Japanese literature spans a period of almost two millennia
and comprises one of the major literatures in the world, comparable to English literature in age and scope. It MAP OF JAPAN Come and Visit comprises a number of genres, including novels, poetry, and drama, travelogues, personal diaries and collections of random thoughts and impressions. Japan adopted its writing system from China, often using Chinese characters to represent Japanese words with similar phonetic sounds. Early works were heavily influenced by cultural contact with China and Chinese literature, and was often written in Classical Chinese. Though the Japanese writing system was adapted from Chinese, the two languages are unrelated. The rich emotional vocabulary of the Japanese language gave rise to a refined sensitivity of expression, while Chinese was often used to write about more intellectual and abstract concepts such as morality and justice. The nature of the spoken Japanese language, in which all words end with a simple vowel and stress accents do not exist, shaped the development of poetic forms which were relatively short in length and defined by the numbers of syllables in each line; and which sought above all for precise expression and rich literary allusion. Official court patronage of poetry produced strict artistic codes which dictated the vocabulary and form which could be used for poetic expression. Prose emphasized the smooth transition from one statement to another, rather than organization according to a formal Japan is known as the Land of the Rising Sun but theme. Entering the 21st century, there is also Japan has many beautiful spots and controversy whether the rise in popular forms of traditions. entertainment such as manga and anime has caused a decline in the quality of literature in Japan.
Classical Literature FLAG OF JAPAN
Sei Shonagon (c.~966 - c.10??): The Pillow Book Murasaki Shikibu (c.973 - c.1025): The Tale of Genji by: Medieval Literature The Tale of the Heike (1371) Christian David Arevalo Early-Modern Literature Ihara Saikaku (1642 - 1693) Matsuo Basho (1644 - 1694) Patrick Louise Poniente HISTORY OF JAPAN TRADITIONS of TOURIST JAPAN ATTRACTIONS Japan is known for its unique culture and heritage, which has been preserved by the Japanese MOUNT FUJI people since ancient times. The age-old Japanese It is the highest mountain traditions and customs which give a unique character in Japan. it is about 3776 to the lifestyle of the Japanese people have to be meters. Its volcano has a experienced to be truly appreciated. Some of the unique symmetrical cone, which aspects of Japanese life are mentioned here as an most Japanese use in introduction to the traditions of Japan. photographs and arts. While geography is not destiny, the fact that Japanese Tea Ceremony Japan is located on islands on the outermost edge of The Japanese ceremony of preparing and Asia has had a profound influence on Japan's history. offering tea to revered guests is a formal and stylized ritual, almost like a meditative Just close enough to mainstream Asia, yet far enough performance. TOKYO TOWER to keep itself separate, much of Japanese history has This tourist attraction been the alternation of periods of closure and attracts a good number openness. Until recently, Japan has been able to turn Floating Lanterns The Japanese tradition of floating lanterns in of visitors since it portrays on or off its connection to the rest of the world, rivers, known as Toro Nagashi is a ceremony a high level of advanced internalizing foreign cultural influences in fits and that represents the journey of souls to the technology and modern starts. It is comparable with the relationship between afterlife. life. Britain and the rest of Europe, but with a much wider channel. Japanese Gardens The original Japanese gardens Himeji Castle Shinto is the older animist religion of were inspired by Buddhist and Most people consider this traditional Japan. At just over twelve hundred years Chinese philosophy and later castle as the best existing in Japan, Buddhism is the more recent imported evolved to have their own distinct Japanese castle Japanese identity. faith. These two religions have intertwined and architecture. It is located influenced each other and Japanese culture. You can at the center of Himeji continue to find them side by side in cities, towns, city. and peoples lives. Japanese Kimono The traditional Japanese costume, The capital of the country has moved over the the Kimono, is a graceful full-length centuries from Nara to Kyoto and now Tokyo. robe that falls from the wearer's shoulders to the ankles. The robe is Jigokudani Monkey Likewise, Japan has seen a range of political tied around the middle with a sash Park structures from periods of divinely endowed Imperial called the Obi. It has a man-made pool located rule, feudal warring clans, the shogunate as military near the park's entrance that police state, a restored Imperial house, a one party attracts many monkeys. This Japanese Calligraphy park was commonly known as democracy, and the current unsettled state of political Hell Valley by the ancient affairs. One constant is the Imperial family, the oldest The Japanese script consists of characters people since it has very steep which were traditionally painted using continuous royal family in the world. smooth brushstrokes on handmade paper. cliffs and steam that emanate from its various springs The fine art of calligraphy requires many years of practice and was considered essential learning for an accomplished person in Japanese society