JAPANESE LITERATURE

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