A simple introduction to the various cultural traditions of Japan...

Most of the people of Japan are descendants of immigrants from the Asian mainland in
around 300AD. A small group of the indigenous population (the Ainus) remains - mainly on
Hokkaido. Much of the culture of Japan has been adapted from that of China, although it has
also been greatly influenced by Western countries over the past century.

JAPANESE SOCIETY

Japanese society is extremely homogeneous with non-Japanese people (mainly Chinese and
Koreans) accounting for only around one percent of the population. The family is the basic
unit of society and respect for the elders is of great importance. The group is regarded as
more important than the individual and social hierarchy is more strictly observed than in the
West, with respect and deference shown to older and more senior people.

Education is extremely highly valued in Japanese society, and academic achievement is held
in great esteem. The importance of hard work and perseverance is instilled into Japanese
children from an early age and this remains a fundamental belief throughout adulthood.

The concept of "face" pays a part in relationships. Much of the behaviour adopted by the
Japanese is based on making sure that no one loses face. The Japanese tend to be more
formal and polite and less physical and personal in their everyday dealing than "westerners".

To avoid losing face the Japanese rarely say "no" directly, nor ask a direct question or give a
direct order. Equally, "yes" may not always mean they agree.

CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS

Japanese youth are increasingly westernised, however the older generation may still adhere
to cultural traditions. Here are some general cultural norms:

The traditional form of greeting is the bow, although foreigners are expected to shake hands

It can be seen as impolite to introduce yourself, if possible wait to be introduced

It is considered respectful to add the suffix "san" to someone's name, and especially
respectful to add "sama"

Remove shoes before entering a home in Japan and put on the slippers left at the doorway

Non-verbal communication is very important and complex. Be aware of your facial

expression, tone of voice and posture when talking

The oldest person in a group is always revered and honoured. In a social situation, they are
served first and their drinks are poured for them

There is no tipping, in any context, in Japan. It can be considered insulting

Sterilised masks are often worn in public to avoid spreading infections

PUBLIC BATHING

There are thousands of hot volcanic springs (onsens) in Japan which are visited by many
Japanese people to relax and socialise. The emphasis is on providing an environment for
contemplation rather than washing.

Bathing etiquette is of great significance in Japan. The water must remain as clean and pure
as possible, so showering is essential before entering the onsen. As nothing is allowed in the
water but the bathers themselves, swimsuits are not worn and the bathers are given a small
white towel, which is either placed by the side of the bath or worn on the top of the bather's
head.
LANGUAGES

Japanese is spoken almost exclusively within Japan, although it is rarely spoken in any other
countries. Although there are many regional dialects spoken, there is a standard version of
the language called nipongo/nihongo. The Japanese language has few sounds compared to
many other languages.

Written Japanese combines three scripts - hiragana (similar to the Chinese cursive script),
katakana (derived from Chinese characters) and kanji (also IMPORTED FROM CHINA). Both
Japanese style (vertical columns from right to left) and Western style (horizontal rows from
left to right) methods of writing are used.

RELIGION

Religion does not play a big part in the lives of most Japanese people, although religious
customs and rituals are practiced on special occasions and religious holidays. The two main
religions that are practiced in Japan are Shintoism and Buddhism, or a mixture of the two.

JAPANESE TEACUPS

A yunomi (Japanese: ) is a form of teacup, typically

made from a ceramic material, being taller than wide,
with a trimmed or turned foot. Unlike the more formal
chawan tea bowl which is used during the Japanese tea
ceremony, the yunomi is made for daily (or informal) tea
drinking.

JAPANESE SILK

Japanese silk is any silk harvested in the country of Japan. The silk
industry there was predominant in the 1930s50's, but it is less
common now. The practice of harvesting silk began in Japan in the
3rd century, when the technique was adapted from their Chinese
and Korean neighbors. They refined the techniques, and Japanese
silk became widely known as being of very high quality.

The silkworm is the larva or caterpillar

of the domesticated silk moth, Bombyx
mori (Latin: "silkworm of the mulberry tree"). It is an
economically important insect, being a primary producer of silk.
A silkworm's preferred food is white mulberry leaves, though
they may eat other mulberry species and even osage orange.
Domestic silk moths are closely dependent on humans for
reproduction, as a result of millennia of selective breeding. Wild silk moths are different
(having not been selectively bred) from their domestic cousins; they are not as commercially
viable in the production of silk.

SAMURAI

The samurai (or bushi) were the warriors of premodern Japan. They later made up the ruling
military class that eventually became the highest ranking social caste of the Edo Period
(1603-1867). Samurai employed a range of weapons such as bows and arrows, spears and
guns, but their main weapon and symbol was the sword.

Samurai were supposed to lead their lives according to the ethical code of bushido ("the way
of the warrior"). Strongly Confucian in nature, bushido stressed concepts such as loyalty to
one's master, self-discipline and respectful, ethical behavior. Many samurai were also drawn
to the teachings and practices of Zen Buddhism.

JAPANESE TRADITION DRESS

The kimono ( ?, ) is a Japanese traditional garment. The word "kimono", which
actually means a "thing to wear" (ki "wear" and mono "thing"), has come to denote these
full-length robes. The standard plural of the word kimono in English is kimonos, but the
unmarked Japanese plural kimono is also
sometimes used. The kimono is always
used in important festival or formal
moments; it is the representative of polite
and very formal clothing.

Kimono has T-shaped, straight-lined robes

worn so that the hem falls to the ankle,
with attached collars and long, wide
sleeves. Kimono are wrapped around the
body, always with the left side over the
right (except when dressing the dead for
burial)and secured by a sash called an obi,
which is tied at the back. Kimonos are
generally worn with traditional footwear
(especially zri or geta) and split-toe socks
(tabi).

Today, kimonos are most often worn by women and on special occasions. Traditionally,
unmarried women wore a style of kimono called furisode, with almost floor-length sleeves,
on special occasions. A few older women and even fewer men still wear the kimono on a
daily basis. Men wear the kimono most often at weddings, tea ceremonies, and other very
special or very formal occasions. Professional sumo wrestlers are often seen in the kimono
because they are required to wear traditional Japanese dress whenever appearing in public.

JAPANESE HOUSE WITH RICE PAPER PANELS

In traditional Japanese architecture, a shji (?) is a door, window or room divider

consisting of translucent paper over a frame of wood which holds together a lattice of wood
or bamboo. While washi is the traditional paper, shji may be made of paper made by
modern manufacturing processes; plastic is also in use.

Function

Shji doors are often designed to slide open, and thus conserve space that would be
required by a swinging door.

They are used in traditional houses as well as Western-style housing, especially in the
washitsu (Japanese-style room). In modern construction, the shji does not form the exterior
surface of the building; it sits inside a sliding glass door or window.