Geography & Industries of Japan

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Geography & Industries of Japan Geography Madison Jessica & & Archie Industries of Japan Geography Population LOCATION In the year 2014 The population was Japan is surrounded by 126,999,808 the Pacific Ocean and It went down -0.08% so in the Sea of Japan also 2015 it is 126,818,019. known as the East Sea. Industries • Japan has some if the most richest people on the planet. • Japan remains the third largest economy in the world, most businesses expand as much as they can. • Japan is one of the most highly developed nations in the world. • Japanese brands like Toyota, Sony, Fujifilm and Panasonic are famous across the globe. Japanese robot made in a factory. Nature in Japan • Plum blossoms come out in the early spring and cherry blossoms come out in the mid spring. • There are 160 kinds of wild mammals in Japan, 700 bird species and 32,000 insects species. • Japan’s mountains form beautiful landscapes. By Amelia, Grace and Elijah. Natural Events in Japan • Japan is a country that has lots of natural events. • The types of disasters are floods, earthquakes, typhoons and volcanic eruptions. • On 17th January, 1995, the city of Kobe had a terrible earthquake. • Buildings collapsed and fires spread. • Horrified people hid under what ever they could find. • Over 170,000 buildings fell to pieces. • Tectonic plates (layers of the earths crust) cause volcanoes and earthquakes by rubbing together. BY KIPP, Japanese Housing EVA AND JOEY Introduction In this slide show you will find out how a house started off in Japan. This is a Japanese house Styles Of Houses City Houses Villages In the cities of Japan In the villages of Japan the they have houses in houses are spread out not like blocks the same as us cities. Also in villages there are in England. lots of bushes and the village is usually surrounded by a forest. Traditional Houses Traditional houses are wide, long and high. Inside it is square and there usually is art on the walls. It also has lots of windows so it doesn't need a light. How an elevated house started off An elevated house started off as just a pile of dirt and then a house was built on top and with legs. then all the dirt was removed to be a elevated house because it was floating so they called it a elevated house. Tofu was brought to Japan in the Mara period [time period] and is very closely laid with Buddhism + Tofu looks like a butter and a sort of cheese. Sushi is a type of raw fish and is seasoned with vinegar, in a variety of flavours. Soba, long, thin buckwheat, has long been the stable diet of the Japanese cuisine particularly in the Mountiano region. By Cade, Alice and Thomas Tankastu is breaded and deep fried pork cutlet Dates to the late 19 century when Japan threw open its doors to the Westerners influence. Japan never minded the European origin, ingredients and attention Japanese Festivals and Religion By Alisia and Auma and Luke Valentines Day • On February the 14th in Japan it is different to our Valentines, the girls have to give the boys chocolate. • In Japan, women are too shy to express their feelings so it is a great opportunity to do so. • The women mostly make the chocolate because they think it is not professional if they buy it ready made from shop. Bon Festival • The Bon Festival is the festival of the dead where the Japanese believe that dead members of their family come to life. • During this period the family’s prepare and cook food, they put out candles (as one of the decorations on their house’s)so that it can Bonlead the Festival dead people to the house. • This is a very important occasion. Cherry Blossom • In Japan the blossom tree’s (which the Japanese call Sakura) come into full bloom around April. • April is the month when the new school year starts for Japanese children. That’s why cherry blossom makes people think of new beginnings (like our Easter). Religion • The main religions are Shinto and Buddhism, they believe about these very deeply, Christianity has also taken part in Japan. • In ancient times, the Japanese believed that animals and plants have holy power. • Shinto and Buddhism have both become important parts of a daily