Typical features of Japan

State of Japan, well-known for the nickname “Land of the Rising Sun” because the Sun lies to the east of nearby countries, is an island nation in East Asia stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south. It is a major economic power when ranking the world’s second-largest economy, the third largest in purchasing power parity and the world’s fourth largest exporter and fifth largest importer. It is also currently serving as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. The country is a developed country with very high living standards (10th highest HDI) and the highest life expectancy of any country in the world (according to both the UN and WHO estimates). Now let’s see typical features of the sun-rise country to know a little bit about it.

State of Japan, well-known for the nickname “Land of the Rising Sun”

Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan at 3,776 m (12,388 ft), is one of Japan\’s “Three Holy Mountains along with Mount Tate and Mount Haku. It is just west of Tokyo and can be seen from there on a clear day. Mount Fuji\’s exceptionally symmetrical cone is a well-known symbol of Japan and it is frequently depicted in art and photographs as well as visited by sightseers and climbers.

Mount Fuji

Torii gates

Torii gates mark the approach and entrance to a shrine (People visit shrines in order to pay respect to the kami or to pray for good fortune. Shrines are also visited during special events such as New Year, Setsubun, Shichigosan and other festivals. New born babies are traditionally brought to a shrine a few days after birth, and many couples hold their wedding ceremonies there). They come in various colors and are made of different materials. However, most of them are made of wood and many are painted orange and black.

Torii gate

Mochi

Mochi, a traditional food for the Japanese New Year and is commonly sold and eaten during that time, is a Japanese rice cake made of glutinous rice pounded into paste and molded into shape. In Japan it is traditionally made in a ceremony called mochitsuki.

Mochi

Sushi

Sushi is a Japanese dish consisting of cooked vinegared rice which is commonly topped with other ingredients, such as fish or other seafood. It is served rolled inside or around dried and pressed sheets of seaweed

Sushi

Sashimi

Sashimi, distinct from sushi, primarily consists of very fresh raw seafood, sliced into thin pieces, and served with only a dipping sauce. Dimensions vary but are typically about 2.5 cm (1″) wide by 4 cm (1.5″) long by 0.5 cm (0.2″) thick.

Sashimi

Geisha

Geisha, also called Maiko, are traditional, female Japanese entertainers whose skills include performing various Japanese arts such as classical music and dance. The word “Geisha” literally means “artist” or “performing artist”. The white make-up, elaborate kimono and hair of a Maiko are the popular images held of geisha. A woman above 21 is considered too old to be a Maiko and becomes a full geisha upon her initiation into the geisha community.

Geisha

Kimono

The kimono is a Japanese traditional garment worn by women, men and children. Kimonos are made with exceptional skill from fine materials have been regarded as great works of art.

Kimonos

Cherry Blossom

A cherry blossom is the name for the flower of cherry trees known as Sakura. The custom was originally limited to the elite of the Imperial Court, but soon spread to Samurai society. Under the Sakura trees, people had lunch and drank sake in cheerful feasts.

Cherry Blossom

Related links:

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See The Beauty Of Japan – Photography In Black And White

10 Typical Japanese Foods

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