List of Traditional Japanese Culture! Explanations by genre, including performing arts, martial arts, Japanese food, and more!

There is a lot of useful knowledge for entertaining and conversing with foreigners, including the latest information in reactions from abroad.

What is Japanese traditional culture?

First, let us briefly explain what “traditional Japanese culture” is.

Traditional culture refers to performing arts, arts, and events that have been handed down from generation to generation, rooted in local communities and lifestyles.

The term “performing arts” here refers to expression through physical movement, especially those acquired through practice and training.

Therefore, not only kabuki and Japanese dance, but also tea ceremony, flower arrangement, haiku, and tanka poetry are “performing arts.

The beginning of traditional Japanese culture is deeply rooted in the religious beliefs of the Japanese people.

Since ancient times, the Japanese have dedicated meals, dances, songs, and compositions to the gods.

The reason for this was the belief that “God seldom comes near humans and descends only on special occasions.

They have also offered songs, music, and dances to pray for the gods to come down to earth and grant their wishes.

Much of Japan’s traditional culture began here and has been handed down to the present day, while preserving local characteristics.

List of Japanese Traditional Culture｜Entertainment

First, we will focus on the “performing arts” genre of traditional Japanese culture.

name	kana indicating the pronunciation of kanji	a few words
kabuki	kabuki	Classical drama performed by male actors in glamorous costumes and makeup
calligraphy	initial response (e.g. to a crisis)	The art of using a brush and ink to enjoy expression through the “crumbling” of letters.
tea ceremony	tea ceremony	The art of serving tea from the master to the guest
flower arrangement	moveable	The art of arranging flowers and plants to express beauty and preciousness
haiku	haiku	Poems in the five-seven-five formula with seasonal words
31-mora Japanese poem	carbonisation	Poems expressing emotions and daily life, made in the formulas of 5, 7, 5, 7, 7
function	brain	A song-and-dance drama performed with Noh masks, also known as “the world’s oldest drama.
kyogen	kyogen	Comedy plays with dialogue, mainly about everyday life and depicting “laughter”.
rakugo	traditional Japanese comic storytelling	Storytelling by performers with an “Ochi” ending
lion dance	lion dance	The dance is performed wearing a lion head design and is said to ward off evil spirits and illness.
ancient Shinto music and dancing	ancient Shinto music and dancing	The performing arts performed to invite the gods.
xianqi	shogi	A game in which you move pieces on the board and aim to take your opponent’s “king’s” piece

Many of Japan’s traditional arts reflect a strong sense of beauty unique to the Japanese people.

Let’s look a little more closely at Kabuki, calligraphy, tea ceremony, and flower arrangement, which are among the most popular Motenas Japan experiences among foreigners.

kabuki

Kabuki is a classical Japanese theater performed by men.

Even those who have never seen Kabuki know the characteristic movements, such as turning the head and centering only one eye, which are also characteristic of the “mie” pose in the middle of a performance.

Furthermore, the gorgeous kabuki-like costumes and makeup are highly regarded overseas for their artistic quality.

Another appeal of Kabuki is that it is not overly constrained by old forms, in the good sense of the word, as in the case of Kabuki adaptations of famous manga cartoons. Although kabuki is a classic form of theater, it is easy to find performances that are easy to watch for young people and foreigners accustomed to modern entertainment.

If you want to know more about the history of Kabuki, we also recommend this article

calligraphy

Calligraphy is the art of writing letters with a brush and ink and enjoying the artistry of it.

Actually, calligraphy is a little different from the “shuji” we learned in elementary school, and the fun of shodo is to enjoy the way the characters are broken down. In calligraphy, it is important to “write correctly and in good balance,” but in calligraphy, depending on how the characters are broken down, they can be expressed powerfully or, conversely, they can be expressed sadly.

For example, if a character is drawn with a strong brush stroke and carried at a high speed, the splashes of ink and the blurriness of the lines will give the character a sense of power and intensity. On the other hand, if the characters are drawn using only the tip of the brush, the thinness of the lines and the cohesiveness of the characters will give the impression of loneliness and sadness.

The interesting and profound aspect of calligraphy is that the same character can convey the expression and sentiment of the writer.

