culture
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Sumo a one of Japan’s Proudest Martial Arts
While judo and karate are the most popular martial arts to practise outside of Japan, sumo is probably the martial art from Japan that appeals most to the imagination.
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Many delicious ramen dishes that can only be enjoyed in Japan
Ramen became one of the iconic foods from Japan, having gained a lot of popularity outside of Japan in recent years. This is no wonder as ramen noodles are affordable, quick, and delicious.
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Onigiri | A very popular dish among the Japanese
In Japanese culture, it is important not to waste any food, and the onigiri (rice ball) is a great example of how this goal is reached. Onigiri often features in home-made bento lunch boxes.
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Osechi Ryori | Traditional Japanese New Year’s Dishes
Japan’s traditional New Year’s food osechi ryori has a long history that began in the Heian era, as back in the day it was taboo to cook on the first 3 days of the year.
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Bento Boxes | A box full of deliciousness and love
Bento is the Japanese word for a meal served in a box. Bentos form an integral part of Japanese food culture, which cannot be simply traced from a packed meal.
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Hanami, a Cherry Blossom Viewing Party in Japan
In Japan, a very important national tradition returns every year in the early spring. Everybody gets together outside, prepares a picnic mat under the blooming cherry trees (sakura trees), and shares food and drinks.
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Pheasant | Japan’s beautiful national bird
The national bird of Japan is the green pheasant, named ‘Kiji’ in Japanese. It was declared the National Bird in 1947. The Kiji has been featured in many legends, mythology, poetry, and paintings.
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Flag of Japan, Land of the Rising Sun
The national flag of Japan is officially called ‘Nisshoki’, which means ‘Flag of the Sun symbol’, although colloquially it is known as ‘Hinomaru’ which means ‘Circle of the Sun’. It is the most important symbol of Japan.
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The National Flower of Japan | Culture Guide
Chrysanthemums first came to Japan from China in the fifth century. Chrysanthemum cultivation began in Japan during the Nara and Heian periods (710-1185) when the flower was planted throughout Japan.
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Beautiful and cool notation of kanji and hiragana
Japanese writing consists of three systems, kanji, hiragana, and katakana. Here’s a simple overview of how the Japanese writing system works.
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Kabuki | A comprehensive art form of Japanese tradition
Kabuki theater is a popular performance art that you can only see in Japan. It is performed by only male actors, and traditionally the trade has mainly been inherited by sons from their fathers.
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Japanese Tanka Poetry | Beautiful Japanese Music
Tanka is uniquely Japanese poetry that was perfected at the beginning of the seventh century.
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The great Emperor | The symbol of Japan
Japan has the oldest continuous monarchy in the world. According to mythology, the first Emperor of Japan, Emperor Jimmu, is descended from the Goddess of the Sun Amaterasu and he was enthroned in 660 BC.
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Osaka Danjiri Festival is as powerful as a movie
The Danjiri Matsuri (float festival) in Osaka started in 1703. The festival was created by the Lord of Kishiwada Castle to pray for an abundant harvest, and it is still going strong today.