essay topics for japanese literature

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108 Japanese Culture Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

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Japan is a country rich in history and tradition, with a unique culture that has captivated people from around the world. If you are studying Japanese culture or simply have an interest in learning more about it, here are 108 essay topic ideas and examples to help you explore this fascinating subject.

• The history of samurai culture
• Traditional Japanese tea ceremonies
• The significance of cherry blossoms in Japanese culture
• Shintoism and its influence on Japanese society
• The art of calligraphy in Japan
• The role of geishas in Japanese culture
• Japanese martial arts: karate, judo, and kendo
• The evolution of sushi and its cultural significance
• The tradition of hanami (cherry blossom viewing)
• The importance of family in Japanese culture
• The influence of Buddhism on Japanese culture
• Traditional Japanese architecture: temples and shrines
• The concept of wabi-sabi in Japanese aesthetics
• The history and significance of kabuki theater
• Japanese festivals: Matsuri and Obon
• The art of bonsai cultivation
• The role of kimono in Japanese fashion
• The tradition of sumo wrestling
• Japanese folklore and mythology
• The history of sake brewing in Japan
• The cultural significance of Mount Fuji
• Japanese traditional music: gagaku and shamisen
• The art of origami and its cultural importance
• The history of ukiyo-e woodblock prints
• Japanese traditional dance: Noh and Kabuki
• The influence of manga and anime on Japanese culture
• The history of Japanese cinema
• The art of ikebana flower arranging
• The significance of torii gates in Shinto shrines
• The tradition of onsen (hot springs) in Japan
• The cultural impact of haiku poetry
• Traditional Japanese puppet theater: Bunraku
• The origins of Japanese kanji characters
• The history of Japanese tattooing
• The importance of rice in Japanese cuisine
• The art of traditional Japanese pottery: kintsugi
• The role of the tea house in Japanese culture
• The significance of the Japanese flag
• The cultural impact of cherry blossom festivals
• The art of Japanese sword-making: katana
• The history of Japanese gardens
• The tradition of hanafuda card games
• The influence of Confucianism on Japanese culture
• The role of the emperor in Japanese society
• The significance of the geisha district in Kyoto
• Japanese traditional puppetry: kugutsu
• The art of Japanese paper folding: kirigami
• The history of Japanese sake breweries
• The cultural impact of cherry blossom viewing parties
• The tradition of Japanese flower arranging: ikebana
• The role of tea houses in Japanese society
• The significance of Japanese calligraphy
• The influence of Zen Buddhism on Japanese culture
• The art of traditional Japanese ceramics: raku
• The history of Japanese woodblock printing
• The tradition of Japanese kite festivals
• The cultural impact of Japanese puppet theater
• The significance of the Japanese tea ceremony
• The role of sumo wrestling in Japanese society
• The art of traditional Japanese puppetry: bunraku
• The history of Japanese traditional music
• The cultural impact of Japanese tea houses
• The significance of cherry blossom festivals in Japan
• The role of geisha in Japanese society
• The art of Japanese paper folding: origami
• The history of traditional Japanese pottery
• The tradition of Japanese hot springs: onsen
• The cultural impact of Japanese tattooing
• The significance of Japanese sword-making
• The role of rice in Japanese cuisine
• The art of traditional Japanese ceramics
• The history of Japanese woodblock prints
• The tradition of Japanese kite flying
• The cultural impact of Japanese cherry blossom viewing
• The significance of Japanese tea ceremonies
• The role of sumo wrestlers in Japanese society
• The art of traditional Japanese puppetry
• The history of Japanese traditional dance
• The tradition of Japanese flower arranging
• The role of geisha in Japanese culture
• The art of Japanese paper folding
• The tradition of Japanese hot springs
• The cultural impact of Japanese tattoo art
• The role of rice in Japanese society
• The cultural impact of cherry blossom viewing

In conclusion, Japanese culture is a rich and diverse subject that offers endless opportunities for exploration and study. Whether you are interested in traditional arts and crafts, religious practices, or culinary traditions, there is something for everyone to discover in the fascinating world of Japanese culture. So pick a topic that piques your interest and start delving into the vibrant and captivating world of Japan.

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• Introduction

The enduring appeal of Japanese literature

• Early writings
• Origin of the tanka in the Kojiki
• The significance of the Man’yōshū
• Kamakura period (1192–1333)
• The Muromachi (1338–1573) and Azuchi-Momoyama (1574–1600) periods
• Early Tokugawa period (1603– c. 1770)
• Late Tokugawa period ( c. 1770–1867)
• Introduction of Western literature
• Western influences on poetry
• Revitalization of the tanka and haiku
• The novel between 1905 and 1941
• The postwar novel
• The modern drama
• Modern poetry

Japanese literature

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• Japanese literature - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11)
• Japanese literature - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)
• Table Of Contents

Japanese literature , the body of written works produced by Japanese authors in Japanese or, in its earliest beginnings, at a time when Japan had no written language, in the Chinese classical language .

Both in quantity and quality, Japanese literature ranks as one of the major literatures of the world, comparable in age, richness, and volume to English literature , though its course of development has been quite dissimilar. The surviving works comprise a literary tradition extending from the 7th century ce to the present; during all this time there was never a “dark age” devoid of literary production. Not only do poetry , the novel , and the drama have long histories in Japan, but some literary genres not so highly esteemed in other countries—including diaries , travel accounts , and books of random thoughts—are also prominent. A considerable body of writing by Japanese in the Chinese classical language, of much greater bulk and importance than comparable Latin writings by Englishmen, testifies to the Japanese literary indebtedness to China . Even the writings entirely in Japanese present an extraordinary variety of styles, which cannot be explained merely in terms of the natural evolution of the language. Some styles were patently influenced by the importance of Chinese vocabulary and syntax , but others developed in response to the internal requirements of the various genres, whether the terseness of haiku (a poem in 17 syllables) or the bombast of the dramatic recitation.

The difficulties of reading Japanese literature can hardly be exaggerated; even a specialist in one period is likely to have trouble deciphering a work from another period or genre . Japanese style has always favoured ambiguity , and the particles of speech necessary for easy comprehension of a statement are often omitted as unnecessary or as fussily precise. Sometimes the only clue to the subject or object of a sentence is the level of politeness in which the words are couched; for example, the verb mesu (meaning “to eat,” “to wear,” “to ride in a carriage,” etc.) designates merely an action performed by a person of quality. In many cases, ready comprehension of a simple sentence depends on a familiarity with the background of a particular period of history. The verb miru , “to see,” had overtones of “to have an affair with” or even “to marry” during the Heian period in the 10th and 11th centuries, when men were generally able to see women only after they had become intimate . The long period of Japanese isolation in the 17th and 18th centuries also tended to make the literature provincial, or intelligible only to persons sharing a common background; the phrase “some smoke rose noisily” ( kemuri tachisawagite ), for example, was all readers of the late 17th century needed to realize that an author was referring to the Great Fire of 1682 that ravaged the shogunal capital of Edo (the modern city of Tokyo ).

Despite the great difficulties arising from such idiosyncrasies of style, Japanese literature of all periods is exceptionally appealing to modern readers, whether read in the original or in translation. Because it is prevailingly subjective and coloured by an emotional rather than intellectual or moralistic tone, its themes have a universal quality almost unaffected by time. To read a diary by a court lady of the 10th century is still a moving experience, because she described with such honesty and intensity her deepest feelings that the modern-day reader forgets the chasm of history and changed social customs separating her world from today’s.

The “pure” Japanese language, untainted and unfertilized by Chinese influence, contained remarkably few words of an abstract nature. Just as English borrowed words such as morality , honesty , justice , and the like from the Continent, the Japanese borrowed these terms from China ; but if the Japanese language was lacking in the vocabulary appropriate to a Confucian essay, it could express almost infinite shadings of emotional content. A Japanese poet who was dissatisfied with the limitations imposed by his native language or who wished to describe unemotional subjects—whether the quiet outing of aged gentlemen to a riverside or the poet’s awareness of his insignificance as compared to the grandeur of the universe—naturally turned to writing poetry in Chinese. For the most part, however, Japanese writers, far from feeling dissatisfied with the limitations on expression imposed by their language, were convinced that virtuoso perfection in phrasing and an acute refinement of sentiment were more important to poetry than the voicing of intellectually satisfying concepts.

From the 16th century on, many words that had been excluded from Japanese poetry because of their foreign origins or their humble meanings, following the dictates of the “codes” of poetic diction established in the 10th century, were adopted by the practitioners of the haiku , originally an iconoclastic, popular verse form. These codes of poetic diction , accompanied by a considerable body of criticism , were the creation of an acute literary sensibility, fostered especially by the traditions of the court, and were usually composed by the leading poets or dramatists themselves. These codes exerted an inhibiting effect on new forms of literary composition , but they also helped to preserve a distinctively aristocratic tone.

The Japanese language itself also shaped poetic devices and forms. Japanese lacks a stress accent and meaningful rhymes (all words end in one of five simple vowels), two traditional features of poetry in the West. By contrast, poetry in Japanese is distinguished from prose mainly in that it consists of alternating lines of five and seven syllables ; however, if the intensity of emotional expression is low, this distinction alone cannot save a poem from dropping into prose. The difficulty of maintaining a high level of poetic intensity may account for the preference for short verse forms that could be polished with perfectionist care. But however moving a tanka (verse in 31 syllables) is, it clearly cannot fulfill some of the functions of longer poetic forms, and there are no Japanese equivalents to the great longer poems of Western literature , such as John Milton ’s Paradise Lost and Dante ’s The Divine Comedy . Instead, Japanese poets devoted their efforts to perfecting each syllable of their compositions , expanding the content of a tanka by suggestion and allusion , and prizing shadings of tone and diction more than originality or boldness of expression.