If you want to know more about the history of calligraphy, we also recommend this article

tea ceremony

The tea ceremony is an art form in which the proprietor prepares tea and entertains guests.

It is considered to be a representative of the Japanese sense of beauty called “wabi-sabi,” which was perfected by Sen no Rikyu in the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1573-1600).

Furthermore, the descendants of Sen no Rikyu created the Omotesenke and Urasenke schools, each of which has its own slightly different way of preparing and serving tea.

Omotesenke
…characterized by less bubbling
Urasenke
…characterized by lots of bubbling, making the tea taste mellower

Enjoying the beauty of the tea bowls in which tea is served and tasting the tea sweets that accompany the tea are also a real part of the tea ceremony.

flower arrangement

Kado is the art of arranging flowers and plants.

Often confused with Western “flower arranging,” flower arrangement has a completely different perspective.

For example, in flower arrangement, many kinds of flowers are used to create a gorgeous work of art. On the other hand, in flower arrangement, it is better to use fewer kinds of flowers and plants, and to value the beauty of space.

However, flower arrangement is not a rigid, classical style, and new styles are increasing in line with the times. For example, there are many new styles of flower arrangement, such as projection mapping and collaborations with paintings, that can be enjoyed casually by people of all ages.

The healing effect of flower arranging is also attracting attention, and it is one of the lessons that are gaining popularity.

List of Japanese Traditional Culture｜Budo

Next, let us look at the traditional Japanese culture of Budo.

name	kana indicating the pronunciation of kanji	a few words
judo	judo	Martial arts born from the jujutsu of the samurai, with a focus on techniques such as kokime-jutsu and shime-jutsu
the way of karate	the way of karate	Martial arts originated in Okinawa Prefecture (Ryukyu Kingdom), and mainly consists of thrusting and kicking.
sumo wrestling	sumo wrestler	A sport in which the contestants compete to win or lose by pushing or knocking down their opponents in a circular ring.
kendo	prefectural road	A martial art in which participants wear protective gear and use shinai (bamboo swords) to strike opponents, with the aim of training the body and mind.
halberd	halberd	A wooden sword with a long handle is used to strike an opponent.
(Japanese) archery	(Japanese) archery	A competition in which arrows are shot by drawing the bow and hitting the target.
aikido	aikido	Martial arts that do not involve fighting, and self-defense techniques to fend off or suppress an opponent’s attack.
Shorinji Kempo (modern Japanese martial art based on Shaolin kung fu)	Shorinji Kempo (modern Japanese martial art based on Shaolin kung fu)	Self-defense through thrusting, kicking, etc. to “protect oneself and others”.
form of modern martial art using the bayonet	form of modern martial art using the bayonet	A martial art in which the student wears a special doi gi and strikes the opponent with a wooden gun.

Many martial arts are incorporated into school classes, etc., and many people say they have “done a bit of martial arts before.

It is interesting to learn about the differences in spirituality and characteristics of these martial arts by taking a closer look at their history and other details.

judo

Judo originated from “jujutsu,” a martial art used by samurai in their training.

Therefore, it is a martial art with a strong element of physical and mental training for warfare.

Furthermore, many of the techniques are designed to be used in combat, so the focus is on throwing, tightening, and firming techniques.

This is because in actual combat, it is important to protect oneself by blocking the enemy’s swords and other weapons.

The purpose of modern judo is not to train for warfare, but “spiritual cultivation” is a major objective.

This spirit of judo is also supported by foreign countries, and many foreign trainees can be seen training at Kodokan, the head temple of judo.

the way of karate

Karate is one of the most popular martial arts from abroad that cannot be missed.

Karate originated in Okinawa Prefecture and is a self-defense art that mainly uses thrusting and kicking.

Originally passed down as a secret fist technique, the history of karate is shrouded in mystery.

By the Taisho era (1912-1926), such karate began to flow into the mainland outside of Okinawa Prefecture.

Today, it has become such a popular martial art that there are many local dojos and even world championships are held.

It was also selected as an official event for the first time at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

*This event will be held in 2021.

Known as the “KARATE of the world,” it is a martial art practiced by more than 100 million people worldwide.

*As of 2024

sumo wrestling

Sumo is a competition in which two wrestlers compete to win or lose in a round sumo ring.

