Japanese History and Culture- Maverick Sherrill

16th Century Japan (1600’s)

In 1639, the Tokugawa Shoguns adopted a policy of isolation in order to stabilize their power, and banned all international trade. The missionaries were thrown out of Japan.
All locals who practiced Christianity were killed. The Ancient Japanese Culture was cut off from the rest of the world. All the progress made by western world between 17th and 19th century was unknown in the history in Japan. The Ancient Japanese Culture had its own feudal system of samurai, farmers, craftsmen, and merchants.

In 1853, Commodore Perry of the U.S. Navy sailed his fleet to the port of Uraga, near Tokyo. He forced the shogun to enter into a trade agreement with the U.S. and cancel the period of isolation in the history in Japan. This sudden encounter with the West and its advanced technology contributed to the downfall of the Tokugawa shoguns and motivated Japan to catch up with the outside world.

Meiji Restoration (1868)

In 1868 there was a new emperor - Emperor Meiji who was only 16 years old at the time.

In spite of his age he managed to form an industrial and military supremacy in a few years. He moved his government from Kyoto to Tokyo and set Japan on a course of modernization that would transform the Ancient Japanese Culture from a feudal society to an industrialized nation in only a few decades. Western culture and influence flowed into Japan rapidly. The feudal system was eliminated by initiating a compulsory military service the Samurai were left without a position for the first time in the Ancient Japanese Culture. Shinto became the formal religion in Japan, but the emperor also announced religious freedom.

In 1904 Japan initiated war against Russia. Japan also canceled the independence of Korea. The Americans and British started to feel their power in the area was being hurt. Around that interesting time in Japan history emperor Meiji died.1912 AD - 1926 AD - Taisho Period - Taisho was the son of Meiji. Two years after he became emperor Japan joined World War II. Japanese used this war to conquer more areas in China. In 1918 an economical crisis developed in Japan. The 1923 Tokyo earthquake wiped out Tokyo and Yokohama. Huge fires burnt the remains. It is one of the most unknown and interesting facts about Japan - this was the biggest disaster in the history of Japan, until the recent earthquake and tsunami of March 2011.

 

A Time Of Extreme Nationalism (1962-1989)

1926 AD - 1989 AD - Showa Period – the emperor was Hirohito - the grandson of Meiji. The economical crisis became worse. Due to absence of natural resources, Japan felt a need to conquer resource-rich colonies leading to the invasion of China. Following the military success it was a time of extreme Fascism in Japan's history. The peak was an attack on the US naval base in Pearl Harbor Hawaii (1941) that brought the United States to declare World War II. Japanese history was at a turning point. After a long and vicious Pacific fight the United States wiped out Hiroshima and Nagasaki with two atomic bombs. The bombs killed approximately 130,000 people instantly in Japan. World War II Japanese defeat forced Emperor Hirohito to surrender to the United States on August 15, 1945. The Americans allowed the emperor to remain in his position, because they were afraid of panic between the Japanese people.

In the emperor's radio announcement to the Japanese people he announced himself to be human and not a divine entity. The announcement came as shock to Japanese people. One of the unknown facts about Japan is that Japanese people considered the emperor a god throughout Japanese history.

1945 AD – 1952 AD - Occupied Japan - After being defeated in World War II, Japanese cities were in ruins. Japan lost 2 million people during World War II. Japanese people had to give up all her occupied territories, according to American demands after World War II. Japanese army was dismantled, and the education system was thoroughly changed. The emperors' role was declared symbolic and Japan adopted a democratic constitution for the first time in Japan history.

Post-Occupation

            Five years after the war the Japanese industry went back to its post-war level. The increase was mainly due to the Korean War, in which Japanese industry was a major supplier to the NATO forces. The country entered a period of peace and rapid economic growth. It became a significant power in industrial sections, including car manufacturing and the electronic goods.
Tokyo hosted the 1964 summer Olympics, showing the world that it was a modern, industrialized nation

Sites used-

http://www.tokyo-top-guide.com

Delicious Japanese Cuisine- Eamonn McElroy

Japanese cuisine has developed over the past 2,000 years with strong influences from both China and Korea. But it is only in the last 300-400 years that all the influences have come together to form what nowadays can be described as Japanese cuisine.

