essay about culture of japan

Essay on Japanese Culture

Students are often asked to write an essay on Japanese Culture in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Japanese Culture

Traditional clothing.

Japanese culture is famous for its traditional clothing. The kimono is the most well-known dress. People wear it on special occasions like festivals and weddings. It’s made of silk and comes in many colors and patterns. The obi is a wide belt tied around the kimono. It’s not just clothing; it’s a symbol of Japanese beauty.

Japanese food is more than just sushi. Rice is a staple in their meals. They also love noodles like ramen and udon. Meals often include fish, pickled vegetables, and miso soup. Eating in Japan is an art. They value presentation and flavor.

Festivals are big in Japan. They celebrate the seasons, like cherry blossoms in spring. There’s music, dancing, and food stalls. Children and adults dress up and enjoy games. Lanterns light up the night. These events show Japan’s love for nature and community.

Japanese arts include delicate crafts and performances. Origami, paper folding, and calligraphy, beautiful writing, are popular. In theaters, you can see kabuki, a dramatic play style with colorful costumes. Their art is about detail and expressing feelings.

Respect is key in Japan. People bow to greet each other. They are polite and considerate. Children learn to respect elders and each other early on. This respect makes their society peaceful and orderly. It’s a core part of being Japanese.

250 Words Essay on Japanese Culture

Japanese traditions.

Japan is known for its unique traditions. Tea ceremonies show the beauty of calm and respect. People sit on tatami mats and enjoy green tea. The host carefully prepares the tea, showing the importance of every step. This tradition helps people find peace and enjoy simple moments.

Festivals and Celebrations

Japanese festivals are colorful and exciting. They celebrate the seasons, like cherry blossoms in spring or leaf colors in autumn. People wear traditional clothes called yukata and enjoy street food. Fireworks light up the sky in summer, and everyone feels joy together.

Arts in Japan

Japanese art includes beautiful paintings, calligraphy, and pottery. Manga and anime are popular among kids. These are comic books and cartoons that tell all kinds of stories. Origami, the art of paper folding, is also famous. With just a paper, you can make animals, flowers, and more.

Japanese Food

Food in Japan is not just about taste but also how it looks. Sushi is a well-known dish made with rice and fish. It’s healthy and delicious. Japanese people also enjoy noodles like ramen and soba. Meals are often served with green tea, which is good for your health.

Respect and Manners

In Japan, people greet each other by bowing. This shows respect. Kids learn to be polite and listen carefully when others speak. Saying “thank you” and “please” is very important. In schools, students clean their classrooms to learn responsibility and respect for their environment.

Japanese culture is rich with traditions, celebrations, art, food, and respect. It’s a beautiful blend of old and new, where each part is important and adds to the whole picture.

500 Words Essay on Japanese Culture

Introduction to japanese culture.

Japanese culture is like a beautiful tapestry, woven with history, traditions, and modern life. It’s a unique blend that forms the way of life in Japan, a country in East Asia. The culture is known for its traditional arts, distinct foods, and strong sense of community. Let’s explore some key parts of this fascinating culture.

Traditional Arts

When you think of Japan, you might imagine delicate paper cranes or beautiful paintings of cherry blossoms. These are part of the traditional arts that have been passed down for generations. Origami, the art of paper folding, is not just a craft but a way for people to express creativity. Calligraphy, which is the art of writing with a brush and ink, is another important traditional art. It’s not just about writing words; it’s about making the writing look like a piece of art.

Food in Japan

Japanese food is famous all over the world. Sushi, which is rice with fish or vegetables, is probably the most well-known dish. But there’s so much more! Try a bowl of ramen, which is a type of noodle soup, or tempura, which is seafood or vegetables that have been battered and fried. Japanese people take great care in preparing and presenting their food, making it not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes.

Festivals, or ‘matsuri’, are a big part of Japanese culture. They are often lively events with music, dance, and colorful costumes. One famous festival is the Cherry Blossom Festival, or ‘Hanami’, where people gather under blooming cherry trees to enjoy the beauty and welcome spring. Another important celebration is ‘Obon’, which is a time to remember and honor ancestors. During this time, people might visit their hometowns, clean family graves, and enjoy traditional dances.

Family and Community

Family is at the heart of Japanese society. Respect for elders and ancestors is very important. Many homes have a small altar called a ‘butsudan’, where they place pictures and offer food to remember family members who have passed away. Community is also key in Japan. People often work together to keep their neighborhoods clean and safe, and there’s a strong sense of helping each other out.

Modern Pop Culture

Japan is not just about tradition; it has a vibrant modern culture too. Japanese anime (animated movies and TV shows) and manga (comic books) are popular all over the world. Characters like Pikachu from Pokémon have fans of all ages. Japanese technology is also cutting-edge, with inventions like high-speed trains and advanced robots.

Japanese culture is a rich mix of old and new. From the quiet beauty of a tea ceremony to the excitement of a high-tech video game, there’s something for everyone. It’s a culture that values both respect for the past and innovation for the future. Learning about Japanese culture can be a fun adventure, full of surprises and new experiences.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

Essay on Japanese Family
Essay on Japanese Friend
Essay on Japanese Holiday

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

Essays About Japan: Top 5 Examples and 5 Prompts

Japan is a beautiful country famous for its lush landscape, delicious food, and well-mannered people. Here are some examples of essays about Japan.

A developed country in Asia known as the “land of the rising sun,” Japan has become a hot commodity for tourism and business. Japan is truly a sight to behold, from its beautiful cherry blossoms, efficient public transportation system, and delicious food.

Japan’s rich history has allowed it to develop into one of the most advanced nations in the world, and its technology is renowned worldwide. Moreover, its people are known for their discipline, hard work, and resilience, even in the face of severe natural disasters. Japan is, without a doubt, a country worth visiting.

If you want to write essays about Japan, here are our best essay examples and writing prompts to help you begin.

1. What Japan Taught Me About Life by Beth Louise

2. japan experience: reflection on japanese culture by rayan elhafiz abdalla, 3. what i learned about design from travel in japan by teo yu siang.

