For a long time, Japanese culture was formed in relative isolation from the influence of the surrounding countries, which was largely facilitated by the island's location of the state. Only in the middle of the 19th century, the traditions of Japan began to be diluted with the customs of neighboring Malaysia, China, Korea, and the 20th century brought some cultural features from the West: from the Old World and the United States. The main principle of the cultural traditions of the Japanese is admiration for nature and attitude towards it as a living being.
Uppercase truths
One of the arts in Japan is calligraphic writing. At all times, mastering calligraphy was considered a sign of a cultured person, and the writing styles were perfected by monks in Buddhist religious centers. The traditional Japanese paper washi, which UNESCO even lists as a World Cultural Heritage, has become no less famous. Until now, Japanese traditions prescribe the use of washi for writing and origami, the production of jewelry, stencils and screens.
About beautiful ladies
Japanese women are known all over the world for their ability to wear kimonos. The national clothes of the Land of the Rising Sun can still be found in the subway, in a department store, and in a cinema. The fair half of the Japanese nation is distinguished by a particular modesty of behavior, especially if there are men nearby. A Japanese woman dressed in a kimono always walks slightly behind her husband or colleague; it is not customary to let her go forward or to show other signs of attention, traditional in relations between the sexes.
But the woman is in charge of the finances in the family. Only she knows how much was spent on this or that purchase. According to the traditions of Japan, a man has no right to be interested in prices and, moreover, to dispute something.
Good manners
The Japanese do not welcome too noisy behavior, active gesticulation or loud expressions of their own feelings. They will like it if the guests:
- Express their gratitude with a slight bow.
- They will carry business cards with them, which are customary to exchange in any situation.
- They will be able to cope with traditional chopsticks and leave the knife and fork for European dishes.
- A gift will be given in response to a greeting from local residents.
- They will fulfill the given word or obligation, no matter what difficulties it may accompany.
The concept of debt in the traditions of Japan not only occupies a special place, but is also defined by the special term "giri". This is a generally accepted social norm of behavior or a certain debt of honor, and therefore you can be sure that a resident of the Land of the Rising Sun will always keep this promise.
