Understanding Japanese Real Tradition: A Comprehensive Guide to 105 Aspects from Arts to Lifestyle

2022.04.22

Japanese traditional culture has been passed down from generation to generation and continues to develop today.

Japanese traditional performing arts include Noh and Kabuki, fireworks, paper cutouts, and many other forms.

The approximate number is roughly 50 or so, it is said.

Japanese traditions can be experienced through seasonal events, and through the food, clothing, and shelter of daily life.

However, there are traditional Japanese arts and annual events that are often surprisingly unknown to foreigners, as well as terms (keywords) for Japanese food, clothing, and housing that you want to quickly answer when asked by a foreigner.

In this issue, we would like to introduce a list of “About Japanese Traditional Culture” that will be useful in such cases.

– Fifty traditional Japanese performing arts are classified into six categories.

Theater, Dance, Onkyoku, and Geido are the representative categories of Japanese traditional performing arts.

Specific examples of foreign experiences of traditional culture will also be presented.

– A list of 25 typical Japanese annual events will be introduced along with the splendor of Japan’s four seasons and the seasons themselves.

– Here are 30 traditional Japanese food, clothing, and shelter that foreigners are likely to ask questions about.

Now, let’s take a closer look at Japan by focusing on Japanese arts, events, clothing, food, and shelter under the theme of “Japanese traditions!

Japanese Traditional Culture and Performing Arts

What is entertainment?

Since ancient times, the traditional Japanese performing arts have been passed down from generation to generation with great care and respect.

Even today, the Japanese spirit and Japanese taste continue to draw us into their world in various scenes.

What exactly do we mean by traditional performing arts?

Let us first consider the term “performing arts”.

The term “performing arts” refers to skills expressed through physical movement that are acquired through practice and training.

Performing arts are not only theater and music, but also tea ceremony, crafts, martial arts, and a wide range of other “performing arts.

And when we think about the beginnings of the performing arts, we must mention the religious beliefs of the Japanese people.

Since ancient times, the Japanese have dedicated meals, dances, songs and tunes to the gods.

It was believed that God rarely came near humans and that He descended on special occasions.

Japanese people prayed to the gods and dedicated various songs, music, and dances to the gods so that they would descend to earth and grant their wishes.

This is said to be the beginning of the performing arts, and even today there are many performing arts that retain strong regional characteristics.

List of 50 Japanese Traditional Culture and Performing Arts

Let us introduce the 50 traditional Japanese performing arts by dividing them into the representative categories of “Drama, Dance, Music and Performing Arts” and “Crafts and Geidos”.

play

Japanese traditional theater has a special name among the traditional Japanese performing arts.

The Iemoto system, which continues to this day, has kept the traditional techniques and arts alive and evolving day by day.

Here we introduce Noh, Kabuki, and Ningyo Joruri (puppet theater).

Nohgaku: Nohgaku refers to both Noh and Kyogen

Noh :.

Noh is performed by a performer wearing a Noh mask, accompanied by chants and musical accompaniment.
It is characterized by stylized and extremely concise movements.
A song-and-dance drama based on the supernatural in sarugaku.
Relatively lofty content.

Kyogen:

There is a lot of gentle laughter.
The focus is on comedies and humanistic dramas based on real-world subjects such as the lives of ordinary people and human nature in the Middle Ages.
Sarugaku is a secular drama with a secular theme.

Kabuki :

Kabuki dancing with flashy costumes became very popular in Kyoto during the Edo period.

From there it developed into theater.

Ningyo joruri :

Also called Bunraku.

Puppet show using Japanese dolls.

The puppets are manipulated to the accompaniment of shamisen and joruri.

musical performance

Otonmusic is one of the most diverse aspects of traditional Japanese culture.

Different types of music, each with its own origin and evolutionary form, have been nurtured in Japanese culture.

The unique tones of Japanese musical instruments and vocal music such as storytelling and singing are also rooted in our Japanese culture with their unique Japanese tones.

Let’s look at Gagaku, Hogaku, Joruri and Uta in this order.

