Influences of Beauty and Art (AP)

3.1 Japanese Beauty and Aesthetics

Beauty, Music, Arts, and Fashion in Japan

1. Beauty in Japan

• Skin Tone:

  • 白い肌 (Shiroi hada): Light/pale skin is highly valued, symbolizing beauty.

  • Protective measures: Arm coverings, umbrellas in summer to prevent tanning.

  • Contrast with Western Standards: In countries like the U.S., tanning is often associated with beauty.

• Facial Features:

  • High-bridged noses: Considered attractive, influenced by Western ideals.

• Inner Beauty:

  • Valued traits: Politeness, elegance, and respect for others.

  • うるさい人 (Urusai hito): Loud or overly talkative individuals may be perceived as inconsiderate or unattractive.

• Social Impact of Beauty Standards:

  • Beauty expectations can lead to societal pressure globally.

  • Advocacy for embracing diverse standards and reducing societal molds.

2. Music (音楽: Ongaku)

• Traditional Music:

  • Gagaku: Ancient court music from the Heian period, characterized by silence and introspection.

  • Koto and Shakuhachi: Traditional instruments known for their haunting and expressive sounds.

• J-Pop:

  • Emergence: Became popular in the 1990s, characterized by catchy melodies and vibrant performances.

  • Features: Elaborate choreography, colorful costumes, and visually stylized music videos.

  • Diverse Genres: Indie rock, hip-hop, and techno also contribute to Japan’s music scene, often blending traditional elements.

3. Visual and Performing Arts

• Ukiyo-e:

  • Traditional Japanese woodblock printing technique.

  • Collaborative process: Artist designs, block cutter carves, printer inks and prints.

  • Renowned globally as part of Japan's artistic heritage.

• Origami (折り紙):

  • Art of paper folding, originating in the Edo Period.

  • Techniques passed through generations, showcasing creativity and precision.

• Calligraphy (習字: Shūji):

  • Artistic expression through kanji and kana characters.

  • Tools: Brush (筆), ink (菫), and thin paper (半紙).

  • Emphasizes the significance of each brushstroke’s direction and intensity.

• Kabuki:

  • Traditional Japanese theater featuring historical and folk stories.

  • Key features: Male actors, elaborate costumes, live music with traditional instruments, and intricate stage designs.

4. Fashion and Design

• Cultural Importance:

  • Dressing well in public reflects respect and professionalism.

  • Conservative style: Long skirts/pants (ズボン), even in summer.

• Everyday Attire:

  • Women: Blouses, long skirts/pants, arm coverings for sun protection.

  • Men: Suits for work, neat shirts and pants otherwise.

• Uniqlo (ユニクロ):

  • Affordable and versatile clothing brand founded by Tadashi Yanai.

  • International popularity with over 50 stores in the U.S. as of May 2020.

3.2 Japanese Personal and Public Identities

National and Ethnic Identities in Japan

1. National Identities

• Core Elements:

  • Strong emphasis on tradition, harmony, and unity.

  • Group cohesion and shared responsibility characterize Japanese political, economic, and social structures.

• Historical Context:

  • Japan's geographical isolation fostered a sense of uniqueness and separateness from other nations.

  • Cultural development influenced by interactions with China and Korea.

• Key Themes:

  • "Japaneseness" reflects a blend of historical isolation and external influences, emphasizing cultural and linguistic homogeneity.

2. Ethnic Identities

• Majority Group:

  • Yamato people: 98% of the population, with a distinct cultural and historical identity.

• Ethnic Minorities:

  • Ainu: Indigenous people of Hokkaido with unique language and cultural traditions.

  • Ryukyuan: Indigenous to the Ryukyu Islands, influenced by Chinese and Okinawan cultures.

  • Burakumin: Historically marginalized group associated with "unclean" professions; still faces social stigma.

3. Alienation and Assimilation

• Alienation:

  • Emphasis on conformity and cultural homogeneity can make non-Japanese individuals feel excluded.

  • "In-group" mentality contributes to discrimination against ethnic minorities and foreigners.

  • Barriers in employment, education, and social life persist despite efforts toward inclusion.

• Assimilation:

  • Encouraged historically to promote national identity and social cohesion.

  • Challenges:

    • Language barriers (Japanese is the primary language).

    • Cultural and social norms difficult for non-Japanese residents to navigate.

  • Recent efforts: Government initiatives to promote multiculturalism and support non-Japanese residents.

4. Heroes and Historical Figures

• Oda Nobunaga (織田信長):

  • Feudal lord in the 16th century; pivotal in unifying Japan during the Sengoku period.

  • Contributions:

    • Innovative military tactics.

    • Patronage of the arts (tea ceremony, Noh theater).

    • Foundation for the Tokugawa shogunate's centralized government.

  • Legacy: Effective but ruthless leadership, including massacres of Buddhist monks.

• Hattori Hanzo (服部半蔵):

  • Legendary ninja and strategist under the Tokugawa clan.

  • Key roles:

    • Bodyguard to Tokugawa Ieyasu.

    • Instrumental in securing victory at the Battle of Sekigahara.

  • Legacy: Revered in samurai and ninja culture; frequently portrayed in popular media.

• Tomoe Gozen (巴御前):

  • Female samurai warrior during the Genpei War (12th century).

  • Skills: Mastery of archery and swordsmanship; known for leading troops on horseback.

  • Symbolism: Celebrated as a symbol of female strength and bravery; inspired numerous works of art and literature.

3.3 Japanese Contemporary Life

Lifestyles, Pop Culture, and Holidays in Japan

1. Lifestyles and Pop Culture

Anime and Manga

• Anime: Animated series with fantastical storylines and stylized visuals.