4. The best time to visit Japan by Pat Kay

5. A Day Trip To Kobe by David Swanson

5 prompts for essays about japan, 1. what does japan mean to you , 2. misogyny in japanese society, 3. why visit japan, 4. japan’s history, 5. living in japan: what’s it like.

“In fact, there’s so much to see and do that it feels like a lifetime of exploring would never uncover all that’s on offer. It’s also a bright, buzzing lesson in living fast; just wandering around in the crowds is a massive adrenaline rush, and Monday nights are as mental as Fridays. But despite the intensity of a city so large, people are calm and quiet. It’s the most magical juxtaposition. Everything is moving at light-speed, but with such efficiency and thoughtfulness, that it feels like a well-oiled, intuitive machine, powering a ride that you never want to get off.”

In her essay, Louise writes about her experience traveling to Tokyo, Japan. She compares it to a machine, with all the people in the city playing their part. She is amazed by the people’s focus, discipline, manners, and sense of purpose, and she can better appreciate life’s simplicity. She is mesmerized by Japan and recommends booking a trip to Tokyo as soon as possible.

You might also like these essays about being yourself and essays about college .

“People were very friendly, they will greet you even if they don’t know you. One shocking incident that I will not forgot, is when the cashier was trying to help me put all my coin money in my wallet with me. In America I am not used to having someone put my money inside my wallet, that is really invading personal space. However, I learned that in Japan it seems normal to just drop off someone’s coins in their wallet.”

Similar to Louise, Abdalla reflects on new things he discovered about Japan and its people during his time there. These range from trivial things such as the “Pokemon Go” rollout in the country to the Japanese’ sense of honor and discipline. He recounts an experience in which the cashier was helping him put his change into his wallet, something he is not used to back home. He provides excellent, although short, insight into Japan, its culture, and its people.

“Everything around us is designed: from the smartphones we use every day to the tactile paving on a walkway. But it’s often hard to examine the designed environment around us with eyes as fresh as a tourist’s. So if you’ve made it to the end of this post, I’ve got a challenge for you: The next time you take a walk outside, try to become aware of the thousands of design decisions around you. What works, and what can be improved?”

Siang writes about the edge that Japanese cities and society in general have because they are well-designed. He cites innovations such as fast, automated cash register machines and aid for the visually impaired and recalls lessons such as the importance of accessibility when designing something.

4. The best time to visit Japan by Pat Kay

“When people ask me “When is the best time to visit Japan?”, I usually reply with “anytime”. Japan is always a good idea, at any time of year. It’s truly an all-year-round destination that provides vastly varied experiences throughout its distinct 4 seasons. Whether you’re a traveller who loves snow, or one who thrives in humidity; a traveller who wants to see beautiful nature changes, or wants to be thrown into crowds; whatever your style of travel, there’s a season and a time for that.”

Kay describes the weather and activities during the different seasons in Japan, giving readers an idea of when they would prefer to visit. Japan ranges from the ethereal but chaotic cherry blossom season to the calm, frigid snow season; however, each year’s season has its own charm. Kay’s essay gives good insight into the best times to visit Japan.

“When planning a visit to Kobe, consider the fact that the city has been completely rebuilt since 1995, following the great Hanshin earthquake that leveled much of the city. Except for a few memorials, you likely won’t be aware of the destruction at all. Instead, what you will discover is a cosmopolitan port city where foreign influences intermingle, museums are dedicated to sake, and a conveniently compact and walkable quarter showcases a robust nightlife scene that has featured jazz on the menu for nearly a century. Oh, and, of course, there is the beef.”

In this short write-up, Swanson lists the best things to do in Kobe, Japan, a place best known for its top-quality beef. However, there are many things to do in the city besides eating beef, such as viewing historical buildings, going to the hot springs, and visiting the botanical gardens. However, Swanson notes that eating is an integral part of a trip to Kobe, and one should not miss out on trying the beef.

In your essay, you can write about the country’s significance to you. For example, are you from there, or do you have Japanese ancestry? Have you visited? Write about your connection to the country and why this connection exists in the first place. If Japan has a special place in your heart, this essay topic is for you.

When editing for grammar, we also recommend taking the time to improve the readability score of a piece of writing before publishing or submitting

With all its glory and excellence, Japan is less evolved in gender equality. So how are women treated in Japan? First, delve into research about the treatment of women in Japanese society, and show how the culture differs from modern western gender equality ideologies. Then, discuss why Japan is behind in encouraging women’s equal rights. Make sure to cite research, statistics, and interviews to support your point.

This topic is straightforward; whether you have been or not, try to persuade others to visit the country. Include highlights that others should visit and suggestions for places others can visit. If Japan was a bad experience for you, go the other way: why should you not visit Japan?

Japan has a dark history surrounding its role in World War II. In your essay, briefly explain these events and research their effects on Japan after the war. How did the war change Japan- for better or for worse? Elaborate on the impact and, as always, include references to strengthen your arguments. This is quite a broad topic, so you can focus on one element of Japanese society: values, city planning, relationships with tourists, race, inequality, and gender equality.

Based on reading articles and sample essays as well as any experiences in Japan, list the advantages and disadvantages of living in Japan and conclude whether it would be ideal for moving to Japan or not. Use anecdotes from travel writers or people who live in Japan to show why living in japan is enjoyable or not so enjoyable. Pick a stance for a compelling argumentative essay.

If you are interested in learning more, check out our essay writing tips !

If you’re stuck picking your next essay topic, check out our guide on how to write an essay about diversity .

Martin is an avid writer specializing in editing and proofreading. He also enjoys literary analysis and writing about food and travel.

View all posts

Japanese Culture Analysis: Core Values and Traditions

Introduction, history, culture and lifestyle, type of society, import/exports, types of employment, typical food, dress, customs, gender and globalization, works cited.