One of the major influences was the introduction of rice from Korea around 400 B.C. and within a hundred years it had become the staple food of Japan. Korea's rice growing techniques were passed on to the Japanese during the Yayoi period, as migrating tribes settled in Japan. Rice later came to be used not only for eating, but also to make paper, wine, fuel, building materials and so on. Soy beans and wheat were introduced from China soon after rice and these two ingredients are now an integral part of Japanese cooking. During Japan's development tea, chopsticks and a number of other important food related items were also introduced from China.

Religion has also played a major part in Japan's culinary development. During the 6th century, Buddhism became the official religion of the country and the eating of meat and fish were prohibited. The first recorded decree prohibiting the eating of cattle, horses, dogs, monkeys, and chickens was issued by Emperor Temmu in A.D. 675. Similar decrees, based on the Buddhist prohibition of killing, were issued repeatedly by emperors during the eighth and ninth centuries. The number of regulated meats increased to the point that all mammals were included except whales, which were categorized as fish.

The taboo against the consumption of meat developed further when the Japanese indigenous religion, Shinto, also adopted a philosophy similar to that of the Buddhists. This did not mean, however, that meat eating was totally banned in Japan. Professional hunters in mountain regions ate game (especially deer and wild boar), and it was not uncommon for hunted bird meat to be consumed. However, a lack of animal breeding for meat kept its consumption very low. Indeed, it was only during the fifteenth century and its aftermath that the tradition of eating both the meat and eggs of domestic fowl was revived. Fowls, until then, had been regarded in Shinto as God's sacred messengers and were reared to announce the dawn rather than as a mere food resource.

Milk and other dairy products have failed to enjoy the same popularity in Europe as they do in Japan. The only Japanese dairy product known to history was produced between the eighth and fourteenth centuries. Cattle were often raised only for drawing carts or plowing fields. To utilize them for meat or even for milk was, until relatively recently, a long-forgotten practice.

The lack of meat products also minimized spice utilization. Pepper and cloves were known from the eighth century and were imported either via China or directly from Southeast Asia, and garlic was also grown on a small scale. But these spices were used mainly to make medicines and cosmetics.

In the absence of meat, fish was a significant substitute and as an island nation, this source of food was abundant and has influenced many of todays most famous dishes. However, before the introduction of modern delivery systems, the difficulty of preserving and transporting fresh marine fish minimized consumption in inland areas where freshwater fish were commonly eaten instead.

Preserving fish also became popular and sushi originated as a means of preserving fish by fermenting it in boiled rice. Fish that are salted and placed in rice are preserved by lactic acid fermentation, which prevents proliferation of the bacteria that bring about putrefaction. This older type of sushi is still produced in the areas surrounding Lake Biwa in western Japan, and similar types are also known in Korea, southwestern China, and Southeast Asia. In fact, the technique first originated in a preservation process developed for freshwater fish caught in the Mekong River and is thought to have diffused to Japan along with the rice cultivation.

A unique fifteenth-century development shortened the fermentation period of sushi to one or two weeks and made both the fish and the rice edible. As a result, sushi became a popular snack food, combining fish with the traditional staple food, rice. Sushi without fermentation appeared during the Edo period (1600-1867), and sushi was finally united with sashimi at the end of the eighteenth century, when the hand-rolled type, nigiri-sushi, was devised.

In the sixteenth century the Portuguese, followed by the Dutch, began to introduce foods that were adopted by the Japanese and later became cultural symbols. Fried foods such as tempura might seem to be very un-Japanese as a lack of meat and dairy products in the Japanese diet meant that oil was not commonly used for cooking. However, tempura was enjoyed by many people and has evolved into what it is today. Tobacco, sugar and corn were also brought by the traders.

In 1854 trade was renewed with West and soon a new Japanese ruling order took power. The new Emperor Meiji even went as far as staging a New Year's feast in 1872 designed to embrace the Western world. It had a European emphasis and for the first time in over a thousand years, the people publicly ate meat. The general population started to eat meat again after the Meiji Restoration which occurred in 1867.