The fluid syntax of the prose affected not only style but content as well. Japanese sentences are sometimes of inordinate length, responding to the subjective turnings and twistings of the author’s thought, and smooth transitions from one statement to the next, rather than structural unity, are considered the mark of excellent prose. The longer works accordingly betray at times a lack of overall structure of the kind associated in the West with Greek concepts of literary form but consist instead of episodes linked chronologically or by other associations. The difficulty experienced by Japanese writers in organizing their impressions and perceptions into sustained works may explain the development of the diary and travel account , genres in which successive days or the successive stages of a journey provide a structure for otherwise unrelated descriptions. Japanese literature contains some of the world’s longest novels and plays, but its genius is most strikingly displayed in the shorter works, whether the tanka, the haiku, the Noh plays (also called No, or nō), or the poetic diaries.

Japanese literature absorbed much direct influence from China , but the relationship between the two literatures is complex. Although the Japanese have been criticized (even by some Japanese) for their imitations of Chinese examples, the earliest Japanese novels in fact antedate their Chinese counterparts by centuries, and Japanese theatre developed quite independently. Because the Chinese and Japanese languages are unrelated, Japanese poetry naturally took different forms, although Chinese poetic examples and literary theories were often in the minds of the Japanese poets. Japanese and Korean may be related languages, but Korean literary influence was negligible, though Koreans served an important function in transmitting Chinese literary and philosophical works to Japan. Poetry and prose written in the Korean language were unknown to the Japanese until relatively modern times.

From the 8th to the 19th century Chinese literature enjoyed greater prestige among educated Japanese than their own; but a love for the Japanese classics, especially those composed at the court in the 10th and 11th centuries, gradually spread among the entire people and influenced literary expression in every form, even the songs and tales composed by humble people totally removed from the aristocratic world portrayed in classical literature .

Anime and Japanese Culture Essay Ideas

For each topic, I will link an article I’ve written to help you get started. The references at the bottom of each article can give you a solid foundation for your essay. However, don’t copy my articles and try to pass them off as your own. Teachers read this blog and plagiarism checking websites will flag your essay if you try. I also suggest you visit MangaTherapy and Anime Science 101 for more essay ideas.

Personal Essay – The Impact of Samurai Champloo on Your Life.

Parted Roads – The Ending of Samurai Champloo

Samurai Champloo – to Die in the Name of the Samurai

Personal Essay – The Importance of a Video Game in Your Life

You can also take the same idea as Samurai Champloo and apply it to a video game. While it seems silly to say an anime or a video game changed your life (the phrase has become trite from overuse), stories shape who we are. The Legend of Zelda (along with Final Fantasy VI ) shaped much of my childhood and my idea of storytelling. I enjoyed Breath of the Wild because of how it went back to the start of the series with its exploration. I hadn’t had such a fun romp in a long time, and the game reminded me how much I’ve benefited from the series.

Here’s my essay on how The Legend of Zelda shaped me: Stories of Childhood: The Legacy of The Legend of Zelda

Censorship in Anime

Censoring Anime Nudity Increases Its Sexuality

Write about NEETs

NEETs have become a discussion topic in recent years. Perhaps you fall into the category or know someone who does. NEETs have become a focus of anime lately, particularly for isekei stories. You can touch on the problems NEETs pose society or look at the personal cost of the lifestyle.

Recovery of an MMO Junkie and the Dichotomy of Offline and Online Life

What is a NEET?

Sexuality in Manga

Sex in Anime and Manga

Anime’s Breast Obsession Explained

Ukiyo-e and the Importance of Eyebrows

Anime and Teaching Morals

You can explain how anime teaches good morals to children. This type of essay is best reduced to just a few morals, such as friendship, perseverance, or something similar. You can then support your argument with examples from various anime.

Anime as a Teaching Method

Anime Virtues: You Don’t Need a Reason to Help Someone

Anime Virtues: Quiet Confidence

Essay Writing Tips

• Work early. While some people do their best work under a tight deadline, it’s usually better to get your work done early. This gives you time to revise and, in the end, gives you more time to do what you want to do.
• Let your first draft be crappy. My first drafts are ugly; you can’t fix a blank page. Use the first draft to explore your topic and think it through. When you revise you can move sections around to improve the logic. Don’t be afraid to cut and rewrite. That’s why you have to start a project early.
• Take a break. Breaks let you freshen your eyes, allowing you to see mistakes easier.
• Let yourself be imperfect. No work of writing is perfect. Writing is a human endeavor, and imperfections reveal the human hand. This isn’t an excuse for sloppiness. Excellence is imperfect, but excellence isn’t sloppy.
• Have fun. This is perhaps the hardest of my advice. I didn’t have much fun with many of my writing projects in university, but writing goes easier when you can find something enjoyable about an assignment. I always enjoyed bending a seemingly obtuse assignment to my will.

Related Posts:

• anime essays
• essay ideas
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Japanese Writing Practice: Ultimate List of Resources for Every Level

Japanese writing can be one of the scariest aspects of learning Japanese! And there’s no shortcut to success – you simply have to get your Japanese writing practice in . Luckily there are no shortage of tools to help you with this!

Whether you are a beginner looking to practise your Japanese handwriting, or an advanced student in need of Japanese essay writing practice, there are lots of free and cheap resources out there at every level.

Here’s my roundup of the best websites, apps, printables and other tools for Japanese writing practice.

Japanese writing practice apps

Free websites for japanese writing practice online.

Easy Japanese writing practice for beginners

Japanese hiragana and katakana writing practice.

If you are new to learning Japanese, you’ll want to get your hiragana and katakana down pat before you move on to anything else.

Spending time on your hiragana and katakana writing practice not only helps you memorise the characters, it will also improve your handwriting and help you become accustomed to correct stroke order, which will be a massive benefit when you move on to learning kanji !

There are loads of free Japanese katakana and hiragana writing practice sheets online for you to download and print at home. Here’s a selection:

Free Japanese hiragana and katakana writing practice sheets pdf workbook

This free workbook from JapanesePod101 introduces all the hiragana and katakana characters and has spaces for you to trace, and then copy them out. The workbook also contains flashcards to practise your recognition. Note: you need to create a free account to access the workbook.

Japanese hiragana writing practice sheets

An alternative source to print out hiragana practice sheets, with grid lines to help your handwriting.

Japanese katakana writing practice sheets

An alternative source to print out katakana practice sheets, with grid lines to help your handwriting.

Free BLANK Japanese writing practice sheets

If you just want blank Japanese graph paper to practise writing out your characters, I have created my own in various sizes/formats for you to download and print!

Kakikata print maker

An awesome website (designed for Japanese parents/teachers to use with their children) where you can design and print your own worksheets with kana or kanji characters of your choice, in various formats. You can even choose to add stroke order! Useful if you want to practise a particular word or set of characters.

Japanese Tools: create your own kana practice sheets

Here is another useful site where you can create your own Japanese practice writing sheets with the characters of your choice, printed with a gradual fade to trace/copy.

Japanese kanji writing practice

If you are studying kanji from a textbook or course and you just need blank kanji graph paper to practise writing on, you can print that out here .

If you are looking for pre-printed kanji worksheets with kanji to copy out, the best resource I have found is this one:

This amazing website lets you download and print kanji writing practice worksheets for kanji sets according to JLPT level, Japanese school grade level, Wanikani level, Kanji Garden app level, or frequency. It’s totally free and so useful!

Easy Japanese sentence writing practice

Once you know your kana and a few kanji, you might start to think about writing out some Japanese sentences.

JapanesePod101 writing practice worksheets 

JapanesePod101 has a selection of free Japanese writing practice sheets, available as pdfs that you can download and print yourself. They currently have 16+ free writing practice workbooks on beginner-friendly topics such as daily routine or ordering food. This is a good way to get used to writing out simple Japanese sentences at the beginner level. 

However, I wouldn’t recommend them for complete beginners because they use kanji – so you should be familiar with some kanji and the basic rules of stroke order before you use them.

As soon as you are able to form Japanese sentences on your own, I recommend you start a Japanese journal and/or sharing your sentences with others using the resources in the intermediate/advanced section below!

When you are learning to write in Japanese, I recommend writing them out by hand as much as possible because it helps you learn by muscle memory and helps you develop neat handwriting! However, it’s also useful to have a great writing practice app or two on your phone so you can study on the go.

There are lots of great apps out there to practise writing Japanese characters. Here are some recommendations:

Skritter is an app for learning Japanese (and Chinese) writing and vocabulary. You can use Skritter to learn kana and kanji from scratch, or simply to review what you’ve learned. It uses handwriting recognition and a spaced repetition system (SRS) to help you learn effectively.

Under the ‘test’ settings section you can choose to focus on writing only, or add in flashcards for reading and definition too.

It works well alongside other courses and textbooks to practise your characters. They have pre-made flashcard decks from various textbooks which is great when you get on to drilling vocabulary.

As with Skritter, you can either use this app to learn kana and kanji as a complete beginner, or just to practise writing the characters you already know. In fact, it’s probably the best app I’ve found if you just want a simple flashcard-style writing practice app with handwriting recognition. It’s a little clunkier to use but once you’ve got it set up, it’s easy. If you already know the kana and you just want to practise, choose ‘Yes, but I need more practice’ during the set-up stage.

The Scripts app from the makers of Drops teaches you kana and kanji (and also has the option to learn other languages’ scripts, such as hangul or hanzi, if you’re doing the polyglot thing). You learn by tracing the characters with your finger on the screen.

It’s a good option if you are learning to write the Japanese characters from scratch. However, I could not see an option to skip the ‘learning’ stage and just review, so if you’ve already mastered your kana it won’t be for you.

Learn Japanese! 

This is a very simple and easy to use app to learn how to write hiragana and katakana. However, you only learn 5 characters at a time and I couldn’t see a way to skip to review only, so again, great for complete beginners but not if you just want to practise.

Intermediate and advanced Japanese writing practice

At the intermediate and advanced levels, you are well beyond copying out characters/sentences on worksheets, and you will be creating your own compositions in Japanese. In fact, I highly recommend doing this as soon as you are able to! 