The winner is determined by pushing or knocking the opponent out of the ring.

The ancient prototype of sumo was a wrestling match in which kicks and punches were also used.

From there, the rules for shiko-stomping and kimari-te (techniques that determine the winner) were established and have been handed down to the present day.

Another attraction of sumo is that it still retains a strong sense of old Japanese culture, with wrestlers wearing topknots and kimonos in their daily lives.

At the same time, sumo wrestlers are actively utilizing social networking services and appearing on TV, and as a result, sumo fans are increasing among women and overseas VIPs.

List of Japanese Traditional Culture｜Japanese Food

Next, we will discuss “Japanese food” in Japan.

name	kana indicating the pronunciation of kanji	a few words
Japanese confectionery	Japanese confectionery	Unique Japanese traditional confections such as yokan (bean jelly), dango (dumpling), and nerikiri (fish paste) representing the four seasons.
sushi	sushi	Sushi rice, called shari, combined with sashimi
Japanese rice wine	Japanese rice wine	Japanese sake made from rice, rice koji, and water
sake brewery	bar-room	A place where sake is mainly produced and stored.
food served during the New Year’s Holidays		Foods and dishes eaten on New Year’s Day that bring good luck are packed in stacked boxes.
pounding mochi	pounding mochi	A traditional event held during the year-end and New Year’s holidays to make rice cakes to wish for the prosperity of offspring, etc.
soba	close	A noodle dish made from buckwheat flour, with each region having its own unique way of eating and seasoning.

Japan can be described as a “land of gastronomy. Japanese cuisine is packed with the delicacy that is uniquely Japanese in appearance and taste.

Among them, let’s take a closer look at “Japanese sweets,” “sushi,” “Japanese sake,” and “Japanese whiskey,” which are highly regarded worldwide as Japanese gourmet foods.

Japanese confectionery

Wagashi are traditional Japanese sweets such as yokan, dango, and nerikiri.

It is believed that yokan has its roots in “Chinese soup,” which evolved in Japan, giving rise to yokan with its rich sweetness. Dango” has a longer history than yokan and is said to be the oldest Japanese confectionery. Especially in the Edo period (1603-1867), it became popular as a fast food that could be eaten easily and in a snap.

Nerikiri Kiri-giri is also highly acclaimed overseas for its beautiful appearance, featuring seasonal flowers and nature motifs. Because of its popularity, more and more places are offering the opportunity to actually experience making nerikiri.

If you want to know more about the experience of making Japanese sweets, we also recommend this article.

sushi

Sushi is an indispensable part of Japanese cuisine. Sushi is a combination of sushi rice and sashimi, and as you know, it is one of the most popular Japanese foods overseas as well.

The growing popularity of sushi from overseas has also given rise to Western-style sushi such as the California roll. Recently, vegetarian sushi menus and halal sushi restaurants have been increasing, especially in Tokyo, indicating that sushi is growing into a Japanese food on a global scale.

Sushi making is also slowly gaining popularity, with an increasing number of classes where visitors can learn how to make sushi from actual sushi chefs, as well as events with English interpretation.

To learn more about the sushi making experience, we also recommend this article

Japanese rice wine

Sake is becoming increasingly popular among foreigners who love to drink.

Sake is made from rice, rice koji, and water, and it can be said that sake was born in Japan because of its abundant water resources. The taste of sake varies depending on the rice and water used as raw materials, and it is interesting to note that sake has a distinctive taste depending on its region of origin.

There is also a “sake brewery” where sake is produced and stored, where visitors can observe the sake making process and experience sake tasting. This is one of the places that will please foreign visitors who love sake.

Japanese whisky

Japanese whisky, as the name implies, is “whisky made in Japan,” and is in fact one of the five major whiskies in the world.

For example, everyone has heard of Japanese whiskey brands such as Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita. All of these brands are characterized by their delicate taste and aroma, which are highly regarded internationally.

Another secret of its popularity is its rarity, as it can only be made in Japan. Some brands fetch tens of millions of dollars at international auctions. This shows that the quality of Japanese whisky is highly valued.

