When most people mention Japanese culture many think of a very serious and respectful society while to others it invokes thoughts of women clad in kimonos and strange looking masks. Now while things like these still can be seen in Japan, today's modern Japanese culture does know how to kick back and have a lot of fun too.
Manga - Japanese Comics
Manga, otherwise known as comic books, are unbelievably popular in today's modern Japanese culture. While the comic books of the United States are mostly targeted to children and teenagers, Manga is most definitely geared toward adult audience. Manga very often shows graphic violence and sexual situations (although there are regulations about the showing of organs).
Sailor Moon and Yu-Gi-Oh are two westernized versions of Manga and Shonen Jump is a very popular magazine in the United States that caters to all things Manga.
Anime - Japanese Animation
Along with Manga, Anime is an immensely huge part of today's modern Japanese culture. Revenue from these types of animated programming is huge as demand for them is worldwide.
Anime characters can be seen all over Japan. From school girls carrying around the latest Hello Kitty Doll to warning signs on automatic doors with pictures of scared bunny rabbits on them. Hello Kitty and Pokémon are two fantastic examples of what a huge cultural influence Anime plays in not only Japan but across the entire world.
Movies
Movies are a huge part of modern Japanese culture. Starting out with home grown movies and some of the world's first "creature features" (namely Godzilla) Japanese cinema quickly evolved into brilliant animated features and the ahead of his time creations of director Kurasawa.
Sports
Sports play a huge part of the culture in Japan. Professional baseball is probably one of the most popular sports played in the Land of the Rising Sun today. Baseball players are as popular as movie stars and stadiums are constantly packed with young and old fans alike.
The ancient practice of the Martial arts are very popular sports even today in Japan. Judo and Kendo are two of the most popular disciplines practiced on both competitive and recreational levels by people of all ages.
Kabuki - Traditional Japanese theatre
Kabuki is an ancient art form that is still held in high regard in today's modern Japanese culture. Kabuki is performed with an entirely male cast but interestingly it was created by a female shire attendant in the 17th century.
The earliest incarnations of Kabuki where preformed by all female casts but because of the sensual nature of the performances and the all male audience's things often got out of control.
Females were banned from performing by the Tokugawa Shogunate. Future performances ranged from dramatic stories played out through dramatic make-up and costumes to very stylish and simple testaments to the beauty and virtue of the female form. Kabuki is expected to be under the protection of the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage sometime this year.
Religion
Even in today's modern Japanese society, religion still plays a huge part in people everyday lives. Almost all people living in Japan have a god shelf and a Buddha shrine in their homes to pay homage to the religious figures in Japan and Shrines are scattered all through Japan for worship purposes.
Tourism
Visitors coming to Japan today will be greeted by a wonderful combination of old world charm and very modernized living.
Tourists can marvel in the outstanding beauty of ancient Japanese temples, visit museums that hold the rich history of this Asian country and attend any one of the many celebratory festivals happening in Japan all throughout the year.
Visitor will also enjoy all the high tech offers Japan can give them. Tourists can shop for the latest gadgets, take in a movie or see the latest popular musical group in concert. Hotels in Japan are extremely comfortable while still offering the most modern of conveniences to their guests.
There are lots of sights to been seen in Japan. An interesting fact about Japan is that there are over two thousand different spots to go scuba diving. Pristine waters await divers looking to discover whatever wonders maybe hiding under the water's surface.
There are also a great many art galleries and museums that tell the rich history of Japan throughout the years. A multitude of parks, theme parks and world class shopping available.
Springtime is a fantastic time to be a visitor or resident in Japan as you will get to bear witness to the blooming of the cherry blossom trees. There is much more to the modern culture of Japan then what was mentioned here, all waiting for visitors and natives alike to experience.
For more info on Japan, visit http://www.animekitsune.com
Source: www.articlecube.com