What represents the culture of Japan?

Clothing: Kimono & Yukata

Kimono, made out of silk, is Japan’s traditional garment wear. It is a much less common sight now but still worn at formal events like wedding or tea ceremony. Kimono also differs in style and colours and each type is suited for different occasions.

Shiromuku is a type of Kimono for brides.

Shiro refers to white, muku refers to pure

The bride will usually be dressed in a white kimono whereas the groom will be in a black kimono.

 

Yukata, on the other hand is more casual and usually made of cotton or linen. It is ideal for daily wear at home or for evening strolls.

Kimono and Yukata has also influenced and inspired many designers to create a similar style of clothes similar to it. 

Leisure Arts & Entertainment: Geisha, geiko

Snow white skin, crimson red lips, eyebrows lined in crimson and black… What does this remind you of?

Many people perceive Geisha as prostitutes but they are not.

Geisha are professional entertainers who are trained in various traditional Japanese arts, such as music and dance, and the art of communication. They live in special houses, okiya and learn hospitality skills there typically at age 15.

The total number of geiko and maiko (geiko apprentice) performing depends on the party size and customer’s budget.

Working as a geisha offers a Japanese woman the rare opportunity of a well-paid career that can be pursued to an advanced age. Some continue on as geisha into their seventies. (Kiritani, 1995)

How much does it cost to engage them?

Geiko dinners have always been expensive and exclusive. However, due to economic downturns in recent decades, it is now available to anyone with sufficient budget. The typical cost for a full fletched dinner is about 50,000 yen per geiko/maiko.

What other ways to experience the geiko culture?

Each of the Geisha districts of Kyoto holds annual dance festivals for tourists to watch the performances. (Gion, Miyagawa, Kamishichiken, Pontocho) The best period to go is during the month of April, May and November. It will cost 2000 – 4000 yen per person. 

Art: Tea Ceremony

The tea ceremony, chanoyu or sado is an aesthetic pastime unique to Japan and is a form of art centering on serving and drinking tea. The kind of formalities observed in the ceremony has influenced the development of manners of the Japanese. (The International Society for Educational Information, 1989) The rituals must be learnt by heart and every hand movement is prescribed.

The main components of the tea ceremony involve incorporation of the principles of harmony, respect, tranquility and purity.

Every step is gracious and requires skill and patience while at it. It is interesting to watch how the whole process is being handled. 

Guests who are invited to a formal tea ceremony had to learn habits and etiquette. 

They are expected to carefully examine and praise the artistic quality of the tea bowl and utensils used. (Kamachi, 1999)

Social Customs & Lifestyle: Bowing

It is the universal form of greeting in Japan. Japanese express respect, apology and affection by bowing. The depth and duration of bowing vary depending on the situation and relationship of the people involved. (Kamachi, Social Customs And Lifestyle, 1999)

Leisure Arts & Entertainment: Sumo

Sumo is Japan’s national sport and focuses on wrestling. Its first purpose was to entertain the Shinto Gods back in ancient times. Fights take place on dohyo, an elevated ring made of clay and covered in a layer of sand. Weight gain is an essential part of sumo training as there is no weight restrictions, hence, you could be fighting against someone double the size.