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Everybody agrees that Japan is easily one of the most stunning places. The country offers a full range of nature and culture, from beaches to mountains, futuristic buildings, and ancient temples. Japan's culture is an intriguing mix of traditional and ultramodern. From food and everyday etiquette to art and education, this country values its strong cultural identity.
The Japanese culture is rich in ceremonies and traditions. Japan has been able to minimize the influence of foreign cultures for centuries. This allowed the lovely "Land of the Rising Sun" to develop its own culture and heritage. So here's some Japanese culture that many people love and are amazed by!
Bowing
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Bowing, known as ojigi in Japan, is Japan's traditional form of greeting. Bowing in Japan can signify emotions, including appreciation, respect, remorse, or gratitude. Bowing is also fundamental in Japanese business and social situations.
Bowing is generally split into two different types, kneeling (zarei) and standing (ritsurei). You must remember only to bend your body at the waist and keep your back straight throughout for both of these styles. Bowing is fundamental in Japanese business and social situations, but if you are in Japan and aren't sure, you should wait until someone else moves first and copy them.
Japan Onsen
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Japan is a volcanically active country, so it has many hot springs. Onsens were traditionally located outdoors, but there are many indoor onsens nowadays. Most of the locations are close to volcanoes, especially around Mount Fuji and Mount Hakone.
Visitors to onsens, or hot springs baths, must bathe naked in Japan. Traditional onsens do not allow swimsuits, so everyone must shower thoroughly before entering the baths.
Traditional Japanese Dress
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In recent years, clothes such as kimonos have become increasingly popular in the fashion industry. The actual kimono is a traditional Japanese T-shaped garment. Kimonos are usually composed of silk and are fastened with an obi, a wide belt.
Different kimonos are worn depending on the occasion; kimonos for everyday wear are much simpler than for formal events. The kimono is a symbol of good fortune and longevity. Specific motifs represent the wearer's virtues or attributes or correspond to the season or event.
Every country has its own unique culture that we must respect. Japan teaches us always to love and empower the culture that our ancestors left behind. Hopefully, this article can add to your knowledge regarding Japanese culture!
References
Japanology (2019, 5 April). 20 Facts On Japanese Culture You Probably Never Knew. Retrived from https://japanology.org/2019/04/20-facts-on-japanese-culture/#:~:text=Japan's%20unique%20culture%20is%20a,etiquette%20to%20art%20and%20education
Interact (2022, 24 February). Bowing In Japan: A Guide for Foreigners https://interacnetwork.com/bowing-in-japan/#:~:text=Bowing%20in%20Japan%20can%20be,keep%20your%20back%20straight%20throughout.
Kyoto Inn&Tour (2020, 7 March). 16 things you didn’t know about the Japanese Kimono https://www.kyoto-ryokan-sakura.com/archives/531#:~:text=Believed%20to%20live%20for%20a,good%20fortune%20on%20the%20wearer.
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