Culture and Social Development
Here is a link to the citations. [link]
Additional Readings
http://web-japan.org/kidsweb/explore/culture/
This website has a very brief but informative information on both traditional and modern culture of Japan.
http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/indepth/cultural/experience/
This website has a more thorough information on Japanese culture and even goes in-depth into the certain aspects of Japanese culture.
This website has a very brief but informative information on both traditional and modern culture of Japan.
http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/indepth/cultural/experience/
This website has a more thorough information on Japanese culture and even goes in-depth into the certain aspects of Japanese culture.
This map shows where the Buddhist Organization are and the population in Japan. You can see where there are more Buddhist active areas and where there are less.
source: http://www.buddhanet.net/nippon/images/BudOrgJapBud.jpg
source: http://www.buddhanet.net/nippon/images/BudOrgJapBud.jpg
Statistics
- Japan has the world's largest and technologically advanced producers of motor vehicles, electronic equipment, machine tools, steel and nonferrous metals, ships, chemicals, textiles, and processed foods.
- In Japan 83.9% follow Shintoism, 71.4% follow Buddhism, 2% follow Christianity, and 7.8% are other.
- The school life expectancy is 15 years.
- Japan has a total of 27,182 km of railways which ranks 11th when compared to the world.
- The fertility rate is 1.39 which ranks 208 when compared to the world.
- Japan has a parliamentary government with a constitutional monarchy.
How has Japan changed over time?
In this chart it shows how much energy usage has grown over 40 years.
Japan has used energy since the 1960s but since then it's energy usage has gone up. This is probably due to Japan's technological advancements. Even though Japan is technologically advanced it's energy usage is low when compared to the United States of America's usage which is the yellow circle next to Japan. This shows that Japan conserves and saves more energy then the US.
Japan has used energy since the 1960s but since then it's energy usage has gone up. This is probably due to Japan's technological advancements. Even though Japan is technologically advanced it's energy usage is low when compared to the United States of America's usage which is the yellow circle next to Japan. This shows that Japan conserves and saves more energy then the US.
This chart shows the cell phone usage in Japan.
In 1965 there was barely any cell phone usage in Japan. It wasn't until the 2000s when the sudden increase in cell phone usage happened and now many people in Japan use cell phones. Around this time must be when Japan has modernized and urbanized as well.
In 1965 there was barely any cell phone usage in Japan. It wasn't until the 2000s when the sudden increase in cell phone usage happened and now many people in Japan use cell phones. Around this time must be when Japan has modernized and urbanized as well.
This chart shows the age when one would get married in Japan.
Back in the 1800s the typical age for when someone would get married would be at 21 in Japan. Now in the present the age of marriage has gone up to 29. This is probably due to the life expectancy going up so people are now in no rush to get married at a young age.
Back in the 1800s the typical age for when someone would get married would be at 21 in Japan. Now in the present the age of marriage has gone up to 29. This is probably due to the life expectancy going up so people are now in no rush to get married at a young age.
Religion
Shintoism is Japan’s oldest religion and is also currently one of Japan’s major religions with Buddhism being the second (Section 7. Shintoism). Before Shintoism came to Japan Buddhism was the major religion that was introduced from China (Section 7. Shintoism). Shintoism originated in Japan in 500 B.C.E. (Religion Library: Shinto). Because Shintoism was around for so many years it is unsure of where exactly in Japan the religion originated. When Shintoism was first established it quickly overtook Buddhism as the major religion in Japan (Section 7. Shintoism).
Shintoism had an important role in the social development of Japan. It has been said that Shintoism helped formed Japan’s unique attitude and sensitivity (Religion Library: Shinto). Shintoism is still actively practiced in modern day. During the New Year many Japanese make the year’s first visit to a Shinto Shrine (Religion in Contemporary Japanese Society). There are also many festivals that that take still take place at the shrines (Religion in Contemporary Japanese Society).
A sacred place in Shintoism would have to be their shrines. The shrine is where people who follow Shintoism go to pray and worship. Taisha Shrine of Izumo is the oldest shrine in Japan and was the religious center in ancient Japan (What are Shinto’s Holy Places?). Another shrine that is of great importance to Shintoism is the Grand Shrine of Ise (What are Shinto’s Holy Places?). This shrine is rebuilt every 20 years and most Japanese aspire to make a pilgrimage to this shrine at least once in their life time (What are Shinto’s Holy Places?). The Grand Shrine of Ise is also very exclusive to where only the members of the Japanese Imperial Family have access to the main shrine building (What are Shinto’s Holy Places?).
