Japanese Tradition

Japanese mythology offers a fascinating lens from which to gaze upon the natural world. Through tales of heroic samurai, creepy vengeful ghosts, and deities that wield the mighty powers of nature, these stories and mythical figures emphasize the importance of humans living harmoniously with their surroundings. It is often said that in order to understand a country’s culture and history, one needs to simply look at the stories they tell about the world around them.

Kabuki is a traditional Japanese performing art that features music, dance, and drama.

"The Language of the Rising Sun" is a comprehensive guide crafted to unravel the intricate tapestry of Japan's language and its intimate connection to the nation's vibrant heritage. From the beauty of its characters to the depths of its grammar, this book navigates the terrain of Japanese, offering a pathway to not just linguistic proficiency but a profound appreciation for Japan's rich cultural legacy.

La mitología japonesa ofrece una mirada asombrosa sobre el mundo natural. A través de historias de heroicos samuráis, espeluznantes fantasmas vengativos y deidades que ejercen el poder de la naturaleza, junto a otras figuras míticas, se enfatiza la importancia de que los humanos vivan armoniosamente con su entorno.

The Book of Tea (1906) by Okakura Kakuzō is a long essay which examines the role of chadō (Teaism) in the aesthetic and cultural aspects of Japanese life. The author explains Teaism as “a philosophy founded on the adoration of the beautiful among the sordid facts of everyday existence”. Originally written in English for a western audience, the essay deals with the spiritual traditions of Zen and Taoism, as well as the secular side of tea in Japanese life.

The two conquering countries of the Second World War have not just been active in the 20th century, but both of their histories date way back. However, many of the things they did in the early days of their developing nations and peoples were based on the things they believed. Some of these beliefs were mythological creatures, nature spirits, symbols, and actual gods and goddesses with supernatural powers. In this guide, you will learn about some of the most intriguing of these.

Copying Buddhist sutras is called shakyo and in Japan it typically refers to copying the Hannya Shingyo (The Great Heart of Wisdom Sutra).

Japan is the only country in the world that uses a seal registration system.

Furoshiki are square cloths for storing, wrapping, and carrying items. They are also used to cover things that are important to protect from dust.

Gagaku is a traditional Japanese art form which combines singing and dancing elements from classical Japanese styles such as kagura (shinto music and dancing) with elements from the ancient Asian continent such as from China.

Origami is a traditional form of Japanese entertainment in which you make various shapes such as cranes, boats, and helmets by folding colored paper.

In contrast to the type of paper that originated in the West, there is also a type of paper made through a traditional Japanese manufacturing method called washi(Japanese paper).

Chopsticks are indispensable cutlery items when it comes to Japanese cuisine. They are used not only for eating, but also for cooking.

Fireworks that color the night sky are synonymous with summer in Japan, and fireworks festivals are held throughout the country every year, mainly during July and August.

There is a range of yakatabune from small boats with a capacity of 10 people, to larger luxurious ships that can carry up to 100 people.

A yukata is a type of Japanese clothing that is worn in summer. It is a thin cotton kimono that is relatively easy to wear compared to a regular kimono.

Nohgaku is a Japanese traditional art that has been practiced since the Muromachi period — more than 600 years.

Kado（flower arrangement） is a traditional Japanese art in which flower vases are adorned with seasonal flowers and plants for people to appreciate. This art is also known as ikebana.

Shodo means the traditional Japanese art of calligraphy, in which kanji and kana letters are written using a brush and ink.

The history of pottery in Japan stretches back a long way, and the Jomon pottery from the Jomon period, that began over 10,000 years ago, is said to be the oldest earthenware in Japan.