Culture of Japan

Ukiyo-e, The Great Wave off Kanagawa, by Hokusai

Himeji Castle is a World Heritage Site and a National Treasure of Japan.

Osechi, New Year special dishes in three-tiered box

The culture of Japan has changed greatly over the millennia, from the country's prehistoric Jōmon period, to its contemporary modern culture, which absorbs influences from Asia and other regions of the world.^[1]

Since the Jomon period, ancestral groups like the Yayoi and Kofun, who arrived to Japan from Korea and China, respectively, have shaped Japanese culture. Rice cultivation and centralized leadership were introduced by these groups, shaping Japanese culture. Chinese dynasties, particularly the Tang Dynasty, have influenced Japanese culture throughout history. After 220 years of isolation, the Meiji era opened Japan to Western influences, enriching and diversifying Japanese culture. Popular culture shows how much contemporary Japanese culture influences the world.^[2]

^ Haffner, John; Klett, Tomas; Lehmann, Jean-Pierre (2009). Japan's Open Future: An Agenda for Global Citizenship. Anthem Press. p. 17. ISBN 978-1843313113.
^ Tai, Eika (2003). "Rethinking Culture, National Culture, and Japanese Culture". Japanese Language and Literature. 37 (1): 1–26. doi:10.2307/3594873. ISSN 1536-7827. JSTOR 3594873.

[1] Haffner, John; Klett, Tomas; Lehmann, Jean-Pierre (2009). Japan's Open Future: An Agenda for Global Citizenship. Anthem Press. p. 17. ISBN 978-1843313113.

[2] Tai, Eika (2003). "Rethinking Culture, National Culture, and Japanese Culture". Japanese Language and Literature. 37 (1): 1–26. doi:10.2307/3594873. ISSN 1536-7827. JSTOR 3594873.

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