my breif presentation on Japan and its culture

1. Japanese Culture Sarah Johnson http://www.flickr.com/photos/caribb/3913618812/in/set-72157622088537259/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/ganjin/3623570429/

2. http://www.mapsharing.org/MS-maps/map-pages-worldmap/images-map/2-world-map-physical.jpg

3. Overview Island country About the size of California Capitol: Tokyo Used to be Kyoto Population: about 125,000,000 Government: Emperor, Prime Minister, House of Representatives, House of Councilors, Cabinet, Supreme Court http://www.sitesatlas.com/Maps/Maps/jpn-pol.gif http://www.flickr.com/photos/24842486@N07/3442662661/

4. The “Lay of the Land” Over 3,000 islands! Climate: temperate to subtropic Varies heavily from North to South Four Seasons Very mountainous country For this reason, majority of population lives along the coast Many Volcanoes Mt. Fuji is the most famous Many volcanoes also leads to many hot springs

5. http://www.flickr.com/photos/41460120@N04/3869875033/ Japanese Snow Monkeys enjoy the hot springs of the country to escape the cold. These monkeys are the most northern-living of all monkeys. Mt. Fuji is not only the most famous volcano in Japan, but also its tallest mountain, reaching 3,776 meters. http://www.flickr.com/photos/caoran9238/3272245205/

6. Food http://www.flickr.com/photos/zeetzjones/442805346/ Some common dishes: Sushi Seafood Raumen Noodles The average meal: Bowl of cooked white Japanese rice Pickles Bowl of soup With a combination of other sides Tea is a very common drink Of course there are McDonald’s and KFC, too http://www.flickr.com/photos/caribb/4014904987/in/set-72157622088537259/

7. Technology The leader in cell phone technology and usage 75% of population own a cell phone Leader in robotics Industrial and consumer Robo-One competition Home-built robots fight against each other Some other cool gadgets: Video booths Music players that move to rhythm Automatic toilets Seats lift and close themselves, toilet flushes itself, automatic cleaning is available, and more

8. http://www.flickr.com/photos/apenguincalledelvis/3085043388/ Trumpet-Playing robot! Greeter robots http://www.flickr.com/photos/neufcent9/2256589716/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/bibingka-dc/2256887566/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/natatwo/115240040/

9. Transportation Subways One of the most extensive urban systems in the world Bullet trains Speeds just under 200 mph Similar to flying, but without the hassel Around $250 for a 7-day pass Airplanes Very common for people to travel by domestic air flights $70 - $400 per ticket Can often be cheaper than the bullet train Taxis Available, but not as cost efficient as the subways and other public transports Personal cars In the cities, most people rely on public transportation In the countryside, more people own their own vehicles Others: Boats, motorcycles, carts, bicycles

10. The streets of Tokyo at night. http://www.flickr.com/photos/caribb/3935110871/in/set-72157622088537259/

11. http://www.flickr.com/photos/davidwiley/393607467/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/caribb/3921574508/in/set-72157622088537259/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/caribb/3935111289/in/set-72157622088537259/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/caribb/3935893306/in/set-72157622088537259/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/caribb/3935884298/in/set-72157622088537259/

12. Religions/Traditions/Ceremonies Japan’s constitution declares freedom of religion Main religions: Shinto or Buddhism Shinto is spiritual practice formed by several ancient traditions and practices Temples can be seen all throughout Japan Tanabata A holiday celebrating the stars Obon A holiday for celebrating ancestors Christmas Celebrated as a commercial holiday Not so much as a religious holiday

13. http://www.flickr.com/photos/zhzheka/347562090/ Statue of Buddha http://www.flickr.com/photos/caribb/3963705135/in/set-72157622088537259/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/caribb/3960021563/in/set-72157622088537259/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/caribb/3988063743/in/set-72157622088537259/

14. http://www.flickr.com/photos/ionushi/1388237183/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/ionushi/1413135402/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/ionushi/1398253651/

15. http://www.flickr.com/photos/caribb/3964478508/in/set-72157622088537259/ People write their hopes and wishes on wooden cards and hang them on this wall to help them to come true. This act of waving incense into the body is how some seek wisdom, success, and good fortune. http://www.flickr.com/photos/caribb/3988064531/in/set-72157622088537259/

16. Geishas Roots going back to female entertainers of the 7th century Dancers, musicians, and artists Only somebecame concubines Most early geishas began by playing the samisen Samisen is a three-stringed, guitar-like instrument Often played for nobility http://www.flickr.com/photos/ganjin/3623570429/

17. Music Pop and Rock very common Some traditional music: Kabuki (theatre music) Noh (theatre music; drums and flutes) Gagaku (vocal and instrumental versions) Joruri (using the samisen) Instruments: Samisen (or Shamisen) - seen in picture Koto – similar to the harp Wadaiko, taiko, otsuzumi, and kotsuzumi drums Dance: Odori (or Bon Odori; danced during Obon festival) Mai http://www.flickr.com/photos/bikkuri06/744435078/

18. Lost City? Hundreds of miles of structures and monuments lying underwater Near the south shore of Okinawa Exposed in 1995 by chance Discovered by sport diver KihachiroAratake Scientists believe this structure predates the pyramids in Egypt

19. Carved figure of a turtle Large carved face; diver for scale Stairs All images on this slide taken from: http://members.toast.net/rjspina/Japan's%20Underwater%20Ruins.htm

20. Sources http://www.flickr.com http://www.japan-guide.com/ http://www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/ http://www.japan-zone.com/ http://members.toast.net/rjspina/Japan's%20Underwater%20Ruins.htm