Gagaku:

Japanese classical music has a history of over 1200 years.
It developed for about 400 years from the Asuka period to the beginning of the Heian period.
Ancient Japanese ceremonial music and dance and music introduced from mainland China and the Korean peninsula.
Music and dance arranged in a uniquely Japanese style according to Shinto thought and etiquette.

Chanting: Vocal music such as gaimagaku and recitation
Uta-mai: Songs and dances unique to Japan that were perfected during the Heian period (794-1185). Most songs have lyrics, and some are in suite form.
Bugaku: Gagaku accompanied by dance. The dancers wear masks called bugaku masks and dance to the music.
Kangen: sang (wind instrument), hichiriki, dragon flute, biwa (stringed instrument), koto (stringed instrument), sanko (percussion instrument), taiko (drum), gongzumi (gong), and gakko (cakko).

Japanese music :

Japanese music.
Also called wagaku and kokugaku.
It refers to traditional Japanese folk music and classical music.

koto music
biwa song
kokyu music
shakuhachi music
three-stringed Japanese guitar
(style of) folk song

Joruri-bushi:

Ongaku, theater music in which the shamisen is used as an accompaniment instrument and the tayu narrates the lyrics.
The narrative has an epic force, including the description of the play’s characters’ lines, their gestures and performances.

gidayuu ballad drama (narrative accompanied by a shamisen used in the bunraku puppet theater)
Bungo Bushi (discontinued, leaving “Denju no Unryu”)
style of joruri narrative used for kabuki dances
Tomimoto section (of Edo period)
style of joruri narrative performance
type of Joruri recitation
old Japanese court music from the Kawato region in Gifu Prefecture
knotgrass (Polygonum aviculare)

Song :

Vocal music in Japanese performing arts.
They are divided into “narrative” and “singing.
Narratives include meaning and storytelling in the lyrics.
Singers enjoy sound, with emphasis on melody and rhythm.
There are a variety of styles, including those accompanied by shamisen and other instruments, those with dances, and those used in kabuki and other theatrical performances.
It has always developed in close association with other classical arts and regions.

(style of) folk song
long epic song with shamisen accompaniment (developed in Edo in the early 17th century)
type of Japanese music
slow-paced style of shamisen music with vocal accompaniment (popular during the late Edo period)
short love song (popular in late Edo period)
ballad
unrhymed non-metrical Japanese popular love song or limerick in the 7-7-7-5 syllable pattern
folk song
Shima Uta (Amami Folk Song)

dance

Traditional performing dances include kagura, which originated as an offering to the gods, as well as folk performing arts handed down from region to region.

Throughout history, each traditional art form has influenced each other, creating new traditional arts.

To know dance in depth is also an opportunity to get in touch with Japanese folklore.

There are 15 dances, Kagura, Dengaku, Gagaku, Bugaku, Sarugaku, Shiraibyoshi, Ennen, Kyokumai, Kamigata Mai, Daikoku Mai, Ebisu Mai, Mimamai, Nembutsu Odori Bon Dance, and Kabuki Dance.

Kagura:

A dance dedicated to the gods.

Dengaku:

It is said that the dance was originally performed as a ritual before rice planting began.

Gagaku:

A traditional art form that migrated from China and the Korean peninsula and took root in Japan.

Bugaku:

It is considered to be one of the Gagaku (ancient Japanese court music), and the masks are changed according to the performance.

Sarugaku:

A traditional Japanese performing art established in the Muromachi period (1333-1573).
It was later divided into Noh and Kyogen.

White clapper:

Male shiraibyoshi also existed, but they were mainly danced by prostitutes and children dressed as men.

Ennen:

It was danced by monks and children during the great puja held at temples.
It is said to be a mixture of aristocratic and popular performing arts.

Kyokumai:

Rhyming to the story, singing and dancing to the verses and accompaniment.
The main dancers were men and children, but women dressed as men also danced.

Kamigata Mai:

Japanese dance developed in the Kinki region, Osaka and Kyoto.
It is also called zashiki-mai, because it was often performed in a tatami room.