Japanese culture represents a unique combination of historical, political, religious and social forces which influence the society and its values. Every culture has its own unique qualities not found in other cultures. Japan is no exception. It is culture is centered on the core values and traditions. They lead Japanese people to have different ways of looking at the world largely from differences in language and religion. Japanese culture determines specific way of living and social relations, cultural and religious views.

Japanese culture is based on unique traditions and values influenced by religion and life style. The Japanese learned to view the world from the perspective of traditional versus modern values after the Meiji Restoration in 1868 following the opening of Japan’s doors to the world. This attitudinal structure started to fall apart in 1978, and its disintegration became definite by 1988. For example, the “conquering” nature was an important value during the era of Japan’s modernization process, but it has since been replaced by the “following” nature.

In the middle of the XX century, the traditional perspective of catching up with the West and categorizing what is Western and Japanese has become meaningless (Oxtoby 65). While the industrialization process produced divergent values for Japan and the West, it also is responsible for the development of some homogeneous cultural values. Researchers found three levels of similarities:

frequency distribution of single variables,
similar impacts of age and gender on attitudes, and
similar structures in the way people categorize their experience (Oxtoby 98).

Modern Japanese lifestyle is influenced by industrialization and innovations coming from other countries. Thus, Japanese value their old traditions and rituals adapting them to new social environment. For instance, Japanese take off shoes inside the house, they pay 5% commission tax for purchases, they follow bath and toilette design according to norms and practices of century old traditions (Oxtoby 99).

In short, the Japanese self, characterized by its diffuse nature or collective orientation, represents a self who lost its space to be free of the omnipresence of the giri-ninjâ social network in Japanese society in return for being taken care of by its group. The strong sense of belonging to one’s company and family assures one materially a comfortable life at the individual level and stability and safety at the social level, making Japan relatively free of violent crimes. Such a life is stifling and meaningless to Americans even if they must pay a high price of alienating from the rest of society (Shelley, 55).

Japan managed to keep a sense of alienation to a minimum as it industrialized and urbanized by maintaining its virtually “village” mentality and social network. However, the value the Japanese gain by observing the traditional code of conducts, the giri-ninjô, is material and psychological welfare, which is provided to members of Japanese society more or less equally and fairly at the individual level, and public safety, which is provided at the collective level in Japan today.

Another pair of terms often used in discussing Japanese culture is tatemae and honne. The former refers to the proper role expectation as defined by society and the second to one’s real inner feelings, however irrational they may be. Often, to act in accordance with giri is to act in conformity with the norm of a community (tatemae). The role language plays in culture cannot be underestimated, for it offers a way of organizing one’s life experience in a particular way that is shared by its speakers but not necessarily by people in other cultures (Davies and Ikeno, 76).

Family is one of the most important social institutions which keep century old traditions and human relations. In response to the traditional call for harmony, the Japanese are expected to conform to group norms. This proclivity yields situational ethics based on flexible standards ( Shelley, 1992 ) . There are no absolute criteria by which one passes judgment. The Japanese spend a disproportionately large sum of money for socializing, as embodied in semiannual gift exchanges between friends, relatives, and colleagues and after-work drinking of working men and women among co-workers and friends.

In Japan, nearly 100 % of the population are Buddhists and in many cases Scientists. The Japanese are, of course, not religious in the sense that they believe in God. Christians constitute about I % of the total population. Most Japanese are not very concerned with religion. They celebrate the birth of children in accordance with the Shintô rituals and bury their dead with the help of Buddhist priests. Meanwhile, they may get married in civil ceremonies, Christian churches, or other facilities. That is perhaps what makes it possible for the Japanese to accept more than one religion at the same time, an unthinkable option for monotheistic people of the West and West Asia, accustomed as they are to dialecticism.

The Japanese approach the world in a diffuse fashion or inclusively. The number of Japanese with a religious faith increases with age (Davies and Ikeno, 87). Fewer than 10 % of the Japanese in their early twenties and about 50 % of Japanese senior citizens over sixty years of age are religious. The older one becomes, the more religious one becomes. Likewise, Japan never had any revolutions such as experienced by China, France, and the United States.

Revolutions are carried out by those who believe in the total destruction of the old regime and the establishment of a radically different doctrine. The Japanese seem to be incapable of totally denying their past. They are always interested in improving (kaizen) their existing system–be it via fax machine, Buddhism, or television sets. The majority of the Japanese do not take religion very seriously from the Western perspective (Oxtoby 43).

Japanese society can be characterized as collectivist and industrialized society. Thus, recent years the increased sense of self-confidence among the Japanese suggests the passing of the era of catching up with the West. Changes reflect the transformation Japan is going through along with other industrialized parts of the world. These changes suggest that the Japanese are moving from a collectivity centered life to a more individual-centered life.

This change is manifested in the family line question, following a preferred way of life, and less interest shown in electoral participation. The Japanese are far from being individually oriented in relation to Americans. The Japanese are becoming more democratic in their orientation and transforming themselves out of being subjects to citizens with a full sense of confidence in taking part in politics (Japanese Lifestyle 2000). Women are beginning to be treated better than ever before, even though Japan has a long way to go toward being on par with the United States (Shelley 11).

Another perspective of Japan in which the self plays a less significant part is that Japan is a closed society. This dimension of Japan points to the ubiquitous existence of groups to which all Japanese belong, for family, school, and workplace to professional associations. The strength of group cohesiveness formed to protect and promote its members’ interest has its beneficial and as well as maleficent effects.

The rate of crime is low and the sense of alienation is remarkably low in urbanized and industrialized Japan, but it is difficult for newcomers to be accepted into any group (Japanese Lifestyle 2000). There are two types of social organization that result from this Japanese propensity:

mutual dependency relations, such as in a married couple, and
vertical relations or a hierarchy, as in oyabun-kobun (bossfollower) relations.

The former refers to what the Japanese traditionally call mochitsu motaretsu relations. The dependency relations characterized by primary group relations are maintained through the exchange of gifts and frequent visits (Martines, 88).

