Exploring the East: Japanese Journey

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 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 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 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 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 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 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

Investigating the Legacy of Nagasaki and Hiroshima Visiting the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan is a very moving experience. Not only are these cities beautiful and vibrant, but they are also full of remarkable and heartbreaking reminders of the atomic bombings that took place there in 1945. The devastating consequences of this event still reverberate today, and on a visit to these cities, it's impossible to ignore their historical significance. The atomic bombings of Nagasaki and Hiroshima have left an indelible mark on worldwide consciousness, and the effects of those bombings are still felt in the two cities. It's hard not to be profoundly moved by visiting both Hiroshima and Nagasaki, as the reminders and memorials of the bombings coexist with the present life of the cities. Alex Knight @ Unsplash Hiroshima On August 6, 1945, the city of Hiroshima was forever changed when the atomic bomb, codenamed "Little Boy," wa

Exploring the History and Legacy of the Samurai Code The Samurai Code, or bushido, is a concept steeped in centuries of Japanese culture and tradition. It shapes the way of life for Japan's most famous warrior caste and has been adopted by many civilians during the feudal period to honor their warrior class. In modern times the term still carries a lot of weight with traditional Japanese, and is seen as a representation of the true spirit of Japan. To explore the Samurai Code, we must first understand its history, principles, and legacy in Japanese culture. History of the Samurai Code The Samurai Code, or bushido, is thought to have originated during the feudal period in Japan (12th - 16th centuries). It was during this period that the warrior class of Samurai was in full swing, living and fighting by their own code of honor and their adherence to the code was so strict that it was often lawed. By the end of the 16th century, the code of Bushido had been written and codified, con

Examining the Impact of Japan's Historical Isolation on Culture Japan is a country with an incredibly rich culture, being influenced by a variety of different factors throughout its long history. One of the most notable influences on Japan's culture is the result of its historical isolation. By many accounts, this isolation led to the development of many unique aspects of Japan culture. But how did this period of isolation shape Japanese culture, and what lasting effects can still be felt? The period of historical isolation in Japan lasted from around 1603 to 1854. This isolation was largely a result of the Edo government making any interaction with foreign countries illegal. The philosophy behind this was the idea that a person doesn't need to come in contact with other cultures in order to live a fulfilled life. This was a Reclusion Policy that was enacted in order to stifle any foreign influence from cultures seen as being potentially dangerous or antithetical to Japan

Analyzing the Influence of Japanese Philosophy on Modern-Day Life It’s no secret that Japan has had an undeniably profound impact on the world -- one of its extremes being the world-renowned Japanese culture. This culture is based off a number of philosophies that paint a vibrant picture of what it means to be a meaningful and fufilling life. But how has this affected the modern day-to-day life of the average person? In this article, we will immerse ourselves in the culture and philosophy of Japan in order to truly understand its rich and diverse impacts of the contemporary world. We will attempt to ask questions such as, how can we embody the traditional beliefs in a modern context? The Contribution of Japanese Philosophers It’s undoubtedly worth noting the importance and influence of Japanese philosophers throughout history. Commonly referred to as the “Six Great Philosophers”, these 6 legends wrote some of the most influential pieces of Japanese literature. The 6 writers are Mitu

Investigating the Influence of Japanese Theatre on the Cinematic Arts The rise of the postmodern film industry owes a lot to the age old craft of theatre. From its early inception as a form of storytelling to its connection to the development of television and movie technology, theatre has long been a primary source of inspiration for filmmakers. But the influence of theatre isn’t only limited to the Western hemisphere; Japanese theatre has been a particularly potent influence on cinematic arts in the past century. In this article, we’ll take a look at the history of Japanese theatre and its role in inspiring some of the most groundbreaking modern films. Long before the rise of cinema and television, theatre was a prominent art form in Japan, and its impact across the region was significant. The earliest forms of theatre were known as Nōh, which was first performed as early as the fourteenth century. Nōh theatre focused on classical mythology, grandiose costumes, and intense emotion.

Examining the Influence of Japanese Aesthetic Principles on Design The design aesthetic of Japan has proven to be an inspiration for designers and architects around the world. From the minimalist approach to the intricate details of the Asian country’s traditional artforms, further complicated by the region’s unique views on nature, aesthetics and spirituality, the approach and ideas of Japan have intertwined with those of the Western world and continue to do so. This article aims to explore why the Japanese aesthetic has gained so much attention over the years and how it has influenced design in both the East and the West. Aesthetics is a tricky subject to discuss. Each individual has his or her own interpretation of what 'beauty' is, and it is often challenged by expectations, cultural experiences and traditions. Japanese aesthetic principles, or wabi-sabi , embrace the imperfection of life and use it as an inspiration for design. It encourages designers to break the confin

Exploring the Traditional and Modern Forms of Japanese Martial Arts In Japan, there is a deep-seated culture of martial arts. The popularity of martial arts in Japan has endured throughout the ages, with people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds learning the arts and engaging in them as a means of spiritual and physical enlightenment. In this article, we'll explore the traditional and modern forms of Japanese martial arts. We'll take a look at the techniques and strategies used in kenjutsu and judo, two of the most popular martial arts practiced in Japan. We'll also examine the differences between traditional Japanese martial arts, such as kenjutsu, and modern Japanese martial arts, such as judo and aikido. We'll look at how these two forms of martial arts overlap and how they influence each other. Finally, we'll explore the benefits of practicing traditional and modern forms of Japanese martial arts. Kenjutsu and Judo: The Most Popular Japanese Martial Arts

