Cultural Study of Japan

This summer I've embarked into a deep dive on Japanese culture and history. The phase was long in anticipation due to the latest release of Assassin's Creed Shadows in May.  The game offers a vast open-world immersion into Feudal Japan, during the Civil Warring Period known as Sengoku). I've also paired this behemoth game with an equally massive 1100 page book, Shogun by James Clavell. The book is also set around the same time as AC Shadows (during the early 1600s). I'll later have full reviews on both the video game and the book. As well as the usual video game and books, I also accompany my phases with television shows (Shogun, Blue Samurai), movies (The Seven Samurai, The Last Samurai), Japanese food, tea, Japanese garden plants, and relaxing Japanese Zen music. So it's fair to say the summer of 2025 for me is a full-on Japanese summer. 

As I mentioned in my previous post on the historical study of Feudal Japan, I know very little about this country's history and culture. The first things that would often come to mind was the neon-light city of Tokyo, samurai warriors, sushi, and their maniacal army during WW2. Little did I know of this concept of Zen-Buddhism, Shintoism, or Bushido. Or how they were discovered by Portugal in the 1500s and resisted the conversion to Christianity. Or how Samurai were not just warriors, but also noble-men who considered the act of seppuku as an honorable death. These cultures of the far-east are so unique to me, because of their divergence from Christianity. I must say that I had no intention to ever visit Japan in my lifetime, but after this summer that has changed. It's culture is very rich with unique symbolism and identity. 

Japanese Geography and Landscape

Most national cultures get their identity from their land's geography and that is certainly the case for Japan. It is an island on the far east surrounded by the Pacific Ocean. Japan puts great emphasis on their geography and considers nature to have a holy presence, a concept known as "shizen". The most iconic landmark is Mount Fuji, a stratovolcano that dominates the skyline. This mountain is one of three holy mountains the other two being Mount Tate and Mount Haku. The Three Views of Japan are also iconic scenic locations which include the tiny islands of Matsushima, the sandbar of Amanohashidate, and Itsukushima "Shrine Island" (renown for it's iconic Torri Gate that floats in the water). 

Another unique characteristic of Japan's landscape is their colorful trees. They have some of the most beautiful plants in the Sakura Trees (cherry blossoms), Japanese red Maples, the yellow Ginkgo tree, and purple Wisteria flowers. The climate goes thru a distinct four season period, similar to the Americas, which makes their foliage all the more beautiful. Japan celebrates the beauty of their nature in mini zen-gardens as a means of peaceful meditation and tranquility. These gardens often consist of minimal colors, with plants, rocks, waters, sand, lanterns, and a bridge. 

Japanese Religion

This Japanese emphasis on nature is a core component of their most popular religions. The most ancient being the practice of Shinto, which dates back to the Yayoi Period of 300 BC. This religion originated in Japan, as a celebration of nature rather than a specific monotheistic deity. However there are still supernatural spirits at work within the religion referred to as kami, that are considered forces of nature. There is really no official doctrine like the bible or ceremonial services, yet rather a peaceful state of mind. The religion is a concept that worships the power of nature, with the practice of prayer thru shrines and meditation. 

Another iconic religion practiced in Japan is Buddhism, which originated in India, and became prevalent in Japan by 600 AD. There are many similarities in Buddhism and Shinto particularly this peaceful state of mind to appreciate the natural environment. Few other concepts from Buddhism that especially took hold in Japan were the belief of karma and reincarnation. That every action in life will later have an equal reaction and that all souls will follow a path of rebirth until they achieve proper nirvana. The practice of Zen Buddhism and Confucianism also became popular during the Feudal Age with emphasis on meditation and human reason. Western religions such as Christianity and Islam had a minor presence in Japan but never realy took off. 

Japanese Visual Art

Japan has a unique style of the visual arts quite distinct from western art with it's iconic brushstrokes and minimalist landscapes. Calligraphy is one of their most iconic visual arts, an expressive and decorative form of handwriting. Their text is quite different from our alphabet which uses a form of Chinese symbols known as Kanji. Each of these symbols are quite unique illustrations that almost require a bit of artistry to write. Ink wash painting is an artform often associated with calligraphy. It uses black brushstrokes to demonstrate a surreal natural essence. This is an iconic form of eastern Asian art that demonstrates an expressive form of interpretation.  

The use of woodblock prints and folding screens are also an emblematic Japanese art style. The practice of Ukiyo-e especially flourished during the Edo Period (1603-1868) under the Tokugawa Shogunate where Japan experienced a golden age in Tokyo. These paintings became popular household items that celebrated Japanese society thru colorful displays of geishas, samurai, kabuki actors, sumo wrestlers, and beautiful landscapes. Some iconic ukiyo-e paintings include the Maple Viewing at Takao (1500s) by Kano Hideyori, the First Play of Musical Instruments in the New Year ( 1805) by Kitagawa Tsukimaro, and the most famous being the Great Wave off Kanagawa (1831) by Katsushika Hokusai.  

