Overview
Japanese culture has evolved over millennia, from its prehistoric Jomon period to its contemporary modern culture, influenced by Asia and other global regions. Since the arrival of ancestral groups like the Yayoi and Kofun, Chinese dynasties, and the influence of the West during the Meiji era, Japanese culture has been enriched and diversified.
Identity
Two competing hypotheses attempt to explain the origins of the Japanese people. The dual-structure model proposes that Japanese populations are descendants of the indigenous Jomon people and later arrivals from the East Eurasian continent, known as the Yayoi people. Modern Japanese have an estimated 80% Yayoi and 20% Jomon ancestry.
The tripartite model proposes that contemporary Japanese people are from three distinct ancestral groups: Jomon, Yayoi, and Kofun. During the Kofun period, migrant groups from China arrived in Japan and brought cultural advances and centralized leadership.
Language
Japanese is the national and primary language of Japan, known for its pitch-accent system. The earliest attestation of the Japanese language was found in a Chinese document from 256 CE, but Japanese has no genetic relationship with Chinese or any other language. Theories about the origins of Japanese suggest a connection with Korean based on similar syntax, or with Altaic languages due to similar systems and verb forms. Japanese vocabulary consists of 49% words of Chinese origin, 33% words of Japanese origin, and 18% loanwords from other languages.
Religion
Shinto and Buddhism are the primary religions of Japan. Shinto is an ethnic religion focusing on ceremonies and rituals, while Buddhism is concerned with the cycle of rebirth and karma. Christianity was introduced in the 16th century, and while it remains a minority religion, Christian chapel marriage ceremonies are popular. Islam and Judaism are also present in Japan, but mainly among immigrant communities.
National Character
The Japanese "national character" has been the subject of debate and analysis, with scholars emphasizing the authors' assumptions or perceptions of Japanese exceptionalism.
Literature
Early Japanese literature was heavily influenced by cultural contact with China, but eventually developed its own unique style. The Tale of Genji, written during the Heian period, is known worldwide as a unique Japanese literature. Since the reopening of Japanese ports in the 19th century, Western and Eastern literature have strongly influenced each other.
Visual Arts
Japanese calligraphy is considered a traditional art form and a means of conveying written information. Styles include shodō (the way of writing) and sumi-e (ink painting). Japanese painting has been influenced by Chinese papermaking and traditional techniques, with schools of painting such as the Kano school of the 16th century becoming famous for their bold brush strokes. Ukiyo-e, woodblock prints, exemplify the characteristics of pre-Meiji Japanese art. Japanese lacquerware and ceramics have gained international fame since the Muromachi and Edo periods.
Traditional Clothing
The kimono is the national garment of Japan, influenced by Chinese court clothing in the Nara period. Kimono come in a variety of colors, styles, and sizes, with different patterns and fabrics denoting age, marital status, and social class. The happi coat is another form of traditional clothing, originally worn by firefighters.
Performing Arts
The four traditional theaters of Japan are noh, kyōgen, kabuki, and bunraku. Noh is characterized by masks, costumes, and stylized gestures. Kyōgen is of a humorous character. Kabuki emerged from the representations and dances of Izumo no Okuni in the Edo period, and is known for its makeup, nagauta ballads, and all-male casts. Bunraku, Japanese puppet theater, developed during the same period and is known for its elaborate puppets and skillful manipulation.
Sports and Leisure
Traditional Japanese martial arts, such as kendo, judo, and sumo, have been developed into modern sports, called gendai budō. Western sports like baseball, association football, and ping pong are also popular.
Cuisine
Japanese cuisine has become popular worldwide, with dishes such as sushi, tempura, and noodles being well-known. The traditional diet consists principally of rice, fresh seafood, and pickled or boiled vegetables.
Popular Culture
Japanese popular culture, including films, television programs, manga, music, anime, and video games, not only reflects contemporary attitudes but also provides a link to the past. Anime and manga series are particularly popular globally.
Cultural Landscapes
Japan has 51 official cultural landscapes that have evolved with the way of life and geocultural features of a region. The Three Views of Japan are the most celebrated scenic sights, while the New Three Views of Japan and the Three Major Night Views of Japan have also been recognized.
National Symbols
The Nisshōki, or "sun-rise flag," is the national flag of Japan, symbolizing the rising sun. The Japanese archipelago is known as the "Land of the Rising Sun" due to its location east of the Asian continent. The Imperial Seal of Japan is one of the national seals and a crest used by the Emperor of Japan, while the cherry blossom and chrysanthemum are de facto national flowers.