Japan

JAPAN

Traditions:

Japanese traditions are culturally considered as art. Japanese calligraphy, kimonos, Ikebana, among others, are some concepts that define the Japanese tradition.

Tea ceremony:

This Japanese ceremony consists of serving tea in a protocol manner. Their goal is to create a special atmosphere in which they can sip tea and admire nature paintings and other artistic genres. Also, it is understood that it is an invitation to forget the material and mundane concerns that all people experience. This ritual allows reflection and self-knowledge of its participants, thus achieving a purification of the soul and spiritual harmony.

KIMONO:

Undoubtedly, the traditional dress of Japanese society is the kimono (着物). The Japanese kimono is a draped garment in its traditional T-shape with square sleeves and a rectangular body. It should be noted that this outfit is worn with the left side wrapped over the right unless the wearer is deceased. Traditionally the kimono is worn with an obi, in addition to some accessories such as sandals (zori) and socks (tabi).

The art of CALLIGRAPHY:

In Japan, the art of Japanese calligraphy or shodo is widely valued by Japanese society. This art requires great precision and each letter (kanji) has to be written without pausing according to the specific stroke order. For its realization, the basic materials that must be used are: ink or sumi, rice paper or washi, a support where the ink is placed or suzuri and a brush or fude .

Interesting history facts:

1) It has the highest life expectancy in the world

86 years for women and 79 for men. The highest life expectancy within Japan is found on the island of Okinawa.

2) It is the country with the most elderly people and with one of the lowest birth rates

21% of Japan's population is over 65 years old. Japan is expected to have 95 million people in 2050, compared to 130 million now. From our experience, older people are incredibly kind.

3) Shinjuku station in Tokyo is the busiest in the world

According to Wikipedia, 3.64 million people pass through this station on a daily basis. The station has 200 exits.

4) It is not that expensive

You can eat for €7-8 and water is free. Accommodation can be found for €25-30 per person and the Tokyo Metro costs €1.70 each way. High-speed Shinkansen train lines are expensive.

5) The same political party ruled Japan for 54 years until 2009

The Japan Liberal Party ruled the country from 1955 to 2009. The Japan Democratic Party now rules.

6) 86% of the Japanese practice Buddhism or Shintoism

Shinto is a native religion of Japan in which nature spirits are worshipped. Some Japanese practice both religions at the same time.

Traditional food

1. SUSHI

Sushi put Japan on the food map, so it's only fair to put it first. The small cold rice balls date back to the 4th century BC. C, and served to preserve the fish. Today they are the favorite food for dipping in soy sauce. Making sushi is an art and it takes decades to become a true sushi master - you can spend years just learning how to make rice right. You can find the best sushi in Ginza (Tokyo) and in the country's fishing ports, but you can also go to a kaiten-zushi, one of the many restaurants that serve it on a belt conveyor, which are more affordable.

2. TEMPURE

In the 16th century, Portuguese Jesuit missionaries landed in Nagasaki and introduced the revolutionary method of frying food to Japan. The Japanese adopted it and began to fry seafood and vegetables, which they first coated with a light batter. This oishii or appetizer is perfect to accompany it with rice, noodles or for a barbecue.

3. RAMEN

This noodle soup is one of the most popular and cheapest dishes in Japan, so it makes sense that it's also a favorite among college students. Noodle ramen is as simple to make as it is delicious: use wheat noodles, like the Chinese ones (they are yellowish and look a bit like spaghetti), put them in broth and top with slices of meat, dried seaweed and green onion. Lots of people eat ramen for lunch, and in Japan it's considered fast food. However, many restaurants have their own secret recipe, so the experience can be unique (umami) each time.

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