Japanese Art and Performance Terms

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from Japanese language, visual arts, performance arts, and music.

Hiragana

A phonetic Japanese syllabary used for native Japanese words.

Katakana

A phonetic Japanese syllabary used mainly for foreign words and names.

Kanji

Logographic characters used in the modern Japanese writing system, derived from Chinese.

Ukiyo-E

A genre of Japanese art that flourished from the 17th through 19th centuries, featuring woodblock prints.

Hokusai

An influential Japanese artist known for his ukiyo-e prints, particularly The Great Wave off Kanagawa.

Sumi-E

Japanese ink painting that emphasizes the use of black ink and is characterized by a minimalist aesthetic.

Bonsai

The art of growing and cultivating miniature trees in pots, originating from Japan.

Ikebana

The Japanese art of flower arrangement, known for its careful balance and minimalism.

Dengaku

Traditional Japanese theatrical entertainment that includes dance and music, often performed during rice planting.

Kabuki

A classical Japanese dance-drama known for its stylized performances and elaborate makeup.

Noh

A form of classical Japanese musical drama that has been performed since the 14th century, characterized by slow movements and the use of masks.

Kumadori

The makeup style used in Kabuki theater to express the character's emotions and personality.

Wabi Sabi

A Japanese aesthetic that finds beauty in imperfection and transience.

Mono no Aware

A Japanese term that expresses the awareness of the impermanence of things and a deeper appreciation of their beauty.

Gagaku

The ancient court music of Japan, characterized by its elegance and use of traditional instruments.

Shamisen

A three-stringed musical instrument played with a plectrum, commonly used in Japanese folk music.

Koto

A traditional Japanese stringed musical instrument, similar to a zither, played with the fingers.

Shakuhachi

A traditional Japanese bamboo flute known for its distinct sound and meditative qualities.