One popular method to get your Japanese writing practice is to keep a daily diary or journal in Japanese . You can try to incorporate new grammar and vocabulary you’ve learned, or simply write whatever comes into your head just to get used to writing in Japanese.

Even jotting down a few private sentences in your own notebook will be beneficial. But if you want to step it up a notch, use one of the websites/apps below to share your writing with other learners and native speakers and receive feedback.

If you’ve been studying languages for a while you might be mourning the loss of Lang8, a site where you could post journal entries in your target language online and get feedback from native speakers. Here are a couple of Lang 8 alternatives I’ve found:

LangCorrect

LangCorrect is a site where you can practise your Japanese writing online by writing daily journal entries and getting corrections from native speakers. It’s fairly active with the Japanese learning community, and you can usually expect to get a few comments/corrections within a few hours (don’t forget to take the time difference into account!). They also have journal prompts in case you’re feeling the writer’s block. It’s free to use.

Journaly is a similar site I’ve heard, about although I haven’t used it and I have the impression its user base is smaller than LangCorrect. It’s free to use and there is also a paid version which has a few extra benefits, such as bumping up your posts to get more attention.

This is a free website offered by Dickinson College. Its main purpose is for connecting language exchange partners, but they also have a feature where you can post writing samples to receive corrections from native speakers.

r/WriteStreakJP

This subreddit is a forum to practise writing in Japanese. It’s for anyone at any level who wants to practise their Japanese writing. The idea is that you write something every day to build up a ‘streak’ and build the habit of writing in Japanese regularly.

You can write whatever you feel like; many people write diary-like entries about their day, or share random thoughts, or write about something new they’ve learned etc. There are native Japanese speaking mods who drop by to correct mistakes.

There are a lot more learners than native speakers on the forum, though, so unfortunately you’re not guaranteed feedback. But it’s still a great place to practise writing (and reading!) Japanese.

HelloTalk is a language exchange app where you can connect with Japanese native speakers, chat via text, voice or video call and receive feedback on your Japanese. In addition to connecting with people directly, you can also create ‘moments’ (write posts such as sharing journal entries, or pictures of your day) and ask general questions, and receive comments/feedback from other users.

Be warned, recently I hear a lot of users complaining that people use the messaging function like a dating app – but you may have better success using the ‘moments’ function or messaging people yourself first.

Another language exchange app where you can exchange text messages with a Japanese-speaking partner and receive corrections.

HiNative  

On HiNative you can ask questions about language usage and get feedback from native speakers. You can write your questions either in Japanese or English. This question/answer service is free. Premium paid members can also post diary entries to get feedback.

More resources for Japanese writing practice

Here’s a mixture of other useful tools and resources I’ve found for Japanese writing practice that don’t fit neatly into the above categories! This section contains a mixture of free and paid resources.

Japanese water calligraphy practice kits (paid)

Why not go old-school and practise your Japanese characters with a real calligraphy brush! In Japan, students often practise their calligraphy with these nifty ‘magic’ kits, where you paint with water on the special water-activated paper, which fades away after a few minutes so you can reuse it time and time again. This is a fun way to refine your Japanese handwriting while reviewing the characters!

Printable Japanese journals with writing prompts (paid) 

I found this printable Japanese journaling/writing practice kit on Etsy. It contains dozens of writing prompts at the beginner, intermediate and advanced levels, so you’ve got no excuse not to jot down a few sentences in Japanese every day! Check out the other great resources by the same author.

Japanese planner templates (free)

If you want to take daily notes or plan your day/week in Japanese, this site has loads of free Japanese planner templates to print out.

Japanese writing practice notebooks (paid)

The paper used in Japan for school compositions/essay writing practice is called genkouyoushi . There are lots of genkouyoushi notebooks with cute cover designs available on Amazon.

Free printable genkouyoushi (Japanese composition paper)

Alternatively, you can print out your own genkouyoushi-style blank writing sheets here for free.

Japanese sentence/usage databases

These databases are useful tools that I often use when writing in Japanese to check how words are used. You can search for a Japanese word and see it in context of many authentic, native Japanese sentences, to get an idea of correct and natural usage. You can also use them for sentence mining , if that’s your thing.

• Reverso – my favourite. Need to create a free account to see all sentences.
• Natsume – see how often a word is used, and which particles and other words usually follow it
• Sentence search with audio

How to Write Japanese Essays book (paid)

If you are studying Japanese to a very high level, for example to enter a Japanese university or company, you will need Japanese essay writing practice. The book How to Write Japanese Essays comes highly recommended and will train you to write in the formal academic style that is taught in Japan.

Japanese writing practice roundup

Which tools and resources do you use for Japanese writing practice? If you know any I’ve missed out, please share in the comments!

See these related posts for more useful resources to learn Japanese:

• Japanese Writing Paper: FREE Printable Blank Japanese Writing Sheets
• FREE Websites for Japanese Reading Practice (At Every Level)
• 10+ Effective Ways to Get Japanese Speaking Practice (Even if You Study By Yourself!)
• Where to get Your Japanese Listening Practice: The Epic List of Resources!
• The Ultimate List of Japanese Podcasts for Listening Practice (Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced)
• Best YouTube Channels to Learn Japanese {20+ Japanese YouTubers!}

Rebecca Shiraishi-Miles

Rebecca is the founder of Team Japanese. She spent two years teaching English in Ehime, Japan. Now back in the UK, she spends her time blogging, self-studying Japanese and wrangling a very genki toddler.

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Contemporary Japanese Literature

Flowers of grass.

Takehiro Fukunaga’s 1954 novel Flowers of Grass is considered to be a classic of postwar Japanese fiction, and it’s the sort of book that I imagine many people envision when they think of “literature.” The main narrator is Shiomi, an intelligent but sad young man who’s deeply concerned with spiritual and philosophical matters. As the novel opens, Shiomi has opted to undergo a risky operation at a tuberculosis care facility. Knowing that he won’t survive, he leaves a handwritten account of his life before the war, when he loved and lost both a male classmate and that classmate’s sister.

If one reads Flowers of Grass “straight,” Shiomi is a passionate but pure-hearted young man who has a tendency to fall in love with the idealistic versions of people he creates in his head instead of the actual people themselves. If you’re me, however, it feels much more natural to read Shiomi as a closeted gay man who has an intense sexual crush on a fellow member of his high school archery club but feels obligated to transfer his affection to the boy’s sister once he enters college. Despite being a devout Christian, the sister loves the apostatic Shiomi and twice attempts to initiate a sexual relationship, but Shiomi finds himself unable to reciprocate her physical attraction.

Perhaps this is just my own personal bias, but I also picked up an element of homosexual attraction between Shiomi and the narrator of the novel’s frame story, a fellow patient at the tuberculosis sanitarium. In my reading of Flowers of Grass , the burgeoning romantic relationship between Shiomi and the frame narrator goes a long way toward answering the novel’s opening question: Why does Shiomi decide to undergo a dangerous operation that’s almost certain to be fatal? Essentially, Shiomi has decided to commit suicide, and the point of the testament he leaves behind is to explain why. The answer is complicated, but I get the feeling that Shiomi’s inability to come to terms with his queer sexuality is not inconsequential.  

Putting the matter of sexuality aside, the bulk of Flowers of Grass is set during the late 1930s and early 1940s, and the story is of historical interest for its clear and unapologetic stance against the aggression of the Japanese imperial state. Shiomi is eventually drafted, and I think the author intends him to serve as a representative symbol of a typical Japanese soldier in that he really, really wasn’t cut out for the army. No sane military organization would want someone like Shiomi to be a soldier, but the Japanese Imperial Army was not sane.

The two love stories at the core of Flowers of Grass are intriguing, as is the mystery posed in its opening section. Unfortunately, the beginning of the novel is somewhat dull and meandering, and it takes an inordinately long time for the story to find its feet. In particular, your mileage may vary regarding how many dozens of pages of teenagers discussing philosophy you’re willing to wade through. Flowers of Grass requires patience, but it rewards thought and reflection.

As an aside, this novel was translated by Royall Tyler, who is famous for his translation of The Tale of Genji . I was curious about what Royall Tyler is up to these days, and I was amazed and delighted to find that he’s retired from academia to manage a llama farm. I highly recommend checking out his website ( here ), which is the most charming and wholesome thing I’ve encountered on the internet in a long time.

Shinya Tanaka’s prizewinning novella Cannibals is a harrowing story of how poverty enables a cycle of abuse and assault. The writing and translation are beautiful, but the book is often difficult to read.

In the brutally hot summer of 1988, a 17-year-old boy named Toma is forced to confront the blood he’s inherited from his father, who beats his stepmother and sleeps with various women in their working-class neighborhood along the banks of a polluted river.

To his disgust, Toma realizes that he, too, receives gratification from physical violence, and he struggles to process what this means. Meanwhile, tensions at home threaten to reach a breaking point when Toma’s stepmother confides that he intends to leave his father.

The neighborhood river is never far from the story, and Tanaka’s virtuoso description of its eventual flood is incredible; the violence of the rushing waters is a necessary cleansing and catharsis.

The damage caused by the flood also serves to deny any complacency with violence that the reader may have developed through identification with the narrator. Still, I can’t help but feel that perhaps the author may have taken this violence too far for my own taste, especially as a reader who tends to be critical of how visceral depictions of assault often obfuscate thematic resonance through shock.

Cannibals is a prime example of what feminist scholar Chizuko Ueno has termed “men’s literature” (as opposed to the more commonly used expression “women’s literature”), which delves into specifically gendered issues that may not by sympathetic to a wider audience. The problem I once had with books like Cannibals is that there were so many of them in translation, especially in relation to the exclusion of similarly disturbing stories written by women. Now that there’s a greater diversity of Japanese fiction in translation, it’s easier to read something like Cannibals on its own terms instead of seeing the explicit misogyny of the characters as a reflection of the implicit sexism of the publishing industry.

