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Friday, August 26, 2016

Values and Tradition in Japan

Values and Tradition in Japan

Japanese values are cultural assumptions and ideals particular to Japanese culture. The honne/tatemae divide between public expression and private thoughts/feelings is considered to be of paramount importance in Japanese culture.

Japanese children learn from their earliest days that human fulfillment comes from close association with others. Children learn early to recognize that they are part of an interdependent society, beginning in the family and later extending to larger groups such as neighborhood, school, playground, community, and company.

In interpersonal relationships, most Japanese tend to avoid open competition and confrontation. Working with others requires self-control, but it carries the rewards of pride in contributing to the group, emotional security, and social identity. Wa (和), the notion of harmony within a group, requires an attitude of cooperation and a recognition of social roles. If each individual in the group understands personal obligations and empathizes with the situations of others, then the group as a whole benefits. Success can come only if all put forth their best individual efforts.

Working in a group in Japan requires the development of successful channels of communication, which reinforce group interdependence, and the sense of difference from those who are not members of the group.[citation needed] Yet social interaction beyond that which occurs with individuals with whom one lives and works is a necessity in contemporary society. If the exchange is brief and relatively insignificant, such as buying a newspaper, anonymity will be maintained. But if the relationship is expected to continue over a long period, whether in business, marriage, employment, or neighborhood, great care is likely to be invested in establishing and maintaining good relationships.

Japanese Gardens - The gardens in Japanese temples and shrines are inspired by the Shinto religion and the belief in an ideal state of harmony.

Japanese Architecture - Traditional Japanese Architecture is influenced by Buddhism and Shintoism. Earlier, people usually sat on the floor. Furniture only came into widespread use after the late nineteenth century.

Japanese Tea Ceremony - The Japanese ceremony of preparing and offering tea to revered guests is a formal and stylized ritual. The Japanese tea ceremony is deeply influenced by Zen Buddhism.

Japanese Cuisine - Seafood plays an important role in Japanese cuisine. Tofu or soy bean curd is a popular and healthy dish. Sushi and Sashimi are famous Japanese seafood.

Japanese Festivals - Famous Japanese festivals are Aomori Nebuta Festival, Hadaka Matsuri Festival, and Cherry Blossom Festival.

Japanese Kimono - Kimono is a traditional Japanese costume. It is a graceful full-length robe that falls from the wearer's shoulders to the ankles.

Ikebana - is the Japanese art of flower arrangement and is believed to have evolved from the Buddhist practice of offering flowers. It includes the ideas of aesthetics, spirituality, discipline and harmony with nature.

Japanese Painting - Japan has a long tradition of painting and woodblock printing. One of the famous Japanese painters, Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858) is famous for the Ukiyo-e or woodblock printing style of art. Another famous Japanese painter is Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) who is known for a series of woodblock prints depicting Mount Fuji. The best known among these is The Great Wave off Kanagawa.

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