Japanese life. Japanese technology Japan invented many technical objects such as robots, electric devices, cars , computers and computer games, even a space yacht. They used a lot of technology. Japan invented the worlds first space yacht although the space yacht doesn’t use electricity. It uses the sun’s energy to move. By Sophie, Summer E and Ethan Windmills on the sea Japan made a windmill on the sea, made by Japanese companies who own a lot of technologies. Most windmills were powered by electricity and they made pollution but this one is powered by the wind. This windmill saves the environment Tremendous Traditional Warriors Sword Ban • In Japan the new ruler did a sword hunt. Armies Ronin would search the country The confiscating swords. This Samurai was because he didn’t want someone to take over Japan. • After that, the ruler decided to confiscate every weapon in the country. • The ruler decided to stop people coming in to the By Emma, Arpan country ; because Ronin and Mariyah the Samurai wanted to take his place. What is a samurai? These are some swords Did you know? A samurai is called a Bushi. What did samurais do for a living/money ? • Some of the Did you This is a rich samurais house where and their know? they would children got serve. to rule over • Samurais Japan for usually got 700 years. hired by a rich landowner to • Later, they protect them. ruled a military • They also class and served the law they were like a maid there would serve highest you dinner. ranking. SUMO WRESTLING The wrestler who brings his SPORT opponent to the ground or pushes him out of the ring wins. Sumo is Japan’s national sport. It has a history more than 1000 years old. It used to be held as a Many different way of giving sports are played in thanks for Japan. Traditionally harvest. Sumo arts such as Judo, still involves Karalz and Kendo rituals. [Japan fencing] are popular in Japan. Joseph Sumo wrestlers have Summer Y a short life, 60 to 65 Laiba years. Baseball • Baseball is one of the most popular sport in Japan. • There are 12 professional baseball teams, half in the Centre League and half in the Pacific League. • The teams in each league play about 140 games each during the season, at the end of which, the 2 league winners meet in Japan’s Series Final. Japanese Hobbies Hobbies are things you do for fun. By Logan , Caleb and Billy In Japan, the people use a wide range of hobbies, for example, origami and theatre. Origami • Origami is a hobby in which you fold a sheet of paper in to a model. • You can make lots of animals like the dragon (above). • The name Origami is made from two words - ori and kami. • The Japanese word for paper is kami and the Japanese word for folded is ori. • In origami you turn a simple piece of paper into a piece of art. K Japanese theatre • Kabuki is a style of theatre which mixes drama and dance. It is famous for wild costumes and real sword fighting. • The performances often lasted a whole day. • 5 plays are usually performed every show. • Until 1680 they used real swords. • People often shouted at the actors when it is scariest. • The modern Japanese theatre started after the bombing of Horishma (World War 2). ART & CLOTHING By Neve, Samuel, and Madelaine THE TRADITIONAL KIMONOS Originally, “kimono” meant ‘thing to wear.’ Kimonos are always raps around the body left over right. Furisode, is a type of kimono for the unmarried ladies with floor length sleeves. Mons are symbols you can have on kimonos ,they represent the family. YAKATA Yakata is rare to see on a normal day. Ladies wear them at festivals in the summer. The Yakata is very expensive nowadays. It is sometimes worn at home. UCHIKAKE The Uchikake is a very heavy kimono. It is worn like a coat by a bride. Its end worn trailing on the ground. ART Manga o Manga is used for cartooning and comics. o It was created in the 19th century. o In the 1950s Manga became a major thing in Japan. ORIGAMI Origami means paper folding. Ramie meaning paper and Ori meaning folding. More Art Ceramics Japanese Pottery is one of the oldest types of art. In Japan there are six main types of art. Here they are : -Earthenware art -Unglazed stone ware art -Glazed pottery -Porcerline art -Mawy art -Origami .
