Post on 02-Jan-2016
transcript
Sumo Wrestling
• 2,000 years old• Rikishi- wrestler enter a heya mid teens to train where they
must live with their trainer and his wife • Sekitori- highest level of rank for a rikishi- only they are
allowed to wear the knot on top of their head • Each level winner is rewarded (money): the higher the
rank the more money they win• Rules are simple, the first to step outside the ring loses---
matches last a few seconds, no more than a minute• Sponsorships, generous donations from fans are common
in the sport
Bonsai
• Definition: A form of artistic expression and reverence to nature in place where limited space allows for few parks. (Growing miniature trees in containers).
• Are actually real trees, not suitable for house plants.
• Can sell for up to tens of thousands of dollars.
Geishas
• Translates to “person of the arts”• First known geisha were men--performed
dances, music and poetry• Extensively trained in art of ancient dance,
singing, playing instruments, tea ceremony, dress (kimono), calligraphy and flower arranging
• Two most famous hanimici (geisha quarters) are found in Tokyo and Kyoto
• Still exist today, but in a minor role--mostly for tourists
Samurai
• Samurai (warrior knights) waged fierce battles for control of the land
• The Samurai was completely loyal to the emperor, who was no more than a figurehead in Japanese society
• Shogun (most powerful samurai)- he controlled all of the land and the people living in it
• Invention of the gun = the end of the samurai
Code of the Samurai
A. The samurai class developed a code of behavior that came to be called bushido
1. “The way of the warrior”
2. emphasized loyalty above all else
3. bravery, self-discipline and honor
4. If this was violated, he was expected to pay a penalty: seppuku (ritual suicide)
Ikebana- The Art of Flower Arranging
• Started by a Buddhist monk in the early 15th century• Recreates elements of nature for the inside- seas, rivers,
valleys and stresses the harmony of vases, stems, leaves, branches and flowers
• Historically, specific guidelines were to be followed using geometric angles
• More modern day examples stress choosing the flowers you like, suitability of those flower choices and an appropriate container (in respect for the guests who will see it)
• This was reserved for the upper class, but was open to more people post WWII
• About 3000 schools and 60,000 teachers• 15 million people practice Ikebana, mostly young women
Japanese Etiquette• Traditionally, Japanese people are polite and reserved
– Tatemae- face you present to the world – Honne- true feelings don’t ignore true feelings – In order to keep a harmonious society, tatemae is very important
• When coming over to someone’s house, bring a gift, an inexpensive food item, but it must be wrapped
• Take off shoes and put on slippers, if you use the bathroom, you must put on a new pair of slippers
• Chopsticks most used form of utensils- if you are having trouble it is okay to ask but they should never be stuck in a rice bowl- only at a funeral
• Eating on the street, yawning and chewing gum in public is considered impolite
Japanese Food
• Shashmi- raw seafood served with spicy wasabi and Sushi- raw or cooked seafood served in vinagered rice with vegetable
• Sushi is very expensive and reserved for special occasions
• Tempora- seafood and vegetables dipped in batter and then deep fried
• Shabushbu- thin slices of beef with sesame sauce, vegetables in a broth
• Yakatori- broiled chicken on a skewer with green peppers, garlic cloves and onions served with a tangy sauce
Education
• Japanese student attend school 5 and a half days a week, 240 days a year
• Schools emphasize the importance of groups • Education taken very seriously, with a focus
on math and science• Juku- cram schools- are very popular ways to
prepare for exams– Students study for years and cram for months to
take the exams • 460 universities and more than 600 junior
colleges and technical schools – very competitive– Graduation from a top university can guarantee a
successful career