The remarkable feature of Japanese employment relations is a life long employment. Also, many employees would prefer to work for a “firm with a family-like atmosphere that organized outings and sports days, even if the wages were a little bit less” over another firm with a higher pay. The Japanese definitely consider the place of their employment as a place of their primary group association. They are reflective of family principles and national values and the country’s national identity.

It is often supposed that Japanese firms are flat, with administration being by consensus. Many Japanese firms exhibit hierarchical characteristics, with decision-making coming from the top. Japanese personnel practices are based on co-operation. The concept of collectivism , which starts in the family, and is mirrored in businesses, relies on mutual interdependence and loyalty (Action agenda 21, 2005).

Most Japanese prefer sea food as reflection of cultural traditions and cuisine. Sushi is one of the most well-known and popular food in Japan and around the world. Also, Japanese cuisine involve such popular dishes as domburi, Gomaae, Soba, Ramen etc, and the most popular drink Soke. Tea Ceremony is a special event in business negotiations. For centuries this ritual has been widely used in business as a special treatment and respect for guests. Kissing is the natural thing in many cultures. For Japanese people, kissing is not natural. It is not something that everybody does, or would like to do. Associated with the calculability of gifts is the idea that when it comes time to give someone a gift in return, its value should equal the value of a gift received from that person (Martines, 72).

Globalization ha changed social and cultural relations, economic and political situation in the world. In Japan, the main changes in economic and political life have been caused by greater participation of women in labor force and access to education. Globalization creates new opportunities for both men and women to educate and receive good education abroad. Place of residence provides an indicator of educational and occupational opportunities. It is assumed that rural and urban areas differ in social and economic structures. The chain change influenced integration and globalization processes is an increased number of men coming to cities.

Large cities and bigger towns have an advantage over rural communities in terms of educational facilities and work opportunities (Shelley 23). Utilizing life-table techniques, we will examine both the cumulative proportion of women who have entered the labor force at each age and the rate of entry at each age. The rate of entry will be decomposed into two components: entry into gainful or unpaid work. Greater participation of women in labor force creates new industries and services such as fashion industry and film industry, political leadership of women and equal rights movement (Shelley 81).

In sum, Japanese culture represents a unique mixture of religious and national traditions which lead to unique values, beliefs, family structure and economic relations inside the country. Characteristics of current economic activity in Japan are influenced by socioeconomic background, educational attainment, early work experiences, and household conditions. The effects of each of these variables vary in each country; though, some common relationships appear. Education is positively related to laborforce participation, especially in gainful service. Japanese cultural principles influence all aspects of life and relations between people and between genders.

Action agenda 21: The UK and Japan in the 21st century . 2005. Web.

Davies, R.J., Ikeno, O. The Japanese Mind: Understanding Contemporary Japanese Culture . Tuttle Publishing, 2002.

Japanese Customs and Traditions . 2007. Web.

Japanese Lifestyle 2000. Web.

Martines, D. The Worlds of Japanese Popular Culture . Cambridge University Press, 1998.

Oxtoby G. World Religions: Eastern Traditions . Oxford University Press, 2001.

Shelley, R. Culture Shock! Japan . Graphic Arts Center Publishing Company, 1992.

Cite this paper

Chicago (N-B)
Chicago (A-D)

StudyCorgi. (2021, November 16). Japanese Culture Analysis: Core Values and Traditions. https://studycorgi.com/japanese-culture-analysis/

"Japanese Culture Analysis: Core Values and Traditions." StudyCorgi , 16 Nov. 2021, studycorgi.com/japanese-culture-analysis/.

StudyCorgi . (2021) 'Japanese Culture Analysis: Core Values and Traditions'. 16 November.

1. StudyCorgi . "Japanese Culture Analysis: Core Values and Traditions." November 16, 2021. https://studycorgi.com/japanese-culture-analysis/.

Bibliography

StudyCorgi . "Japanese Culture Analysis: Core Values and Traditions." November 16, 2021. https://studycorgi.com/japanese-culture-analysis/.

StudyCorgi . 2021. "Japanese Culture Analysis: Core Values and Traditions." November 16, 2021. https://studycorgi.com/japanese-culture-analysis/.

This paper, “Japanese Culture Analysis: Core Values and Traditions”, was written and voluntary submitted to our free essay database by a straight-A student. Please ensure you properly reference the paper if you're using it to write your assignment.

Before publication, the StudyCorgi editorial team proofread and checked the paper to make sure it meets the highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, fact accuracy, copyright issues, and inclusive language. Last updated: March 28, 2022 .

If you are the author of this paper and no longer wish to have it published on StudyCorgi, request the removal . Please use the “ Donate your paper ” form to submit an essay.

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

The Ultimate Guide to Japanese Culture, Traditions, Language and Beyond

Japan has a rich culture that spans thousands of years, with prehistory dating back as far as 14,500 BC.

With proud traditions of elegance, simplicity and formality, Japan has some of the finest cultural offerings in the world.

In this post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Japanese culture — the Japanese language , food, anime, religion and spirituality, you name it.

Japanese Customs and Traditions

Japanese arts and entertainment, food and drink culture in japan, japanese sports culture, history and influences of japanese culture, japanese religion and spirituality, work and business culture in japan, the japanese language, and one more thing....

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

asian-family-sitting-together-at-dinner-table-with-side-dishes

Japan is generally a conservative society with many unique customs. Some dating back thousands of years. Traditions are highly regarded as pillars of what makes the Japanese people unique.

Here are a few aspects of the modern-day Japan customs:

Clothing tends to be modest , muted in color and concealing compared to Western clothes. Japanese people still wear traditional clothing at festivals and during important ceremonies though.
Tattoos are traditionally associated with yakuza —the Japanese mafia. They boast detailed full-body works of art that affiliate them with their clan. This means that your ink might raise a few eyebrows. However, younger people tend to be more accepting of tattoos.
Dating doesn’t begin until someone confesses . This mutual acknowledgment of each other’s feelings provides the springboard to begin a relationship. Japanese usually show less affection and instead show subtle signs that they care. Also, kissing your significant other in public is a big no-no!
Mascots do more than look cute. Japan’s mascots have gained a reputation for being cute and cuddly representations of companies, products, cities and more. But they also serve a cultural purpose. These beloved characters promote tourism and increase awareness of important issues.