Recommended publications
  • Item 3D. LBR-2019-20-008 Mums
    CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO LONDON N. BREED, MAYOR OFFICE OF SMALL BUSINESS REGINA DICK-ENDRIZZI, DIRECTOR Legacy Business Registry Staff Report HEARING DATE DECEMBER 9, 2019 MUMS – HOME OF SHABU SHABU Application No.: LBR-2019-20-008 Business Name: Mums - Home of Shabu Shabu Business Address: 1800 Sutter Street District: District 5 Applicant: Isidore Tam, Owner Nomination Date: August 5, 2019 Nominated By: Supervisor Vallie Brown Staff Contact: Richard Kurylo [email protected] BUSINESS DESCRIPTION Mums - Home of Shabu Shabu (“Mums”) is a family-owned Japanese American restaurant located on the first floor of the Kimpton Buchanan Hotel in Japantown. The restaurant was founded in 1979 as part of a project to bring Japanese culture to San Francisco by Kintetsu Enterprises Company of Osaka, Japan. It is currently owned by former employee Isidore Tam. Over the 40 years it has been in business, Mums has remained committed to bridging Japanese and American culture through its dining space and cuisine, becoming a vital gathering place for the surrounding Japantown community. Kintetsu Enterprises Company of America was founded in San Francisco in 1961 by Kintetsu Group Holdings of Osaka, Japan. The company sought to bridge Japanese and American cultures. They began in San Francisco, which had been Osaka’s Sister City since 1957. At the time, Japantown had recently undergone redevelopment so Kintetsu brought new life to Japantown by encouraging the proliferation of Japanese businesses in the area. They opened the Kyoto Inn in 1975 and, realizing that guests needed a place to enjoy Japanese food, opened what was then called Café Mums just four years later.
    [Show full text]
  • What-Kind-Place-Is-Ayabe.Pdf
    What kind of Place is Ayabe? Lovely Land and Lovable People Table of Contents 1.Outline of Ayabe City 1) Fundamental Information of Ayabe City 2 2) The Land of Ayabe 6 3) The People of Ayabe 9 2. Four Seasons in Ayabe (Events and Flowers) 1)Spring ( from March to May ) 12 2)Summer ( from June to August ) 27 3)Autumn ( from September to November ) 38 4)Winter ( from December to February ) 51 3.Cultural Aspects and Tourist Destinations in Ayabe 1) Shinto and Shinto Shrines 57 2) Buddhism and Buddhist Temples 63 3) Other Cultural Aspects and Tourist Destinations 69 4) Shops, Cafés, Restaurants etc. 84 Ayabe City Sightseeing Map 88 C260A4AM21 この地図の作成に当っては、国土地理院長の承認を得て、同院発行の数値地図25000(地図画像)を使用した。(承認番号 平22業使、第632号)」 1. Outline of Ayabe City 1) Fundamental Information of Ayabe City Location The middle part of Kyoto Prefecture. It takes about one hour by train from Kyoto. Total Area 347.1 square kilometers Climate It belongs to the temperate zone. The average yearly temperature is 14.8 degrees Celsius. Population 33,821 people in 2015 Working The working population of commerce Population 2,002 people (in 2014) The working population of industry 4,786 people (in 2014) The working population of agriculture 2,914 people (in 2015) Established August 1, 1950 Mayor Zenya Yamazaki (as of 2017) Friendship Cities Jerusalem (Israel), Changshu (China) City Tree Pine City Flower Japanese plum blossoms City Bird Grosbeak (Ikaru) Schools Kyoto Prefectural Agricultural College Ayabe Senior High School Junior high schools 6 schools Elementary schools 10 schools Local Specialties Green tea Matsutake mushroom Chestnut Sweet fish (Ayu) Traditional Japanese hand-made paper (Kurotani Washi) Main Rivers Yura River, Kambayashi River, Sai River, Isazu River, Yata River High mountains M.Tokin (871meters), Mt.
