Japan

Japan or Nippon Koku is an island in East Asia, located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, People's Republic of China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south.

Japan comprises over 3,000 islands making it an archipelago. The four largest islands are Honshū, Hokkaidō, Kyūshū and Shikoku, together accounting for 97% of Japan's land area.The characters which make up Japan's name mean "sun-origin", which is why Japan is sometimes identified as the "Land of the Rising Sun".

Government Seal Japan National Flag Imperial Seal

Japan has the world's tenth largest population, with about 128 million people. The Greater Tokyo Area, which includes the capital city of Tokyo and several surrounding prefectures, is the largest metropolitan area in the world, with over 30 million residents.

The first signs of occupation on the Japanese Archipelago appeared with a Paleolithic culture around 30,000 BC.

The Yayoi period, starting around the third century BC, saw the introduction of many new practices, such as wet-rice farming, a new style of pottery and iron and bronze-making, brought by migrants from China and Korea.The Japanese first appear in written history in China’s Book of Han. According to the Chinese Records of Three Kingdoms, the most powerful kingdom on the archipelago during the third century was called Yamataikoku.

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Japanese culture has evolved greatly over the years, from the country's original Jōmon culture to its contemporary culture, which combines influences from Asia, Europe and North America.

Geisha are professional female entertainers who perform traditional Japanese arts at banquets.Girls who wish to become a geisha, have to go through a rigid apprenticeship during which they learn various traditional arts such as playing instruments, singing, dancing, but also conversation and other social skills. In Kyoto, geisha apprentices are called "maiko".Geisha are dressed in a kimono, and their faces are made up very pale. As a common tourist, you may be able to spot a maiko in some districts of Kyoto, such as Gion and Pontocho or in Kanazawa's Higashi Geisha District.

The Samurai are best described as an elite, warrior, social caste, surviving for some seven centuries. They wore lacquered iron armor and would yield a sword, together with a dagger and a bow.

During the Heian Period (794-1185), when strong landowners began to hire warriors for the protection of their properties, the samurai class grew in clout and significance. They would emerge as military aristocracy. During the Kamakura Shogunate (1185-1333), a military government held power in Japan, and Minamoto Yoritomo, a samurai shogun or general-in-chief, became the Japanese ruler. The Kamakura Shogunate is referred to as Japan’s feudal period from the relationship between samurai and their lords. In 1274, the Kamakura Shogunate withstood the Mongol invasion of Kublai Khan, thanks in part to the “divine wind” (kamikaze) of a timely typhoon.

Kimono and yukata are traditional Japanese clothing.Kimono are made of silk and are usually very expensive. Nowadays they are worn at formal or traditional occasions such as funerals, weddings or tea ceremonies. Only rarely kimono can still be seen in everyday life.

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Kimono differ in style and color depending on the occasion on which it is worn and the age and marital status of the person wearing it. To put on a kimono needs some practice. Especially tying the belt (obi) alone is difficult so that many people require assistance. Wearing a kimono properly includes proper hair style, traditional shoes, socks, underwear, and a small handbag for women.

The yukata, on the other hand, is more of an informal leisure clothing. It is a comfortable dress on summer days or after a hot bath. Yukata are relatively inexpensive and made of cotton. While staying at a ryokan, you will be provided with a yukata.

The tea ceremony (Sado) is a ritual way of preparing and drinking tea. The custom has been strongly influenced by Zen Buddhism.

Nowadays, the tea ceremony is a relatively popular kind of hobby. Many Japanese who are interested in their own culture, take tea ceremony lessons with a teacher. Tea ceremonies are held in traditional Japanese rooms in cultural community centres or private houses.

The ceremony itself consists of many rituals that have to be learned by heart. Almost each hand movement is prescribed. Basically, the tea is first prepared by the host, and then drunken by the guests. The tea is bitter matcha green tea made of powdered tea leaves.

The cherry blossom (sakura) is Japan's unofficial national flower. It has been celebrated for many centuries and holds a very prominent position in Japanese culture.There are many dozens of different cherry tree varieties in Japan, most of which bloom for just a couple of days in spring. The Japanese celebrate that time of the year with hanami (cherry blossom viewing) parties under the blooming trees.

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The Japanese sword (nihonto) has been internationally known for its sharpness and beauty since feudal times. The sword used to be the distinguishing mark of the samurai.

Since swords are dangerous weapons, a permit is required to own one in Japan today.

Japanese music (hogaku),some of the most important ones are listed below:

Gagaku: Ancient court music from China and Korea. It is the oldest type of Japanese, traditional music.Biwagaku: Music played with the instrument Biwa, a kind of guitar with four strings.Nogaku: Music played during No performances. It basically consists of a chorus, the Hayashi flute, the Tsuzumi drum, and other instruments.Sokyoku: Music played with the instrument Koto. Later also accompanied by Shamisen and Shakuhachi. The Koto is a zither

with 13 strings.Shakuhachi: Music played with the instrument Shakuhachi, a about 55 cm long flute. The name of the flute is its lenght expressed in the old Japanese length units.Shamisenongaku: Music played with the instrument Shamisen, a kind of guitar with only three strings. Kabuki and Bunraku performances are accompanied by the shamisen.

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