Keep reading:

Dating in Japanese? No problem. Click here to learn 42 romantic Japanese phrases. Learn how to use pick-up lines, ask someone out, confess to your crush, break up with…

Japanese mascots (or yuru-kyara) are an international phenomenon. They’re everywhere you look in Japan and have become an integral part of the culture, even showing up in…

japanese-traditional-art-of-woman-looking-at-painting

Japanese art has beautiful aesthetics of elegance and simplicity. Some arts have been carefully crafted over centuries, while others were developed more recently.

Japanese Anime

It’s impossible to talk about Japanese art without mentioning anime.

Anime has taken the world by storm and is one of the largest gateways to Japan’s artistic culture. Many classics such as “Astro Boy,” “Dragon Ball” and “Naruto” have become household names.

Anime has its roots in the Edo period , when shows called utsushi-e that involved glass slides cast through a wooden lantern became popular.

Today, Japan boasts over 400 animation companies that have created hundreds of shows and movies.

Are you looking to learn Japanese with anime? In this post, we share 37 of the best anime series and movies to brush up your language skills no matter what level your…

Japanese Authors

“The Tale of Genji” is one of the world’s oldest novels, written by Japanese author Murasaki Shikibu.

Japan has a rich literary tradition that continues today thanks to the contributions of Japanese authors from across the centuries. Many have works renowned worldwide, including Kenzaburo Oe and Haruki Murakami.

Short stories also have a massive place in Japanese literature, with collections of stories compiled in books and monthly magazines.

As far as famous Japanese authors are concerned, you may only be familiar with Haruki Murakami and Banana Yoshimoto. But what about Junichiro Tanizaki, Kobo Abe, Mitsuyo…

Japanese short stories have become famous in both the literary and language learning worlds. If you’re looking for some concise beauty, lovely grammar usage and playful…

Japanese Entertainment

Ever heard of Akira Kurosawa? Utada Hikaru? How about Takuya Kimura?

These are just a few of Japan’s media icons.

Of course, who can forget “Godzilla” or “The Ring”? Both of these films are Japanese, and many Japanese movies have captured global audiences.

Their rich stories reflect the history and themes popular in Japan, making them a great way to get familiar with the culture.

Japanese singers have also created music that charms the hearts of the populace and niche communities.

Japanese music is a huge part of Japanese culture. So rock your Japanese studies with these 11 most famous singers and groups! We include classics like Utada Hikaru and…

These incredible Japanese movies are must-see masterpieces whether you’re a cinephile, Japanophile or both. Many of them are the important, influential movies you’d find…

Japanese Theater

Kabuki theater —perhaps the most widely known—involves thrilling, stylistic performances by actors in vibrant masks.

In contrast, Noh theater involves refined movements and carefully crafted poetic stories with roots in performances at religious ceremonies.

There are also the masterfully manipulated puppets in Bunraku , which continue to entertain thousands in the 21st century just as they did in 16th century Edo.

Japanese Traditional Arts

One of the most prolific of Japan’s traditional arts is the tea ceremony , an elaborate tradition of preparing matcha and serving it with delicious sweets. It’s the ultimate show of hospitality.

This highly formal ceremony involves using bamboo tools to serve and whisk the tea in a series of steps so guests can enjoy a cup of thick green tea.

Other arts include calligraphy , which turns writing Japanese kanji into a flowing, graceful piece of art. There’s also ikebana , which involves arranging flowers into a specific aesthetic style.

Schools and universities typically have clubs dedicated to practicing these arts, and community centers offer classes and events where anybody can experience them—tourists included!

Japanese Manga

Manga is one of Japan’s most popular inventions and is now famous worldwide. It consists of comics and graphic novels.

Manga covers various genres, from action and adventure to romance and comedy. It also often features distinctive visual styles and storytelling techniques.

You can find countless manga series in weekly or monthly magazines in Japan and online. They’re often later compiled into tankobon volumes—which are basically comic book collections. Many animes are also based on manga series.

Some popular mangas include Naruto , One Piece , Attack on Titan and Death Note .

Japanese comic books or manga feature some impressively cool artwork and storytelling. Try reading these 5 exciting manga series today and find out where to buy both the…

If you want to learn Japanese with manga, click here. This guide gives six simple steps to learn Japanese with manga effectively, unique learning tips, explores our top…

Traditional Japanese food is known as washoku (和食, わしょく, Japanese food). It’s known for its simple, clean flavors, which vary from region to region .

Food is taken very seriously, and the ideal meal is created while considering the balance of colors, flavors and nutrients.

Fish and seafood are the staple protein of Japanese meals, although Japan has many delicious meat dishes ( yakitori , anyone?). Miso soup and pickled vegetables are found on every washoku menu. And delicious, fluffy white rice!

Dozens of varieties of tea are cultivated in Japan, with bottles of warm and cold tea available in vending machines nationwide. Green tea, oolong tea, black tea… going into every single kind would take ages.

Alcohol holds a special place in Japanese culture. From traditional sake to chuu-hai and beer, Japanese people are big drinkers. Many bonding sessions between colleagues are held over glasses of beer at an izakaya .

When drinking, filling your friends’ glasses before your own is a must—preferably before they get empty.

Knowing how to order food in Japanese might be critical to your survival in Japan, but it’s also part of becoming fluent. Click here for the ultimate guide on how to order…

This Japanese food vocabulary is guaranteed to make you hungry, instantly. Don’t read about this delicious vocabulary on an empty stomach! You’ve been warned.

From martial arts to modern sports, Japan loves athletics.

They even have a dedicated holiday called “Health and Sports Day” where schools and communities unite for huge athletic events.

