Some Japanese traditions

Kimono and Yukata is the traditional Japanese wearing, the Kimono being usual very expensive and worn especially at formal or traditional moments such as weddings or funerals, very colorful or black, some of them representing themes from Japanese culture.

Opposite, the Yukata is worn in the summer especially in the festivals Matsuri (祭り),or in Onsen (温泉)）（hot spring）)or ryokan(旅館) (Japanese traditional hotel) not so expensive. Both are worn by children and men too, but for men have a special design.

 

茶道(ちゃどう)Tea ceremony  is a ritual, now as a hobby, held in traditional Japanese rooms, and represent the way of drinking Macha (抹茶―まっちゃ) the green Japanese tea with traditional Japanese sweets. The ceremony takes your soul in the spiritual Japanese world.

 

The traditional Japanese gardens are considered to be an art with an increased popularity around the world. You can enjoy the miniature reproduction of natural scenery.

Don’t miss the cherry blossom in spring sakura – hanami（花見）  celebrated over the years, associated with a new beginning, in this time in Japan starting a new school year or new business year.

 

Ikebana(生け花)、is the Japanese art of flower arrangement, known as Kado(

華道）meaning the” way of flowers”, very popular around the world, nowadays in Japan being seen often in the festivals or in important receptions, and being taught as a hobby.

 

 The traditional Japanese music and theater are very famous around the world, especially Kabuki（歌舞伎） a Japanese drama performed mainly by men’s in traditional costumes with special make-up, very expressive, were the actions are played in a specific 

art form and ritual. Usual the tradition goes from generation to generation, from parents to children.

 

The Japanese traditional music is different and it uses specific kind of instruments, like Shamisen, a kind of guitar with three strings, Shakuhachi a long flute, or Koto a kind of instrument with 13 strings. Today this traditional music is played only in specials occasions, like culture festivals meant to persuade the value and importance of the Japanese music through generations.

 

Geisha(芸者)　are professional Japanese women entertainers, dressed in Kimono with a special make-up who perform in high class traditional hotels, singing, dancing and cheering the customers, nowadays being seen especially in Kyoto.

                           

In the festivals, Matsuri, Japanese people perform traditional dance and Taiko drums music.

                                          

Another very famous tradition, or better the Japanese famous sport is Sumo (相撲), wrestling, dedicated to the Shinto Gods with religious rituals, today being practiced by foreign people too.

 Martial arts are very popular in Japan and around the world too.

 

The most loved tradition in Japan is お正月(おしょうがつ)The Japanese New Year, waited so long by the Japanese people, with colorful and expensive dishes.