Saturday, December 4, 2010

Japan
Japan has a long history which dates back into the 250 A.D, starting with the Yamato period. There has been a lot of development in terms of culture and the lifestyle of the Japanese people.


The Japanese performing arts have made some unique contributions to world culture
• Kabuki Theater
• Noh Theater
• Bunraku - Puppet Theater
• Geisha
• Musical Instruments

The quieter and more contemplative arts have developed followings world-wide
• Sado - Tea Ceremony
• Kodo - The Way of Incense
• Ikebana - Flower Arranging
• Ukiyoe - Woodblock Prints
• Bonsai - Miniature Trees
• Origami - Paper Folding
• Classical Literature
• Modern Literature

Japanese royalty has a history dating back many centuries
• Imperial Family

Many cultural events fill out the annual calendar, with something in every season
• Annual Festivals
• Annual Holidays
• Four Seasons
• Hanami - Cherry Blossom Viewing

Japanese costume is unique, differing greatly even from those of other Asian cultures
• Kimono
• Footwear

Japanese food, sushi in particular, is popular arould the world and renowned for its health benefits
• The Basics of Japanese Cuisine
• Popular Dishes
• Alcohol - Sake, Beer and more
Source from http://www.japan-zone.com/culture/



Kabuki Theatre

Kabuki was created in the 17th century by a shrine attendant, okuni. It is largely popular entertainment for the masses. It used to be an all female performance due to their sensual nature. Tokugawa shogunate banned this all female performance as male audience often got out of control. The stage layout is different from the traditional Noh, with addition draw curtains and a catwalk runway through the audience for more dramatic entrances and exits.
The Kabuki was designated as one of the masterpiece of the Oral and intangible heritage of humanity by UNESCO during November 2005.
Source from http://www.japan-zone.com/culture/kabuki.shtml

Noh Theatre
The Noh theatre was developed in the 14th century during the Muromachi period together with the art of kyogen. They are known as the art of Nogaku. It is the oldest existing form of theatre. Noh is a kind of symbolic drama paired together with the graceful aesthetic effect of quiet elegance. The characters are usually taken from history or classical literature. Kyogen is a kind of spoken drama that is based upon laughter and comedy.
UNESCO added Nogaku to its intangible cultural heritage list as a masterpiece of oral and intangible heritage of humanity.

Source from http://www2.ntj.jac.go.jp/unesco/noh/en/nohgaku.html


Origami

Origami started in the Heian period where the Japan’s nobility had its golden ages. It was the time of great artistic and cultural development. However, paper was rare during those times and this past time is only available for the nobles. The papers were used for ceremonial purposes. Only during the Edo period that origami developed as a form of entertainment for the commoners.

Source from http://www.japan-zone.com/culture/origami.shtml

Kimono

Kimono is one of the world’s most recognized traditional garment. The type of traditional wear of the Japanese has changed and developed over the years into the one that is worn now. The Kimono is worn mostly at ceremonial events now, such as weddings, funerals, and also to festivals like New year and shichi-go-san for children. It is usually wore with geta.
Source from http://www.japan-zone.com/culture/kimono.shtml

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