Baseball is Japan’s most popular sport, with the Japan Series and High School Baseball Championships drawing thousands to the stands every year.

Some Japanese players have also reached celebrity status outside of Japan— Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners is undoubtedly one of the most famous ballplayers ever.

Tennis, soccer and golf are also enjoyed throughout the country, both recreationally and competitively.

However, traditional Japanese sport remains popular. Sumo is the unofficial national sport of Japan , which originated as a Shinto ritual and evolved into a thrilling wrestling match where two giant men attempt to throw each other out of the ring.

Japanese Martial Arts

Japanese martial arts are a window into the cultural heritage of Japan.

Judo —a martial art focused on technical takedowns of one’s opponent—has achieved global popularity and an Olympic category.

Kendo swordsmanship has roots in samurai techniques, as duelers let out spirited shouts in a flurry of bamboo blades.

There’s also Japanese archery— kyudo —which uses large, powerful bows and has a subsection devoted to shooting on horseback.

And of course, there’s aikido and jujitsu .

two-women-wearing-kimonos-looking-at-japanese-pagoda

Ancient Japan had Chinese and Korean influences. Many technologies, such as rice farming and ironwork, came from China and Korea. Buddhism started in Japan through the Korean peninsula, while Japanese kanji comes from Chinese characters.

Even tea was imported from China, first brought to Japan by Buddhist monks returning from their studies in the 8th century.

Confucianism and its teachings diffused throughout Japan, developing Japan’s group-oriented culture . This Confucian principle holds that the group’s harmony is primarily placed above the individual’s feelings.

As such, Japanese people view themselves as a collective group , taking great care to act in the best interests of those around them to preserve integrity.

Being able to read the atmosphere, kūki o yomu (空気を読む, くうきをよむ), is necessary for all situations so that everyone’s feelings are taken into account before an individual makes a decision.

But that’s not to say Japan has no home-grown traditions.

Japanese customs revolve around the four seasons. Japan places a lot of emphasis on its four distinct seasons: warm pleasant springs, hot humid summers, crisp blustery autumns and cool frosty winters.

Japanese people look forward to hanami (花見 , はなみ, cherry blossom viewing) in the springtime and wearing yukata , a more casual version of the kimono , at summer festivals.

Different foods are served depending on the time of year as well.

Another Japan-native custom is the immense influence of Tokyo on everything. Beginning in feudal times, when the families of the nobility and military officials were required to live in Tokyo, a typical “Tokyo culture” became pervasive and seen as the standard for all of Japan.

A quarter of Japan’s population lives in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area. And Tokyo is the political, financial and cultural hub for the entire country.

It also gets attacked by giant monsters in movies—much like New York or Los Angeles in the United States!

Learn how to say the four seasons in Japanese, and over 20 related vocabulary words and phrases. In addition to the seasons, discover some seasonal facts about Japanese…

Japan has two major religions: Shinto and Buddhism .

These religions coexist peacefully in Japanese society, with traditions from both found in everyday life.

Shinto shrines can be found at Buddhist temples, and Japanese people commonly have a Shinto wedding and a Buddhist funeral.

Shinto is the religion indigenous to Japan. It believes that the kami (神, かみ) inhabits all things, from animals to mountains.

Kami may be translated as “god” or “spirit,” but those words don’t quite cover the essence of what kami are.

They are natural forces that inspire a sense of awe and reverence, which can manifest in places, things or even people.

Shrines are built to house and worship kami , and it is here where rituals of worship and offerings are made to these deities. Priests and miko (巫女, みこ, shrine maidens) are the ones who traditionally carry out these rituals and care for the shrines.

Shinto is more of a set of customs and traditions rather than an organized religion with strict doctrines and holy texts .

Buddhism was imported to Japan via the Korean kingdom of Baekje.

It encompasses a variety of spiritual paths that seek to release an individual from earthly suffering and the cycle of rebirth by attaining enlightenment.

Initially, Buddhism was embraced by the ruling class of Japan before eventually gaining acceptance among the common people. Buddhism and its teachings spread across the country, with grand temples being built and monks traveling to China to study.

Over time, Buddhism evolved into several Japanese sects, including Nichiren, Pure Land and Zen Buddhism.

These sects have different specific practices, but they all revolve around keeping a pure heart and mind as one diligently performs rituals and introspective meditation.

Other Religions

Other religions—such as Christianity and Islam—are uncommon in Japan. However, Japan does celebrate Christmas as a romantic holiday.

Despite all of these practices, Japan is not especially religious in a traditional sense. Religious rituals are more observed as a cultural habit than devout practice among everyday people.

Visiting shrines and temples is common to pray for good luck or fortune, and many festivals are held at Shinto shrines.

On New Year’s Day, people flock to the shrines for the first new year visit. And Buddhist temples ring a bell 108 times to drive out the misfortune of the previous year.

“Merry Christmas” in Japanese is メリークリスマス (merii kurisumasu). Learn more ways to say “merry Christmas” with this guide, which covers Japanese holiday…

Superstition and Japan

Japan is more superstitious than religious.

Many of these superstitions have roots in old folklore and involve word associations, as Japanese has many homophones (words pronounced the same with different meanings).

For instance, unlucky years—known as yakudoshi (厄年, やくどし) —are ages of your life when it’s believed you’re more prone to bad luck.

Speaking of ill-omen numbers, 4 and 9 represent death and suffering. So they tend to be avoided in room numbers and gift-giving.

Fortune telling is also popular, and visiting a shrine to receive a fortune or make a wish to the gods is a common activity.

Japanese superstitions are a big part of Japanese culture, so you definitely don’t want to miss them. Check out these 10 spooky superstitions from Japan, ranging from…

Japanese fortune telling is a unique aspect of the culture. In this post, you’ll learn about the sacred lot of omikuji, the beckoning cat, daruma dolls, wooden prayer emas…

Manners and Etiquette in Japan

With gestures and actions, Japanese people nurture their relationships with one another and maintain harmony in the group.

