Japan’s country might be 26 times smaller than the US, but it’s a cultural hotspot and innovation center. About 124.2 million people live in this island country, and it has spread its culture across the globe using various mediums. It’s one of the most influential cultures, and many aspects of its culture have been adopted in other countries.
Cultural Aspects of Japan
Many want to visit Japan and experience its culture, but what does that mean? Join us as we examine some of the top aspects of this country to which you should pay attention.
Creativity and Innovation
Many innovations were born in Japan, such as the bullet train in 1964, the pocket calculator in 1970, and the walkman in 1979. This country is constantly implementing innovations and using cutting-edge technology. As such, Japan is also used to innovation and new creations, adopting technology like that used for generative AI, ライブディーラー (live dealer games), and agriculture.
Cherry Blossoms & Festivals
One of Japan’s most well-known features is its Cherry Blossom trees, which bloom in spring. It’s become a significant tourist attraction, especially in regions with festivals for this period. However, it’s not just cherry blossom festivals. There are many others available, like Yuki Matsuri and Omizutori.
Origami
Japan is where the art of folding paper into intricate shapes started. Origami is now practiced globally and is an exceptional way to meditate and practice mindfulness. Origami is often used for special events like weddings or simply for art like Fy High Dreamers.
Theatre
Theater has a long history in Japan. Tourists and residents can watch performances using these traditional techniques. Japan has three traditional theater modes:
- Kabuki: A stylized form of acting by men.
- Bunraku: Puppet theater where each puppet has three puppeteers.
- Noh: Stately dancers with wooden masks.
Samurai and Geisha
Samurai were ancient warriors in Japan’s history, and the culture surrounding them is still abundant. Samurai heritage is found in curated gardens, impressive castles, and preserved residences. Geishas were courtesans, and today, you can still experience this culture in teahouses, primarily in Kyoto.
Manga & Anime
Arguably, the most well-known and misunderstood part of Japanese culture is manga and anime. Many who don’t know it associate it with children’s stories, but it’s becoming more popular globally. Nowadays, even Netflix is making live-action series based on anime, like One Piece.
Japanese Gardens
If you want to visit this country and need a travel guide for Japan, one of the top items on the list should be the Japanese gardens. The gardens were initially created for religious reasons to honor the Buddist and Shinto belief systems. Today, they’re known for intricate and majestic designs that show the surrounding area’s wealth and influence.
Food
Japan introduced many popular foods to other countries, including sushi. However, many different dishes are also available worldwide, though it can’t beat the authenticity of experiencing them in Japan. These dishes are Ramen, Tempura, Hotpot, Yakitori, and onigiri.
The Core of Japanese Culture
Japan is culturally rich, and you can learn a lot about its people and history on a short visit to Japan. Whether you visit the otaku center, Akihabara, or relax in Beppu, the onsen town, there’s a lot to do in Japan that enriches your understanding of their culture.
