Lying to the east of Asia, Japan has a distinct culture and heritage with subtle influences from China and Korea. Listed below are some of the popular cultural activities of Japan.
Bunraku is traditional Japanese puppetry. The drama unfolds to the music of the shamisen (Japanese string instrument) and chanted narration of the tayu (storyteller). Many of the classic stories have secular themes including love stories within the norms of a feudal society, while others recount historic and famous battles. Kabuki is Japan's classic theater. It combines the arts of music, dance and acting, from which it draws its name ka-bu-ki, and boasts a style and beauty all its own. Overflowing with thick makeup, flamboyant costumes, exaggerated movements and colorful dialogue, kabuki has come to be known as a people's theater.
The Art of Ceremonial Tea-Making, or Sado, also comes from Japan. The tea ceremony is the traditional way in which tea is served to one's guests. There are actually a variety of utensils used and a preset procedure for both the guest and host during this ceremony, which originated in the 16th century and has been strongly influenced by Zen Buddhism.
Ikebana (The Art of Flower Arrangement) is a creative art in which enjoyment is drawn by discovering the "unnatural" beauty of flowers. The task is to bring out the virtues of the plant by arranging stalks, leaves, bulbs and blossoms according to set rules.
The national dress is 'Kimono,' where simple square pieces are cut and sewn together, and then wrapped around the body and fastened by himo (braids) and obi (belt). Today the Kimono is worn mainly as formal attire or by the older Japanese women, western outfits have taken over the younger generation. Kimonos come in different fabrics, different patterns and designs, and they are more approximate in size than being a perfect fit.
A popular Japanese sport is Sumo Wrestling. Sumo is a form of wrestling where two rikishi (wrestlers) wrapped only in mawashi (loincloths) on the dohyo (ring) in a win-or-loose battle of the titans. Sumo originated as a means for settling disputes by measuring one's strength against another's, while also as a ritual in which farmers prayed for a good harvest. It later became the viewer attraction it is today.
Bunraku is traditional Japanese puppetry. The drama unfolds to the music of the shamisen (Japanese string instrument) and chanted narration of the tayu (storyteller). Many of the classic stories have secular themes including love stories within the norms of a feudal society, while others recount historic and famous battles. Kabuki is Japan's classic theater. It combines the arts of music, dance and acting, from which it draws its name ka-bu-ki, and boasts a style and beauty all its own. Overflowing with thick makeup, flamboyant costumes, exaggerated movements and colorful dialogue, kabuki has come to be known as a people's theater.
The Art of Ceremonial Tea-Making, or Sado, also comes from Japan. The tea ceremony is the traditional way in which tea is served to one's guests. There are actually a variety of utensils used and a preset procedure for both the guest and host during this ceremony, which originated in the 16th century and has been strongly influenced by Zen Buddhism.
Ikebana (The Art of Flower Arrangement) is a creative art in which enjoyment is drawn by discovering the "unnatural" beauty of flowers. The task is to bring out the virtues of the plant by arranging stalks, leaves, bulbs and blossoms according to set rules.
The national dress is 'Kimono,' where simple square pieces are cut and sewn together, and then wrapped around the body and fastened by himo (braids) and obi (belt). Today the Kimono is worn mainly as formal attire or by the older Japanese women, western outfits have taken over the younger generation. Kimonos come in different fabrics, different patterns and designs, and they are more approximate in size than being a perfect fit.
A popular Japanese sport is Sumo Wrestling. Sumo is a form of wrestling where two rikishi (wrestlers) wrapped only in mawashi (loincloths) on the dohyo (ring) in a win-or-loose battle of the titans. Sumo originated as a means for settling disputes by measuring one's strength against another's, while also as a ritual in which farmers prayed for a good harvest. It later became the viewer attraction it is today.