• Manga: Graphic novels featuring intricate art and immersive storytelling.

• Subculture - Otaku: Fans of anime and manga, often attending conventions and events.

• Global Phenomenon: Japan's anime and manga have captivated audiences worldwide, influencing entertainment and pop culture.

Fashion

• Self-expression: Fashion in Japan is seen as a key form of self-expression and is highly regarded for being unique and avant-garde.

• Harajuku Fashion: Known for its bold and eclectic street style, featuring layers, vintage, and modern mixes.

• Notable Styles:

  • Lolita: Victorian-inspired dresses.

  • Gyaru: Tan skin, blonde hair, and accessorized outfits.

• Famous Designers: Yohji Yamamoto and Rei Kawakubo are renowned globally for avant-garde fashion.

Video Games

• Significance: Japan is a major contributor to the video game industry, home to iconic franchises like Super Mario Bros, The Legend of Zelda, and Pokemon.

• Creativity and Innovation: Games range from cute and whimsical to dark and challenging, often introducing new gameplay mechanics.

• Influence: Japan’s video games have shaped the global gaming industry, inspiring worldwide developers.

2. Holidays and Celebrations

Setsubun (February 3)

• Purpose: Marks the beginning of spring; drives away bad spirits and welcomes good luck.

• Customs:

  • Mamemaki (Bean-throwing): Roasted soybeans are thrown to ward off evil spirits.

  • Ritual Phrase: "Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi" ("Demons out, happiness in").

  • Personal Symbolism: Beans eaten for each year of life to ward off illness.

  • Activities: Temple visits, traditional dances, and food offerings.

Hina Matsuri (Girls' Day, March 3)

• Purpose: Celebrates young girls' well-being and prays for their happiness.

• Customs:

  • Hina Dolls: Displayed in traditional Heian period dress to represent the Imperial Court.

  • Traditional Foods: Chirashi sushi, clam soup, and sakura mochi.

  • Origins: Believed to have originated in the Heian period, with dolls thought to ward off evil spirits.

Golden Week (Late April to Early May)

• Significance: A week-long holiday consisting of multiple national holidays.

  • Holidays: Showa Day (April 29), Constitution Memorial Day (May 3), Greenery Day (May 4), Children’s Day (May 5).

• Activities:

  • Domestic and international travel.

  • Family gatherings and leisure activities.

  • Popular for shopping, with special discounts.

• Origins: Created in 1948 to stimulate domestic tourism, with holidays consolidated into a week-long celebration.

3.4 Japanese Families and Communities

Social Customs, Traditions, and Social Welfare in Japan

1. Social Customs in Japan

• Respect and Etiquette:

  • Bowing: A common greeting, symbolizing respect.

  • Keigo (敬語): Use of honorific language to show respect.

  • Gift-Giving: An important custom, reflecting gratitude and respect, with careful attention to presentation.

  • Shoes: Removing shoes before entering homes and certain public places is customary.

  • Meal Etiquette: Wait for everyone to be served before starting a meal, and avoid eating/drinking in public spaces.

  • No Tipping: Tipping is not practiced and is considered rude.

  • Public Behavior: Quiet and polite demeanor is expected in public spaces.

• Group Harmony (和: Wa):

  • Emphasis on avoiding conflict and prioritizing group cohesion over individual desires.

  • Consensus-building is common in business and decision-making.

2. Traditions and Values

• Cherry Blossom Viewing (花見: Hanami):

  • A spring tradition of enjoying cherry blossoms with picnics, symbolizing renewal and the fleeting nature of life.

  • Originated in the Heian period and is now a widely practiced cultural event across Japan.

• Gift-Giving:

  • Important in both personal and business settings, reflecting thoughtfulness and relationship-building.

  • Gifts should be wrapped carefully, and the presentation is as important as the gift itself.

  • Impolite to give gifts that are too expensive, as it may cause discomfort.

• Tea Ceremony (茶道: Chanoyu):

  • A highly ritualized tradition of preparing and serving matcha (powdered green tea).

  • More than just drinking tea, it emphasizes aesthetics, hospitality, and finding peace in simplicity.

  • Practiced to promote mindfulness and social interaction.

• Ikebana (生け花):

  • Japanese flower arrangement that focuses on balance, asymmetry, and harmony between nature and man-made elements.

  • Each arrangement reflects the changing seasons and the beauty of nature.

3. Citizenship and Immigration

• Citizenship by Descent:

  • If one parent is Japanese, citizenship is granted automatically, regardless of birthplace.

• Naturalization:

  • Requirements:

    • Minimum of 5 years residence in Japan.

    • At least 20 years old.

    • Legal source of income, no criminal record.

    • Renounce other citizenship(s).

    • Must pass language and cultural exams.

• Growing Diversity:

  • Japan remains over 98% ethnically Japanese but is experiencing an increase in foreign residents.

  • The naturalization process is often criticized for being difficult and requiring renunciation of previous citizenships, discouraging long-term residents from applying.

4. Social Welfare in Japan

• Overview:

  • Social welfare includes healthcare, pensions, unemployment insurance, public housing, and family support.

  • Funded by taxes, social insurance premiums, and government subsidies.

• Concerns:

  • Sustainability of the system is a concern due to Japan's aging population and economic challenges.

  • Reforms include raising the retirement age and encouraging more women to enter the workforce.

• Social Welfare Spending:

  • Japan has a high level of social welfare spending compared to many countries.

  • Ongoing efforts are made to ensure the system can support future generations.