Japanese culture

Religion is prevalent in many aspects of Japanese culture, even in pop culture. Specifically, religious themes and aesthetics are common in manga, Japanese graphic novels and comic books, or anime, which are animated movies and television shows commonly based on manga. Religion can be weaved into these mediums in various ways to create different effects. For example, religion can be used solely for cosmetic effect, or the story itself could be centered around religion as a plot device. Depending…

period. In Japanese, they are known as bushi or buke. By the 12th century, the word samurai became synonymous with bushi. It was closely associated with the middle and upper ranks of the warrior class. Usually associated with a clan and their lord, the samurai also followed a set of rules that later came to be known as the bushidō. Although the samurai numbered less than 10% of Japan's former population, their teachings are still found today in both everyday life and modern Japanese martial…

For many generations, hair has been an indicator of societal status in Japanese culture. To cut off one’s hair is to indicate a change in either that societal status, or in one’s personal life. This tradition has persisted over the years, from the ancient samurai all the way to today’s modern anime. In Ancient Japan, the samurai acted as the military force of the country. Samurai were high on the political ladder, and “by the late 12th century, samurai lords ruled both the provinces and…

In Japan today, the Ako incident of 1703 represents the heart and soul of Japanese society; based on the teaching of Confucius, it embodies the honor, loyalty, and spirit of the Samurai, qualities that are forever imprinted on Japanese culture. During its great and rather turbulent history, the 47 Ronin Incident or Ako Incident is one of the most beloved in Japanese history. The Chingura, as it is called in Japanese, is a tale of kinship, honor, and “crooked government officials.” (Ronin…

How has Japan’s Samurai heritage influenced modern Japanese thinking and behaviour Japan’s Samurai heritage has influenced modern Japanese thinking and behaviour through Samurai. In modern day Japan we can still see many examples of Samurai behaviour through the bushido code and the eight virtues of a Samurai. The Samurai changed Japan’s history by introducing Feudal Japan. This was a period in time were Samurai were in power. The Samurai’s values of the Bushido code were what made the…

The origination of Japanese culture is unsure, but it is said that it goes back 7,000 years ago. A very important era to focus on is the Kamakura Shogunate era that started in 1185 and ended in 1133. Kamakura lasted for about 150 years, but had a great impact on the history of Japan. In 1192, Minamoto Yoritomo took total control of the country and was appointed shogun. He established the very first warrior government in Japan’s history. When appointed shogun, Yoritomo had total control of the…

In order to understand the culture and history of Japan, it is important to look at the topic of religion. Religion helps to shape the morals and beliefs of people, and also establishes shared cultural experiences, such as burial practices, recognition of holidays and festivals, worship, and prayer. Many religions require the construction of architectural features in order for these beliefs to be taught and for cultural experiences to have a place to be shared. These religious works of…

Religion of Japanese culture In Japan, the two major religions are Shinto and Buddhism. Shinto means “the way of Kami.” Buddha is known as the “awakened one.” Shinto was introduced into the world in the 6th century. Shinto does not have any founder. According to the “Religion Library of Shinto” their are no scripts, no texts, and no official doctrine. People use this religion to develop a specific japanese consciousness. Religion may not play a big role in this country, but as a Shinto…

lifestyles were observed and appealed to Japanese, so with the extra push of rulers promoting them, were incorporated into Japanese society. A major impact of China on Japan is Buddhism. Siddharta Gautama was born in India, and was the center of Buddhism. The religion is based off of his teachings. It was spreading across Asia and eventually came to China. Japanese citizens liked Buddhism, but it caused some controversy because the Buddha was not Japanese, he was Indian. Many people, though,…

Differences amongst the Japanese and the Americans are quite noticeable, especially when placed under Hofstede’s culture dimensions. Power distance index: Japan’s power distance in higher than the American’s. Thus, explaining why the Japanese seemed quiet and hesitant, making Kelly (the boss) feel awkward. Individualism versus collectivism: The American culture is described as individualistic, while the Japanese culture is described as collectivist. Thus, when Kelly asked the employees to do…