Daikoku Mai:

It is one of the gate-attached arts in which people stand in front of a house and receive money by playing a song or dancing a dance.
The festival is celebrated by wearing Daikoku masks and dancing with a mallet.

Ebisu Mai:

Wearing Ebisu masks and holding fishing rods, they dance to pray for large numbers of people and safe voyages.
Butoh dance is closely connected to the lives of fishermen.

Co-ordination dance:

This dance was originated by fire extinguishers in the Edo period (1603-1867).
The dancers dance while raising a banner-like object called a “tsukimawara” (fire extinguisher’s coat).

Nembutsu dance:

Dancing while chanting the Buddhist prayer.
There are various types and they are designated as ethnic cultural materials.

Bon dance:

It is danced as an offering to the messenger during the Bon festival.
There are various dances depending on the region.

Kabuki dance:

A theatrical dance performed in a Kabuki performance.
Or it stands alone.

entertainment

Engei is the general term for Japanese popular odd-seat entertainment.

Especially in the Edo period (1603-1867), with the development of the Yose theater, the field of entertainment expanded greatly, and even today it continues to evolve and entertain the people of Japan through the media and other means.

There are 13 types of entertainment: kodan, rakugo, naniwabushi, kyogen, manzai, aburaku, ladder-riding, onna-doraku, taikagura, paper-cutting, kyokudokura, kyakushi-e, and fireworks.

Kodan (lecture):

Sitting on stage in front of a small desk, he tells the history with a fan scale.

Rakugo:

A storyteller goes up on stage, sits on a futon, and tells a story.
The last part of the story is always “ochi-chi” (the last part of the story), which makes the audience laugh.

Naniwabushi (Naniwabushi):

The story is told to the accompaniment of the shamisen.

Oddities:

Japanese magic tricks have been handed down since ancient times.

Manzai:

It is also called “manzai.
Tell stories that make people laugh.

Abrupt:

In any place, they suddenly have a play, an interesting story, etc.
It is also called a farce.

Ladder Riding:

They use a long ladder used by firefighters in the Edo period and perform acrobatics on the ladder.

Woman’s Way of Life:

Do it alone or with more than one person.
Performing arts using shamisen and taiko drums.

Taikagura:

There are two main types of dance: the lion dance, in which lions are made to dance to exorcise demons, and the kyoku, in which various objects are passed around on umbrellas.
It is called “Yose entertainment.

Paper cutting:

The ancient art of freely cutting paper with scissors.
He also responds immediately to the audience’s requests to cut paper.

Kyokudoraku:

A juggling act using a dokugaku.

There are various techniques.

Copying:

Also called kagee (shadow puppet), the backgrounds and figures are transcribed.
Shadows and light are used to depict the painting on the wall.
While holding and moving the device with his hands, he expresses the story with words and music.

Fireworks:

Fireworks are a summer tradition.
Colors produce shapes with a balance of gunpowder and metal powder unique to Japan.

craft

The techniques and aesthetics of traditional Japanese crafts have attracted attention in every age.

Japanese craft techniques have developed in various ways depending on the climate and locality.

Crafts include engraving, lacquerware, ceramics, and textiles.

Engraving:

Digging for metal with a hammer.
Craft techniques have been developed since ancient times in Japan.
His fine and delicate craftsmanship continues to attract worldwide attention.

Lacquerware:

Crafts made by applying layers of lacquer to wood or Japanese paper.
Japan’s unique lacquer techniques and beautiful decorations such as gold and shells are still highly regarded today.

Ceramics:

The viscosity is shaped and fired at high temperatures to produce ceramics.
There are various baking methods handed down throughout Japan.
Japan’s unique technology has been highly evaluated overseas in every era.

Textiles:

Threads are combined vertically and horizontally to weave cloth.
It has been nurtured by the development of kimono, obi, and other unique Japanese garments.
There are 38 types of textiles designated as traditional crafts by the Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.

accomplishment (in performing arts)

Japanese traditional performing arts with a path is a representative of Japanese traditional culture.

Even today, there are many people who want to learn the teachings and manners of Geido, and it is spreading throughout the world.