Some basics to keep in mind are:

Take off your shoes when entering someone’s house.
Silence your phone on the train or bus.
Never stick your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice. This is only done at funerals. Don’t play with them, either!
Carry your garbage until you find the proper bin to dispose of it.
Make sure you stand on the proper side of the escalator.

Japanese gestures can differ drastically from those used in the West, so brushing up could be a good idea! Here are 14+ gestures you’ll need in Japan, plus body language…

Japanese Formality

Japanese society is very formal and hierarchical.

When Japanese people interact, they consider their age, occupation, social standing and degree of familiarity as they choose their words and actions.

But don’t—you’re not expected to master all the formalities.

Here are a few facts to help you navigate polite Japanese society:

Formal Japanese is different from informal language. Different politeness levels of speech range from extremely casual to polite speech called keigo . These levels help you show the proper amount of respect to the other person.
The polite way of sitting is known as seiza. On formal occasions—such as a fancy dinner, when the guests are required to sit on the floor—it’s good manners to sit with your legs tucked underneath you and your hands on your thighs (for men) or folded in your lap (for women).
How you bow matters. While it’s common knowledge that bowing in Japan shows respect, there are different degrees of bows depending on the situation. The most casual bow is eshaku (会釈, えしゃく) at 15°. K eirei (敬礼, けいれい) is for bosses and in-laws, and is performed at 30-45°. The deeper the bow, the more respectful it is. Visiting temples or apologizing for something significant requires a deep, long bow of 70°.

Japanese keigo is the cherished system of being polite. As you may know, Japanese people love being polite. They like it so much they have multiple special grammar…

Should you use formal or informal Japanese? How should you behave in a Japanese business meeting? What’s the right way to greet a Japanese friend? Stop fretting and learn…

It’s hard to find a more rigid and formal world than the Japanese business one. There are rules for where the supervisor sits in a room, how to greet superiors and customers, showing due deference and more.

If you hope to do business with Japanese companies, it’s worth taking note of the differences in work culture between your country and Japan.

https://www.fluentu.com/blog/japanese/business-japanese-vocabulary/

Business Cards

Exchanging business cards (名刺交換, めいしこうかん) is a standard custom in Japan and is crucial if you hope to make any headway with your new Japanese contacts.

Business cards are seen as the face of the individual they belong to and must be handled with the utmost respect.

Workplace Hierarchy

There are strict hierarchies in the Japanese workplace. Seniority is king, with those who have been at companies longer earning higher wages and being offered better promotions.

Because of the value placed on hierarchy, Japanese employees are required to check with their supervisor on any issues.

Rather than the go-getter individual valued in the West, a person who diligently checks with their boss before making any decision is seen as a good employee in Japan.

Socialization After Work

Japanese businessmen know how to unwind. Socializing at bars or karaoke places after work with your coworkers—in a practice called nomikai (飲み会 , のみかい) —is common to build relationships among the team.

The strict social regulations of the workplace ease up in these situations, which allows coworkers to complain to each other about the stresses of the job.

Sometimes a few members of the group will go out for a second party called nijikai (二次会 , にじかい), literally meaning “second party.” Things can really get wild there!

Japanese is spoken by 125 million people worldwide .

It’s also one of the most difficult to master, with three writing systems, grammar structures much different from English and an entire subsection of hierarchical language.

Japanese is considered a language isolate, meaning it has no relationship to any other language.

This makes Japanese unique in its structure, with no other language quite like it.

Contrary to popular belief, Japanese is actually easy to learn. For starters, its verb conjugations are much simpler than that of many other languages and word order is…

Japanese Pronunciation

Japanese has 15 consonants and only five vowels , so pronouncing Japanese is pretty easy once you get the hang of the accent.

The consonants and vowels are combined to form syllables, which is what hiragana and katakana are used to convey.

The best part? Every syllable is pronounced the same, no matter where it is in a sentence.

Japanese Writing

Hiragana and katakana are the two indigenous systems used to write Japanese.

They’re classified as syllabaries, meaning one character translates to one syllable (consonant + vowel).

Kanji, on the other hand, was borrowed from China.

Kanji is a pictographic system, with one character translating to one word. Fun fact: hiragana and katakana were derived from kanji!

If you’re curious how to learn Hiragana and Katakana quickly, then you’ve come to the right place! Read this post to learn all about these two key Japanese writing…

“How to learn kanji without getting a headache” is a thought you probably have on a regular basis. Luckily, you can read this list of different approaches to learning…

Japanese Speech

Japanese has gendered speech , meaning it has different speech styles for men and women. The two main differences lie in personal pronouns and sentence-ending particles.

In Japanese, there are several different ways of saying “I.”

あたし is exclusively female, while 俺 (おれ) is exclusively male. 私 (わたし) can be used regardless of sex.

Some Japanese particles—little sounds that identify the role of words in a sentence—lean more towards a specific gender. わ, なの and かしら are preferred by women, while ぞ, ぜ and よ are used in rough, male speech.

Japan also has different dialects depending on the region of the country. How one person speaks in Fukuoka can sound odd to someone from Aomori.

This is why I recommend immersing yourself in as much Japanese as possible from day one.

An easy way to do this is using a language learning program like FluentU .

Japanese particles are important if you want to understand native speakers and form your own sentences. Read this blog post to learn the most essential 17 Japanese…

Gender in Japanese isn’t a simple as it is in some other languages. Though there is no official grammatical gender in the language, gender slips into much speech, from…

There are seven Japanese dialects, besides Standard Japanese. Knowing each of the major seven dialects, or at least a little about them, will help you as you travel around…

With so much culture to explore, Japan is a country you can get endlessly lost in.

Anybody can find something that piques their interest—athletics, arts, food and beyond.

If you love learning Japanese with authentic materials, then I should also tell you more about FluentU .

FluentU naturally and gradually eases you into learning Japanese language and culture. You'll learn real Japanese as it's spoken in real life.

FluentU has a broad range of contemporary videos as you'll see below:

FluentU makes these native Japanese videos approachable through interactive transcripts. Tap on any word to look it up instantly.

