Culture of Japan

Japanese people are known for many different things. Whether it's their delicious foods or their elaborate taste in fashion, tourists are very interested in Japan's culture and is one of the reasons they travel there. 

Food

Many people know, eat, make and love the traditional food found in Japan. Some of these foods include: sushi, rice, noodles, seaweed, soya beans, and cooked vegetables. All foods in Japan are expected to: look appetising, be nicely presented and, of course, taste delicious.

Sushi is a popular Japanese food.

Fashion

A very famous and traditional piece of clothing in Japan are kimonos. A kimono is a patterned robe that is worn at traditional weddings and ceremonies. They have 12 layers, a 3m sash, (also known as an 'obi') and can take up to two hours to put on. Kimonos are sometimes worn with thongs with silk on them (also known as 'zoori'). Toe socks (also known as 'tabi') are also worn by Japanese people. Some women wear kimonos around the country as an every day outfit. They have white faces; neat make up with red lips, a traditional kimono and fancy hairpieces put that into their hair. Their hair is done up in a neat hairstyle. These women are known as 'Geisha girls'. A different style of Japanese clothing is 'Japanese street wear'. This style is very different to the original and traditional kimono. Women who wear this style are referred to as 'ganguro girls'. These women wear bright colours, micro-mini skirts, very high platform shoes, pigtails with dyed hair, white eyeliner and have tanned skin.

Geisha Girls walking around town.

Sport

When somebody mentions sport in Japan, most people immediately think of the very famous and popular sport, sumo-wrestling. This is a sport that many Japanese people are passionate about. Many sumo-wrestlers are very famous and big celebrities in the country. This sport is a wrestling match, where two opponents try to push or trip each other to the ground or out of the ring. Two other wrestling sports that are also popular in the country are judo and kendo. Judo players must push their opponent to the ground. This is an Olympic sport. Kendo players must sword-fight their opponents. They use bamboo sticks and must hit their opponent on the head or chest in order to win the game.

Sumo-wrestlers preparing for their match.

Religion

The two most common religions in Japan are Buddhism and Shintoism. Shintoism is the traditional religion of this country. People who follow this religion believe that everything in the natural environment has its own God. There are many religious temples and statues stationed around the country.

Traditions

Japanese people have many traditions that may seem unusual to tourists and the rest of the world. However, if these traditions are not abided by, some may take a bad approach and consider it rude.

The following are just a few traditions and etiquette of Japan:

• Remove shoes when entering a house. Slippers may be used as a replacement.
• At meal times, sitting on the floor at low tables to eat is normal.
• 4 is an unlucky number. Tea sets, presents and even rooms are never in groups of 4.
• Origami is a piece of artwork. Artists’ folds paper to make various animals and other objects.
• Teacups don't have handles.
• Chopsticks are used as cutlery for eating.
• For a formal greeting, people are expected to bow to each other. Whereas, for informal or casual situations, a nod of the head is acceptable.

Japan also has several traditional celebrations. For instance, the New Year is a greatly celebrated event. From the 1st-3rd of January, Japanese people thank and welcome gods in houses decorated with bamboo ornaments. Families receive greeting cards, children are given gifts/money and people pray in temples for health and safety.

A Japanese family sit down for dinner.