This section introduces the tea ceremony, incense, flower arrangement, martial arts, and calligraphy.

– Tea Ceremony:

The ritualized act of serving tea.
Murata Kyukou, Takeno Shaoou, and Sen no Rikyu were the three founders of tea.
There are many schools of Japanese tea ceremony today, and most of them are attributed to Sen no Rikyu.

– Kodo:

The art of appreciating the fragrance of a natural aromatic wood known as Chinsyu Kogi.
There are two types of incense: monko, which can be appreciated, and kumiko, which is a combination of two types of incense, one to be appreciated and the other to be used for fragrance.

– Martial arts (kobudo):

The arts and crafts related to the martial arts.
The following 9 types of martial arts in Japan are generally considered to be members of the Japan Martial Arts Council.

　　judo
　　kendo
　　(Japanese) archery
　　the way of karate
　　aikido
　　Shorinji Kempo (modern Japanese martial art based on Shaolin kung fu)
　　Sumo Way (the art of Sumo)
　　iaido (art of drawing the Japanese sword)
　　halberd

– Calligraphy:

To write beautiful calligraphy with a brush.
In addition to the beauty of letters, calligraphy pursues self-expression through writing.

Flower arrangement:

The art of composing and appreciating plants and various other materials in combination.
There are various schools.
Also called ikebana (ikebana, flower arrangement, or inserted flower arrangement).

Reference past articles:

What is Japonism? The Influence of Japanese Culture Abroad and Now

25 Traditional Annual Events in Japan

Traditional Spring Events

Dolls’ Festival

The event is celebrated on March 3, Joushi-no-Sekku, when dolls are displayed in the home of the baby girl and offerings of water chestnuts, white sake, peach blossoms, and other items are made.

It is said to have originated from the custom of transferring evil and misfortune to dolls.

Buddhist services during the equinoctial week

One of the miscellaneous festivals. Each of the seven days of the year is divided into the middle day of the vernal equinox and the middle day of the autumnal equinox.

Spring and autumnal equinoxes. Visit the graves of your ancestors and the Buddhist altar.

In spring, people eat botamochi, and in autumn, they eat o-hagi, bale-shaped dumplings made of mochi rice covered with sweet bean paste.

cherry blossom viewing

To enjoy looking at flowers, especially cherry blossoms.

It is also a Japanese tradition to have a party or picnic under the cherry trees in full bloom.

Entrance Ceremony Entrance Ceremony

Ceremony for new students entering a school or company.

In Japan, it will be done in April.

Children’s Day (national holiday; May 5th)

One of the national holidays.

May 5.

A day to respect children’s character, to promote their happiness, and to thank their mothers.

It falls on Dragon Boat Festival.

Koinobori (carp streamers) and helmets are displayed to celebrate the growth of boys.

Traditional Summer Events

changing (one’s) dress for the season

Clothing should be modified according to the summer and winter seasons.

Today, this is generally done on June 1 and October 1, primarily for uniforms.

Festival of the Weaver (July 7th)

One of the five festivals.

July 7 event.

Legend has it that on this night, the stars of the Milky Way on either side of the Milky Way, the stars of the Checkers and the Weavers, rejoin each other once a year.

It is said that if you write your wish on a strip of paper and tie it to a bamboo leaf, your wish will come true.

Also known as the Hoshi Matsuri (Star Festival) or Tanabata Matsuri (Tanabata Festival).

Grand festivals are held throughout Japan.

inquiry after someone’s health in the hot season

Inquire about the safety of relatives and acquaintances during the heat of summer.

Also the letter.

Visit in the heat of the summer.

In modern times, it is generally considered to be from the end of the rainy season to before Risshu (the first day of autumn), and after that, it is called a lingering summer greeting card.

Summer Ox Days

One of the miscellaneous sections.

Each 18 days before Risshatsu.

The summer Saturday before Risshu (the first day of autumn).

It is customary to eat eel on the day of the Ox.

It is said that it is good to eat foods that are invigorating and udpai (ウ) to get through the hot days.

summer festival

A festival of shrines held in the summer.

Many of them originated as prayers to ward off epidemics and calamities.

