Japan

Flag

• The national flag of Japan is a white rectangular flag with a large red disc (representing the sun) in the center.

• This flag is officially called Nisshōki in Japanese, but is more commonly known as Hinomaru.

Government

• Japan is a constitutional monarchy where the power of the Emperor is very limited. As a ceremonial figurehead, he is defined by the constitution as "the symbol of the state and of the unity of the people." Power is held chiefly by the Prime Minister and other elected members of the Diet, while sovereignty is vested in the Japanese people. Akihito is the current Emperor of Japan; Naruhito, Crown Prince of Japan, stands as next in line to the throne.

MusicMusicJapanese music is eclectic and diverse. Japanese music is eclectic and diverse. Many instruments, such as the koto, were introduced in the Many instruments, such as the koto, were introduced in the 9th and 10th centuries. 9th and 10th centuries. The accompanied The accompanied recitativerecitative of the Noh of the Noh drama dates from the 14th century and drama dates from the 14th century and the popular folk music, with the the popular folk music, with the guitar-like shamisen, from the sixteenth. guitar-like shamisen, from the sixteenth. Western classical music, introduced Western classical music, introduced in the late 19th century, now forms an in the late 19th century, now forms an integral part of Japanese culture. integral part of Japanese culture. The imperial court ensemble Gagaku has influenced the The imperial court ensemble Gagaku has influenced the work of some modern Western composers. work of some modern Western composers.

Traditions - Kimono

• The kimono is a traditional Japanese dress. In modern day Japan, it is worn only sparingly or during special occasions such as weddings, tea ceremonies, formal traditional events and funerals. An appropriate style and color of kimono is to be worn depending on the occasion and the person's age and marital status.

Traditions – Tea Ceremony

• The tea ceremony is a ceremonial way of preparing and drinking tea. The custom has been strongly influenced by Zen Buddhism.

• Nowadays, the tea ceremony is a relatively popular hobby. Many Japanese, who are interested in their own culture, take tea ceremony lessons. Tea ceremonies are held in traditional Japanese rooms in cultural community centres or private houses.

• The ceremony itself consists of many rituals that have to be learned by heart. Almost each hand movement is prescribed. Basically, the tea is first prepared by the host, and then drunk by the guests. The tea is matcha green tea made of powdered tea leaves.

Traditional food

• Rice Bowl• A bowl of plain cooked rice is

served with most Japanese meals. For breakfast, it is sometimes mixed with a raw egg and soya sauce (tamago kake gohan) or enjoyed with natto or other toppings

• Sushi• Sushi may refer to any dish that

contains sushi rice, cooked white rice flavored with seasoned rice vinegar. There are various kinds of sushi dishes, such as nigirizushi (hand formed sushi), makizushi (rolled sushi), and chirashi (sushi rice topped with raw fish). Sushi is the most famous Japanese dish outside of Japan, and one of the most popular dishes among the Japanese themselves.