Thursday, February 5, 2009

The Different Cultures That Japan Has To Offer

By Ron Otaku

Japan as a country has a cultural background that is wide ranging and special. A growing number of people have taken fancy to a culture that has a unique ability to pique a person's interest and pull them in deeper. The Japanese are now known more for their fascinating exports that grew from an age of modernization than anything else.

This cannot be more true than in her export of fashion. The Japanese never rest on their laurels and are always on the cutting edge when it comes to designing and dressing up. This has meant becoming an industry leader especially in the surrounding regions.

There is no lack of invention and variety in Japanese fashion. Its street fashion has already seeped into and has a place in both Asian and Western youth culture. Other unique left-field niches have also taken root in the global world such as cosplay, which was borne out of the popularity of anime.

J pop, or Japanese pop music as it is also known as, is another product of the modernization of Japan. It initially drew on Western influences to build an identity of its own. Now, J pop is constantly lapped up by adoring fans all over the world, even in the United States and Europe.

The same foreigners who have developed a love for anything Japanese have not spared the language either. There has been a constant influx of people who have made the effort to study the language in Japan, as well as to soak in the culture and atmosphere right in the country. A strong desire to learn more about Japan is at the heart of this movement.

Japanese culture is not just about music or clothes. They also indulge in fine arts such as brush calligraphy. The ancient martial arts are also part of their identity and there is a huge cult following for both samurai and ninja philosophies outside of the country.

There is a side to the Japanese that they have increasingly applied to commercial culture. There is a national obsession with cuteness. Many products that are made in Japan always come designed with that catered in mind. It has proven to be successful so far as millions all over the world have taken to it in droves.

Japanese culture is just so diverse and interesting. The above are just some of the many facets of the East Asian country's rich background. If you are willing to dig deeper and find out more, there will be no disappointment but more surprises in store. - 16651

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