There is also the pleasure of visiting night stalls on a summer night wearing a yukata.

Bon Festival gifts

One of the three yuan.

The name of the 15th day of the 7th month of the lunar calendar.

Originally from Taoism in China, Sechinichi came to Japan and was confused with the Buddhist Uranbon festival, on which people offer offerings to Buddha and pray for the repose of his soul.

Gifts of goods to those who have helped you and others at this time of the year.

Traditional Autumn Events

the night of the 15th day of the 8th lunar month

The night of the 15th day of the lunar calendar.

Thirty-five evenings.

Full moon night.

It is the night of the famous moon in mid-autumn, and people hold a feast of sake, recite poems, and offer dumplings, potatoes, beans, chestnuts, etc. for viewing the moon, decorated with silver grass and autumnal flowers.

Imo Meizuki.

The first famous moon.

Chrysanthemum Festival (the 9th day of the 9th lunar month) (one of the five annual festivals)

One of the five festivals.

September 9 on the lunar calendar.

Also, the Setsukai held on that day .

In Japan, chrysanthemum banquets were held as an annual event at court during the Heian period (794-1185).

Chrysanthemum Festival.

Chou-you Festival.

Jungku.

Celebrate longevity and wish for prosperity of descendants.

fall-leaf viewing

To visit the fields and mountains in the fall and take a stroll through the autumn colors of the trees.

It is not about cutting from the branch, although the fallen leaves may be brought back.

To appreciate and admire the beautifully colored mountains.

cordoning off

It is held on November 15 of the years when boys are 3 and 5 years old and girls are 3 and 7 years old, to celebrate the growth of the child.

The children are dressed in formal kimono and pay homage to shrines and other places.

Shichi-Go-San Celebration.

ceremonial offering of new rice harvest (on the first day of the rat of the New Year)

The first is the first one.

A ceremony in which the emperor offers new grains to the gods of heaven and earth and eats them himself.

In the old days, it was the day of the Rabbit in November of the lunar calendar, and since 1948, it has been called “Labor Thanksgiving Day” and has become a national holiday.

Traditional Winter Events

winter solstice

The day when the center of the sun passes through the winter solstice.

In the northern hemisphere, days are the shortest and nights the longest throughout the year.

There is a custom of taking a yuzu bath and eating pumpkins.

end of the year

End of the year.

Year-end.

Cells.

Giving gifts at the end of the year to people who have taken care of you, etc.

Also, the gift.

Soot clearing Cleaning

To cleanse the inside of the house of soot and dust, and do a major cleaning.

Many are done at the end of the year in preparation for the New Year.

Soot sweeping.

New Year’s Eve

The last day of the year.

December 31.

The Great Closing.

Eating New Year’s Eve soba noodles and ringing the temple bell to celebrate the New Year’s Eve.

New Year’s Day

First month of the year.

Jan. January.

It is also the period during which events are held to celebrate the beginning of the year.

Receive New Year’s cards and eat Osechi food.

first shrine visit of New Year

An event in which people visit shrines and temples for the first time since the beginning of the year.

They offer thanksgiving for the past year and pray for a safe and peaceful new year.

coming-of-age ceremony

An event held on the second Monday of January (Coming of Age Day) to encourage and congratulate those who will turn 20 years old during the fiscal year in which the Coming of Age Ceremony is held, mainly by each local government in Japan according to school age.

last day of winter in the traditional Japanese calendar (usually February 3 or 4)

The day before Risshun.

Around February 3.

On this night, it is customary to sprinkle beans to ward off evil spirits, or to stick a sardine head on a holly branch in a doorway.

In some areas, people eat ehoumaki facing the direction of good fortune.

30 selections for food, clothing and shelter

Just by listening to it, I can picture the scenery of Japan.

Here are some keywords that describe traditional Japanese food, clothing, and shelter that are frequently asked by foreigners.

Japanese culture related to traditional Japanese “clothing

clothing

Traditional Japanese folk costume.

Japanese style dress.

Wear it for the changing seasons and occasions.

It is still being worn in various settings today.

