■ Characteristics of Japanese Culture

What are the characteristics of Japanese culture? Among the diverse characteristics, let us review the features of four main genres.

Traditional craft

In Japan, there are many arts and crafts used in daily life. Traditional crafts that have been handed down for a long time and require a high level of manual labor are especially representative of Japanese culture. Some of the most famous traditional crafts include lacquerware, ukiyoe prints, textiles, tie-dyeing, and Japanese swords.

In Japan, there is also a spirit of preserving rare techniques and traditions through the Law Concerning the Promotion of Traditional Craft Industries, which aims to protect traditional crafts and develop the techniques for future generations, and "traditional crafts" are designated by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry under certain requirements.

Michi

"Michi" are the art of calligraphy, flower arrangement, and tea ceremony are well-known examples. While they are all about mastery of technique, self-expression through writing and flower arrangement, and appreciation of beauty, they are all said to have the purpose of developing one's character through mastery and practice of the forms.

Buddhism

Buddhism was preached about 2,500 years ago by the founder of Buddhism, Sakyamuni Buddha. For many years, Japanese Buddhism has taken root in Japan, based on teachings that were introduced from overseas. The goal is to attain enlightenment or liberation through training and daily practice in accordance with the teachings preached by the enlightened Buddha (Shakyamuni).

By understanding the causes and mechanisms of suffering and things that do not go one's way, we aim to achieve a state of mental stability without being sad or happy about any matter.

Art

Japan has left behind many works of art such as Japanese paintings, traditional crafts and fine arts. Not only ancient art, but also new art such as modern manga and anime can be considered Japanese culture.

■ What we can learn from Japanese culture

What can we learn from Japanese culture?

Self-understanding

Self-understanding refers to understanding from the perspectives of both oneself and others, one's own company and other companies, one's own country and other countries, and so on.

By learning about the culture of the country in which you were born and raised, you can understand its characteristics compared to other cultures around the world, and you will also gain a better understanding of other countries.

Sustainability

Sustainability means sustainability. In order for society to continue to function over the long term, we can learn from Japanese culture, which has been around for many years, its structure and philosophy, and apply them to the future. Considering the sustainability of Japanese culture itself will also contribute to the future of Japan.

Understanding Diversity

The concept of respecting the attributes of people with different genders, ages, nationalities, disabilities, sexual orientations, religions/beliefs, and values is becoming increasingly important in business. In terms of culture as one way to understand and embrace diversity, learning about and deepening one's understanding of one's own Japanese culture first will lead to cross-cultural understanding.

Understanding of recycling-oriented society

A recycling-oriented society refers to a society that efficiently utilizes limited resources and circulates them in a sustainable manner. We can learn about the ideas that lead to a recycling-oriented society from the Japanese culture's concept of "wabi-sabi" or "mottainai," which perceives the beauty of natural changes such as decay and rust, and the idea of continuing to use things while carefully restoring them.

■ Let's learn more about Japanese culture!

Japanese culture is considered by many people to have unlimited learning potential that has yet to be discovered. If you are considering a trip to Japan or studying abroad, we encourage you to investigate various aspects of Japanese culture.