akamonkai_online The appeal of learning a new language goes beyond just words, syntax and grammar systems. Studying a language will immerse you in a new culture as well.
You learn about the history, traditions and day-to-day rituals of the people you want to communicate with. You get a direct look into a new society you may not yet be familiar with, which is a very fascinating aspect of your linguistic education.
Language is the gateway to culture
Studying a new language not only increases your knowledge and ability to get around. It introduces you to a new community and helps you connect with them on a personal level. Taking a Japanese class online is a great way to learn more about Japanese culture. It is more affordable than traveling or moving, and much more personal than watching a documentary or reading an article about Japan. We will be going over some of the most interesting aspects of Japanese culture that you may learn about while taking your Japanese class online.
Traditional Festivals
Japanese festivals are spirited, captivating and easily some of the most gorgeous. You will likely hear about some of them as you attend your Japanese class online. For starters, your Japanese class online may teach you about Hanami.
Hanami
Hanami is the spring-time festival in which people gather to celebrate the blooming of cherry blossom trees. These are also known as Sakura trees, and yes, they are as beautiful as it sounds. Celebration can be as simple as a walk under the trees, and the go-to activity is having a picnic and drinks under the trees.
Tanabata
The Star Festival is another major one, also known as Tanabata. This festival takes place on the 7th day of the 7th month of the year (July 7th), and it is rooted in a Chinese legend. It celebrates the meeting of deities Orihime and Hikoboshi, lovers who have been separated by the Milky Way.
Obon
There is also Obon, a Buddhist festival dedicated to honoring the spirits of those who have passed. Their spirits are guided back back to the other realm, through traditional dance and the lighting of lanterns.
Japanese festivals will teach you a lot about East Asian history, legend and religion; and they happen to be stunning as well.
Tea Ceremony
Sadō, also known as the Japanese tea Ceremony, is a common activity in Japanese culture that involves the preparation and drinking of tea. You may recognize this as matcha, or the powder that is made from green tea leaves.
“But what is so complicated about making tea?”
Sadō is not simply about preparing and drinking green tea. The ritual is very closely tied to Japanese philosophy. It is an embrace of peace, mindfulness and the present moment. Tea drinking is therapeutic in most cultures, though Sadō in its very essence, is a spiritual grounding practice.
The Japanese Tea Ceremony is a routine, centered in the habit of appreciating the little things.
Cuisine
Not only is it diverse, but Japanese cuisine is also among the healthiest. On top of all that, it is also excellent in presentation. Your Japanese class online will familiarize you with different aspects of Japanese cuisine.
Washoku
It only makes sense to first mention Washoku, as this is the umbrella term for traditional Japanese food. Washoku is a compound word, putting together “wa”(Japan) and “shoku”(to eat).
Kaiseki
You may also learn about the multi-course dinner, Kaiseki. Kaiseki varies from 6 to 15 courses. It starts with the appetizer and ends with a dessert, as you may guess. In the middle, there is a variety of courses, including sashimi, rice course, soup, a seasonal platter etc. Japanese cuisine puts a lot of emphasis on the use of seasonal ingredients and neat presentation of dishes. You will also learn about the custom of expressing gratitude before and after every meal.
Etiquette and Manners
Manners and politeness are among the strongest values in Japanese culture, and you will certainly learn about this in your Japanese class online. For example, Japan, bowing is very common: whether you’re greeting someone, expressing gratitude, respect or even apologizing. The bow is deeper and lasts longer depending on how formal the interaction is.
Gift giving
Gift giving is also common in Japanese culture. There are specific customs for when a gift is given, how it is wrapped etc. A digital gift, such as a gift card, can be a great way to show appreciation to your instructor or fellow peers.
Politeness, by Japanese code, has principles as common as punctuality. It also involves less obvious habits, like remaining silent in public transportation. It is important to understand and practice good manners by the local standard.
Language Nuances
Societal values and norms are so important to Japanese culture that they are also present in everyday language. Communication in the Japanese language is subtle and revolves around context. While taking your Japanese class online, you will find that a lot of commonly used phrases are rooted in traditional Japanese values.
Expression of gratitude
As an example, expressing gratitude before and after a meal is more than a gesture of respect to the chef. It is an expression of gratitude; a practice of personal and societal values, just as much as it is good manners.
Keigo
Keigo(polite speech), adds another layer of formality to the Japanese language. It has three forms(humble, polite & respectful) that can be implemented into your vocabulary depending on context. “Context” may vary; from professional environments, to when you’re speaking to children. Respect plays a major role in the Japanese language, and it is important to know which nuances to use in different situations.
Traditional Arts
Japanese traditional arts are strongly tied to the country’s culture and history. Here are some arts you may learn about in your Japanese class online:
Ikebana
Ikebana: also known as the “way of flowers”, is the art of arranging flowers in a way that is expressive of harmony and style. The artform is tied to Japanese philosophy and aims to bring a sense of nature and balance into the container.
Origami
Origami: chances are you’re already familiar with this one. Origami is the Japanese art of folding a sheet of paper to create different kinds of shapes.
