Examining the use of Japanese traditional medicine and acupuncture

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Examining the Use of Japanese Traditional Medicine and Acupuncture In contemporary times, traditional medicine is seen by most of us as a matter of choice – opting for time-tested cures and treatments or newer, more modern, medical theories. But for the Japanese, traditional medicine is deeply entrenched in their culture. Whether it’s acupuncture, moxibustion, Shiatsu, or Kampo – the island nation has embraced centuries-old practices as part of their healthcare regime. Let’s take a look at some of the unique treatments with origins in Japan, and how they’re used in everyday life. Acupuncture dates back to the 3rd century BC in Japan, where it was adopted from traditional Chinese medicine. It involves the use of very fine needles and pricking the skin, believed to relieve pain through the body’s release of endorphin and serotonin. Acupuncture is used to treat a wide range of conditions, such as migraines, digestive and neurological disorders, stress, allergies and addiction.

Exploring the history and legacy of animism in Japan

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Exploring the History and Legacy of Animism in Japan Animism is a belief that everything has a soul or a spiritual essence, and it has played an important role in shaping the culture, religion, and the way of life throughout the history of Japan. In this article, we will explore the history and legacy of animism in Japan, as well as its current significance in the modern world. Animism has been an integral part of Japanese culture for centuries. It is believed to have originated in China, find its way to Japan, and become part of the traditional religion in the late 6th century. By the time of the Kamakura period in the 12th century, animism had become an essential part of the Japanese way of life and religion. Jason Leung @ Unsplash Animism was an important factor in the development of various religious practices in Japan. For example, Shintoism, the oldest religion in Japan, incorporated many aspects of animism, including the belief that all thin

Exploring traditional Japanese mythology and its relevance today

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Exploring Traditional Japanese Mythology and its Relevance Today Dive into the centuries-old traditions and legends of Japan, enabling us to understand the culture more in-depth and recognize that what resonates in the current era is still relevant among the most ancient teachings. When you think of Japan, you might conjure up images of sweeping cherry blossom-lined streets, busy Shinjuku rush hour or the clean and efficient bullet train. However, to really grasp an understanding of Japanese culture, you have to dig beneath the surface and unearth the spirit of Japan that has been a cornerstone of the nation for hundreds of years. Its traditional stories and myths, humorously referred to as “Japan’s national spooky stories”, can be used to explore the time-honored beliefs and values of this beautiful Land of the Rising Sun. Myths and Folktales: An Introduction In Japanese culture, myths are an essential part of many traditional customs and beliefs, and have been around for centuries.

Investigating the impact of Americanization on modern-day Japan

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Investigating the Impact of Americanization on Modern-day Japan Since World War II, Japan has gone through a period of economic and cultural transformation. In the country once known as the "Land of the Rising Sun", a new wave of Western influence has taken hold and America has played an integral role in shaping modern-day Japan. Through its economic, political and military relationships, Japan has adopted many aspects of American culture, making it one of the most powerful countries in the world. But despite its affluence, the effects of Americanization on Japanese culture remain something of a controversial topic. As the two nations continually grapple with their relationship, the question of America's influence on Japanese culture persists. On one hand, Japan has undeniably made significant economic and technological advances thanks to its embrace of certain aspects of American culture. After the rebuilding of its economy in the 1950s, Japan rapidly grew to become th

Exploring the history and legacy of the Yakuza crime society

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Exploring the History and Legacy of the Yakuza Crime Society There is a long and daunting history to the Japanese criminal underworld known as the Yakuza, or formally known as the Ninkyō Dantai . Since their beginnings, the Yakuza has infiltrated various organized crime activities in Japan, often taking long-defaulted debts, smuggling of goods and illegal gambling. This powerful and feared criminal organization has real economic and political influence in Japan, and it is one of the most commonly seen yet little-known topics in modern-day Japan. So, what is the history and legacy of the Yakuza? How have they been able to maintain their power and influence over the years, as well as how do they fit into the current picture of Japan? In this article, we will explore the Yakuza's colorful past, their current activities, and their potential effects on the future of Japan. Ash Edmonds @ Unsplash The History of the Yakuza The Yakuza have a long and

Investigating the impact of the modern Olympics in Japan

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Investigating the Impact of the Modern Olympics in Japan Since its inception in 1896, the Modern Olympics have had a great impact on the nations that host them. In particular, Japan has been fortunate to host the Games twice, in Tokyo in 1964 and in Nagano in 1998. In this article, we will explore the history and effects of the modern Olympics in Japan and the Japanese culture today. For many Japanese people, the 1964 Tokyo Olympics was the first opportunity to showcase their culture and identity to the world. This was a hugely important step in Japan's transition into a more westernized, international nation, and helped to set the foundation for the country's modern day successes. Mgg Vitchakorn @ Unsplash In 1964, the Japanese economy was largely in disarray following World War II and its aftermath. Surrounding countries feared that if Japan did not recover, it would become a major source of instability in the region. The Olympics provide

Examining the legacy of traditional Japanese gardens

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Examining the Legacy of Traditional Japanese Gardens When many people think of a beautiful garden they think of wide expanses of lush grass, manicured shrubs, colorful flowers and sparkling water features. Gardens are places of beauty and tranquility, an escape from the hustle and bustle of life. But when you think of traditional Japanese gardens, the imagery that comes to mind is quite different. Japan has a long tradition of crafting gardens for the purpose of contemplation and appreciation of nature. These gardens are renowned for their minimalist design, subtle nuances and intricate details. So what is the legacy of Japanese garden design and how has it shaped the way we think about gardens today? While the term "Japanese garden" can refer to a broad variety of styles, one of the most ubiquitous ones is the "Zen garden". Zen gardens were traditionally crafted by monks as a place to meditate and contemplate the meaning of life. The key features of a Zen garden i