BASTE, REGINE C.

BSN 3A

HUMANITIES COUNTRY: JAPAN 1. In what way were the cultural traits of the Japanese theyre called the Land of the Rising Sun? Japan got its nickname from an ancient myth that the island of Japan was the source of the rising sun. Japan, the island country in the Pacific Ocean, is often called the land of the rising sun. It is believed that Japan got its nickname from ancient Oriental folk beliefs that the islands of Japan were the source of the sun. Long ago, the people of ancient China watched the morning sun rising from the eastern sea, they wrote down stories of gods and warriors that lived on scared island hidden on the ocean. The Chinese called the islands jih pun (today we say Japan instead), which literally means source of the sun. As for the Japanese, old regards claimed that Japan was founded by the Sun Goddess who, along with the other gods of nature, made the island her home. Both Nippon and Nihon literally mean "the sun's origin", that is, where the sun originates and are often translated as the Land of the Rising Sun. The national flag of Japan is a white rectangular flag with a large red disk (representing the sun) in the center.

2. How does the Theory of Civilization such as the Theory of Challenge of Adversities be applicable to the country of Japan? Japanese people love challenges. This is clearly evidenced by their fast rise to power. They used their optimism to achieve their goal which is to be one of the most powerful countries in the world. Even though it is a small country they wisely used their resources and persevered in honing their crafts.

3. Enumerate of at least 3 strong valid arguments why Japan is considered as one of the Super Power Nations of the World.
It is considered thus because of large population, huge gross domestic product and high economic growth.

4. Discuss reasons why Japanese strongly adhere to the principle of Hara Kiri.
Hara-kiri is a ritualized form of suicide with roots in 12th century Japanese samurai warrior culture. Rather than be captured, a defeated swordsman would stab himself in the left belly, draw the blade to the right, then pull upwards. As practiced by defeated samurai, it was meant as atonement. It also demonstrated enormous psychological courage, which was a way of winning back some measure of honor even in defeat. Hara-kiri is meant to attract attention and show a willingness to sacrifice oneself for a greater cause. Japanese officials sometimes killed themselves to atone for botching an assignment, or out of grief over a leader's death.

5. 5 Major contributions of Japan to the World Civilization. Martial Arts Judo, Kendo, Jujitsu

Literature Manga/Anime

Aesthetics Ikebana (flower arrangement)

Medicine Food Umami Epinephrine, etc.

Transportation Bullet train