Today, Japanese cuisine is still heavily influenced by the four seasons and geography. Seafood and vegetables are most commonly eaten. Whilst to some westerners, the food may seem almost bland, freshness, presentation and balance of flavors is of paramount importance.

sources:
http://www.cup.org/books/kiple/japan.htm
http://asiarecipe.com/japeathistory.html 
http://gojapan.about.com/cs/japanesehistory/

Famous Landscapes of Japan- Rachel Robins

One of the most famous Japan Mountains is undoubtedly the majestic Mount Fuji, annually visited by hundreds of thousands. Like most Mountains in Japan , the Fuji is both venerated as a shrine as well as a popular tourist attraction because of it's perfect shape and beauty. While it is estimated that around 65% of Japan's island terrain is mountainous, the plains are densely populated and developed. The Japan Mountains are therefore relatively unspoiled and preserved with breathtaking natural features. Honshu's central district, the Chubu, containing 8 prefectures, is the location for some of the tallest Mountains in Japan and some stunning scenery. Other Japan Mountains are the Kanto and Tohuku Regions.

            Mountaineering, skiing, hiking and trekking through the Moutains in Japan are popular leisure activities in Japan, both among tourists and locals. Naruhito, the Crown Prince of Japan is also a mountaineering enthusiast. There are a number of Alpine Clubs and regular Hiking Tours organized in the Mountains of Japan , which give evidence to the popularity of these activities. Not just professionals but amateurs also set about to explore the Japan Mountains, most are famed for their beautiful scenery and easy hiking trails.

            Some of the tallest Moutains in Japan are-

·         Mount Fuji, measuring 3776 m in height

·         Mount Kita-dake, which is 3193 m tall

·         Mount Hodaka-dake, which measures 3190 m in height

·         Mount Aino, which is 3189 m tall

·         Mount Yariga-take, which measures 3180 m in height

·         Mount Warusawa, which has a height of 3141 m

·         Mount Akaishi-dake which has a height of 3120 m

·         Mount Karasawa, measuring 3110 m in height

·         Mount Kita-hotaka, which has a height of 3106 m

·         Mount Mae-hotaka which is 3090 m high

·         Mount Ontake, which is 3067 m tall

·         Mount Notoridake, measuring 3026 m in height

·         Mount Tate-yama, which is 3015 m in height

            Japanese Gardens or Kanji are the best examples of the famed Japanese Minimalist design principles. The aesthetically pleasing gardens in Japan , illustrate how less can be more and how beauty can be achieved with simple objects. Designed as a place to soothe and calm the senses, most Japanese gardens are built around the theme of water. Ponds containing gold fish or ornamental carp are common features of most Gardens in Japan . There are also miniature waterfalls to direct positive energy into the surroundings. Many Japanese Gardens feature carefully nurtured bonsais or beautifully trimmed topiary. Low lying colorful shrubbery and mosses are also a feature of gardens in Japan . These trace the changing seasons with changes in color and characteristics. Japanese Gardens sometimes also feature an island, often artificial in the shape of an elegant crane or a turtle, to enhance the spiritual aspect of the garden. The islands are connected to the main garden through elegant bridges made of wood or stone. The gardens in Japan also feature winding stone paths and shady arbors. There are carefully placed benches, lanterns, lamps and rocks. Often a wooden gazebo or tea house is built in a centralized location so that the garden's aesthetic beauty can be enjoyed. Later Japanese Zen Gardens , designed in the Dry Landscape or Karesansui style usually excludes the water feature but replicate the eddies and swirls on carefully placed colored pebbles, sand and rocks.

Some famous Gardens in Japan-

·         The Korakuen Garden in Okayama

·         The Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa

·         The Ryoan-ji Temple Garden in Kyoto

·         The Garden of the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto

·         The Gardens of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo

            Japanese Castles are elegant, aesthetic structures serving as reminders of the glorious and often strife laden history of Japan. While originally as hardy stone and mortar structures, castles in Japan were intended to serve as protective keeps and fortresses, but later Japanese castles were marvels of architecture and elegance.

