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Japan Culture and traditions Japan

 
 
Area : 145883  sq.mi - Population 127400000 hab.
Japan

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Culture and traditions Japan

 Traditions and customs

Japan is highly westernized and has abandoned most of the rites of daily life. However, some traditions remain that you will have to observe if you want to be well seen by the locals. To enter a temple or a home, you should take off your shoes. Slippers are often provided at the entrance. If not enter with your socks. During meals around the traditional centre tables, women seat on their heels. Those putting on dresses or skirts can however fold their legs on the side. Men sit down cross-legged. You do not touch food in a shared plate with your sticks without taking it. Moreover, the sticks should always be dropped horizontally (placing them vertically in food is reserved for funeral rites only). Finally, do not be surprised to see the Japanese wearing a mask on the street. It is a matter of hygiene.



 To read, see, listen

guide

Japan. Lonely Planet.








books - The Temple of The Golden Pavilion by Mishima Yukio.
- The Box Man by Abę Kobo.




- Wasurenagusa by Aki Shimazaki.

- Geisha: A Life by Mineko Iwasaki.
- Cherry Tree Blossom Season by Ruriko Pilgrim.
- Stupor and Tremors by Amélie Nothomb.









- Japanese Home Cooking by Shunsuke Fukushima.

- Japan Country Living: Spirit Tradition by Amy Sylvester Katoh and Shin Kimura.
- The Art and Culture of Japan by Nelly Delay.
,
- Un été au Japon
movies - Hiroshima, my love by Alain Resnais, 1959.
- Dodes' Caden by Akira Kurozawa, 1970.
- Dersou Ouzala by Akira Kurozawa, 1975.
- Stupors and tremors by Alain Corneau, 2003. Adapted from Amélie Nothomb's book.
music - Requiem, (1957) and November Steps (1967) by Takemitsu Toru.