Culture
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Japan has a eye catching culture. Culture is the arts, human interaction, and characteristics of the place. In this case it is Japan. In Japan there is many beliefs. One belief is that, if you climb it is a life accomplishment if you climb Mt. Fuji only once ,but is a unwise act when climbed twice.
Some of Japan's greetings are very common because the Japanese community have the same culture. Here are some basic greetings:
New Year's festival are one the most important days in Japanese culture. It can last from the end of December to the 3rd of January. It is a special time for family and friends to get together. In Japan, the years are after zodiac animals. The Chinese and The Japanese use the same zodiac, like 2003 is the year of the ram, small toys of the animal are sold in large packs, Preparations in advanced are homes getting cleaned, new clothes, and decorations. Decorations can be put at home, shops, and public places.
Some of Japan's greetings are very common because the Japanese community have the same culture. Here are some basic greetings:
- "Hello" means "Konnichiwa" ( How it is written on the left)
- "Good Bye" means "Sayonara"
- " Thank You" means "Arigato"
- "Peace" means "Heiwa"
New Year's festival are one the most important days in Japanese culture. It can last from the end of December to the 3rd of January. It is a special time for family and friends to get together. In Japan, the years are after zodiac animals. The Chinese and The Japanese use the same zodiac, like 2003 is the year of the ram, small toys of the animal are sold in large packs, Preparations in advanced are homes getting cleaned, new clothes, and decorations. Decorations can be put at home, shops, and public places.
Food
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Everybody loves food! The Japanese have foods from deep fried to raw. Rice is important food in Japan. Rice was learned from the Chinese 300 BC - 300 AD. That is 1000 years of learning! Rice meant more reliable food sources in that time era. Rice is used many recipes ,such as mochi cakes and gohan. Mochi cakes are rice cakes with fruit fillings like cherries and other fruits. Gohan is another word in japanese, that means rice and vinegar.
Religion
There are two common religions in Japan. There is Shintoism and Buddhism. Most japanese people partake in both religions. For example, if you were to plan a wedding it would go by shinto practice ,but if you planned a funeral it would go by buddhist practices.
Shinto religion started 3,000 years ago. Shinto means "the way of the gods". In Japan it also means there is a spiritual force called "kama". Kama is also worshipped at home. The people of Japan can visit shrines at any time they like. Offerings contain fruits and rice. The offerings can be put on the shelf with lit candles.
Buddhism started in India ,but came to Japan in the middle of the 6th century. In buddhist temples there are statues of Buddha and allow fellow worshippers to light and burn incense in front of them. Majority of buddhist temples are built with wood and have numerous buildings. Many buddhist families have Buddha altars to praise at home.
Shinto religion started 3,000 years ago. Shinto means "the way of the gods". In Japan it also means there is a spiritual force called "kama". Kama is also worshipped at home. The people of Japan can visit shrines at any time they like. Offerings contain fruits and rice. The offerings can be put on the shelf with lit candles.
Buddhism started in India ,but came to Japan in the middle of the 6th century. In buddhist temples there are statues of Buddha and allow fellow worshippers to light and burn incense in front of them. Majority of buddhist temples are built with wood and have numerous buildings. Many buddhist families have Buddha altars to praise at home.