In the 15 th century, in the Sengoku Jidai era when all Japanese states were involved in a Civil War conflict, innumerable small fortresses and castles in Japan were built in strategic locations to defend individual villages and towns. Later more elaborate buildings were conceived of as homes for the Daimyo or the feudal lord. These later castles in Japan were built to impress the power and wealth of the Daimyo, upon both his rivals and his minions. The legendary Oda Nobunaga, a powerful daimyo, built one of these opulent castles at Azuchi in 1576. Built on the plains, with elegant towers and keeps, these new palace like castles were replicated with greater or lesser success in many areas.

As centers of military power and administrative headquarters, these Japanese Castles gradually gained in importance and often became the center of castle towns. The typical construction of castles in Japan include three lines of defence. Created in concentric rings, the outer ring is called the Sannomaru, the second ring is called the Ninomaru and the inner ring is the Honmaru. The main tower or Tenshukaku, stood in the Honmaru, while the living accomodations were in the Ninomaru. The guard towers or Yagura were located in the outer circle.

The Meiji Period and the bombing during the Second World War brought about the destruction of many Japanese Castles and only a few of the marvelous structures survive. The few that remain serve as reminders of the glorious past.

Some of the best architectural influences on Japanese Castles can be seen at-

·         The Edo Castle at the site of the Tokyo Imperial Palace.

·         The Nijo Castle at Kyoto

·         The Kanazawa Castle and the Ishikawa Gate at Kanagawa

·         The Takamatsu Castle Ruins

            In Japan ‘Shinto shrines' are regarded as the particular places for devotion and worship as well as the habitations of the Shinto "gods" or ‘Kami'. Shrines in Japan represent the holy faith of Japanese people.

People visit shrines in Japan with the intention to express their respect to the “Shinto gods" or ‘Kami'or to pray for good luck and wealth. Shrines are also visited during special events like New Year, ‘shichigosan' and various other events. Conventionally infants are taken to shrines in Japan after their birth to seek the blessings of God.

There are many shrines in Japan . Few of them can be classified into several significant sorts. A few of those variants include Inari Shrines, Imperial Shrines, Local Shrines, Sengen shrines, Tenjin Shrines and Hachiman Shrines.

A few of the common articles and patterns which are found at Japanese shrines are as following:

Torii: More than one ‘torii' doorways are found in Shrines, which are made of wood and tinted with several attractive colors.

Stage: This is arranged for ‘bugaku' dance in some of the shrines.

Komainu: These are the pair of lions or protector dogs located just beside the doorway of the Shrine.

Some of the eminent shrines in Japan are given below:

·         Kasuga Taisha

·         Fushimi Inari Shrine

·         Izumo Taisha

·         Itsukushima Shrine

·         Heian Shrine

·         Yamaguchi Daijingu

·         Nikko Toshogo

·         Oyama Shrine

·         Zeniarai Benten

·         Kompirasan

            Almost two thirds of area of Japan is covered by Japan Forests.There are many different deciduous and evergreen species in the Japan Forests. In spite of the abundant natural resources, logging is not commonly practiced in the forests of Japan. Japan Forests are venerated and protected since they provide essential soil cover and help in water conservation. All Species are encouraged to grow in the Forests in Japan , from the broad-leaved deciduous to the evergreen coniferous types. There are also many forests which grow near volcanic areas, destroyed and then rejuvenated every time an eruption occurs. The Aokigahara Forest at the base of Mount Fuji is one such forest. Locals as well as tourist camp, trek and hike through these dense forests of Japan to explore their unusual natural beauty.

Some Japan Forests are designated as Sacred Forests . These forests generally contain an ancient religious Shrine, usually worshiping the Shinto religion and are protected from trespassing and destruction. These forest shrines are still venerated as national treasures.

Some of the sacred forests in Japan are-

·         The Forest of the Yahiko Jinja has many trees like the Cedar, Cypress and Oaks. The Shrine has a sacred Chinquapin tree as well.

·         The Forest of Atsuta Jinja is an important Shinto Shrine, housing one the three important Shinto relics – the holy sword of Kusanagi-no-tsurugi. The forest has evergreens like the Japanese Camellia Sakaki, camphor trees, Ilex and Japanese Honeysuckle.

·         The Forest of Kashima Jingu has over 800 species of trees like varieties of Cedar, Fir and Oak. The Kashima Jingu is an important shrine of the Kanto Area. The forest has been designated as a Wildlife Protection area for the rare birds in the region.