List of Japanese Traditional Culture｜Crafts

Next, let’s take a look at “traditional crafts” created by the delicate handiwork of Japanese artisans.

name	kana indicating the pronunciation of kanji	a few words
facetted object	chips or shavings left after cutting wood or metal with a saw, etc.	Glass with a pattern on the surface that has been cut with a whetstone or other tool.
kintsugi (gold-colored porcelain threads joined at the tip of a pagoda finial)	goldsmith	A technique for repairing broken vessels and works of art using lacquer and gold powder.
Japanese sword	Japanese sword	Swords made with a uniquely Japanese technique, mainly used by samurai warriors
wind chime	wind bell	A tool to enjoy the sound of tanzaku strips hanging from a glass or other body, which are shaken by the wind.
Japanese umbrella	Japanese umbrella	Umbrellas with a frame made of natural materials such as bamboo and to which Japanese paper is attached.
wrapping cloth	wrapping cloth	A square piece of cloth intended to wrap or carry things

Many people think of ceramics and dyeing and weaving when they think of crafts, but there are many other wonderful traditional crafts in Japan.

Among them, “faceting” and “kintsugi” are gaining popularity among foreigners.

We will also explain what kind of craft industry it is and why it is so popular.

facetted object

Faceted glass is a product in which the surface of the glass is cut with a whetstone or other tool to create a design.

Glass making was introduced from the West during the Edo period (1603-1867) and was transformed into a uniquely Japanese process.

There are two main types of faceted glass: Edo faceted glass and Satsuma faceted glass.

type of faceted glass from Edo

…characterized by a linear design and sharpness with a clear border between colored and transparent glass.

Satsuma cut glass (type of faceted glass)

…brightly colored glass, with a gradation called “bokashi” (gradation).

The “Japanese” feel of Edo faceting, which is not found in Western cut glass, and the beautiful color blurring design of Satsuma faceting are popular among foreigners.

kintsugi (gold-colored porcelain threads joined at the tip of a pagoda finial)

Kintsugi is a repair technique in which broken vessels and works of art are glued with lacquer and decorated with gold powder.

Kintsugi has recently been attracting attention from young women and people overseas, but what exactly is the reason for its popularity?

Of course, the artistry of “decorating glued parts with gold” is also popular, but the fact that it is “eco-friendly” to continue to use one item with care is also supported.

Kintsugi is also a traditional technique that allows us to feel the unique Japanese sense of “wabi-sabi,” as the repaired part of the vessel is considered to be the “history of the vessel.

List of Japanese Traditional Culture｜Thinking and Words

Next, I will explain the unique Japanese way of thinking and language.

name	kana indicating the pronunciation of kanji	a few words
Zen (Buddhism)	the last (i.e. immediately preceding) (e.g. “the last mayor”)	To calm the mind, to unify the mind, and to attain enlightenment.
aesthetic sense in Japanese art emphasising quiet simplicity and subdued refinement		A uniquely Japanese sense of beauty that perceives the taste of simplicity and antiquity as “beautiful
hospitality		To entertain guests wholeheartedly.
bowing	bowing	Bow your head and show respect to others
sacrilegious		A sense of regret and regret that things that are still useful are not utilized
painful	painful	Feelings of helplessness, loneliness and sadness that make you feel tight in your chest.

Traditional Japanese ideas and language are tied to the reasons for the development of traditional Japanese culture and art.

Let’s unravel a little more about the “traditional Japanese way of thinking and language,” which was born out of the island nation’s unique progress and lack of foreign influence.

Zen (Buddhism)

Zen is the act of attaining enlightenment through mental unification.

Zazen is a form of Zen practice that is becoming increasingly popular today. The reason for this is that it can be expected to relax and reduce stress through mental unification.

Zen has attracted attention from celebrities and celebrities overseas, and in fact, Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple, was one of the celebrities who practiced Zen meditation.

More and more temples are offering zazen experiences, and we recommend that you try it with your foreign guests.

aesthetic sense in Japanese art emphasising quiet simplicity and subdued refinement

The Japanese word “wabi-sabi” expresses a uniquely Japanese sense of beauty.

Specifically, the Wabi-Sabi sensibility is to find beauty in imperfection and to appreciate the beauty of simplicity and old-fashioned taste. The tea ceremony and kintsugi, which have already been explained, are traditional cultures that strongly reflect the Wabi-Sabi sensibility.