Hanten

One of the Japanese costumes.

A short jacket similar to a haori, but without the armpits.

A garment worn without a breast strap and without the collar folded back.

It shall be work clothes and warm clothes.

wrapping cloth

A square-shaped cloth for wrapping, carrying, and storing things.

It has been used since ancient times in Japan.

The name “furoshiki” comes from the cloth used to wrap clothes after taking them off when bathing.

Ornate hairpin

Traditional Japanese ornaments that are inserted into the hair after tying the hair and used to hold the hairstyle or as a hair ornament.

Kinchaku (purse)

A small bag made of cloth or leather with a string around the mouth.

It was used by Edo commoners to hold flint, coins, medicine, seals and amulets.

(hand) towel

A plain weave cotton cloth used to wipe away sweat and water after washing one’s face and hands, or to wash one’s body when taking a bath.

It is worn on the head to ward off heat and cold and to protect against dust, and as a garment during festivals.

Zori (Japanese sandals)

Traditional Japanese footwear with a nose strap.

They were widely used in Japan until Western-style shoes became popular after the Meiji period.

In modern Japan, zori are worn mainly when dressed in kimono.

They are considered more prestigious and formal footwear than geta.

wearing an article of clothing in the same manner as a kasaya (i.e. draped over one shoulder)

A cloth-like garment worn by Buddhist monks.

changing (one’s) dress for the season

Changing clothing according to the season.

This process, which takes place especially in summer and winter, is called “changing clothes.

In many areas, kindergartens, nursery schools, schools and businesses change their uniforms simultaneously on June 1 and October 1.

uniform worn in martial arts (judo, kendo, etc.)

It is a type of clothing used in martial arts and the martial arts.

Also known as a doi.

Keywords related to traditional Japanese “food

soy sauce

Typical Japanese seasoning.

The main ingredients are soybeans, wheat and salt.

Liquid fermented seasoning produced by microbial fermentation.

food served during the New Year’s Holidays

A dish prepared for Setsukai or seasonal festivals.

Since New Year’s Day is the most important of all the seasonal festivals, the term “oju” came to refer to New Year’s dishes served in a rice-jacket.

Each one has its own lucky charm and is said to bring good luck if eaten on New Year’s Day.

tsukemono

Mainly vegetables pickled in salt, bran, miso, koji, soy sauce, vinegar, etc.

Incense.

There are typical Japanese pickles such as pickled plums and nuka pickles.

bento (Japanese box lunch)

Bento is food that is made to be portable.

Hanami bento” to bring to Hanami, or for several people.

Some families prepare such lunches for their children’s athletic events.

There are various types of bento, including so-called “hokaben,” or bento from bento shops in town, and ekiben sold at train stations and other locations.

Sushi Sushi

Rice seasoned with vinegar and salt and served with ingredients such as fish, raw or sprinkled with salt or vinegar.

Nigiri sushi, sushi rice with a scattering of ingredients, steamed sushi, etc.

Vinegar was considered a summer food because it withstands heat.

Unique Japanese rice dish.

Japanese confectionery

A traditional Japanese confectionery.

Wagashi can be divided into fresh, dried, and semi-perishable confections.

wafer

One of the dried confections in wagashi.

Typical examples are salt rice crackers, which are made by kneading rice flour, rolling it out thin, seasoning it with soy sauce or salt, and baking it.

mochi rice cake

Glutinous rice is steamed and pounded into various shapes.

Used for New Year’s, seasonal festivals, and celebrations.

It is also eaten as a meal with Japanese sweets, soy sauce, and nori, which are eaten with red bean paste and sauce.

It is also useful as emergency food in times of disaster.

Japanese rice wine

Sake made by a unique Japanese process in which white rice is steamed, koji and water are added, and fermentation and maturation take place.

small teapot

A container with a lid, handle, and spout for brewing Japanese green tea such as sencha and bancha.

Pour hot water over the tea leaves, and when the ingredients are well extracted into the water, pour it into a teacup or other container.

Keywords related to traditional Japanese “housing

tearoom

A room for holding tea ceremonies.