In the end, I think Cannibals might be better suited to a college-level literature class than pleasure reading, at least for most people. Without the context of the narrative of the 1980s that Tanaka is pushing back against in a frankly heroic style, there’s a danger of Cannibals coming off as almost voyeuristic of working-class poverty and sexual violence. Regardless, I appreciate this novella, and I’m grateful it’s been skillfully translated and lovingly published in a beautiful paperback edition with a striking cover design.

Tokyo Express

Seichō Matsumoto’s Tokyo Express is a slim mystery novel from 1958 whose crime is largely dependent on train schedules. Although two apparent victims of suicide appear to have traveled together to a lonely seaside town, were they in fact being pursued…?

The officer assigned to the case, a young detective named Mihara, suspects the involvement of the president of an industrial manufacturer with close ties to the government. Mihara assumes that his prime suspect, an affable middle-aged gentleman named Yasuda, was attempting to cover up an illegal collusion.

As Mihara pursues various train schedules across the Japanese archipelago, he learns that Yasuda’s elaborate system of alibis checks out. But, if Yasuda didn’t murder the two victims, who could have been helping him?

For me, there were far too many timetables in Tokyo Express , and I found myself skimming to avoid getting bogged down in the numbers. No one in the story has much of a personality, and Mihara is mostly a cipher for the reader. Despite the plot’s emphasis on travel, the locations that Mihara visits don’t really have a sense of place or setting.

I’m given to understand that there are many mystery fans who appreciate this style of writing, namely, just the facts with little by way of atmospheric description. If you’re looking for a puzzle box in book form, Tokyo Express has a lot of fun moving parts to play with. If you read mysteries more for the story, however, it might be better to take a pass on this particular ride.

The God of Nishi-Yuigahama Station

Takeshi Murase’s linked short story collection The God of Nishi-Yuigahama Station is about four people who lost members of their family in a tragic train derailment. For a year after the accident, the ghost train still makes its fatal run at midnight, giving those who grieve its passengers an opportunity to speak to the loved ones they lost.

The God of Nishi-Yuigahama Station is meant to make the reader cry, and it does so primarily through its improbably melodramatic situations. This short book is relatively light reading, and the level of catharsis it allows you to experience will depend on your tolerance for sentimentality.

Still, as far as this type of fiction goes, I enjoyed The God of Nishi-Yuigahama Station much more than similar titles such as Toshikazu Kawaguchi’s Before the Coffee Gets Cold . Murase’s stories are grounded in the social realities of contemporary Japan, and the characters are messy and complicated enough to be interesting.

My favorite story is “To My Father, I Say,” which is about a young man named Sakamoto who leaves his rural hometown to work at a large finance corporation after graduating from a prestigious university in Tokyo. Sakamoto is forced to attend mandatory drinking sessions after work, and he’s bullied by his supervisor. He’s tired all the time, and his relationship with his girlfriend has gone stale. Meanwhile, he’s ignoring the calls from his father, who comes from a humble background.

Sakamoto finally snaps and quits his job, but he can’t bring himself to tell his family as his living conditions grow more precarious. Thankfully, he gets a second chance to talk to his father on the ghost train, which is the exact opportunity he needs to reevaluate his life and goals.     

Like a lot of contemporary Japanese popular fiction aimed at young adults in their twenties, The God of Nishi-Yuigahama Station is brutally honest about the emotional damage caused by bullying, which can extend far beyond grade school. Like other authors, Murase doesn’t shy away from stating that the main problem lies with the people who tolerate this behavior, while the solution is for one brave person to step up and offer support to the target.

This is an important and wholesome message, of course, but it’s a little depressing to me that this support can only exist in the form of a magical ghost train. Then again, the purpose of The God of Nishi-Yuigahama Station is not to offer deep insights and critique, but rather to make the reader cry and feel gratitude for their own family and friends. And who knows? This might just be the support you need.

Rental Person Who Does Nothing

Shōji Morimoto’s Rental Person Who Does Nothing is probably the most chill autobio essay collection I’ve read, and it’s also one of the more interesting. Morimoto, who makes himself available to strangers through Twitter, offers encouragement and support simply by being present.

Don Knotting’s translation does an excellent job of conveying Morimoto’s distinctly casual voice as he explains the situations in which someone might need an impersonal companion – when filing divorce papers, for instance, or when arriving to the airport after a visit with aging relatives. Morimoto doesn’t pass judgment, nor does he offer any sort of advice or therapy. Rather, he serves as a companion for tasks that are difficult to accomplish alone.

Generally speaking, Morimoto is asked to accompany people on relatively mundane tasks. A common request (that I found extremely relatable) comes from people who need someone to sit next to them while they write a difficult email. Although some requests are awkward, most are surprisingly wholesome. My favorite anecdote is about the person who asked Morimoto to express happiness and excitement when he greeted their dog in a public park.

To me, the most interesting thing about Rental Person Who Does Nothing is not the type of requests people send, but rather Morimoto himself. Like Marie Kondo ( whom I wrote about here ), Morimoto has a very distinct personality that comes with a story.

Morimoto was bullied at work by his supervisor, who told him that it didn’t matter whether or not he was there at all. Morimoto’s aggressively chill affect comes off as a weapon of resistance against the assumption that someone’s worth is dependent on how productive they can be for an impersonal institution. It fits the theme that there are no life lessons in these essays, just people being people.

To me, this memoir serves as a record of how social media has enabled a new type of ephemeral interpersonal relationship that can be psychologically healthy in its own way. Rental Person Who Does Nothing also inspires introspection regarding how a companion might help you on your own journey, as well as speculation about what sort of request you might make to Morimoto yourself.

Atsuhiro Yoshida’s 2018 linked short story collection おやすみ、東京 chronicles the adventures of a cast of slightly odd characters with subtle connections to one another. Each of the stories begins at precisely 1:00am. Far from being scary or dangerous, the nighttime urban space of Tokyo is gentle and welcoming.

Four women run a small restaurant that’s only open in the early hours of the morning. A taxi driver listens patiently to his passengers so that he can take them exactly where they need to go. Other characters have highly specialized professions, from someone who runs a highly curated antique store to someone who disposes of old telephones.

I’m in love with Yoshida’s writing style, which is playfully idiosyncratic but still clear and light and easy to read. Despite the gentleness of the stories, there’s never any sentimentality, just slightly damaged people doing their best to make it through their lives. おやすみ、東京 tends more toward realism than some of Yoshida’s other work, but small bits of strangeness still shine through the cracks of the mundane. 

An English translation of this book, Goodnight Tokyo , is scheduled to be released on July 9, and I’m looking forward to Yoshida’s English-language debut!

Yōko Ogawa’s 2023 collection からだの美 brings together sixteen short essays on the theme of bodies and physicality. The three primary topics are sports, performing arts, and animals.

The essays about sports were mostly lost on me, but I loved Ogawa’s discussions of animals, especially naked mole rats. As Ogawa reflects on their odd appearance and rigorously structured society, she writes that the world is an infinitely strange place, and that she couldn’t invent creatures like this from imagination even if she wanted to.

My favorite essay is レース編みをする人の指先, which is a meditation on how our lives and bodies are shaped by creative practice. Even though crafts such as embroidery and sewing lace seem to have no practical purpose in modern society, we continue to make things by hand just for the joy of it.

The Japanese literary tradition of essay writing is a bit different than what many of us have come to expect from English-language essays. To make a generalization, Japanese literary essays tend not to include anything overly personal about the author or lay bare any sort of trauma. It’s not a given that an essay will address political topics or attempt to persuade or educate the reader. Rather, reading a Japanese essay is often like engaging in a gentle conversation. I find this lo-fi style of writing to be quite relaxing to read, but your mileage may vary on whether the essays in からだの美 come off as pleasantly chill or somewhat flat and underwhelming.

To me, からだの美 is an interesting companion to Ogawa’s 2022 short story collection 掌に眠る舞台 , which also explores the relationship between art and the body. Ogawa’s fiction follows strange people who inhabit a twilight world that feels slightly removed from our own, so I found it amusing to read her perfectly normal nonfiction essays about the brighter side of topics she’s explored in her recent stories.

Yōko Ogawa’s 2022 collection 掌に眠る舞台 contains eight stories connected by the broad theme of “stages.” Some stories are about the world of performing arts, while others take an abstract approach. Ogawa isn’t concerned with glamour, but rather the strangeness of the stage after the spotlights go out.

One of my favorite stories is ユニコーンを握らせる, which is about an actress whose sole performance was cancelled. She lives alone in her old age, comforting herself by repeating lines from a play that never made it past rehearsals. As always, Ogawa’s gentle portrayal of loneliness is exquisitely observed. With each tiny detail of the woman’s apartment, Ogawa paints a portrait of someone who can’t escape her fantasies of a past that never existed.

I also enjoyed いけにえを運ぶ犬, in which a young boy repeatedly stages a performance of enjoying a specific book at a traveling bookseller’s cart for the sole benefit of the bookseller’s dog, who watches the children to prevent theft. This is a story about poverty and negligence and the fear of being forgotten, but Ogawa nevertheless captures the magic of what it’s like to fantasize about books as a kid. 

For me, the standout story was ダブルフォルトの予言, which is about a woman who lives in an empty storage room on an upper floor of the Imperial Theater in Tokyo. This woman’s job is to absorb all the bad luck of the performers on stage, sort of like an inverse Phantom of the Opera. Instead of an extravagant man who lives in the sewers and aggressively causes trouble, she’s a plain and boring woman who lives the attic and passively prevents accidents. At least, that’s what she says of herself, but what’s she really doing in the theater attic? And why is the narrator visiting her so often?

Something I’ve always loved about Ogawa’s writing is the lucid clarity of her language, but the style of 掌に眠る舞台 is much richer and denser than that of the author’s earlier work. Instead of being like icebergs, these stories are more like mazes. You have to take your time getting to the center, which is fine by me. It’s always a pleasure to spend time wandering through Ogawa’s signature uncanny spaces.