·         The Forest of Shimogamo Jinja covers over 495 hectares and has many different species of deciduous trees like th eZelkova, the Elm and the Hackberry. The Shrine itself has 53 buildings which have been designated as National Heritage Architecture.

·         The Forest of the Kirishima Jingu covers and area of 887 hectares. Located near the Mount Kirishima Volcano, the forest has been destroyed and then recovered for over 60 times.

·         The Forest of the Kasuga Taisha is home to the beautiful podocarpus Nagi. The forest also contains many species of evergreens and shrubs. Trees like the Kasuga, the Andromeda and the Ichii also grow there. People from all over Japan visit the venerated shrine in the quarterly pilgrimages.

            Japanese Hot Springs are known as Onsen . A natural phenomenon caused by the intense volcanic activity in the region, there are a number of Hot Springs in Japan. Almost every area boasts of its local hot spring or at least of a public spa. Enriched with minerals, the Japanese Onsen are popularly believed to relieve aches and pains and also helps cure various ailments such as rheumatism. Natural hot springs in Japan have different mineral compositions that vary from place to place.

Bathing at the hot springs in Japan is generally a public affair. Bathing is usually done in the nude. Most Japanese Onsen are bifurcated into male and female bathing areas. The male bathing area is the Otokoyu while the female bathing area is the Onnayu. Oyu is Japanese for water. Some Japanese hot springs have no divisions and can be used by all sexes, these are known as Konyoku. There are private hot springs located inside traditional Ryokans. Open air hot springs are known as the Roten Buro. Considering the enormous popularity of the Onsen, artificial hot tubs or Sentou are also a rage in Japan.

Some famous Japanese Hot Springs-

·         The Kusatsu Onsen , in the Gunma Prefecture is among the best hot springs in Japan. The area is a popular health resort and the water of the hot spring can be enjoyed at the Yubatake or Hot Spring Field.

·         The Onsen at Hakone is situated at the foothills of the Fuji. Located in the Kanagawa Prefecture, the area is one of the most popular Japanese onsen resorts and spa.

·         The Nikko Onsen in the Tochigi Prefecture is another famous Japanese Hot Spring.

·         The Beppu Onsen in the Oita Prefecture is the most famous hot spring area among the Japanese, so much so that it is known as the Onsen Capital.

There are 28 National Parks in Japan . While about two thirds of the land area in Japan is composed of forested areas and roughly 80% of the terrain is mountainous, it is no wonder that there are many beautiful National Parks with diverse geographic features located all over Japan . National Park areas cover 5.4% of Japan's total land area.

Some famous National Parks in Japan are-

·         The Daisetsuzan National Park is the biggest national park in Japan . The area has 3 volcanic ranges and many beautiful forested areas with coniferous trees. The spectacular Sounkyo Gorge is also located in this park.

·         The Nikko National Park is spread over 80,000 hectares of land. Aside from the many elegant cedars it shelters, the national park is also home to numerous lakeside resorts. The park is also home to the Toshugu Shrine and tombs of the Tokugawa nobles.

·         The Akan National Park in the island of Hokkaido is popular for adventure sports like hiking and skiing, the lakes in the region are great for canoing and fly fishing. The forested regions are full of dark evergreens. The largest Japanese Mountain Lake Kussharo is also located in the area.

·         The Ise-Shima National Park is best known for being the birthplace of the Japanese Cultured Pearl industry. This seaside national park area in Japan is famous for oyster farming. Japan's most venerated shrine the Ise Grand Shrine is located here.

·         The Shikotsu-Toya National Park in Hokkaido is famous for it's lakeside resorts and onsen spas.

·         The Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park located in the foothills of the Fuji is one of the most popular National Parks in Japan. The park is a weekend getaway for the locals and a favored travel destination for tourists, with its attractions like the Onsens, breathtaking scenery with the Fuji in the background and the ruins of the historic Tokaido Highway.

·         The Unzen-Amakusa National Park in Kyushu's high altitude region is one of the most beautiful resort areas in Japan. Visitors can relax the Onsen or hike through the super hot geysers, locally referred to as Hells.

Source- www.mapsoftheworld.com