    [Show full text]
  • A Japanese View of “The Other World” Reflected in the Movie “Departures
    13. A Japanese view of the Other World reflected in the movie “Okuribito (Departures)” Keiko Tanita Introduction Religion is the field of human activities most closely related to the issue of death. Japan is considered to be a Buddhist country where 96 million people support Buddhism with more than 75 thousands temples and 300 thousands Buddha images, according to the Cultural Affaires Agency in 2009. Even those who have no particular faith at home would say they are Buddhist when asked during their stay in other countries where religion is an important issue. Certainly, a great part of our cultural tradition is that of Buddhism, which was introduced into Japan in mid-6th century. Since then, Buddhism spread first among the aristocrats, then down to the common people in 13th century, and in the process it developed a synthesis of the traditions of the native Shintoism. Shintoism is a religion of the ancient nature and ancestor worship, not exactly the same as the present-day Shintoism which was institutionalized in the late 19th century in the course of modernization of Japan. Presently, we have many Buddhist rituals especially related to death and dying; funeral, death anniversaries, equinoctial services, the Bon Festival similar to Christian All Souls Day, etc. and most of them are originally of Japanese origin. Needless to say, Japanese Buddhism is not same as that first born in India, since it is natural for all religions to be influenced by the cultures specific to the countries/regions where they develop. Japanese Buddhism, which came from India through the Northern route of Tibet and China developed into what is called Mahayana Buddhism which is quite different from the conservative Theravada traditions found in Thai, Burmese, and Sri Lankan Buddhism, which spread through the Southern route.
    [Show full text]
  • Volume 5 the Creation of the Postwar System of Local Autonomy (1946-1951)
    Historical Development of Japanese Local Governance Vol.5 Volume 5 The Creation of the Postwar System of Local Autonomy (1946-1951) Yasutaka MATSUFUJI Professor Faculty of Regional Policy – Department of Regional Policy Takasaki City University of Economics Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR) Institute for Comparative Studies in Local Governance (COSLOG) National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) Except where permitted by the Copyright Law for “personal use” or “quotation” purposes, no part of this booklet may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the permission. Any quotation from this booklet requires indication of the source. Contact Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR) (The International Information Division) Sogo Hanzomon Building 1-7 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0083 Japan TEL: 03-5213-1724 FAX: 03-5213-1742 Email: [email protected] URL: http://www.clair.or.jp/ Institute for Comparative Studies in Local Governance (COSLOG) National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) 7-22-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-8677 Japan TEL: 03-6439-6333 FAX: 03-6439-6010 Email: [email protected] URL: http://www3.grips.ac.jp/~coslog/ Foreword The Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR) and the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) have been working since FY 2005 on a “Project on the overseas dissemination of information on the local governance system of Japan and its operation”. On the basis of the recognition that the dissemination to overseas countries of information on the Japanese local governance system and its operation was insufficient, the objective of this project was defined as the pursuit of comparative studies on local governance by means of compiling in foreign languages materials on the Japanese local governance system and its implementation as well as by accumulating literature and reference materials on local governance in Japan and foreign countries.
    [Show full text]
  • The Flavor of Edo Spans the Globe -The Food of Edo Becomes a Food
    The Flavor of Edo Spans the Globe The Food of Edo Becomes a Food of the World Zenjiro Watanabe Many readers were surprised by the article, "A Comparison of Mr. Watanabe was born in Tokyo in the Cultural Levels of Japan and Europe," presented in FOOD 1932 and graduated from Waseda University in 1956. In 1961, he received CULTURE No. 6. The widely held presumption that the average his Ph.D in commerce from the same lifestyle of the Edo era was dominated by harsh taxation, university and began working at the National Diet Library. Mr. Watanabe oppression by the ruling shogunate, and a general lack of worked at the National Diet Library as freedom was destroyed. The article in FOOD CULTURE No. 6 manager of the department that referred to critiques made by Europeans visiting Japan during researches the law as it applies to agriculture. He then worked as the Edo era, who described the country at that time in exactly manager of the department that opposite terms. These Europeans seem to have been highly researches foreign affairs, and finally he devoted himself to research at the Library. Mr. Watanabe retired in 1991 impressed by the advanced culture and society they found in and is now head of a history laboratory researching various aspects of Japan, placing Japan on a level equal with Europe. In this cities, farms and villages. edition we will discuss the food culture of the Edo era, focusing Mr. Watanabe’s major works include Toshi to Noson no Aida—Toshikinko Nogyo Shiron, 1983, Ronsosha; Kikigaki •Tokyo no Shokuji, edited 1987, primarily on the city of Edo itself.