Tower Dungeon

Tsutomu Nihei’s newest manga series, Tower Dungeon , is a grim and grisly dark fantasy about a small team of knights attempting to rescue a princess from an evil wizard at the top of the mysterious Dragon Tower.

This purposefully bog-standard fantasy premise is a bait-and-switch for the actual story, which is as brutal and fiercely imaginative as any of Nihei’s sci-fi dystopias. Instead of being set in the claustrophobic cable-choked interior of a spaceship, the visual space of Tower Dungeon is filled with vaulted ceilings and crumbling stone walls, but Nihei still dazzles the reader with labyrinthine passageways and an awe-inspiring sense of scale. 

Nihei’s signature body horror is on full display in Tower Dungeon , which is populated by the shambling undead, grotesque human graftings, uncanny automatons, and abject abominations. Even when they’re not monstrous, I love the designs of Nihei’s heavily armored knights.

There’s a bit of fanservice, sort of? But not really, and I’m not complaining. If I had to guess, I’d say that Nihei has a crush on Malenia, the deadly woman warrior from Elden Ring , but don’t we all.

The pacing of Tower Dungeon is excellent, and the action sequences are balanced by downtime and light banter that doesn’t try too hard to be funny. The characters offer very little exposition, but the background setting is intriguing. Given my experience with Nihei’s previous manga series, I’m not expecting the story to coalesce into any sort of cohesive plot, but I’m happy to join this strange journey wherever it leads.

I think, honestly, that Tower Dungeon is the Dark Souls manga I always wanted. I hope it gets an English translation soon!

Tokyo These Days

Taiyō Matsumoto’s newest series, Tokyo These Days , follows a senior manga editor named Shiozawa who suddenly quits his job at a publishing company. After an initial period of wanting nothing more to do with manga, Shiozawa visits various artists he’s worked with over the past thirty years, hoping to commission “the perfect manga.”

Like Matsumoto’s Eisner-winning graphic novel Cats of the Louvre , Tokyo These Days is a sensitive yet realistic story about artists and the industry professionals who support their work. Although Matsumoto is honest about the pain caused by frustrated ambitions in a market that doesn’t value the wellbeing of artists, small moments of kindness and hope prevent the tone of the story from becoming too bleak.

Given that Tokyo These Days is a book about books, it’s worth mentioning that Viz’s hardcover edition is a beautiful publication with a glossy canvas cover and high-quality paper that allows Matsumoto’s artwork to shine. If you’re familiar with the kinetic urban fantasy Tekkonkinkreet , you’ll know just how much love Matsumoto puts into the details of his environments, and it’s a pleasure to take your time studying each page to appreciate the ink textures and image framing.

I’m looking forward to seeing how the story of Tokyo These Days develops, but the first volume stands on its own as an episodic commentary on the difficult but still worthwhile business of being an artist and storyteller during the slow decline of the traditional publishing industry.

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Home — Essay Samples — Arts & Culture — World Cultures — Japanese Culture

Essays on Japanese Culture

Writing an essay on Japanese culture is important because it allows us to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of a rich and diverse society. Japan has a unique history, language, art, and traditions that have had a significant impact on the world. By writing about Japanese culture, we can shed light on its customs, beliefs, and values, and how they have shaped the country and its people.

When writing an essay on Japanese culture, it is important to conduct thorough research to gather accurate and credible information. This can include studying historical events, traditional practices, modern influences, and societal norms. It is also crucial to approach the topic with sensitivity and respect, as cultural appropriation and misrepresentation can be harmful.

Furthermore, it is beneficial to incorporate personal experiences or observations when discussing Japanese culture. This can add a personal touch to the essay and provide a unique perspective. Additionally, using examples and anecdotes can help illustrate key points and make the content more engaging for the reader.

Overall, writing an essay on Japanese culture can be an enriching experience that allows us to explore and appreciate a fascinating society. By approaching the topic with diligence and respect, we can create a piece of writing that educates and inspires others to learn more about this vibrant culture.

What Makes a Good Japanese Culture Essay Topics

When it comes to writing an essay on Japanese culture, choosing the right topic is key. A good essay topic should be thought-provoking, unique, and relevant to the subject matter. To brainstorm and choose a suitable essay topic, consider exploring various aspects of Japanese culture, such as traditional customs, art, literature, pop culture, or social issues. Additionally, consider the significance of the topic and its potential to engage and inform the reader. Ultimately, a good essay topic should be compelling, well-researched, and offer a fresh perspective on Japanese culture.

Best Japanese Culture Essay Topics

• The influence of traditional Japanese tea ceremonies on modern society
• The evolution of manga and its impact on global pop culture
• The symbolism of cherry blossoms in Japanese art and literature
• The role of geisha in preserving traditional Japanese arts and entertainment
• The cultural significance of kimonos in contemporary fashion
• The portrayal of samurai in Japanese cinema and literature
• The impact of anime on international animation and storytelling
• The significance of bonsai trees in Japanese culture and gardening
• The cultural implications of Japanese cuisine on global culinary trends
• The history and cultural significance of Kabuki theater
• The influence of Shintoism on Japanese social and cultural practices
• The role of traditional Japanese music in modern entertainment
• The impact of technology on traditional Japanese craftsmanship
• The cultural significance of Japanese festivals and rituals
• The portrayal of Japanese folklore in contemporary media
• The influence of Zen Buddhism on Japanese art and philosophy
• The evolution of traditional Japanese architecture in modern urban design
• The significance of Japanese calligraphy in visual arts and communication
• The cultural implications of martial arts in Japanese society
• The portrayal of yokai (supernatural creatures) in Japanese folklore and popular culture

Japanese Culture Essay Topics Prompts

• Imagine you are a traditional Japanese artist. Describe your creative process and the cultural influences that inspire your work.
• If you could visit any historical period in Japanese history, which would you choose and why? How do you think it would impact your understanding of Japanese culture?
• Create a fictional story set in a modern Japanese high school, incorporating elements of traditional and contemporary Japanese culture.
• Reflect on the impact of globalization on traditional Japanese customs and how it has influenced the country's cultural identity.
• Explore the role of Japanese pop culture in shaping international perceptions of Japan and its people. How has it contributed to the global spread of Japanese culture?

Difference Between American and Japanese Culture

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Japanese culture is a set of spiritual and material values that were created in Japan and determine the spiritual and social life of the Japanese.

Regional character (Kenminsei), formality, face (Menboku), politeness, pragmatism, pacifism, artistry.

Hatsu Miyamairi, Seijin no Hi (Coming of Age Day), Kanreki rite of passage, the Obon Festival, etc.

Bowing is very important in japanese culture. Japanese women used to blacken their teeth. Slurping is a compliment in Japan. Wearing shoes inside is not normal.

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Mastering The Art Of Japanese Essay Writing: A How-To Guide

Essay writing in Japanese can be both challenging and rewarding. Whether you’re a student striving for academic excellence or an enthusiast looking to express yourself fluently in Japanese, honing your essay-writing skills is crucial. From crafting compelling arguments to mastering the intricacies of grammar and style, there are several strategies you can employ to improve your Japanese essay writing. In this guide, we’ll explore some effective techniques to help you elevate your writing to the next level.

1. Expand your vocabulary

Building a strong vocabulary is fundamental to effective essay writing in any language, including Japanese. Make a habit of learning new words regularly and incorporating them into your writing. Utilise flashcards, language learning apps, and reading extensively to expose yourself to a wide range of vocabulary. Additionally, pay attention to kanji and their various readings, as they can significantly enhance your writing proficiency.

2. Practice writing regularly

Like any skill, Japanese essay writing requires consistent practice to improve. Set aside dedicated time each day to write essays on different topics. Start with simple subjects and gradually increase the complexity as you gain confidence. Don’t shy away from seeking feedback from native speakers or instructors to identify areas for improvement.

3. Focus on grammar and syntax

Paying attention to grammar and syntax is essential for producing coherent and polished essays. Review grammar rules regularly and practise applying them in your writing. Take note of common mistakes and strive to avoid them in your essays. Additionally, analyse well-written Japanese essays to observe how native speakers construct sentences and convey their ideas effectively.

4. Develop strong arguments

Whether you’re writing an opinion piece or an analytical essay, developing strong arguments is crucial. Take the time to brainstorm and organise your thoughts before writing. Clearly outline your main points and provide supporting evidence to strengthen your arguments. Consider using rhetorical devices and persuasive language to engage your readers and make your essay more compelling.

5. Read Japanese literature

Reading Japanese literature is not only enjoyable but also beneficial for improving your essay-writing skills. Expose yourself to a variety of literary works, including novels, essays, and articles, to familiarise yourself with different writing styles and techniques. Pay attention to how authors structure their essays, develop characters, and evoke emotions through language.

6. Edit and revise

Effective editing and revision are essential steps in the essay writing process. After completing a draft, take a break and then revisit your essay with fresh eyes. Look for grammatical errors, awkward phrasing, and inconsistencies in your writing. Consider seeking feedback from peers or mentors to gain valuable insights into areas for improvement. Revise your essay multiple times until you’re satisfied with the final result.

7. Immerse yourself in the language

Immersing yourself in the Japanese language and culture can significantly enhance your essay-writing skills. Watch popular Japanese TV shows , listen to Japanese music, and engage in conversations with native speakers whenever possible. Immerse yourself in authentic Japanese content to absorb idiomatic expressions, colloquialisms, and cultural nuances that will enrich your writing.

In conclusion, improving your Japanese essay writing skills requires dedication, practice, and a willingness to learn. By expanding your vocabulary, practising regularly, focusing on grammar and syntax, developing strong arguments, reading Japanese literature, editing, and revising your work, and immersing yourself in the language, you can make significant strides in your writing proficiency. Remember that mastery takes time and effort, so be patient with yourself and celebrate your progress along the way.

For further guidance and resources on Japanese language learning, consider exploring Japanese Explorer’s comprehensive Japanese classes. With our expert instruction and tailored curriculum, you can learn Japanese with ease and accelerate your journey toward fluency and proficiency in Japanese essay writing.

