Are you amazed at how native Japanese construct magnificent houses or temples? Do you feel mesmerized by the great sculptures and paintings of Japan? Those are just a few of the legacies of the Japanese set about the prehistoric Jomon Period for the next generations. The world of contemporary and traditional arts encompasses Japanese culture through nature and artistic expression for over 10,000 years.

  • Japanese Treasure

    • Historical artworks embody the skills and the traditional techniques from the making up to the production. In Kyoto City, national treasures are exhibited in Kyocera Museum of Arts such as artifacts, handwritings, crafts, paintings, sculptures and other treasures in Kyoto. Japan’s nature entirely contributes to the artistic character of Japanese to mold prosperous history.

  • Japan’s architectural design

    • From farmhouses, temples to imperial palaces, Japan demonstrated how cultural architecture signifies the great artistry in their history. Nature’s abundance of timberwood was used as a stronghold in earthquakes. Using wood as foundation, houses were built straight on the ground during the Jomon period. Japanese architectural styles have adapted when western architecture began.

  • The Traditional Performance Arts

    • In the history of Japan, performing arts entirely scopes the entertainment world of theatrical play, traditional music and dance performances. A well-known classic theatrical play in Japan is ‘kabuki’ that shows dynamic styles of acting. Kabuki was awarded the title Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. While a traditional puppet theater called ‘bunraku’ originated in Osaka performs stories like classic and tragic love, legends, tales and heroic event stories. Bunraku puppeteers control the puppets to create realistic facial expressions and actions.

  • Japan’s iconic garment: Kimono

    • Kimono features the affluent fashion of Japan in spades. Aside from being the national or traditional dress of Japan, the assorted designs and colors that signify Japan culture make wearing kimono in all occasions became popular across the country. Kimono is usually made up of silk, wool or synthetic fabric. In addition, a light-cotton kimono called ‘yukata’ with a wooden footwear called ‘geta’ were usually worn during summer and or after bathing at hot springs.

  • Japanese cuisine

    • People have their own food story that they are really proud of, especially foods from their own country. In fact, restaurants around the world present different varieties of cuisine. Japanese cuisine is indeed one of the major banquets in restaurants people can enjoy. UNESCO declared Japanese cuisine as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as it showcases impressive cooking techniques and natural ingredients over the islands. ‘Washoku’ stands for traditional Japanese cuisine, ‘wa’ means Japan and harmony, while ‘shoku’ means food and to eat that defines ingredients that are harmoniously whipped and creatively presented.

    With magnificent nature and artistic hands, Japanese culture has become well-known in the world. By understanding and appreciating the cultural origin of heritage, people impart the depth of history. And having the pride to share the chance to experience Japan’s culture to others is by experiencing and rediscovering one’s own culture.