Shintoism runs so deep in Japan that it has become linked to Japan’s nationalism and even became an established state religion (Shinto and nationalism). Shintoism as a state religion did not last as it only lasted until after World War II (Shinto and nationalism). Although Shintoism as a state religion ended there are still elements of State Shinto still in modern day Japan (Shinto and nationalism). For example the Emperor is still the symbol of Japan, Shinto rituals are still used when there is a new emperor, and some public holidays and annual ceremonies still remain based on Shinto traditions (Shinto and nationalism).
I have to conclude that religion is a very huge part of Japan to the point where it has become a part of Japanese’s daily life and even political life as well. Since Shintoism has been around Japan for many years and was even originated in Japan itself it has also become and identity of Japan. I think that it’s great that Shintoism has survived as the major religion in Japan and is still a huge part in modern Japanese people’s everyday life.
Citation
"Religion in Contemporary Japanese Society." Religion in Contemporary Japanese Society. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Mar. 2014. <http://www.philosophy-religion.org/world/japanese-society.htm>.
"Section 7 . Shintoism." Philosophy of Religion. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Mar. 2014. <http://www.qcc.cuny.edu/socialsciences/ppecorino/phil_of_religion_text/CHAPTER_2_RELIGIONS/Shintoism.htm>
"Shinto and nationalism." BBC News. BBC, 17 Sept. 2009. Web. 9 Mar. 2014. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/shinto/history/nationalism_1.shtml>.
"What Are Shinto's Holy Places?." People. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Mar. 2014. <http://people.opposingviews.com/shintos-holy-places-5709.html>.
"Religion Library: Shinto." Patheos Library. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Mar. 2014. <http://www.patheos.com/Library/Shinto.htmll>.
Shintoism had an important role in the social development of Japan. It has been said that Shintoism helped formed Japan’s unique attitude and sensitivity (Religion Library: Shinto). Shintoism is still actively practiced in modern day. During the New Year many Japanese make the year’s first visit to a Shinto Shrine (Religion in Contemporary Japanese Society). There are also many festivals that that take still take place at the shrines (Religion in Contemporary Japanese Society).
A sacred place in Shintoism would have to be their shrines. The shrine is where people who follow Shintoism go to pray and worship. Taisha Shrine of Izumo is the oldest shrine in Japan and was the religious center in ancient Japan (What are Shinto’s Holy Places?). Another shrine that is of great importance to Shintoism is the Grand Shrine of Ise (What are Shinto’s Holy Places?). This shrine is rebuilt every 20 years and most Japanese aspire to make a pilgrimage to this shrine at least once in their life time (What are Shinto’s Holy Places?). The Grand Shrine of Ise is also very exclusive to where only the members of the Japanese Imperial Family have access to the main shrine building (What are Shinto’s Holy Places?).
Shintoism runs so deep in Japan that it has become linked to Japan’s nationalism and even became an established state religion (Shinto and nationalism). Shintoism as a state religion did not last as it only lasted until after World War II (Shinto and nationalism). Although Shintoism as a state religion ended there are still elements of State Shinto still in modern day Japan (Shinto and nationalism). For example the Emperor is still the symbol of Japan, Shinto rituals are still used when there is a new emperor, and some public holidays and annual ceremonies still remain based on Shinto traditions (Shinto and nationalism).
I have to conclude that religion is a very huge part of Japan to the point where it has become a part of Japanese’s daily life and even political life as well. Since Shintoism has been around Japan for many years and was even originated in Japan itself it has also become and identity of Japan. I think that it’s great that Shintoism has survived as the major religion in Japan and is still a huge part in modern Japanese people’s everyday life.
Citation
"Religion in Contemporary Japanese Society." Religion in Contemporary Japanese Society. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Mar. 2014. <http://www.philosophy-religion.org/world/japanese-society.htm>.
"Section 7 . Shintoism." Philosophy of Religion. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Mar. 2014. <http://www.qcc.cuny.edu/socialsciences/ppecorino/phil_of_religion_text/CHAPTER_2_RELIGIONS/Shintoism.htm>
"Shinto and nationalism." BBC News. BBC, 17 Sept. 2009. Web. 9 Mar. 2014. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/shinto/history/nationalism_1.shtml>.
"What Are Shinto's Holy Places?." People. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Mar. 2014. <http://people.opposingviews.com/shintos-holy-places-5709.html>.
"Religion Library: Shinto." Patheos Library. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Mar. 2014. <http://www.patheos.com/Library/Shinto.htmll>.
This picture shows a Shinto Temple.
Source: http://www.virtourist.com/asia/japan/nara/imatges/21.jpg
Source: http://www.virtourist.com/asia/japan/nara/imatges/21.jpg
This image shows a traditional Shinto wedding,
Source: http://www.terragalleria.com/images/asia/japa6211.jpeg
Source: http://www.terragalleria.com/images/asia/japa6211.jpeg
This image shows the age range of people who are follow Shinto and Buddhism.
