Language/Japanese/Culture/Traditional-Arts-and-Customs

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Japanese Culture → Geography and History → Traditional Arts and Customs

As a Japanese language teacher, I believe that studying a language should always be accompanied by learning about the culture that carries it. In this lesson, we will dive into the traditional arts and customs of Japan.

Japan has a rich history and cultural traditions that have fascinated people from all over the world. From calligraphy to tea ceremony, kimono to festivals, each aspect of Japanese culture has unique beauty and meaning. Let us explore some of these traditional arts and customs together.

Calligraphy

Calligraphy is an art in which an artist expresses their emotions and personality by creating beautiful characters using a brush and ink. In Japan, calligraphy is called “shodo” which means “the way of writing”. Japanese calligraphy has a deep connection with Zen Buddhism, and many famous Zen monks excelled in this art. Japanese calligraphy has a unique style and beauty that sets it apart from Chinese, Korean or other Asian calligraphy.

In Japanese calligraphy, there are several styles, each with their own characteristics and histories. The most popular styles are kaisho, gyosho, and sosho. Kaisho is the standard block style, while gyosho is the flowing or semi-cursive style. Sosho is the cursive or running-hand style, which is usually used in artistic contexts.

Here is an example of Japanese calligraphy:

Japanese	Pronunciation	English
書道	Shodo	Calligraphy

Tea Ceremony

Tea ceremony, or “chado” in Japanese, is a ritualized way of making and serving tea. It evolved in Japan from Chinese tea traditions in the 12th century, and became a distinctive Japanese cultural practice. The tea ceremony involves a set of specific movements and procedures that aim to create a serene atmosphere and to appreciate the beauty of simple objects. The tea ceremony involves the use of a unique style of tea bowl called a chawan, whisk called a chasen, and a tea scoop called a chashaku.

In the tea ceremony, the host prepares and serves tea to their guests in a calm and respectful manner. The guests also appreciate the tea and the surroundings with the same respect and composure. The tea ceremony has been greatly influenced by Zen Buddhism and is seen as a way of promoting harmony, respect, and mindfulness.

Here is an example of a tea ceremony:

Japanese	Pronunciation	English
茶道	Chado	Tea Ceremony

Kimono

Kimono is a traditional Japanese garment that is worn on special occasions, such as weddings, festivals, and formal ceremonies. Kimono has a simple and graceful design that is influenced by Japanese aesthetic principles. Kimono is usually made of silk or cotton and has a bright and colorful pattern that often has a seasonal meaning. The kimono is tied with an obi, which is a long and narrow sash that is tied at the back.

Kimono has a long history in Japan, and the designs have changed over the centuries to reflect the changes in fashion and society. There are various types of kimono, each with its own style and purpose. The most formal type is called the “furisode” which is worn by young unmarried women at formal occasions. The “yukata” is a casual summer kimono that is often worn at festivals or traditional Japanese inns.

Here is an example of a kimono:

Japanese	Pronunciation	English
着物	Kimono	Kimono

Festivals

Festivals or “matsuri” in Japanese are an important part of Japanese culture. There are countless festivals held throughout the year in Japan, each with its own unique features and traditions. Festivals are usually held at local shrines or temples and are steeped in history and folklore.

Festivals often involve processions, music, dance, and fireworks, and are a way for people to celebrate together and to find a respite from everyday life. The most famous festival in Japan is probably the “Gion Matsuri” held in Kyoto, which attracts thousands of visitors every year. Other famous festivals include the “Nebuta Matsuri” in Aomori, the “Tanabata Matsuri” in Sendai, and the “Kanda Matsuri” in Tokyo.

Here is an example of a festival:

Japanese	Pronunciation	English
祭り	Matsuri	Festival

Learning about the traditional arts and customs of Japan can help learners gain a deeper appreciation for the language and the culture that it represents. I hope this lesson has inspired you to explore more about Japan's rich cultural heritage.

Sources

Table of Contents - Japanese Course - 0 to A1

Course Presentation

Hiragana Basics

Greetings and Introductions

Geography and History

Adjectives and Adverbs

Family and Social Relations

Religion and Philosophy

Particles and Conjunctions

Travel and Tourism

Education and Science

Prepositions and Interjections

Arts and Media

Politics and Society

Videos

The Path to Mastering Japanese Traditional Culture - YouTube

A 5-Minute Lesson in Japanese Martial Arts and Tradition - YouTube

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