So, what are you waiting for? Enrol in a Japanese lesson in Singapore with us today!

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Essays About Japan: Top 5 Examples and 5 Prompts

Japan is a beautiful country famous for its lush landscape, delicious food, and well-mannered people. Here are some examples of essays about Japan.

A developed country in Asia known as the “land of the rising sun,” Japan has become a hot commodity for tourism and business. Japan is truly a sight to behold, from its beautiful cherry blossoms, efficient public transportation system, and delicious food. 

Japan’s rich history has allowed it to develop into one of the most advanced nations in the world, and its technology is renowned worldwide. Moreover, its people are known for their discipline, hard work, and resilience, even in the face of severe natural disasters. Japan is, without a doubt, a country worth visiting. 

If you want to write essays about Japan, here are our best essay examples and writing prompts to help you begin. 

1. What Japan Taught Me About Life by Beth Louise

2. japan experience: reflection on japanese culture by rayan elhafiz abdalla, 3. what i learned about design from travel in japan by teo yu siang.

• 4.  The best time to visit Japan by Pat Kay

5. A Day Trip To Kobe by David Swanson

5 prompts for essays about japan, 1. what does japan mean to you , 2. misogyny in japanese society, 3. why visit japan, 4. japan’s history, 5. living in japan: what’s it like.

“In fact, there’s so much to see and do that it feels like a lifetime of exploring would never uncover all that’s on offer. It’s also a bright, buzzing lesson in living fast; just wandering around in the crowds is a massive adrenaline rush, and Monday nights are as mental as Fridays. But despite the intensity of a city so large, people are calm and quiet. It’s the most magical juxtaposition. Everything is moving at light-speed, but with such efficiency and thoughtfulness, that it feels like a well-oiled, intuitive machine, powering a ride that you never want to get off.”

In her essay, Louise writes about her experience traveling to Tokyo, Japan. She compares it to a machine, with all the people in the city playing their part. She is amazed by the people’s focus, discipline, manners, and sense of purpose, and she can better appreciate life’s simplicity. She is mesmerized by Japan and recommends booking a trip to Tokyo as soon as possible. 

You might also like these essays about being yourself and essays about college .

“People were very friendly, they will greet you even if they don’t know you. One shocking incident that I will not forgot, is when the cashier was trying to help me put all my coin money in my wallet with me. In America I am not used to having someone put my money inside my wallet, that is really invading personal space. However, I learned that in Japan it seems normal to just drop off someone’s coins in their wallet.”

Similar to Louise, Abdalla reflects on new things he discovered about Japan and its people during his time there. These range from trivial things such as the “Pokemon Go” rollout in the country to the Japanese’ sense of honor and discipline. He recounts an experience in which the cashier was helping him put his change into his wallet, something he is not used to back home. He provides excellent, although short, insight into Japan, its culture, and its people. 

“Everything around us is designed: from the smartphones we use every day to the tactile paving on a walkway. But it’s often hard to examine the designed environment around us with eyes as fresh as a tourist’s. So if you’ve made it to the end of this post, I’ve got a challenge for you: The next time you take a walk outside, try to become aware of the thousands of design decisions around you. What works, and what can be improved?”

Siang writes about the edge that Japanese cities and society in general have because they are well-designed. He cites innovations such as fast, automated cash register machines and aid for the visually impaired and recalls lessons such as the importance of accessibility when designing something. 

4.   The best time to visit Japan by Pat Kay

“When people ask me “When is the best time to visit Japan?”, I usually reply with “anytime”. Japan is always a good idea, at any time of year. It’s truly an all-year-round destination that provides vastly varied experiences throughout its distinct 4 seasons. Whether you’re a traveller who loves snow, or one who thrives in humidity; a traveller who wants to see beautiful nature changes, or wants to be thrown into crowds; whatever your style of travel, there’s a season and a time for that.”

Kay describes the weather and activities during the different seasons in Japan, giving readers an idea of when they would prefer to visit. Japan ranges from the ethereal but chaotic cherry blossom season to the calm, frigid snow season; however, each year’s season has its own charm. Kay’s essay gives good insight into the best times to visit Japan.

“When planning a visit to Kobe, consider the fact that the city has been completely rebuilt since 1995, following the great Hanshin earthquake that leveled much of the city. Except for a few memorials, you likely won’t be aware of the destruction at all. Instead, what you will discover is a cosmopolitan port city where foreign influences intermingle, museums are dedicated to sake, and a conveniently compact and walkable quarter showcases a robust nightlife scene that has featured jazz on the menu for nearly a century. Oh, and, of course, there is the beef.”

In this short write-up, Swanson lists the best things to do in Kobe, Japan, a place best known for its top-quality beef. However, there are many things to do in the city besides eating beef, such as viewing historical buildings, going to the hot springs, and visiting the botanical gardens. However, Swanson notes that eating is an integral part of a trip to Kobe, and one should not miss out on trying the beef. 

In your essay, you can write about the country’s significance to you. For example, are you from there, or do you have Japanese ancestry? Have you visited? Write about your connection to the country and why this connection exists in the first place. If Japan has a special place in your heart, this essay topic is for you. 

When editing for grammar, we also recommend taking the time to improve the readability score of a piece of writing before publishing or submitting

With all its glory and excellence, Japan is less evolved in gender equality. So how are women treated in Japan? First, delve into research about the treatment of women in Japanese society, and show how the culture differs from modern western gender equality ideologies. Then, discuss why Japan is behind in encouraging women’s equal rights. Make sure to cite research, statistics, and interviews to support your point. 

This topic is straightforward; whether you have been or not, try to persuade others to visit the country. Include highlights that others should visit and suggestions for places others can visit. If Japan was a bad experience for you, go the other way: why should you not visit Japan?

Japan has a dark history surrounding its role in World War II. In your essay, briefly explain these events and research their effects on Japan after the war. How did the war change Japan- for better or for worse? Elaborate on the impact and, as always, include references to strengthen your arguments. This is quite a broad topic, so you can focus on one element of Japanese society: values, city planning, relationships with tourists, race, inequality, and gender equality.

Based on reading articles and sample essays as well as any experiences in Japan, list the advantages and disadvantages of living in Japan and conclude whether it would be ideal for moving to Japan or not. Use anecdotes from travel writers or people who live in Japan to show why living in japan is enjoyable or not so enjoyable. Pick a stance for a compelling argumentative essay.

If you are interested in learning more, check out our essay writing tips !

If you’re stuck picking your next essay topic, check out our guide on how to write an essay about diversity .

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Classic Japanese Literature: Japanese Novels and Short Story Collections

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Explore classic Japanese literature with this curated list of best classic Japanese novels and short story collections, from the 18th century through the post-World War II era.

Classic Literature of Japan

I love going on treasure hunts back through the pages of literary history; there’s always more to find. Lately I’ve set myself to learn more about Japanese classics, and I’ve discovered and read some wonderful gems and added others to my TBR list!

Japan is on my bucket list of places to visit, but since it’ll probably be years before that happens, at least I can learn more about the country and culture in the meantime!

From my very limited knowledge of classic Japanese fiction, one difference I’ve noticed between Japanese literature and Western literature is that the former seems to be more quotidian, in a way. Japanese literature doesn’t always follow the beats of rising and falling action, checking off plot milestones according to the pattern of Western fiction. That’s not to say there isn’t drama in Japanese literature–it just doesn’t always play out the way you expect it to! And the prose is beautiful; it can be very calm, meditative, or melancholy.

As with all my book lists posts on Tea and Ink, I narrowed down my selections from a ton of options. Ultimately, I don’t include books “just because” they’re classics or critically-acclaimed; they have to be books that I believe will interest and suit Tea and Ink readers in particular. In other words, this is an Elsie Callender-created list, not an AI-generated mashup(; I hope you enjoy this list and find some new favourites!

Classics Reading Challenge

If you’re following along with our 2023 Classics Reading Challenge , April’s prompt is to read a classic Japanese novel or short story collection. Any of the following books could count for the challenge, and it’s never too late to join (even if it’s past April when you read this!)

Best Classic Japanese Novels and Short Story Collections

Tales of Moonlight and Rain by Ueda Akinari (1776)

While the United States was busy declaring its independence from the British, over in Japan Ueda Akinari was publishing the woodblock edition of Ugetsu Monogatari ( Tales of Moonlight and Rain ), a seminal work in Japanese literature. Tales of Moonlight and Rain is a collection of nine short stories with a supernatural, ghostly quality. 

Akinari laced his stories with wordplay, symbolism, and numerous allusions to earlier Chinese and Japanese literature, folklore, philosophy, and theater. But even if these references are lost on most modern-day Western readers, the stories still make for haunting and engaging reading on a misty, moonlit night.

Note: In my opinion, the first tale in the collection with its long roster of names and places is the least interesting. But keep reading–the subsequent tales are better!

Amazon | Bookshop.org

Related: Here are more spooky short stories if you’re in the mood for something a little haunting!

In the Shade of Spring Leaves by Ichiyō Higuchi (1892-1896)

In a time when Japanese women authors were scarce, Higuchi made a name for herself as a promising and respected writer of short stories and poems, and is considered the first professional female writer of Japanese literature. After the death of her brother and samurai father, Higuchi sought to supplement her family’s paltry income by becoming a writer. Unfortunately, as her reputation grew her health declined, and she died of tuberculosis at the age of 24. 

Unlike other authors of the period, Higuchi’s writing often focused on the lives of the underprivileged and lower-class, rather than the aristocratic classes. She lived with her mother and sister near a red-light district, and her writings became increasingly sensitive towards the condition of women. 

There are no complete English-translated editions of her 21 short stories, but the volume I’ve pictured here includes a sampling of 9, as well as a fascinating biography and excerpts from Higuchi’s extensive diary.