All definitions have multiple examples, and they're written for Japanese learners like you. Tap to add words you'd like to review to a vocab list.

And FluentU has a learn mode which turns every video into a language learning lesson. You can always swipe left or right to see more examples.

The best part? FluentU keeps track of your vocabulary, and gives you extra practice with difficult words. It'll even remind you when it’s time to review what you’ve learned. You'll have a 100% personalized experience.

Start using the FluentU website on your computer or tablet or, better yet, download the FluentU app from the iTunes or Google Play store. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)

Enter your e-mail address to get your free PDF!

We hate SPAM and promise to keep your email address safe

Search Menu
Advance articles
Author Guidelines
Submission Site
Open Access
About Social Science Japan Journal
About the Institute of Social Sciences at the University of Tokyo
Editorial Board
Advertising and Corporate Services
Journals Career Network
Self-Archiving Policy
Terms and Conditions
Journals on Oxford Academic
Books on Oxford Academic

Article Contents

< Previous

Popular Culture, Globalization and Japan

Article contents
Figures & tables
Supplementary Data

Shawn BENDER, Popular Culture, Globalization and Japan, Social Science Japan Journal , Volume 10, Issue 1, April 2007, Pages 146–149, https://doi.org/10.1093/ssjj/jym014

Permissions Icon Permissions

The study of contemporary Japanese society over the past 20 years can be loosely divided into pre- and post-bubble periods. Before the bubble burst, studies tended to concentrate on sites of production, such as corporations, factories, schools and cities. As the economic threat posed by Japan receded after the collapse of the economic bubble in 1989, the academic focus on Japanese society gradually shifted to sites of consumption and performance. Anxiety over the ‘hard’ power of Japan's expanding gross national product gave way to a new appreciation for the ‘soft’ power of Japan's emergent ‘Gross National Cool’ ( McGray 2002). Whereas an earlier era of scholarship attempted to unlock the unique cultural patterns that made the Japanese ‘economic animals’ so formidable, studies in the post-bubble era emphasize the heterogeneity of Japanese society. This new scholarship embraces the products of Japan's dynamic popular culture, not just its traditional culture, as expressions of contemporary society. Instead of limiting the study of Japan to its territorial borders, researchers investigate the impact of economic and cultural globalization on Japan as well as Japan's significant cultural impact on the world.

Email alerts

Citing articles via.

Recommend to your Library

Affiliations

Online ISSN 1468-2680
Print ISSN 1369-1465
About Oxford Academic
Publish journals with us
University press partners
What we publish
New features
Open access
Institutional account management
Rights and permissions
Get help with access
Accessibility
Advertising
Media enquiries
Oxford University Press
Oxford Languages
University of Oxford

Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford. It furthers the University's objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide

Cookie settings
Cookie policy
Privacy policy
Legal notice

This Feature Is Available To Subscribers Only

This PDF is available to Subscribers Only

For full access to this pdf, sign in to an existing account, or purchase an annual subscription.

Home / Essay Samples / Culture / World Cultures / Japanese Culture

Japanese Culture Essay Examples

The vibrant japanese culture: a journey through its customs.

Japanese culture is rich and diverse, encompassing a wide range of traditions, customs, and beliefs that have evolved over thousands of years. From the arts and cuisine to religion and philosophy, Japanese culture is glorified in this essay for its beauty, refinement, and attention to...

History of Change of Women Roles from the Tokugawa Shogunate to Modern Japan

In the decades since women’s history became an acknowledged field on a global scale, scholars and authors have produced essays, biographies, and translations that consider the subject of women in early modern Japan. Japanese culture has historically emphasized gender roles, and the position of women...

Analysis of Shogunate of Tokugawa Ieyasu in Japan

Prior to the 17th century, Japan had to go through a battle that decided the fate of its country for the next two centuries. And that was a major event in the history of Japan. This battle named the Battle of Sekigahara took place due...

Ritualization of Pregnancy and Childbirth before the Meiji Restoration (1868)

The area of ritual and state in modern Japanese religious history is a very rich one. Research on the symbolism of state rites has been a topic of enduring interest, as have functionalist studies of the significance of state rites, especially Shinto ritual, in the...

The History of the Origin of Origami

Many studies vigorously place in categorical order that origami used to be invented via the Japanese about a few hundred thousand years ago, but its roots may supplementally made in China. Certainly, inside Europe Tradition, the practise's of constant folding and material pleating have prevailed...

The History and Culture of Japanese Cuisine

Because of its delicious taste, full nutritional value, and the pleasure brought by vision, Japanese cuisine enjoys international reputation. Most people who like Japanese cuisine don't know. In fact, the Japanese cuisine we are familiar with, such as sushi, tempura or Shouxi Shao, is not...

Japanese Food Culture: How Sushi Became a Global Food

The world is transforming at a very high rate, connecting people from different walks of life and thus diversifying culture. The interaction of people has not only improved tourism across the globe but has also improved trade as people have gone international. It is this...

Cultural Appropriation of Japanese Culture by Global Celebrities

Globalisation as defined by G. Ritzer, “Is the worldwide diffusion of practices, expansion of relations across continents, the organizations of social life on a global scale, and the growth of a shared global consciousness”. Today guided by the instantaneous nature of media, which allows media...

Illustration of the Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory of Personality in the Black Swan Movie

This paper is going to examine the connections between national cuisine and identity. Some foods are so identified with a country that it is difficult to imagine that country without talking about that particular food. Sometimes a cuisine can even be used to soften international...

The Impact of the Legacy of Black Women to the Discriminative Society of the Jim Crow

Tracing back to the origin of sushi, it is surprising that its history is not far away. During the Yanbao period of the Edo period (1673 to 1680). Kyoto's doctor Matsumoto Shinji put a variety of seafood vinegar together. Then, eat it with rice. It...

Trying to find an excellent essay sample but no results?

Don’t waste your time and get a professional writer to help!