Japanese Literature

The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikiu, is the most famous piece of Japanese literature. It was written in 1021 AD and is considered the first novel ever written in history (long before the western influence of Don Quixote). I am honestly quite unfamiliar with this story about an emperor's son set during the Heian Period. Muraska was a noblewoman who served Empress Shoshi and became a well renown writer and poet throughout her life. Her classic work of literature helped define Japanese culture and society. Some of Japan's greatest literature came during this Heian period (794-1185) such as The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, The Tale of Heike, and the Pillow Book. One of the greatest poets was Matsuo Basho considered a master of the haiku verse that became popular during the Edo Period.   

Japenese Wardrobe

Another unique trait of Japanese culture is their wardrobe, quite different from the western world. The kimono is their traditional garments, like a robe with very intricate elaborate detail. Accompanying this relaxing robe is the obi sash and the zori sandals (often made of wood, with elevated bases). Both the samurai and geisha heightened this unique style of fashion; where samurai wore elaborate armor known as the o-yoroi with facial armors (like masks) known as the men-yoroi. They also wore a distinctive topknot or shaved the middle of their head known as the chonmage. Meanwhile the geisha often wore heavy white makeup known as the oshiroi, with elaborate hair buns with hairpins, often carrying umbrellas or folding fans. 

Japanese Music and Theater

Traditional Japanese Music has a zen-like relaxing quality to it, incorporating the elements of Buddhist chants and rituals. The most iconic instrument is the shamisen, a three-stringed guitar that offers a unique buzz tone, almost like a high-pitched drum beat. This instrument especially became popular during Japan's flourishing Edo Period, as the backdrop of Kabuki theater performances. Musical theater is also an important aspect of Japanese musical culture. The four main types are the Noh (spiritual dance), Kyogen (comic performance), Kabuki (the most famous well renown for it's elaborate masks and costumes), and the Bunraku (puppet performances).   

Japanese Holidays

One of their most important holidays is New Year's Day known as the Shogatsu which includes family gatherings, traditional foods, and visits to shrines. This New Years celebration lasts for a few days known as the Oshogatsu Season. Although Japan does not have an Independence day like most nations they do celebrate a National Foundation Day on Feb 11 where they commemorate Emperor Jimmu as founding the empire in 660 BC. The Golden Week in late April-early May is also a popular time of holidays, festivals, and vacation. The Buddhist holiday of Obon is celebrated in July/August to give homage to deceased family and ancestors. It's also interesting to note that Christmas is celebrated but doesn't have the religious Christian aspect to it and is not considered an official national holiday.   

Japanese Architecture 

The iconic Asian Pagoda style originated in China but Japan brought a distinctive element to the design with it's overhanging tiered roofs. These designs were given great aesthetic detail with practical construction to protect from earthquakes and heavy rainfalls. Other common Japanese architectural features are the sliding paper doors, straw mats, the engawa outdoor porch, and the tokonoma (a dedicated recession within a room to display art or a shrine). The Torri gate is also a cultural element of Japanese architecture, a symbol of Shintoism that represents a passage into a sacred realm. 

At the core of all Japanese architecture is minimalism and simplicity that accentuates nature. Zen gardens are a common feature of many households and buildings. Some of the most iconic landmarks in Japan include the Himeji and Osaka Castles and the floating shrine of Itsukushima. Kyoto is renown for it's classic Japanese architecture with many monuments, castles, Buddhist temples, and Torri shrines. The modern city of Tokyo also has many amazing futuristic skyscrapers and constructions including the Tokyo Tower, The Tokyo Skytree, and the Shibuya Crossing. 

Japanese Sports

The way of the warrior is a major element of Japanese competition, which is seen in many of it's athletic sports. This is prevalent in many of it's famous martial arts such as judo, jujutsu, karate, and sumo wrestling. While these forms of combat were initially intended for samurai battle throughout the Edo Period they later become incorporated into competitive sport. In the modern age Japan adopted many of the western sports and especially excelled at baseball. They've won the World Baseball Classic a record three times in 2006, 2009, and 2023. They hosted the FIFA World Cup with Korea in 2002 and have hosted the Olympics 4 times in 1964, 1972, 1998, and 2020. Some of their greatest athletes include baseball stars; Shohei Ohtani, Ichiro Suzuki, Hideki Matsui; and tennis 4-time grand slam champion Naomi Osaka.  

Japanese Cuisine

Being an island nation, seafood is a very popular base food throughout most of Japan. Of course we know sushi as it's most iconic dish, raw seafood and vegetables wrapped around rice (often served with a side of soy sauce and wasabi). Other popular dishes include the fried seafood known as tempura, white rice, noodles, swekered chicken known as yakitori, and teriyaki glazed meats or fish. Miso Soup, Udon Noodle Soup, white rice, and ramen noodles are also common side dishes. One of the more popular dishes during the New Year holiday is the Osechi, a variety of flavors served on a dish referred to as a jubako or bento box.  

The consummation of tea is also a very important element of Japanese cuisine and culture. The tea ceremony is a traditional practice of spiritual meditation but also social interaction. Green tea and matcha are the the most common type. The most popular alcoholic beverage is the riced wine known as sake. Beer came much later to Japanese cuisine in the 1860s, the lager being their preferred choice. Popular Japanese desserts include the mochi rice cakes, sweet dango dumplings, Daifuku sugar covered strawberries, and Japanese cheesecake or pudding known as purin.