Japan: Facts, Culture, and Language

Flashcards reviewing facts, culture, geography, language, and key terminology from the lecture on Japan.

Land of the Rising Sun

The nickname for Japan, given because the country is considered to lie close to where the sun rises.

Amaterasu

The supreme Shinto sun goddess who embodies light, purity, and life, and is associated with the red sun.

Sashimi

A Japanese delicacy consisting of fresh raw fish or meat sliced into thin pieces and often eaten with soy sauce using chopsticks, served without rice.

Sushi

A Japanese dish prepared with vinegared rice (usually with sugar or salt) accompanied by seafood and vegetables, which can be eaten with bare hands.

Ikebana

The Japanese art of arranging flowers and other natural materials in a stylized manner to create a harmonious relationship between the materials, flowers, and surrounding space.

Sake

An alcoholic beverage of Japanese origin made by fermenting rice, which pairs well with the delicate flavors of Japanese cuisine.

Sumo

The national sport of Japan, involving wrestling to beat opponents, which originally began as a performance to entertain Shinto deities.

Karate

The national martial art of Japan that focuses on developing defensive and counterattacking body movements.

Buddhism

One of Japan's two major religions, imported to the mainland in the 6th century, centered on the teachings of Buddha.

Shintoism

One of Japan's major religions, deeply rooted in Japanese culture, centered on shrine rituals, purity, harmony, and honoring nature spirits called kami.

Kami

Spirits present in nature that are honored in Shintoism.

Yen

The official currency of Japan (symbols ¥ or JP ¥), considered the third-most traded currency in the foreign exchange market.

Political System of Japan

A constitutional monarchy where the Emperor serves as the symbol of the state with ceremonial duties, while the Prime Minister heads the parliament that governs the country.

Sanae Takaichi

The current Prime Minister of Japan and the country's first female Prime Minister.

Naruhito

The 126th Emperor of Japan, who ascended the throne on May 1, 2019.

Shinzo Abe

The longest-serving Prime Minister in Japan, whose terms (2006-2007 and 2012-2020) lasted nearly nine years.

Number Four

A number considered unlucky in Japan because its pronunciation (shi) resembles the word for death, leading to its omission in parking lots, hospital floors, and gift sets.

Hokkaido

The second-largest main island of Japan.

Honshu

The largest and most populous main island of Japan.

Kyushu

The third-largest main island of Japan, located nearest to the Asian continent.

Shikoku

The smallest main island of Japan.

Kabuki

A classical form of Japanese theater known for stylized dance, elaborate costumes, makeup, historical tales, and an all-male cast.

Noh

A 14th-century classical form of Japanese dance-drama combining music, dance, poetry, masks, and stylized movements, meaning 'skill' or 'talent'.

Bunraku

A traditional Japanese puppet theater art originating in Osaka in the early 17th century, where large puppets are operated by three masters.

Sakura

The flower central to Japan's annual celebration of spring, embodying the fleeting beauty of human life and the importance of living in the present.

Kimono

The traditional outfit for Japanese men and women, treated almost like an art form.

Obi

A belt-like sash worn as an element of the kimono.

Obijime

A thin decorative rope used as an element of the kimono.

Geta

Wooden sandals worn with a traditional kimono.

Tabi

Split-toe socks worn with a kimono.

Tasuki

A cord or sash used to tie up the sleeves of a kimono.

Keigo

A Japanese word meaning 'to respect' or 'to admire' in kanji, used to show consideration and respect to elders or individuals of higher social standing.

Koi

A carp fish familiar to Japanese people, commonly associated with perseverance due to its long lifespan.