According to ICOMOS, culture refers to “the whole complex of distinctive spiritual, material, intellectual and emotional features that characterize a community, society or social group. It includes not only the arts and literature, but also modes of life, the fundamental rights of the human being, value systems, traditions and beliefs. Culture encompasses the living or the contemporary characteristics and values of a community as well as those that have survived from the past.”
Religion
Many Japanese do not believe in any particular religion, instead they are devoted to more than one religious conviction. Syncretism is one of the main charcteristic of the Japanese religion. It is natural for a Japanese to attend a wedding at a Christian Church and go to a funeral at a Buddhist temple. The Japanese considered themselves to be both Shintorist and Buddhist. In the sixth century when Buddhism was introduced to Japan, Shinto and Buddhist beliefs began to interact. These are the two major religions in Japan. This defines the characteristic of Japanese religion. Other array of religions that the Japanese believes include Confucianism, Islam and Christianity.
Here is a video of the two major religions in Japan- Shintoism and Buddhism
Shinto is a Japan’s native religion which stands for "the way of gods". Shinto’s concept is very similar to Animism. For ancient Japanese, the god is found in sprits and they are elsewhere such as mountains, oceans, rivers, animals, plants, houses and stones. The great variety of gods is known as “The eight hundred myriads”. Shito is deeply rooted in the local religious traditions, however it does not integrate any sacred writings.
Buddhism is originated in India and was transmitted to Japan via China and Korea in the mid-sixth century and exerted profound influence on Japanese culture.
Although religion does not play a vital role in the everyday life of the Japanese, the Japanese will still observes the religious rituals during festival celebrations and ceremonies like births, marriages and funerals.
Religious Festivals & Events
There are numerous local festivals (Matsuri) in Japan because almost every shrine has its own festival. Most festivals are held on once a year.
Jinja refers to Shinto shrine which can be found throughout Japan. During the different festivals, the Japanese will go to the Jinja to pray.
Seven Five Three Festival (Shichi-go-san) is a festival where girls and boys of three years old, boys of five and girls of seven years old dress up in Kimono and then go to a local shrine to pray for good health and growth.
Coming of Age Ceremony (Seijin shiki) is celebrated on the second Monday of January by all youngsters who turn twenty years old. This is the age where they begin their adulthood and celebrate new beginnings of discovery in their life.
Arts
There are many forms of traditional performing arts which are still performed in Japan today.
Kabuki is the most well known traditional stage entertainment for common people throughout the Tokugawa (Edo) period. Introduced in the early seventeenth century, it is a form of theatre which emphasizes dance and music.
Noh is Japan’s oldest theatrical arts originated in the 14th century. It is a complex art form which integrates song, dance and mask theatre.
Cuisine
In the recent years, Japanese cuisine has became more familiarised and appreciated around the world. Japan is offers a large variety of dishes that is famous for its quality and tastes. The local delicacy varies in different regions of Japan. Below is a list of Japan’s delicacies found in the different regions:
Seafood: Hokkaido
Takoyaki/ Octopus Ball: Osaka
Miso/ Soybean paste: Nagoya
Okomoniyaki/ Pan Cake: Hiroshima
Hakata Ramen: Fukuoka
Sushi: Tokyo
Tempura: Kyoto
Besides these delicacies, you will also be able to find many other varieties of Japanese sumptuous food such as Sukiyaki, Sashimi, Yakitori, Tonkatsu, Shabu-Shabu, Soba and Udon etc.
Sushi is the most famous Japanese dish.In the Edo period, "sushi" is known to be pickled fish conserved in vinegar. Today sushi can be defined as a dish containing rice which has been prepared with sushi vinegar. There are many different types of sushi such as Nigiri and Temaki.
A popular drink in Japan is Nihonshu, aka Japanese Sake, which is an alcoholic drink produces in Niigata made from rice and seed malt, and brewed using traditional Japanese methods. It can be served hot at a certain temperature, at room temperature or chilled.
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