Japan

David Bianca and Arghir Ana

 Japan Country
Japan is an island country in East Asia, located
on a chain of islands between the Pacific Ocean
and the Sea of Japan. It is also known as the
Land of the Rising Sun. According to legend,
Japan was created by the gods who plunged a
sword into the ocean, drawing it out to form four
drops that became the main islands, as well as a
multitude of smaller islands. Japan has a
population of about 127 million.

Japan has the largest urban area in the world.

According to statistics published by the ONU,
the metropolitan agglomeration around the
capital ranks first in the world in terms of
population.
Let’s talk about capital: Tokyo
Tokyo is the capital of Japan and also the
largest metropolitan area in the world, a huge
territory with an economic and administrative
role for the whole country. Tokyo has often
been referred to as one of the most expensive
cities in the world, which is also due to the
very high standard of living. Today's fabulous
city was once a small fishing village, then
called Edo. From then until today, Tokyo has
grown rapidly and is today a metropolis that
amazes with its history, art, culture and many
interesting sights. A total of 35 million people
live in Tokyo, making the city a vibrant and
energetic region.
 There are many celebrations and festivals in Japan, due to the great
cultural diversity. Some of these are: 2. Cherry Blosson Festival

1.Doll Festival In Japan, the annual cherry blossom

The Doll Festival, or hina matsuri, is
celebrated on March 3, when Japanese
families with daughters display a set of dolls
representing the old imperial family inside
their home.
festival is one of the country's most
important cultural events, known as
'hanami', which in literal translation
means 'flower watching'. During this
period, Japanese people go out for
picnics with family and friends in parks
under the flowering trees to celebrate
the arrival of spring. The cherry
blossom season in Japan usually takes
place from late March to early April,
but in recent years it has been earlier
and earlier due to warmer
temperatures.
 3.New Year's celebration
The Japanese celebrate the end of one year and the
beginning of the next with great pomp and passion.
The period celebrated is called shogatsu, which in a
very broad sense refers to the first month of the
year. On the first of January Japanese families
gather to drink a certain type of sake, which is
supposed to ensure long life, to eat a certain type of
rice soup which, according to custom, erases any
bad memories left from the previous year.
Japanese traditions
1.Ikebana-the Japanese art of flower
arranging, flowers, branches, leaves and stems
find new life as materials meant to lead to art.
Unlike the Western custom of placing flowers in a
vase, ikebana aims to bring out the inner qualities
of flowers and other living materials and express
emotion. Ikebana flower arrangements have come
a long way from their humble roots when they
were offered as temple offerings centuries ago.
Today it is a popular and innovative living art
unique to Japan that is cherished by experts and
beginners.
2. Geisha-In translation, geisha means
"artist" or "person of the arts". Among the
arts that a geisha studies over time, it
seems that the art of seduction and
maintaining anonymity is also counted. In
other words, geishas sell dreams. Like all
of Japan.
 Culture
6 curiosities about Japanese culture:

-There are more than 50,000 people in Japan who are over 100 years old, according to the latest estimates.

-In Japan it is acceptable to fall asleep on the job because it is considered that sleep is caused by hard
work.

-Christmas is considered a romantic holiday. In Japan, Christianity accounts for about 2%, so Christmas is
more of an innovation than a religious holiday. People rather celebrate Christmas Eve, which is considered
a night for romantic encounters and gift exchanges.

-Until the 19th century Japanese women had their teeth blackened, it was a standard of beauty and was
practiced by upper-class women. Black teeth were mandatory for young women to be married. The practice
was banned from the 19th century onwards, with the aim of modernising Japan.

-The Japanese consume horse meat. Its use in cooking increased significantly in the 1960s as the role of
horses in agriculture and transport declined significantly. Raw horse meat, known as basahi, is often served
in restaurants.

-The first gise were men. They advised feudal lords on various artistic performances and stories. The female
geisha took over this role in the late 18th century. They became hugely popular, surpassing men, in less than
25 years.
 Language and writing- The origin of the Japanese language is unknown.
Despite Japanese adoption of many elements of Chinese culture, their language is not
related to Chinese. There is, however, some evidence of a kinship with Austronesian,
Malaysian, Indonesian and Filipino languages, particularly through similarities in vowel
sounds. Japanese uses three alphabets simultaneously.

Traditional architecture- Japanese architecture is based on wood. Many

temple complexes have a pagoda, usually five storeys high, according to Chinese
geomantic principles of the five elements: earth, water, sky, wind and fire. Many of the
castles also have five roof levels on the outside, with these intricate buildings being
erected without the use of nails. The traditional Japanese house is built on small pillars,
sometimes set back from the foundation.

Religion- Japanese are said to be born Shinto, married Christian and buried
Buddhist.
 1.Ramen-Ramen is one of the most
popular dishes in Japan. It is basically a
bowl of wheat noodles served in a soy JAPANESE CUISINE
sauce or miso soup, mixed with many other
types of ingredients.
2. Tempura- is a Japanese
fried snack made mostly from
seafood and vegetables, but
you can also find tempura
made from poultry or fish,
seasoned with soy sauce,
ginger and sugar. Tempura
can be made using almost
any kind of vegetable.
3. Shabu shabu- This dish is made with a
variety of meats and seafood,
vegetables, tofu and pasta. The way
shabu-shabu is prepared is by
submerging a piece of meat (or a
vegetable) in a pot of hot water. After a
few minutes, the piece of meat is dipped
in a sesame sauce, and served with rice.

4. Sushi-Sushi has a history of 1300

years. Japanese chef Hanaya Yohei was
the first to prepare sushi as we know it
today. Basically, it consists of a slice of
fish placed on a small rice patty with a
little Japanese horseradish - wasabi. The
best quality fish and vinegar are used in
the preparation.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Hiroshima- Hiroshima, which the whole world will
always remember after the attack of August 6, 1945, is
today an attractive and prosperous city, a modern,
open settlement that has long since moved beyond
that tragic moment of nuclear holocaust.

Himeji Castle- Himeji Castle is a Japanese fortification

complex located in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture. The
castle consists of 83 buildings forming an elaborate
defensive system. It is also nicknamed Hakuro-jo
("White Egret Castle") because it resembles a bird
taking flight. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage
Site since 1993.
Kyoto Imperial Palace-The Imperial Palace in Kyoto,
residence of the Imperial Family until 1868, when the
capital moved to Tokyo, is today an impressive
ensemble, rebuilt at least eight times throughout its
history due to repeated fires. It can be admired in
Kyoto's Imperial Park and is one of Japan's national
symbols.

Tokyo Tower-Built in 1958, Tokyo Tower is located in Shiba

Park in the Minato area of Tokyo. Built as a
telecommunication and observation tower, 332.5 meters
high, the tower is the second tallest structure in Tokyo.
Inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the tower is
constructed of metal trusses and is based on a 4-storey
building housing museums, restaurants and shops.