The Vicissitude of Japan's Culture

Culture of different countries is different. One can easily notice the difference either by the visit, i.e. through experience or through learning their history and customs. Likewise, Japan culture also has its own specialties and features. Regular changes have been noticed in Japan's culture, over the years. Modern Japan came into existence from the ancient traditional Japan and the birth of samurais. No doubt, influenced by culture of many neighboring countries, the modern culture of Japan has its own importance. This distinct culture of Japan is resulted from combination of different cultures. It manifests the creativity, independence and strength of humility of Japanese.

Japan culture is rich in the field of music, literature, art and architecture. The art of Japan is well renowned, from its traditional time to modern era. Japan's animation is known for its artists all throughout the world. Video games, entertainment shows and music play a great contribution in cyber industry. Japan was famous for its music, samurai, geisha and many more. The other uniqueness is in their language, which plays a great role in the Japanese culture. Spoken mainly within the country and leant by many westerners, the language is written in three scripts: - Katakana, hiragana, and kanji. Katakana contains Chinese character while Kanji is imported from China.

Calligraphy, a way of writing characters in a very artistic way, is also a part of Japanese culture. Ink painting or Sumi-e is an art of painting an object. Ikebana is also well known in Japan. It is the art of flower arrangement that is also used many other countries. Japanese culture is also remarkable with regard to theatre arts, as you can still come across traditional theaters in the country. Generally four types of theaters are recognized in Japan- kyogen, bunraku, noh and kabuki. Masks are generally used by performers to depict the characters. Action and dialogues to express emotions are commonly used. A puppet theater highlighting historical plays, known as Bunraku, was a part of Japanese culture during Heian period.

With regards to attire in Japan, kimono is their traditional dress, which is available in variety of designs and colors. It is generally dark color dress, preferably worn by males and at the same time, yukuta, the lighter color dress, is the choice of females. Though these dresses are easily available at several places, but these are generally worn now-a-days on some special occasion. The above stated dresses, theaters, arts and language show diversity in Japanese culture and express their distinct characteristics, which make it one of the best cultures in the world.

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Nancy Eben

Japan Culture and Tokyo Hotels

Knowing the Rich Japanese Culture

The Japanese culture has developed over the years. From the ancient and classical Japan, to the birth of the samurais, and now a modern Japanese culture came to exist. Of course, many neighboring countries influenced it and it has played a great role in shaping the modern Japanese culture. It has been a combination of various cultures and although it has experienced isolation from the world during the Tokugawa reign, it has still that distinct Japanese culture. It does not only depict the creativity and the independence of the Japanese people, it also reflects the strength of the Japanese by heart. Japanese culture is indeed rich in the field of arts, music, literature, and many more. From its classical roots, Japan is known for their traditional art forms and their artistic nature. It has brought the world the wide range of manga and comics. Japanese culture consists of the many anime artists that made Japanese animation known throughout the world. Video games, music, and entertainment shows from Japan has lead great contribution to the cyber industry.

During the ancient period, Japanese culture consisted of traditional music, geisha, samurai and many more. The geishas were trained from childhood and there were geisha houses that shelter them. This was part of the tradition that formed the Japanese culture. Another unique thing is the language they use. The Japanese language plays a vital role in the Japanese culture. It is widely spoken in Japan and many Westerners learn it. Japanese is written in three ways. The hiragana, the katakana and the kanji are the three scripts. The kanji was imported from China while the katakana contains Chinese characters.

Calligraphy is also part of the Japanese culture, which is the way of writing characters in a very artistic way. Sumi-e or ink painting is the art of painting an object or scene. Another form of Japanese art that is a part of the Japanese culture is the Ikebana. It is the art of flower arrangement and is still widely used in Japan as well as in other countries. When it comes to theater arts, the Japanese culture is very remarkable. They have traditional theaters, which are unique in the Japanese culture. There are basically four types of theaters in Japan, particularly the noh, kyogen, kabuki and the bunraku. Performers used masks to depict the characters. Most of the time, they express emotions through their actions and dialogue. Part of the Japanese culture is the bunraku which dates back during the Heian period. It is actually a puppet theater, which highlight historical plays.

When it comes to clothing, the kimono is the traditional garment for the Japanese people. They come in a variety of colors and designs. The yukata have lighter colors and usually worn during the summer time. Most men prefer to wear the kimonos that have dark colors. You can look for kimonos in shops at Nagoya, Mei, and Tokyo. But nowadays, the kimonos are used by Japanese on special occasions. Indeed the Japanese culture is rich in variety and has its distinct characteristics that make it one of the best cultures in the world.

http://www.centraljapan.jp is a Website of Nagoya Avenues magazine, Central Japan information portal for Nagoya, Aichi, Gifu, Mie areas.

Luau History and Culture

A luau is a Hawaiian feast. You may have been to a luau party here on the mainland, or visited a luau on your recent vacation to Hawaii. This meal and party often features traditional Hawaiian food, including poi and salmon, and is often known for the kalua pig, which has been roasted in earth for at least a day prior to the festivities. Luaus are also known for the entertainment, including Hawaiian music and hula dancing.

Today, luaus are often synonymous with parties for those from Hawaii, so you may see graduation luaus, birthday luaus, or even wedding luaus. However, the concept of a luau is actually quite old, and originally it meant a very specific type of celebration.

The name 'Luau' dates back to the mid-nineteenth century. Before that, this type of party was called a paina or ahaaina. The name 'luau' originated from a type of food traditionally served at a luau celebration: young taro (a type of tuber plant) tops, baked with coconut milk and served with octopus or chicken.

Luau parties originated because in centuries ago, men and women ate separately, and commoners and women were forbidden by ancient Hawaiian customs from eating certain foods, considered delicacies. In 1819, however, King Kamehameha II abolished this practice. In a symbolic feast, the King ate with women. The luau was born out of this feast. These original luaus were quite large affairs, often with hundreds of guests. In fact, some luaus thrown by the King had visitors eating in shifts because there were hundreds invited to these gatherings.

Traditional luau feasts are eaten on the floor, while sitting on special mats. Foods included sweet potatoes, dried fish, and other dried foods laid directly on leaves. Another traditional luau food in these early decades was poi. Poi is a staple of the Hawaiian diet to this day, and it is made from taro root that has been pounded into a thick paste. All of these items were eaten with the fingers; no utensils were used.

Today, 'luau' parties are often simply Hawaiian themed. They may lack the traditional taro tops or kalua pig, and range drastically in their adherence to luau traditions. In fact, most are not considered luaus by purists or many who were raised on the islands, although they can be a fun way to bring a little island spirit to your summer parties.

Today, there are many commercial luaus put on just for tourists. In Hawaii, these are held weekly at the most popular hotels. Often they are held outdoors on the hotel grounds. These outdoor parties often sell crafts, souvenirs, and photos to tourists. Like luau parties you may stage in your backyard, these vary greatly in their style and adherence to the luau tradition, because they are geared towards the tourist market. They often include Hawaiian or Polynesian dancing; during many luaus, hula dancers may teach visitors how to dance a simple hula dance. Such luaus can be found all over the islands, and are often seen in brochures or other tourist-aimed publications.

Royal Tiki specializes in genuine Hawaiian-made Tiki masks, Statues and Signs. Our Tiki Statues will add great atmosphere to your party!