JAPANESE CULTURE

Modern Japanese culture and society consist of a diverse mix of the old
and new, the East and West, and the natural and artificial. These
seemingly contradictory elements coexist in harmony in Japan. For
example, it is not unusual to see an old Buddhist temple and a modern
skyscraper standing next to each other. With age-old Japanese traditions - as typified by those nurtured from the
Azuchi-Momoyama Period (late 16th to early 17th century) to the Edo
Period, which lasted nearly 300 years - at its foundation, Japan flexibly
assimilated the culture of Western civilization later introduced to its soil.
However, even with the rapid growth of Japanese economy and the
development of advanced technology after World War II, Japan continued to retain its original culture as well. That is to say, the old and
new have coexisted until today. This is what brought about Japan'sdiversity and fascination which still attracts many foreigners. Japan is also a country with rich nature, diverse topography, and
beautiful turns of the seasons. Haiku verse which has blossomed by
absorbing the natural essence of each season is an example of a very
unique Japanese literary culture. The country's rich variety of local
festivals, annual events, and folk entertainment are also most likely the
result of Japan's nature and topography. If you have been in Japan, you might say that you are a big fan of hot
spring resorts, "Onsen", a unique Japanese version of the spas. Others
may know about J-Pop, Japanese films, or even the nail arts. Even
those who have never been in Japan may be interested in the beauty
and delicacy of Japanese cuisine - some says that it must be enjoyed
with both the eye and palate - as well as Japanese culture represented by in Kimono, tea ceremony and Ikebana flower arrangement, or
traditional sports such as Judo, Kendo and Naginata. There are many, many other things that make Japan attractive.