Investigating the Rise and Fall of the Shinto Cult in Japan Japan is a mysterious and enthralling country, with a rich and colorful history. From the ancient days of the Shinto cult to modern day, Japan has developed greatly through its many eras. One of the most fascinating aspects of the country’s history is its long running relationship with Shinto. Shinto, being Japan’s native religion, is one of the oldest surviving religious philosophies in existence. It is steeped in mystery, as well as a deep connection with the natural spirits, and remains an integral part of today’s society. In this article, we’ll explore the history of Shinto in Japan, investigating what led to its rise and eventual demise. In the early days of Japan, it was believed that all living things had a spirit. These spirits, or kami, were the spirits of the land and its inhabitants. People believed that kami had the power to protect, guide and heal people in times of need. Therefore, it was thought to be wise to a

Examining the Traditional and Modern Structures of Japanese Government In this article, we will be taking a deeper look at the structures of the Japanese government, both traditional and modern. By examining how the government works, we can better understand the culture and values of the people of Japan. What were the cultural driving forces that established the government as it is today? How did the government evolve over time in response to different eras and cultures? And, how is the government structured today? Let's take a look. A Brief History of the Japanese Government The Japanese government today is rooted in the ancient history of Japan, dating back to the Nara period (710-794). During this time, the Imperial Court system was established and the Imperial House became the top political power. This system was greatly influenced by the Chinese government, with much of this influence remaining today. During the Heian period (794-1185), the imperial system was divided into t

Investigating the History and Legacy of the Meiji Restoration The Meiji Restoration of 1868 is one of the most important eras in Japanese history. It brought an end to centuries of feudal government and ushered in a new age of national progress, rapid modernization and an increasing interaction with the outside world. But what were the origins and objectives of the Meiji Restoration, and how has it shaped modern-day Japan? The Meiji Restoration was launched by Emperor Meiji with the support of a number of socially and politically ambitious members of the nobility and samurai class. Its prime objectives were declared in what became known as the Charter Oath of Five Articles : the establishment of a strong government and an enlightened national polity; the promotion of industry, the development of all forms of education; and the establishment of international rights and obligations. The Meiji period is marked by a number of important and far-reaching changes in Japan. In the sphere of

Exploring the History and Legacy of the Edo Period The Edo period was an important time in Japan's history, marked by an extended period of peace and prosperity. It began in 1603, when the wealth of Japan's feudal era rulers began to accumulate, and lasted until 1868, when the power of the Emperor was restored. The Edo period was a time of intense economic, social, and cultural change that left an indelible mark on Japan's way of life. What were some of the major developments of the Edo period? How did the period shape the unique culture that Japan is known for today? What were the lasting effects of the Edo period on the Japanese people and their society? Overview of the Edo Period The Edo period began in 1603 when the first ruler of the Tokugawa shogunate, Tokugawa Ieyasu, abolished Japan's feudalism and consolidated his power by enforcing strict laws and policies designed to subdue the country's daimyo (lords) and weaken their ability to threaten his control.

Uncovering the Mystery of the Ainu, the Indigenous People of Japan When it comes to the people of Japan, most people would imagine the fascinating culture of the Japanese—from their unique language, to the beautiful structures of the cities and shrines that pepper the cities, to their tasty and beautiful sushi. However, few people are aware of the indigenous people of Japan—the Ainu—who form the minority of the population. Despite the apparent mystery that shrouds the Ainu, their history and culture are one of the fascinating aspects of Japan. This article aims to explore the mystery of the Ainu—what we do know about their customs, language, and culture and uncover the questions that still remain unanswered. What We Know About the Ainu The Ainu people can trace their history on the lands of Japan as far back as 12,000 years. The population of the Ainu is estimated to be 25,000-300,000 people, mainly concentrated near the northern part of Japan’s main Island, Honshu. The Ainu have a u

Exploring the history and evolution of the ikebana tradition Ikebana is an ancient Japanese art form which has been in practice for over 600 years. It is an art form which consists of arranging or placing various materials, such as flowers, stems, leaves and branches, in a vase or other container according to certain rules, principles and design patterns. This art form has evolved over the centuries and it is still evolving today. Ikebana is known for its beauty and sophistication, and it is seen as a way to bring harmony between nature and ourselves. It is also believed that Ikebana can bring peace and balance to the mind and soul of whoever practices it. Therefore, it is more than just an aesthetic art form; it is a practice which is deeply rooted in history and philosophy. The practice of Ikebana evolved through numerous schools, the two best-known being the Sogetsu and Ikenobo schools. There are various techniques and principles, such as source, line, balance and color, which are

Examining the History and Evolution of Ryokan Style Inns Whether you’re travelling around Japan or visiting specific cities, there’s no doubting the profound historical and cultural experiences that await you. One of the most beautiful and classic forms of lodging, which lines the streets of many of Japan’s cities, is a ryokan. But what is a ryokan and what is the history behind it? In this article we will take a deep dive into the history and evolution of ryokan style inns in Japan. A Look into the History of Ryokan A ryokan is an old style Japanese inn that originated centuries ago when travelers journeyed the countryside on their pilgrimages and needed somewhere to stay. The earliest form of ryokan appeared in the 8th and 9th century with references to them found in ancient documents. The ryokan lodging was initially very humble and basic but as the years went by, more luxurious accommodations would become available - commensurate with the status of the traveler. Today, you can st