Wabi-sabi is a uniquely Japanese sense of beauty that is different from that of the West or other countries. Therefore, it is often fresh and interesting to foreigners, so it is recommended to bring it up as a topic when explaining about Japanese culture.

hospitality

Omotenashi is to provide heartfelt hospitality to customers.

The West has its own culture of “service” and “hospitality” similar to omotenashi, but Japanese “omotenashi” is a unique culture. The difference is that in omotenashi, consideration and care are given without asking for compensation or any other kind of reward.

For example, in the tea ceremony, there is a custom of “boiling water while considering the comfortable temperature of the other person. It is also important to create a relaxed atmosphere through conversation so as not to make the guest feel nervous.

Omotenashi is to make sure that the people in the room feel relaxed and comfortable.

List of Japanese Traditional Culture｜Instruments

Let’s take a look at the traditional Japanese culture of “wagakki” here.

name	kana indicating the pronunciation of kanji	a few words
Japanese drum	Japanese drum	Traditional Japanese drum with a wooden body covered with leather
Tsugaru shamisen (a form of shamisen popular in the Tsugaru region of Aomori Prefecture)	Tsugaru Jamisen	Shamisen genre characterized by a strumming style of playing and a fast-paced melody
guzheng	after an inflectable word, creates a noun phrase indicating something the speaker does not feel close to	Instrument with 13 strings, played by holding the strings with the left hand and plucking with the right hand.
shakuhachi	end-blown fippleless bamboo flute	Instrument made of bamboo or wood, played by blocking a hole in the front to change the pitch.

Many Japanese instrumental groups have toured overseas.

Each of these instruments has gained a strong overseas following, but what exactly is their appeal?

We will explain in detail about “wadaiko” and “tsugaru shamisen,” which are especially popular overseas.

Japanese drum

Wadaiko is a traditional taiko drum with a wooden body covered with leather, which is used at festivals.

In Japan, it has also been used since ancient times as a “musical instrument to welcome the gods” and as a “morale-boosting instrument on the battlefield.

Later, it came to be used as an accompaniment instrument in Kabuki and other performing arts, and it is believed to have spread to the masses in Japan.

In the postwar period, the “kumidaiko” style, in which only taiko drums are played, became popular, and numerous taiko groups have emerged up to the present day.

Wearing kimonos and beating drums powerfully, their performances have captivated many people in Japan and abroad.

Recently, it has been collaborating with digital art, etc. It is also an instrument that can be easily enjoyed by those who are new to Japanese instruments.

Tsugaru shamisen (a form of shamisen popular in the Tsugaru region of Aomori Prefecture)

Tsugaru shamisen is a type of shamisen characterized by the way it is played, with the shamisen being struck as if it is being slammed.

The melody also has a sense of speed, and the dramatic tone of the music is popular.

The main difference between the Tsugaru shamisen and the regular shamisen is in the way it is played and the tune, but in fact, another characteristic of the Tsugaru shamisen is that it does not have sheet music.

While there is sheet music for the regular shamisen, the Tsugaru shamisen is usually played by memorizing the master’s performance or by improvisation.

In recent years, Tsugaru shamisen has become increasingly popular both in Japan and abroad, with collaborations with anime songs and singers.

The popularity of the game is expected to increase in the future, with world championships and other events being held.

List of Japanese Traditional Culture｜Every year’s events

Next, we will look at “annual events” that have taken root in Japan since ancient times.

name	kana indicating the pronunciation of kanji	a few words
New Year	New Year	January 1 to 7, an event to welcome God with the whole family.
last day of winter in the traditional Japanese calendar (usually February 3 or 4)	last day of winter in the traditional Japanese calendar (usually February 3 or 4)	An event held on the day before the first day of spring in February to drive away evil spirits (ogres) by scattering beans.
Dolls’ Festival	Girls’ Festival (March 3rd)	An event held on March 3 to wish for the growth and happiness of girls
Children’s Day (national holiday; May 5th)		May 5 is established as a day to pray for the growth and health of children.
Festival of the Weaver (July 7th)	Festival of the Weaver (July 7th)	The event on July 7 when Orihime and Hikoboshi meet across the Milky Way to write their wishes on tanzaku strips of paper.
summer festival	summer festival	In ancient times, festivals were held to pray for less damage from heavy summer rains and typhoons.
Bon Festival	tray	A period of time during which ancestors are welcomed into one’s home and memorial services are held, generally from mid-July to mid-August.
fireworks	fireworks	One of the most popular summer festivals in Japan.
cordoning off	lucky numbers 7, 5 and 3	An event to celebrate the growth of children, held at the ages of 7, 5, and 3.
New Year’s Eve	New Year’s Eve	December 31, which falls on the last day of each month, “Misoka”, the end of the year.