It is a unique Japanese architectural style, based on a four-and-a-half-tatami mat room, with a fireplace in the center, an alcove, and a nijiriguchi (doorway).

traditional (Chinese or Japanese) dry landscape garden

A Japanese garden style that expresses landscapes with stones and sand, without using any water, ponds or running water.

Ryoanji Garden and other famous gardens.

traditional style of Japanese architecture with a steep thatched roof

One of the architectural styles of the private house.

It is most common in Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture and Gokayama in Toyama Prefecture.

A thatched gable or gabled gabled roof with a huge gassho-style hipped roof.

The attic extends over three or four floors and is used as a silkworm room.

sukiya style of building

A residential style that incorporates the techniques of tea house architecture.

The long posts are omitted, and skin columns, rough walls, and base windows are used.

tokonoma (alcove where art or flowers are displayed)

In Japanese architecture, a place where the floor of a tatami room is raised to display hanging scrolls, ornaments, flowers, etc.

It was formed with the development of shoin-style architecture in the medieval period, and became an important form of tatami room decoration in the early modern period and thereafter.

tatami mat

A floor covering in a Japanese-style room.

The floor is made of straw piled up and tightened with hemp thread, and a woven rush table is attached.

Some do not currently wear edges.

round cushion used for Zen meditation (traditionally made of woven bulrush leaves)

Bedding made by sewing fabrics together and filling them with cotton, down, or other material.

In Japan, when it is not used in a Japanese-style room, it is folded and stored in a closet, and laid out when it is used.

Bedding, quilts, etc.

thatched roof

Thatching or roofing of houses with thatch as a material.

Also called thatched roof or thatched roof.

low dining table

A four-legged dining table used in Japan.

A desk used while sitting upright on the floor.

They are generally square or circular in shape and can be folded.

porch

A boarded passageway that extends over the edge of a house, which is unique to Japanese architecture.

It is also used to go directly from the garden or other exterior areas to the interior.

What are Japanese traditional performing arts for foreigners visiting Japan?

So, how can we create inbound experiences for foreign visitors to Japan through traditional Japanese culture?

Experiencing traditional Japanese performing arts is one of the top things that foreign visitors want to do in Japan.

However, the world of traditional performing arts requires an understanding of Japanese history and culture, and the Japanese language, manners, and customs can seem daunting to foreigners.

In a world that places so much emphasis on tradition, learning the customs, and refining one’s skills and art are not things that can be acquired quickly.

And it is unkind to brush off someone who is interested by saying such a thing.

When introducing Japanese traditional performing arts to foreigners, we want to make it easy to understand and fun.

This is not to say that it is an easy or simplified traditional Japanese performing art, but rather that it has a wide range of entrances.

To tickle your curiosity about traditional Japanese performing arts as much as you want and fully satisfy your heart.

Isn’t it?

From a foreigner’s point of view, but with a genuine sense of traditional Japanese culture for them to enjoy.

For inbound tourism that actually experiences Japanese culture, it is important to tailor the Japanese cultural experience to the foreigner’s point of view.

In such cases, it is important to devise a way to communicate with the recipient while maintaining authentic quality.

Traditional Japanese Performing Arts as Entertainment

We would like foreign visitors to experience Japanese culture during their busy schedules, such as overseas business trips or limited time travel schedules.

If you think that this is a good idea, it is also important to incorporate it into your schedule to accommodate your guests’ stay style, such as the opening of a gala party or a dinner.

In such cases, we recommend an entertaining traditional Japanese performing arts experience that will enliven the occasion.

The traditional Japanese performing arts experience as entertainment allows you to experience the fascination of traditional Japanese performing arts in a spectacular way all at once!

– This is a spectacle with the key word “samurai,” which is familiar to foreigners in Kabuki and Noh.

– Live performance by a calligrapher and concert live with traditional Japanese music.

– Entertainment by karate and sumo wrestlers through performances and serious competitions.

Each of the traditional Japanese performing arts has its own special “flower” that is uniquely Japanese.

Workshops and Japanese cultural experiences

Another popular option is to “experience traditional Japanese performing arts as a workshop.”