    [Show full text]
  • Japanese Musical Performance and Diaspora
    Japanese Musical Performance and Diaspora Andrew N. Weintraub Contract laborers from Japan were brought to Hawai'i in large numbers beginning in 1885. The first generation of Japanese immigrants, or issei, were primarily farmers, fishermen, and country folk. By 1920, forty percent of the population in Hawai'i was Japanese. Issei immigrants paved the way for their children (nisei, or second generation), grandchildren (sansei, or third generation), and great-grandchildren (yonsei, or fourth generation). The Japanese impact on local Hawaiian culture can be seen in many areas, including foods, customs, architecture, and public music and dance festivals. Bon odori (or bon dance) in Hawai'i has endured many changes since the first group of issei arrived on the islands. During the plantation period (1880s to 1910s), the immigrants steadfastly kept the tradition alive despite low working wages, difficult living conditions, and isolation from their homeland. In the 1930s, with the new homeland established, the tradition was strengthened by new choreographies, new music, contests, and scheduled dances. During this time the bon dance became a popular social event that appealed particularly to the younger generation. After the outbreak of World War II in December 1941, priests were detained, temples were closed, and Japanese were discouraged from gathering in large numbers. It became dangerous for Japanese to make any public expressions of national pride. Bon dance activities probably did not take place again until after the war ended in 1945. But during the 1950s and 1960s, a revival of bon odori took place. In addition to temple festivals, bon dances were sponsored by groups outside the temples for non-religious functions.
    [Show full text]
  • The Politics of Difference and Authenticity in the Practice of Okinawan Dance and Music in Osaka, Japan
    The Politics of Difference and Authenticity in the Practice of Okinawan Dance and Music in Osaka, Japan by Sumi Cho A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Anthropology) in the University of Michigan 2014 Doctoral Committee: Professor Jennifer E. Robertson, Chair Professor Kelly Askew Professor Gillian Feeley-Harnik Professor Markus Nornes © Sumi Cho All rights reserved 2014 For My Family ii Acknowledgments First of all, I would like to thank my advisor and dissertation chair, Professor Jennifer Robertson for her guidance, patience, and feedback throughout my long years as a PhD student. Her firm but caring guidance led me through hard times, and made this project see its completion. Her knowledge, professionalism, devotion, and insights have always been inspirations for me, which I hope I can emulate in my own work and teaching in the future. I also would like to thank Professors Gillian Feeley-Harnik and Kelly Askew for their academic and personal support for many years; they understood my challenges in creating a balance between family and work, and shared many insights from their firsthand experiences. I also thank Gillian for her constant and detailed writing advice through several semesters in her ethnolab workshop. I also am grateful to Professor Abé Markus Nornes for insightful comments and warm encouragement during my writing process. I appreciate teaching from professors Bruce Mannheim, the late Fernando Coronil, Damani Partridge, Gayle Rubin, Miriam Ticktin, Tom Trautmann, and Russell Bernard during my coursework period, which helped my research project to take shape in various ways.
