Unit 3: Influences of Beauty and Art

美しい（うつくしい）

A formal/elevated “beautiful” used for scenery, art, or actions with dignity and emotional depth (often more refined than きれい).

きれい

“Pretty/clean/neat”; can describe visual attractiveness (e.g., a dress, handwriting) and also cleanliness, so it’s not interchangeable with 美しい in art analysis.

かわいい

“Cute,” and also a major cultural aesthetic applied to fashion, mascots, handwriting, behavior, and product design (not only for children or animals).

すばらしい

“Wonderful/excellent”; a stronger, more analytical praise than simply いい or すごい.

みごと

“Splendid/masterful”; often praises impressive skill, execution, or craftsmanship.

上品（じょうひん）

Elegant/refined in taste or appearance; suggests classy restraint rather than flashiness.

迫力（はくりょく）がある

Powerful/impactful; describes strong presence (e.g., big waves in a painting, intense acting) that creates awe or tension.

白い肌（しろいはだ）

“Pale/light skin”; often discussed as a valued beauty ideal in Japan, connected to sun-avoidance habits (umbrellas, arm coverings).

うるさい人（うるさいひと）

A “loud/overly talkative person”; can imply someone inconsiderate in settings where quiet politeness is valued.

わび・さび

An aesthetic valuing simplicity, naturalness, and imperfection (quiet, humble, authentic beauty that may show age, use, or handmade irregularity).

もののあわれ

Sensitivity to impermanence; emotional awareness that things are temporary (e.g., cherry blossoms are moving partly because they fall quickly).

四季（しき）

The four seasons; a major cultural framework that shapes imagery, events, food, fashion, and mood in Japanese contexts.

季節感（きせつかん）

“Sense of season”; using seasonal cues (motifs, foods, decorations) as part of beauty and atmosphere.

努力（どりょく）

Effort; a key value tied to artistic mastery and discipline in many Japanese art contexts.

練習（れんしゅう）

Practice; repetition and training emphasized in performing and traditional arts.

技（わざ）

Technique/skill (often implying practiced, refined craft rather than spontaneous talent).

茶道（さどう／ちゃどう）

Tea ceremony; a ritualized art of preparing/serving matcha that emphasizes hospitality, mindfulness, aesthetics, and peaceful simplicity.

茶の湯（ちゃのゆ）

Another name for tea ceremony (Chanoyu); highlights the cultural practice beyond simply drinking tea.

抹茶（まっちゃ）

Powdered green tea used in tea ceremony; central to the ritual and its hospitality.

茶わん

Tea bowl used in tea ceremony; often valued for craftsmanship, history, and aesthetic qualities (including wabi-sabi).

茶せん

Tea whisk used to prepare matcha in tea ceremony; a key utensil tied to practiced movement and technique.

掛け軸（かけじく）

Hanging scroll displayed in the tea room; selected to match seasonality and set mood/meaning.

生け花（いけばな）

Flower arrangement art focusing on balance, line, space (including negative space), and often asymmetry; frequently reflects seasons.

書道（しょどう）

Calligraphy as a visual art of writing; emphasizes control, rhythm, and personality in each stroke, not just readable characters.

習字（しゅうじ）

Calligraphy practice (often in school settings); links art to education and disciplined skill-building.

筆（ふで）

Brush used for calligraphy; stroke direction and pressure affect expression and style.

墨（すみ）

Ink used in calligraphy (often paired with brush and paper); intensity and flow shape the artwork’s feel.

半紙（はんし）

Thin paper commonly used for calligraphy practice; part of standard calligraphy tools.

折り紙（おりがみ）

Art of paper folding; associated with Edo-period development/popularization and valued for precision, creativity, and generational transmission.

能（のう）

Traditional performing art known for slow movement, masks, and a serious, refined atmosphere (restraint and minimalism).

歌舞伎（かぶき）

Traditional theater known for dramatic acting, elaborate costumes/makeup, strong visual impact, and intricate stage design (often spectacle/entertainment).

文楽（ぶんらく）

Puppet theater featuring skilled puppeteers and narrated storytelling; highlights performance craft and coordination.

雅楽（ががく）

Ancient court music associated with the Heian period; often described as emphasizing silence and introspection.

琴（こと）

Traditional Japanese string instrument known for expressive sound; appears in traditional music contexts.

尺八（しゃくはち）

Traditional bamboo flute known for haunting, expressive tones; often associated with reflective mood.

浮世絵（うきよえ）

Woodblock print art; commonly created through collaboration (designer, block cutter, printer) and recognized as major artistic heritage.

障子（しょうじ）

Sliding paper doors/screens in traditional architecture; linked to minimal design, natural light, and calm atmosphere.

描写（びょうしゃ）

Description of observable details (what you literally see/hear), used as a foundation before giving interpretation.

解釈（かいしゃく）

Interpretation (what details suggest/mean); in AP tasks, should be supported by evidence from 描写.

表現（ひょうげん）

Expression/representation; how an artwork communicates feeling, message, or idea (often paired with technique).

技術（ぎじゅつ）

Technique/skill; emphasizes trained ability and craftsmanship in arts (e.g., calligraphy strokes, performance discipline).

影響（えいきょう）

Influence; used to discuss how pop culture, media, trends, or art shapes identity and society.

流行（りゅうこう）

Trend/fashion; describes what is currently popular in style, media, or consumer culture.

人気（にんき）

Popularity; often used when analyzing why something spreads or appeals to audiences.

話題（わだい）

Hot topic; something widely discussed in media or social conversation.

感動する（かんどうする）

To be emotionally moved; stronger than “楽しい” and useful for discussing impactful art, film, or performances.

共感する（きょうかんする）

To empathize/relate; indicates personal connection to themes, characters, or messages.

清潔感（せいけつかん）

A “clean/neat impression” (groomed appearance); often more precise than using きれい when you mean cleanliness.

身だしなみ（みだしなみ）

Grooming/appearance as social appropriateness; frames looking neat as respect for others (workplace/school manners).

和（わ）

Group harmony; a value emphasizing avoiding conflict and prioritizing cohesion, influencing public behavior and expectations (including self-presentation).