I Am a Cat by Natsume Sōseki (serialized 1905-1906)

Set in Tokyo, I Am a Cat is a comic satire told from the perspective of a domestic cat with a high opinion of himself. The cat’s human is a school teacher named Sneaze, and the cat observes Sneaze’s interactions and conversations with his wife, kids, and friends, sharing his own philosophical insights with the reader along the way.

Sōseki began his writing career with haiku, short sketches, and other poetry, but I Am a Cat was his first major success and he went on to become one of Japan’s most famous novelists. The first chapter of I Am a Cat was originally intended as a single short story for a literary journal, but Sōseki’s editor asked him to continue it. Each chapter can stand alone, so the book makes for a good “ongoing read” to have on your nightstand if you’re the type of reader who has multiple books going at once!

Night on the Galactic Railroad by Kenji Miyazawa (written around 1927, published posthumously in 1934)

This short fantasy novel is about a lonely boy named Giovanni and his only friend, Campanella, who one night find themselves magically whisked away on a fantastical train journey through the stars. Aboard the train, the boys meet other travelers and encounter wonders at each station they travel to across the Milky Way. This evocative and unusual story will appeal to fans of The Little Prince , the fantasy of George Macdonald, and films from Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli.

Miyazawa was a prolific writer of poetry and children’s stories, but practically unknown and unrecognized during his short lifetime (he was only 37 when he died). However, after his death his friends published many of his works and Miyazawa has become a respected and beloved author.

There are several translations of Night on the Galactic Railroad , and it is sometimes published under other names like Milky Way Railroad and Night Train to the Stars . I can’t really find a general consensus on which translation is best. I’ve linked to an edition translated by Julianne Neville, as it includes a couple of Miyazawa’s other short stories to give you more of a taste of his work. Whichever edition you choose, I just recommend that you avoid reading any introductions–and possibly even the back cover of the book!–if you’d like to guard against spoilers.

Snow Country by Yasunari Kawabata (serialized 1935-37; final novel published in 1948)

Snow Country is a short and poignant novel of ill-fated love, adorned with spare, purposeful prose and lyrical imagery. The protagonist is Shimamura, a wealthy man from Tokyo who takes occasional retreats to a hot-springs resort in the snowy north country. There he rendezvous with his mistress, a geisha named Komako who works at the resort. Komako loves Shimamura despite the fact that she knows they can never be together; Shimamura has a “real life” back at home with a wife and kids.

Snow Country was one of Kawabata’s early novels and is considered his masterpiece. Over the course of his career Kawabata became a highly-respected and internationally-renowned author, and in 1968, became the first Japanese person to win the Nobel Prize for literature.

The Hunting Gun by Yasushi Inoue (1949)

This novella explores the psychological effect of an extramarital affair on the lives it touches. The main narrative is told in the form of three letters, one from Shoko, who discovered her mother’s affair by reading her mother’s diary; one from Midori, the cheated-on wife; and one from Shoko’s mother Saiko. All three deeply-personal letters are written to the man at the center of the affair, and each one carefully reshapes your understanding of the other letters and their writers.

The Hunting Gun is a quiet, introspective, eloquent gem of a novel that you can read quickly but may find that you need to read again.

The Makioka Sisters by Jun’ichirō Tanizaki (serialized 1943-48)

The Makioka Sisters is set against the backdrop of World War II, but focuses on the domestic affairs of the Makiokas, a declining aristocratic family residing in the port city of Osaka. There are four Makioka sisters, two of whom are married and established with households of their own. When the novel opens, the family is preoccupied by the necessity of getting the third sister–shy and now an “old maid” at 30–married and settled. Meanwhile, the headstrong youngest sister–who does have a lover–must wait until her older sister is married before she can become a bride herself.

At different points The Makioka Sisters is reminiscent of Austen, Tolstoy, or even Alcott’s Little Women , but is more quotidian than any of them, with a long page count and a slowly-flowering narrative. Although the novel was very popular when serialization began in 1943, the government ordered publication to be stopped because the book was too feminine and domestic in a time when they wanted masculine-flavoured patriotism and nationalistic fervor to be at the forefront. The government condemned the novel for spending too much time on the “grossly individualistic lives of women.”

The Honjin Murders by Seishi Yokomizo (1946)

The detective fiction genre is very popular in Japan, and had its rise during the World Wars era and after. Seishi Yokomizo was a prolific author of honkaku -style or “orthodox” detective fiction, which resembles Golden Age detective fiction and often pays conscious homage to mystery writers like Agatha Christie , John Dickson Carr, and Ellery Queen.

The Honjin Murders was Yokomizo’s first novel to feature his series detective, Kosuke Kindaichi. The book is set in a remote mansion and centers around a double murder case–a husband and wife brutally murdered on their wedding night. Their room is locked from the inside, and the only clue appears to be a bloody katana, left in the trackless snow surrounding the house.

The main criticism this book draws from modern readers is that the ending is too far-fetched. I personally have no problem reading mystery stories with “creative” endings and enjoy the ride regardless, but that’s something to keep in mind if it bothers you! If you like The Honjin Murders , you’ll be happy to know that several of Yokomizo’s Kindaichi novels have also been translated into English, and it looks like there’s more in the works!

Black Rain by Masuji Ibuse (1965)

Set during and in the years following the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Black Rain centers in part around the predicament of Yasuko, whose exposure to the “black rain” of the nuclear fallout has damaged her marriage prospects. Yasuko tries to hide her bouts of radiation sickness from her family, while they try to prove to their community that Yasuko wasn’t near the city during the bombing. 

The novel is a stark but beautiful story of survivors going about their daily lives, trying to make sense of the tragedy and understand its implications.

The author himself was a native of Hiroshima, but was not in the area during the bombing. Instead, he used the diaries and eyewitness accounts of survivors to inform his own narrative.

Silence by Shūsaku Endō (1966)

Silence is an historical fiction novel set in 17th century Japan. Father Rodrigues, a Jesuit priest from Portugal, travels to Japan to encourage the local Christians and seek out Father Ferreira, an earlier missionary who has supposedly left the faith. When he arrives, Rodrigues finds the local church in dire straits. The government is using torture to silence Christians, and Rodrigues grapples with his faith in a God who seems silent in response.

Endō based his novel on real people and events, and as a Catholic author drew on his own faith to explore themes of suffering and sacrifice. The novel was made into a 2016 movie directed by Martin Scorsese. Some editions of Silence include a foreword by Scorsese, which I recommend you read after the novel, since he tips off a major plot point. 

What classic novels and short stories from Japan are on your reading list?

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I am reading “How Do You Live?” by Genzaburo Yoshino, published in 1937. I picked this book because Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli are making it into a movie, which will be Miyazaki-san’s last movie.

I did read fairy tales in March, but it was not a pre-1970s book. I already owned a Kindle book collection of fairy tales called “Angela Carter’s Book of Fairy Tales” which was published in 2015. Of course the fairy tales were all old, and from all over the world, but the collection was newer. Must admit, after I finished, I have pretty much decided to never ready fairy tales again!!

I haven’t heard of How Do You Live. I will certainly check that out!

Angela Carter is a big name in fairy tales, but I am not personally a fan of her fairy tale retellings or perspective. She goes to some weird places!

‘Taiko’ by Eiji Hosokawa which tells the story of the three great warlords who successively unified Japan: Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu. The main focus is on Hideyoshi, the farmer’s son who rose to be the Taiko. There’s a rhyme taught to every Japanese school child which gives an idea of their very distinctive characters and leadership styles: “What if the bird will not sing?” Nobunaga: “Kill it!” Hideyoshi: “Make the bird WANT to sing.” Ieyasu: “Wait.”

Thank you so much for sharing this! I will have to check out that book!

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79 Anime Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best anime topic ideas & essay examples, 💡 good essay topics on anime, 📌 simple & easy anime essay titles, ❓ research questions about anime.