    [Show full text]
  • The Cambridge Companion to Modern Japanese Culture Edited by Yoshio Sugimoto Index More Information
    Cambridge University Press 978-0-521-88047-3 — The Cambridge Companion to Modern Japanese Culture Edited by Yoshio Sugimoto Index More Information Index 1955 system 116, 168 anti-Americanism 347 anti-authoritarianism 167 Abe, Kazushige 204–6 anti-globalisation protests 342–3 Abe, Shinzo¯ 59, 167, 172, 176, 347 anti-Japanese sentiment abortion 79–80, 87 in China 346–7 ‘Act for the Promotion of Ainu Culture & in South Korea 345, 347 Dissemination of Knowledge Regarding Aoyama, Nanae 203 Ainu Traditions’ 72 art-tested civility 170 aged care 77, 79, 89, 136–7, 228–9 Asada, Zennosuke 186 ageing population 123, 140 Asian identity 175–6, 214 participation in sporting activities 227–8 asobi (play) 218 aidagara (betweeness) 49 Astro Boy (Tetsuwan Atomu) 243 Ainu language 71–2 audio-visual companies, export strategies Ainu people 362 banning of traditional practices 71 definition of 72 Balint, Michael 51 discrimination against 23 Benedict, Ruth 41 homeland 71 birthrate 81–5, 87, 140, 333–4 as hunters and meat eaters 304 Bon festival 221 overview 183 brain drain 144 Akitsuki, Risu 245 ‘bubble economy’ 118 All Romance Incident 189 Buddha (manga) 246 amae 41–2, 50–1 Buddhism 57, 59, 136 Amami dialects 63 background 149 Amami Islands 63 disassociation from Shinto under Meiji Amebic (novel) 209 152–6 The Anatomy of Dependence 40 effects of disassociation 153, 155–6 ancestor veneration 160–1 moral codes embodied in practice anime 15, 236 157 anime industry problems in the study of 151–2 criticisms of 237–8 as a rational philosophy 154 cultural erasure
    [Show full text]
  • Japanese Festival
    40 th Anniversary JAPANE SE FESTIVAL SEPTEMBER 3–5 labor day weekend Welcome Admission Celebrating the history, culture, and people of Japan, the Japanese Festival $15 for adults at the Missouri Botanical Garden is one of the largest and oldest festivals $5 for children (12 and under) and Garden members of its kind in the United States. Since 1977 the Garden has proudly hosted Members’ children (12 and under) are free Regular admission rates apply for the Doris I. Schnuck Children’s Garden. All this unique event at one of the largest Japanese gardens in North America. activities at the Japanese Festival are included with admission except Teahouse A fruitful collaboration with several local Japanese-American organizations Island Tours. Trams will not run during the festival. provides authentic Japanese music, art, dance, food, and entertainment for thousands of visitors each year. We hope you enjoy your experience. Yokoso! Festival Hours Information JOIN DURING THE FESTIVAL Saturday, September 3: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Festival information tents are and get your admission credited toward a membership! Sunday, September 4: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. located on Spoehrer Plaza Visitors who become Garden members or renew an existing Monday, September 5: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and near the Kemper Center membership during the Festival receive free admission to Japanese Grounds open at 9 a.m. and then remain open until for Home Gardening. Festival applicable to the new membership level. Present your ticket- 10 p.m. for candlelight walks on Saturday purchase receipt at the Membership Tent in front of the Ridgway and Sunday.
    [Show full text]
  • About Kiwi & the Papayamangoes ∼キウイとパパイヤ、マンゴーズ
    about Kiwi & the PapayaMangoes ~キウイとパパイヤ、マンゴーズについて~ This is Tokyo DownTown Rare groove!! This is Tact Hirose’ s artistic project. It is right and clever that Japanese have an adoration for the foreign music, especially, Brazilian and some Asian countrys because there are lots of immigrants from such countrys. We are manufacturing the New style Japanese dance music in the downtown area in Tokyo.We love tropical, nostalgic and novel sound and play music in not only live houses,clubs and some field music festival- for exsample Fuji Rock Festival- but also “Izakaya” ・ ・ ・ that is traditional style Japanese bar and some local festival like Bon festival or marriage parties. ・ Someone says that K.P.M. makes the city type folk song in Japanese present age. ・ 【past performance】 AZGO Festival (Mozambique) / MTN BushFire Festival (Swaziland) / Casa da Musica(Portugal)/ Japan Festa2013(Portugal)/ Abrantes city Festival(Portugal)/ Glatt und Verkehrt Festival(Austria) Ulsan World Music Festival(South Korea)/ Zao-di music Festival(Taiwan)/ Sukiyaki Meets the World(Japan)/ Fuji Rock Festival(Japan)etc. 【Official web site】 http://kpm-tokyo.com 【e-mail】[email protected] (Tact Hirose) 廣瀬拓音 Tact Hirose(B.Zabumba.Composing) Born in ‘81 in deep mountains of Gifu Prefecture. 山本泉 新井剛 He is a puroducer of K.P.M. and a Reggae and Izumi Yamamoto(Vo.Shamisen,Triangle) GoArai(Vn&Sitar) Ondo - that is a Japanese traditional style dance music Born in ‘84 in Nagano Prefecture where is highland region 永田真毅 played in the Bon Festival - styled basist. Born in ‘79 in a farming family in Masaki Nagata(Drums) of central Japan .Her family line is famouse for “Minyo” He is also arganizing a Btucada of Brazilian Maracatu mountainous region of Saitama Prefecture.
