Cultural Traditions in Japan

Cultural Traditions in Japan

I. Introduction

I never had the chance to experience other cultures in my younger years. I did not have much of a choice but to think of other cultures as they were portrayed in society, whether that be of a false image or that of a good one. Being a student at Saint Cloud State has given me the chance to experience the fascinating and, somewhat, bizarre world of other cultures. I have learned vast amounts of information about Japan and the Japanese people not just through my experiences with others in class, such as Thean or David, but through my studying and my interview with Itsuko, as well.

Japan was an active importer of culture during the period between the fifth and the ninth centuries (“Tradition and Culture.” 1). Japan’s culture came particularly from China and the Korean Peninsula. In many ways, the Japanese culture was influenced by the culture of other countries. Japan, however, did develop over the years and had a considerable influence on others as well.

According to Chitoshi Yanaga, in the 1870’s and 1880’s, as part of the national program of modernization, they tried to conceal or break the traditional concepts and attitudes of the Japanese (5). The concepts and attitudes were rooted deeply in the nation’s past but they tried to supersede by western ideas and ways of doing things. Ties of friendship, confidence, and mutual interest were kept during these times and continue today (Henning: 5). Japan has been very actively building friendly relations with foreign countries. Following World War II the Japanese lifestyle underwent a major transformation. Their traditional homes changed. They changed their lifestyles in accordance with more w...

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