The greatest benefit of the workshop is that foreigners can actually experience and learn about the deeper aspects of traditional performing arts.

The appeal of traditional performing arts lies in their depth.

The quality of enjoyment is totally different with and without knowledge.

For example, foreign plays with exotic appeal, such as Kabuki and Noh.

The workshop will satisfy your curiosity to experience it yourself and gain the joy of knowing one more thing from the value of

And, by actually attending a workshop in Japan while being involved with a specialist in the field, the experience is highly satisfying.

– Experience the world of Kabuki while learning about it directly from Kabuki actors.

– Experience the world of sumo together with sumo wrestlers.

– You will taste the actual tea ceremony while being directly instructed by a tea ceremony master or flower arrangement master.

– Learn swordsmanship and ninjutsu directly from swordsmiths and kobudo practitioners.

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Traditional Japanese Performing Arts as Team Building

All of the traditional Japanese performing arts are filled with the traditional Japanese courtesies and ideas that have been handed down since ancient times.

Japanese courtesy and respect for others is one of the things that foreigners want to learn about Japan, which is attracting worldwide attention.

Team building, which is understood through experiencing traditional arts, is very popular among foreigners.

We learn how to live from the philosophy in the Japanese way.

– The respect and courtesy to the opponent that one experiences and learns in karate.

– The momentary concentration of sumo and the spirit with which the wrestlers face their opponents.

– Experience Zen temple training and sutra copying.

Team building in traditional Japanese arts is full of possibilities, such as

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How to Enjoy Traditional Japanese Annual Events

It is still only possible to hold that event with a foreigner.

There is probably at least one Japanese event that coincides with the person’s stay in Japan.

You can have a meal associated with the event or go out to the place without making a big deal about it.

In addition, there are always wagashi that are only available at that time of year for annual events, so it is recommended to enjoy them together.

We would love for you to experience the joy of the Japanese seasons.

Detailed past articles can be found here.

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How to Enjoy Traditional Japanese Food, Clothing, and Housing

One way to enjoy traditional Japanese food and clothing is to enjoy Japanese cuisine.

Learn about Japanese traditions through food.

Many people are impressed by the food they eat for the first time and the beautiful Japanese tableware.

Authentic Japanese cuisine such as kaiseki and vegetarian dishes are of course recommended, but set menus at common restaurants are also popular.

As for traditional Japanese clothing, there are ways to experience authentic traditions, such as experiencing the dressing of a kimono and tea ceremony in a kimono at a tea ceremony hall.

Alternatively, a service that allows guests to wear kimonos and explore tourist destinations such as Tokyo and Kyoto is also popular.

Window shopping for cute Japanese accessories at souvenir shops in Asakusa, Kyoto, and other Japanese-inspired towns is also recommended.

There is also a growing interest in traditional Japanese tsutsumu culture, such as furoshiki (wrapping cloth) and tenugui (hand towels), which have recently become popular in the West.

Furoshiki are beautiful and small when folded, so they are very appreciated as souvenirs.

As for housing, touring historical buildings in tourist spots is wonderful, but surprisingly, many people are very happy to invite you to their homes.

From the rarity of Japanese houses to the Japanese wisdom found in everyday items.

The various innovations and traditions in everyday Japanese life are said to be surprising and inspiring when viewed by foreigners.

Japanese culture influencing the world today What is Japanese Style?

summary

Japanese traditional performing arts that have been handed down since ancient times.

Traditional arts have their own techniques and masters that have developed throughout Japanese history and culture.

And then there is the heart.

All traditional performing arts are filled with Japanese charm in every detail.

Such traditional Japanese performing arts have so tickled the curiosity of foreigners that there is no end to the number of people who want to experience them.

Motenas Japan offers a wide variety of foreigners the opportunity to enjoy traditional Japanese performing arts and culture.

モテナス日本オフィシャル

日本独自のおもてなし文化を世界中の人へ広めるために日夜努力しています。外国人の方の接待やおもてなしのご相談はお気軽にご連絡ください。お問い合わせはこちら

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