Many of the familiar annual events are not well known to us until we learn the meaning and origins of each event.

The meaning and origins of family-related events such as “New Year’s Day,” “Children’s Day,” and “Shichi-Go-San” will be explained in detail.

New Year

The Japanese New Year usually refers to the period from January 1 to 7. It is an event that is meant to welcome the gods with the whole family, and even today, many people gather together with family and relatives for Hatsumode, or online worship.

Originally, New Year’s was influenced by Chinese rituals, which led to the development of unique Japanese customs and ways of celebrating the New Year. In particular, “osechi ryori” (New Year dishes), “noshidama” (New Year gifts), and “hatsumode” (New Year’s visit to shrines) are typical Japanese ways of spending the New Year. Kite-flying” and “Hagoita” are also traditional Japanese New Year’s games.

In recent years, new customs such as the first sale and the buying of good fortune have also spread. As the times change, these events will continue to be passed down to the next generation as a way to spend time with family and loved ones.

Children’s Day (national holiday; May 5th)

Children’s Day is a day to pray for the growth and health of children, and is observed on May 5.

Originally, this day originated from “Tango no Sekku,” a day to celebrate the growth and health of boys by decorating them with helmets and raising carp streamers. Even today, many people raise carp streamers on Children’s Day.

It was only after World War II that Tango-no Sekku was changed to Children’s Day. In fact, there are many countries around the world that have a Children’s Day, and Japan decided to establish Children’s Day on a day that has a connection with the people of Japan. (Reference: About each “National Holidays” (Reference Information) History of the establishment of the National Holidays Law – Cabinet Office)

Therefore, the culture of “Tango-no Sekku” and “a holiday to pray for children’s growth” are combined into Japan’s Children’s Day.

cordoning off

Shichigosan is an event held to celebrate the growth of children at the ages of seven, five, and three.

It is especially celebrated by three-year-old boys and girls, five-year-old boys and seven-year-old girls. *Depends on the region.

The history of Shichi-Go-San is long, dating back to the Heian period (794-1185). At that time, the mortality rate for children was high, and it was a ceremony to celebrate the healthy growth of children up to the ages of three, five, and seven, as well as to wish for their continued good health.

Today, many families offer prayers and take pictures of their children dressed up in kimono or Western-style clothing. Even though times have changed, this event has been passed down through the generations as an important way to celebrate the growth of children and wish them good health in the future.

List of Japanese Traditional Culture｜KIMONO

This section describes the traditional Japanese kimono.

name	kana indicating the pronunciation of kanji	a few words
clothing	clothing	Traditional Japanese folk costume worn with a long coat + obi
informal summer clothes for men (short jacket and trousers)	informal summer clothes for men (short jacket and trousers)	Japanese-style garment worn with a tailored upper garment and trouser-type lower garment, which are tied together with ties on both sides.
yukata (light cotton kimono worn in the summer or used as a bathrobe)	yukata (light cotton kimono worn in the summer or used as a bathrobe)	A kimono made of cotton or linen, worn mainly in the summer, without lining and without a lintel.
geta	geta	Traditional Japanese footwear, characterized by protrusions on the back of the board on which the foot is placed.
zori (Japanese footwear sandals)	zori (Japanese footwear sandals)	A type of Japanese footwear with flat soles made of rushes or leather.
ornate hairpin		Traditional Japanese hair ornament, usually stick-shaped with an ornament at the end.
armor and helmet (armour)	armor and helmet (armour)	Armor consisting of a yoroi (armor) to protect the torso and a kabuto (helmet) to protect the head.

In Japan, there are various types of kimono, including the kimono.

Kimono such as yukata, jinbei, and zori are probably worn by many people today at festivals and other events.