• Japanese Anime: the Issues of Sexual Iconography First of all, it is of significant importance to become aware of the roots of such an iconographic symbol in Japanese anime.
• Japanese Anime and Doujin Culture In the 1980’s the anime spread to other parts of the world including the western world where it has continued to grow in popularity.
• Aspects of Anime and Manga The specifics of it lie in a distinct drawing style which is only seen in anime, and the characteristics of the genre in terms of how different things are depicted in scenes.
• Dragon Ball Z: Anime Review Although many of these characters have back-stories in Dragon Ball, the main focus is on the characters Vegeta, Goku, and Gohan up to this point, being that they are the strongest and most pivotal to […]
• Cosplay: Anime Community Craftmanship Of course, few people like to expose their nudity and to draw attention but for most of the cosplayers, it is simply a way to try on the character’s form. The initial meaning of participation […]
• Anime and Manga Genres: Tezuka Osamu’s Input In general, the magazines for boys and girls have the same characteristics and basic format; they differ only in types of stories, main characters, and plots.
• Manga and Anime Influence on Japanese Women The presentation of anime in manga literature and displays is a motivator of actions in individuals’ behaviors in the world today.
• Twins Characterization in Manga and Anime Psychological issues that represent twins struggles with the real self against the expected self, the split and fragmented self and the internal conflict between the ego and the super ego.
• Females and Their Animal Counterparts in Anime
• Analysis of the Influence of Anime on Disney
• All About Anime Manga and Western Animation
• Anime Addiction and Its Positive and Negative Effect
• Impact of Anime and Video Games on Popular Culture
• Anime Addiction: Its Causes and Effects on Students
• Reasons Why Anime Better Than American Cartoons
• Anime and Gangsta Rap: The Same
• Reasons Why Anime Goes Beyond Boundaries
• Anime and Its Effects on Japanese Culture
• Difference Between Anime and Manga, Art Styles, and Recommendations
• Anime and Its Impact on Generational Identities
• Behind the Scenes: How Anime Is Produced
• Anime Evolution and Influence in America
• Gender and Gender Relations in Manga and Anime
• Anime: Transforming American Pop-Culture
• How Anime and Manga Affect Teenagers
• Music From Japanese Anime in the US
• Sushi, Samurai, Anime, Geishas, and Many Other Impressive Things About Japan
• The Anime That Makes Fun of Itself: Lucky Star
• The Birth and Growth of Anime: Overview
• The Differences Between Anime and Cartoons
• The Distinct Difference Between a Manga and an Anime
• The Influence That Hsi Yu Chi Has Had on Manga and Anime
• The Story Behind the Beginning of Anime
• Homosexual or Transgender Representation in Anime
• Analysis of the Influence of Disney on Anime
• The Problem of Objectifying Women in Anime
• History and Development of Anime in America
• Japanese Anime and Its Influence on the World
• Environmentalism and Pacifism in Films: Studio Ghibli of Hayao Miyazaki
• Overview of the Role of Anime in Japanese Culture
• The Integration of Japanese Anime in the US Culture
• Analysis of Anime Series of Naruto
• Comparison of Anime and Western Cartoons
• How Has Anime Changed and How Has It Changed Our Country
• Anime as a New Kind of Modern Art
• Why Anime Cartoons Should Have Parental Advisory
• Detailed Character Description of Satoru Gojo From the Anime Jujutsu Kaisen
• Saving the Human Race in Neon Genesis Evangelion, a Japanese Animated Series
• How Do Anime and Manga Sexism Promote Misogyny?
• What Are the Effects of Watching Anime?
• Why Do Female Anime Characters Have Big Eyes?
• What Do White Pupils Mean in Anime?
• What Is Si Yu Chi’s Influence on Anime?
• Why Anime Will Always Be Better Than American Cartoons?
• Why Is the Anime Industry So Popular?
• How Does Anime Reflect Japanese Culture?
• Is It Easy to Make a Career as an Anime Artist?
• What Are LGBT Anime Called?
• What Percent of the Population Watches Anime?
• What Is the Difference Between Anime and Manga?
• How Much Is the Anime Industry Worth in 2022?
• What Is the History of Anime in Japan?
• Who Created the Anime Genre?
• What Are the Genres of Anime?
• How Was an Anime Created?
• How Did Anime Transform American Pop Culture?
• What Is the Marketing Value of Japanese Anime in the World?
• Why Is Japanese Anime Censored in America?
• What Technology Is Used in Anime?
• Does the Anime Have a Hidden Meaning?
• What Is the Most Famous Anime Soundtrack?
• What Is the Difference Between Cartoons and Anime?
• What Are the Disadvantages of Watching Anime?
• What Are the Gender Relations in Manga and Anime?
• What Is the Effect of Watching Anime?
• What Is Post-Anime Depression Syndrome?
• What Are the Gift Ideas for Anime Fans?
• What Is the Cultural Significance of Anime?
• Japanese Art Research Topics
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Yukio mishima and nihilism, popular essay topics.

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Essay Samples on Japanese

Review of japanese culture and unique characteristics of japanese people.

日本 (Nippon) is a kanji character which refers to Japan and means sunrise land. Nippon the name most locals refer to their country as. However, Japan is a country found in the east of Asia. It is made up of four major islands, namely Kyushu,...

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Unlatching Incarcerated Voices in Joy Kogawa's Obasan

The incarceration of hundreds of thousands of people of Japanese descent in North America during WWII had ill effects on those affected. Of these effects, there is a perplexing silence: the silence of the community, the silence of the family, and the silence of the...

Exploring the Theme of Immigration in World Literature

The immigrant writers can be categories from nationality of author. The major immigrant literatures are contributed by the writers from Indigenous, English, French, Asian, African, Caribbean and European nation etc. The immigrant writers have mostly dealt with hyphenation experience in the host land. It has...

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Sexualization in Japanese Anime as Its Most Peculiar Feature

In the world of animation, the overseas audience sometimes does not get to see the actual show that is originally created due to localization in the form of censorship. Many anime shows that first came to the United States were dubbed and heavily edited to...

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Japanese Anime and Its Influence on the American Culture

Japanese animation or anime is as popular as it’s ever been in the United State. Even though America televisions edits most of the shows because of kids watching anime still have a huge impact on American culture throughout the years. Japanese animators were also inspired...

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The Nonverbal Elements in Japanese Culture

In a culture where silence is golden and spoken words can be vague or meaningless, body language and gestures are very important. Japanese culture is considered 'high context,' implying that individuals depend far less on words to convey significance than they do on nonverbal prompts....

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Yokai as a part of Japanese Folklore and Culture

Yokai are strange and supernatural creatures from Japanese folklore. In ancient times yokai, or “monster” in the west was created to embody a certain cultural moment. The world of yokai also includes subsections such as ghosts (yurei), gods (kami), transformed humans and animals (bakemono), and...

Japanese Culture and Its Influence on the Global Fashion 

How has Japanese culture influenced the global fashion industry? When society recalls the words 'Japanese culture', the first image that pops into our mind is of the kimono. In reality, the historic roots and the philosophical branches of the Japanese culture and traditions spread far...

Japanese Culture: Social and Educational Traditions

Japan started out as a country with a Meiji leader focused on war. With the development of the Tokugawa era in 1603, Japan focused less on war and more on educating its people. “From the middle of the 19th century the Samurai, while retaining their...

Introduction to Japanes Culture Essay

What Are the Distinguishing Features of Akizuki and Lion Orchard? Firstly, the town of Akizuki is in a quite remote location, and far away from any other neighboring towns. As a result, most of the buildings and the feel of the buildings there, in general,...

The Beginning of Japanese Pearl Divers in Australia

Introduction Back when the Europeans discovered Australia, they started to create a world of their own. The aboriginals could do nothing in their power to stop the invaders from destroying their cycle of living. As the Europeans continued to build and discover; they soon uncovered...

Japanese Pop Culture And Art - Street Racing And Japanese Manga, Anime Culture

The country of Japan houses many of the world’s biggest car manufacturers like Honda, Toyota, and Nissan. Being in the same country with these huge car manufactures affected people’s lives and changed their culture. Cars function more than taking people to point A to point...

Best topics on Japanese

1. Review of Japanese Culture and Unique Characteristics of Japanese People

2. Unlatching Incarcerated Voices in Joy Kogawa’s Obasan

3. Exploring the Theme of Immigration in World Literature

4. Sexualization in Japanese Anime as Its Most Peculiar Feature

5. Japanese Anime and Its Influence on the American Culture

6. The Nonverbal Elements in Japanese Culture

7. Yokai as a part of Japanese Folklore and Culture

8. Japanese Culture and Its Influence on the Global Fashion 

9. Japanese Culture: Social and Educational Traditions

10. Introduction to Japanes Culture Essay

11. The Beginning of Japanese Pearl Divers in Australia

12. Japanese Pop Culture And Art – Street Racing And Japanese Manga, Anime Culture

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Shigeji Tsuboi Course Work Samples

Shigeji Tsuboi was a prominent Japanese poet of the new age of Japanese literature. He was born on October 10, 1897 and died in September 4, 1975 at the age of 77 years. Tsuboi was born on the island of Shodoshima. He went to the Waseda University in Tokyo, but he never completed his studies. Initially, Tsuboi started out as a modernist and anarchist. As the wave of Marxism grew stronger in Japan, It away Tsuboi, and he broke up with the anarchists. The breaking away from the anarchist movement resulted in a broken arm.

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Japanese Culture Essay Examples

The vibrant japanese culture: a journey through its customs.

Japanese culture is rich and diverse, encompassing a wide range of traditions, customs, and beliefs that have evolved over thousands of years. From the arts and cuisine to religion and philosophy, Japanese culture is glorified in this essay for its beauty, refinement, and attention to...

History of Change of Women Roles from the Tokugawa Shogunate to Modern Japan

In the decades since women’s history became an acknowledged field on a global scale, scholars and authors have produced essays, biographies, and translations that consider the subject of women in early modern Japan. Japanese culture has historically emphasized gender roles, and the position of women...

Analysis of Shogunate of Tokugawa Ieyasu in Japan

Prior to the 17th century, Japan had to go through a battle that decided the fate of its country for the next two centuries. And that was a major event in the history of Japan. This battle named the Battle of Sekigahara took place due...

Ritualization of Pregnancy and Childbirth before the Meiji Restoration (1868)

The area of ritual and state in modern Japanese religious history is a very rich one. Research on the symbolism of state rites has been a topic of enduring interest, as have functionalist studies of the significance of state rites, especially Shinto ritual, in the...

The History of the Origin of Origami

Many studies vigorously place in categorical order that origami used to be invented via the Japanese about a few hundred thousand years ago, but its roots may supplementally made in China. Certainly, inside Europe Tradition, the practise's of constant folding and material pleating have prevailed...

The History and Culture of Japanese Cuisine

Because of its delicious taste, full nutritional value, and the pleasure brought by vision, Japanese cuisine enjoys international reputation. Most people who like Japanese cuisine don't know. In fact, the Japanese cuisine we are familiar with, such as sushi, tempura or Shouxi Shao, is not...

Japanese Food Culture: How Sushi Became a Global Food

The world is transforming at a very high rate, connecting people from different walks of life and thus diversifying culture. The interaction of people has not only improved tourism across the globe but has also improved trade as people have gone international. It is this...

Cultural Appropriation of Japanese Culture by Global Celebrities

Globalisation as defined by G. Ritzer, “Is the worldwide diffusion of practices, expansion of relations across continents, the organizations of social life on a global scale, and the growth of a shared global consciousness”. Today guided by the instantaneous nature of media, which allows media...

Illustration of the Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory of Personality in the Black Swan Movie

This paper is going to examine the connections between national cuisine and identity. Some foods are so identified with a country that it is difficult to imagine that country without talking about that particular food. Sometimes a cuisine can even be used to soften international...

The Impact of the Legacy of Black Women to the Discriminative Society of the Jim Crow

Tracing back to the origin of sushi, it is surprising that its history is not far away. During the Yanbao period of the Edo period (1673 to 1680). Kyoto's doctor Matsumoto Shinji put a variety of seafood vinegar together. Then, eat it with rice. It...

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