ideas of aesthetics, spirituality,
discipline and harmony with nature.