    [Show full text]
  • Download The
    Folkdance and Fairgrounds: More Notes on Neighborhood Festivals in Tokyo By A.W. S a d l e r Sarah Lawrence College 1 FOLKDANCE Doing bon odori at festival time is,for the Japanese, the most natural thing in the world. Festival time is a happy time, and when people are really happy they want to dance. And bon odori is the national folkdance of Japan. It is a genre of true folkdance, a dance that all the people can do. And if you d o n ,t know the steps or the gestures,you join the circle anyway, and learn as you go. That much needs to be said before we talk about the “Buddhist” origin of the dance,and its “Buddhist” meaning. Bon odori, or Bon dance, is so named because of its association in the popular mind with the Buddhist festival of O-Bon. There is in Japan a happy division of labor between religions: Shinto shrines are concerned with whisking away corruption and impurity, and preserving life in all its vigor; Buddhist temples are concerned with funerary custom, and related spiritual matters. O-Bon,the one national festival with strong­ ly Buddhistic undertones,is sometimes called the festival of the dead. It has also been called the Japanese All Souls5 Day. Geoffrey Bownas ob­ serves that, like all Japanese festivals, it has three sequential elements:1 ) the welcoming of a returning spirit,2) joint entertainment,and 3) the escorted departure of the spirit.1 Bon odori is simply the entertain­ ment offered by the people for the spirit,and, pari passu,for themselves, at the Bon festival.
    [Show full text]
  • Cinema Year Book of Japan 1938
    .1 Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2017 with funding from Media History Digital Library https://archive.org/details/cinemayearbookof00inte_0 CINEMA YEAR BOOK OF JAPAN 1938 EDITED BY THE INTERNATIONAL CINEMA ASSOCIATION OF JAPAN PUBLISHED BY KQKUSAI BUNKA SHINKOKAI The Society for International Cultural Relations TOKYO, JAPAN PRINTED IN JAPAN, 1938 PREFACE The vigorous culture of Japan is rooted in the traditions of more than twenty-five centuries. Through many years Japan has been looked upon with admiration as a land of dreams and imagination by only a limited number of interested people. Still less is the number of those who know the real Japan in which old tradition is harmoniously blended with the civilization of the new age. Herein lies the necessity to introduce to the world the true features of present-day Japan. The cultural activities of our country have witnessed a remarkable advance in recent years in civilization, whether liberal arts or arts. Cinematography too, has kept every field of spiritual fine , abreast with this general cultural advancement. The motion-picture industry of our country which, only a few years ago, met barely ivith the needs within the country, has begun to send forth its pro- ductions to the international market, the realization of an ideal cherished for many years. The Japanese film production to-day is steadily equipping itself ivith the ultimate aim of participating in the stage of international cinema activities. As already mentioned in the Cinema Year Book of last year, it will not be long before the Japanese films will play a significant role in the world market.
    [Show full text]