Traditional Japanese architecture

Traditional Japanese architecture

Japanese architecture has as long a history as any other aspect of Japanese culture. Originally heavily influenced by Chinese architecture, it also develops many differences and aspects which are indigenous to India. Examples of traditional architecture are seen at Temples, Shinto shrines and castles in Kyoto, and Nara. Some of these buildings are constructed with traditional gardens, which are influenced from Zen ideas.

Some modern architects, such as Yoshio Taniguchi and Tadao Ando are known for their amalgamation of Japanese traditional and Western architectural influences.


Traditional Japanese architecture has been highly affected since Japan decided to open its gates to western culture and architecture in particular. Japan made efforts to preserve traditional Japanese architecture features, but western modern architecture has taken its tole and now we see more concrete and steel and flat-roofs terraces in modern Japanese houses.



Japanese houses are usually built on three floors, no cellars or basements. They use wooden floors and sliding doors and windows. Japanese homes have very small bathrooms, which are limited to the bath and shower space. Big cities in Japan are very crowded; therefore, Japanese homes rarely have a garden.



The summer season in Japan is quite rainy and humid. So, in order to keep Japanese homes airy and cool, most Japanese houses are built from thin timber walls and have slanted, slightly curved roofs. That is why Japanese home architecture is more likely to suffer from earthquakes and fires.


Japanese culture is based on aesthetics and the natural environment. Its ideas of balance, harmony, economy and beauty are projected in Japanese art and architecture, for example: traditional Japanese houses, the art of flower arrangement, brush painting and the famous Japanese tea ceremony.

Clothing


The Japanese word kimono means "something one wears" and they are the traditional garments of Japan. Originally, the word kimono was used for all types of clothing, but eventually, it came to refer specifically to the full-length garment also known as the naga-gi, meaning "long-wear", that is still worn today on special occasions by women, men, and children. It is often known as wafuku which means "Japanese clothes". Kimono comes in a variety of colors, styles, and sizes. Men mainly wear darker or more muted colours, while women tend to wear brighter colors and pastels, and often with complicated abstract or floral patterns. The summer kimono which are lighter are called yukata. Formal kimono are typically worn in several layers, with number of layers, visibility of layers, sleeve length, and choice of pattern dictated by social status and the occasion for which the kimono is worn.




Cuisine

Through a long culinary past, the Japanese have developed a unique, sophisticated and refined cuisine. In recent years, Japanese food has become fashionable and popular in the U.S., Europe and many other areas. Dishes such as sushi, tempura, and teriyaki chicken are some of the foods that are commonly known. The healthful Japanese diet is often believed to be related to the longevity of Japanese people








Sports


In the long feudal period governed by the samurai class, some methods that were used to train warriors were developed into well-ordered martial arts, referred to collectively as Koryu. Examples include Kenjutsu, Kyudo, Sojutsu, Jujutsu and Sumo, all of which were established in the Edo period. After the rapid social change in the Meiji Restoration, some martial arts changed to modern sports, Gendai Budo. Judo was developed by Kano Jigoro, who studied some sects of Jujutsu. These sports are still widely practiced in present day Japan and other countries.

Baseball, football (soccer) and other popular western sports were imported to Japan in the Meiji period. These sports are commonly practiced in schools along with traditional martial arts.

The most popular professional sports in today's Japan are Sumo, baseball and football (soccer). In addition, many semi-professional organizations, such as volleyball, basketball and rugby union, are sponsored by private companies.