Shodō
Shodō: Japanese calligraphy is known for the use of paint & brush to write kanji and kana characters. It has been practiced for over 1000 years, and is still widely appreciated to this day; simplistic, yet beautiful art form that cannot be replicated.
Pop Culture
Japanese pop-culture has worldwide influence. It is the source of many trends in recent media. Japanese music (J-pop), along with videogames, manga & anime are revolutionizing the entertainment industry. You may learn about the history of these forms of media in your Japanese class online.
Pop culture is a gateway into Japanese entertainment. It helps you learn the language by taking you to the root of some of the most beloved stories in the modern era.
Fashion
Japan is the source of some of the most creative and stylish waves in fashion. This is true in both the traditional sense, and in the modern fashion industry. In your Japanese class online, you will learn about traditional clothes, with the kimono, yukata and haori being some examples. It does not end there though; Japan is also huge on modern streetwear. Tokyo is a front-runner for the title “most fashionable city in the world”; rivaling major fashion centers, such as New York and London. Modern designers such as Yohji Yamamoto, Issey Miyake and Rei Kawakubo have had a massive influence in the fashion industry. Their innovations inspire clothing designers worldwide. Look forward to learning about traditional and everyday clothing items in your Japanese class online.
Seasonal Celebrations
The change of seasons is a natural cycle that is respected in Japanese culture. We mentioned earlier that seasonality is valued in Japanese cuisine, but it does not end there. In your Japanese class online, you will learn that some of the country’s busiest holidays are dedicated to the changing of seasons. In fact, the biggest holiday in Japan is the New Year, where families take 3 days off to celebrate.
The Japanese New Year
The New Year is the biggest holiday in the country, because in Japanese culture, every year is considered a new chapter. This celebration is one where people take the time to move on. They make amends and say goodbye to the closing year and welcome the next one with an open heart. People also visit shrines to pray for a prosperous new chapter and write new year’s cards to their friends and family. In Japanese culture, the New Year is a special day; so much so that it has its own specific dishes (osechi ryori being a famous example).
The Japanese Golden Week
The Japanese Golden week is another big holiday in Japan. It is not quite a single holiday, but a series of four Japanese holidays that span over a week. These holidays celebrate history, the next generation and the connection between people and nature. It is a week dedicated to rest, travel, or spending time with family and it occurs in spring; when the cherry blossoms bloom.
Historical Landmarks
Japanese historical landmarks are symbols of the country’s history and architecture. You may learn about some of these monuments in your Japanese class online.
The temples and shrines of Kyoto
The city of Kyoto has well over 1600 Buddhist temples in its surroundings. It also has over 400 shrines. It goes without saying that the city is a cultural goldmine and stunning to look at. Kinkaku-ji and Fushimi Inari Shrine are two of the grandest landmarks, among the many located in Kyoto.
Himeji Castle
If you’re more of a castle kind of person, don’t worry; your Japanese class online may also introduce you to Himeji Castle. This castle is a prime example of Japanese architecture at its peak.
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial is another site with massive historical significance. It is a symbol for peace and hope and serves as a grim reminder of the cost and tragedy that comes with war.
These landmarks provide a deeper understanding of Japan’s history and cultural heritage.
Religion and Spirituality
There are two major religions practiced in Japan: Shinto and Buddhism.
Shinto
Japan’s indigenous belief system is Shinto, the origins of which are earlier than history is able to pinpoint. It can, however, be tracked back to the Yayoi period (300 BCE-300 AD). It is a polytheistic religion that worships the kami, the divine, who could be present in any concrete objects. The sun, mountains, animals, seasons etc. are only some examples of the kami. The faith centered around nature and our connection to it.
Buddhism
Buddhism is the other main religion of Japan, having almost the same number of practitioners as Shinto. Most of the Japanese population practice both of these religions. Buddhism was introduced to Japan between 500-600 AD. It is a unique religion, as it focuses on reaching enlightenment, rather than the worship of a God. Enlightenment, by Buddhist definition, is an awakening to the truth through the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha. It deals with morality, concentration, wisdom, discipline, reincarnation and appreciation for all life. Buddhism is considered philosophical, as much as it is spiritual. It has greatly influenced Japanese education, art, literature, politics and way of life.
Work Culture
Japanese work culture is known for its emphasis on loyalty and responsibility. Team spirit is the engine of productivity in the professional world. The country’s traditions are very much present in work life. Dedication, punctuality and selflessness are considered key values. In your Japanese class online, you will learn about the importance of these values in the country’s work culture.
Influential Japanese work philosophies
Japan is also the origin of philosophies such as Kaizen (evolution through small incremental improvements) and Ikigai (finding balance and harmony within different aspects of your life).
Conclusion
You will learn much more than just the language by enrolling in a Japanese class online. Japan has a rich culture and history, and traditions that greatly impact the day-to-day life of the Japanese people. You will learn about art, philosophy, spirituality, and virtues that lead to self-development.
If you’re looking to take a Japanese class online, Akamonkai Online Japanese School is the right place for you.