Source: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8TrrXH9_J-g/UMjCD1ehLII/AAAAAAAAAO0/mF8Tyx9yYUA/s640/05fig09.gif
Source: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8TrrXH9_J-g/UMjCD1ehLII/AAAAAAAAAO0/mF8Tyx9yYUA/s640/05fig09.gif
Food
Source
missionhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Japan-Food.png
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qJ59dC-eJXY/UP60HSObssI/AAAAAAAAARU/YQ87H_oVCfw/s1600/japanesefood.jpg
http://cdn.norecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/osechi-2.jpg?8764ce
http://media1.onsugar.com/files/2012/02/09/1/192/1922195/3128a2d2fd676132_japanese_food_primer1.preview.jpg
http://www.akiba-station.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/japanese_sweets.jpg
http://justhungry.com/files/images/mitarashidango1_500.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b8/Okonomiyaki_-_shrimp_and_cheese_okonomiyaki.jpg
missionhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Japan-Food.png
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qJ59dC-eJXY/UP60HSObssI/AAAAAAAAARU/YQ87H_oVCfw/s1600/japanesefood.jpg
http://cdn.norecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/osechi-2.jpg?8764ce
http://media1.onsugar.com/files/2012/02/09/1/192/1922195/3128a2d2fd676132_japanese_food_primer1.preview.jpg
http://www.akiba-station.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/japanese_sweets.jpg
http://justhungry.com/files/images/mitarashidango1_500.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b8/Okonomiyaki_-_shrimp_and_cheese_okonomiyaki.jpg
Recipe
Sushi Roll
Ingredients:
2/3 cup uncooked short-grain white rice
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
3 tablespoons white sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt4 sheets nori seaweed sheets
1/2 cucumber, peeled, cut into small strips
2 tablespoons pickled ginger1 avocado
1/2 pound imitation crabmeat, flaked
Directions:
1. In a medium saucepan, bring 1 1/3 cups water to a boil. Add rice, and stir. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. In a small bowl, mix the rice vinegar, sugar ,and salt. Blend the mixture into the rice.
2. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). On a medium baking sheet, heat nori in the preheated oven 1 to 2 minutes, until warm.
3. Center one sheet nori on a bamboo sushi mat. Wet your hands. Using your hands, spread a thin layer of rice on the sheet of nori, and press into a thin layer. Arrange 1/4 of the cucumber, ginger, avocado, and imitation crabmeat in a line down the center of the rice. Lift the end of the mat, and gently roll it over the ingredients, pressing gently. Roll it forward to make a complete roll. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
4. Cut each roll into 4 to 6 slices using a wet, sharp knife.
Sushi began around the 8th century and it was originally developed in Southeast Asia to preserve fish in fermented rice. It was then introduced to south China and later came to Japan. Different types of sushi were introduced throughout Japan's history and each region in Japan has their own unique sushi that utilizes the local flavors of the region.
Ingredients:
2/3 cup uncooked short-grain white rice
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
3 tablespoons white sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt4 sheets nori seaweed sheets
1/2 cucumber, peeled, cut into small strips
2 tablespoons pickled ginger1 avocado
1/2 pound imitation crabmeat, flaked
Directions:
1. In a medium saucepan, bring 1 1/3 cups water to a boil. Add rice, and stir. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. In a small bowl, mix the rice vinegar, sugar ,and salt. Blend the mixture into the rice.
2. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). On a medium baking sheet, heat nori in the preheated oven 1 to 2 minutes, until warm.
3. Center one sheet nori on a bamboo sushi mat. Wet your hands. Using your hands, spread a thin layer of rice on the sheet of nori, and press into a thin layer. Arrange 1/4 of the cucumber, ginger, avocado, and imitation crabmeat in a line down the center of the rice. Lift the end of the mat, and gently roll it over the ingredients, pressing gently. Roll it forward to make a complete roll. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
4. Cut each roll into 4 to 6 slices using a wet, sharp knife.
Sushi began around the 8th century and it was originally developed in Southeast Asia to preserve fish in fermented rice. It was then introduced to south China and later came to Japan. Different types of sushi were introduced throughout Japan's history and each region in Japan has their own unique sushi that utilizes the local flavors of the region.
Food Production
Japan does rely on agriculture for their food sources but as the population increases and the number of farmers are decreasing they are relying more on imports for food. However Japan does produce rice, potatoes, sugar beets, mandarin oranges, cabbage, wheat, barley, soybean, tobacco, and tea. Japan's diet is also heavily reliant on fish which they get from their fishing industry.