On the other hand, the kimono, a representative of Japanese national costume, is an entity that is becoming increasingly popular not only among young people in Japan but also among people overseas.

Let’s take a closer look at kimonos.

clothing

A kimono is a Japanese garment worn in the style of a long kimono plus obi (sash).

It is a traditional Japanese folk costume and has been worn since around the Heian period.

Kimono culture temporarily lost momentum when Western-style clothing became the mainstream with the Meiji Restoration, but the popularity of kimonos is slowly reviving in the 2025 era.

This is because many young people are having their kimonos dressed at rental stores while traveling, taking pictures and uploading them to social networking sites.

Kimonos are also popular among foreign celebrities, with singer Madonna and Freddie Mercury, vocalist of the world-famous band Queen, famously adopting the kimono as a concert costume.

List of Japanese Traditional Culture｜Architecture

In this section, we introduce Japanese architecture.

name	kana indicating the pronunciation of kanji	a few words
temple	temple	A place where Buddhist statues are enshrined and where monks and Buddhist believers practice.
Shinto shrine	Shinto shrine	A place of worship with a torii gate at the entrance, enshrining a deity.
castle	tail end	Residences of shoguns, feudal lords, and samurai built with earthen walls
five-storied pagoda	five-storied pagoda	A five-story pagoda with a five-story roof, built at temples and other places as a symbol of Buddhism.

Traditional Japanese architecture is strongly influenced by faith. Not only do we appreciate the beauty of its appearance, but also the purpose and meaning for which it was built, which changes the way we look at it.

In particular, Nara and Kyoto, which flourished as capitals in ancient times, have many traditional architectural structures still in existence. If you want to show foreigners some Japanese-style architecture, this is a good area to visit.

Let’s take a closer look at “temples,” a type of Japanese architecture that is of great interest to foreigners.

temple

Temples are built as places for monks and Buddhist believers to practice.

For this reason, Buddhist statues are enshrined and Zen meditation and other practices are practiced there on a daily basis.

Shrines are often confused with temples. Shrines are places where the eight million gods are enshrined. Temples are places of worship of “Buddhism,” so it is easy to understand that they have different beliefs.

Buddhist events are also held at temples, such as Obon memorial services and the temple bell on New Year’s Eve.

List of Japanese Traditional Culture｜Bath Culture

Finally, let us look at the Japanese bath culture.

name	kana indicating the pronunciation of kanji	a few words
hot spring	spa	Hot water that springs mainly from the ground and contains substances that are effective in promoting blood circulation, etc.
public bath	combat	Public bathing facilities, some of which have dining and game areas attached.
footbath	footbath	Bathing only the knees to feet is considered effective in reducing cold.
open air bath	rotemburo	A spa or bath located outdoors.

Japan is a country with a large number of “bath lovers” by global standards.

Therefore, the existence of various types of baths and bathing facilities, including onsen (hot springs), is probably unique to Japan.

Here is a more detailed explanation of Onsen, a representative of Japan’s bath culture.

hot spring

A hot spring is a bathing facility that is primarily composed of warm water that springs from the ground.

Basically, hot water above 25°C is used, but some water below 25°C may be called a “hot spring” if it contains a specified amount of a specified substance.

Some hot springs contain substances that are believed to be effective for health and beauty, including those that promote blood circulation, making them popular among those interested in health and beauty.

Japan is also home to many famous hot spring resorts, each of which is surrounded by picturesque townscapes.

The hot springs themselves are unusual for foreigners, and another reason why hot springs are so popular is that they allow them to enjoy the elegant and uniquely Japanese cityscape.

Proud traditional culture born of the Japanese sense of beauty and delicacy

Traditional Japanese culture has been handed down from ancient times to the present.

Many aspects of traditional Japanese culture strongly reflect the Japanese sense of beauty and delicacy.

It is often supported as “Cool Japan” by foreign countries, and as a Japanese, I am proud of it.

And many foreigners want to “actually experience” such traditional Japanese culture.

Motenas Japan can prepare tailor-made plans for foreign guests to enjoy traditional Japanese culture.

We have experience in preparing traditional cultural experiences for many foreign VIPs, so please feel free to contact us if you are not sure what kind of plan to prepare.