Let’s explore the traditional culture surrounding “clothing, food, and housing,” which are deeply related to daily life in Japan. If you’re interested in any of these traditions, why not try experiencing them yourself?
Japanese Cuisine
Representing Japan’s traditional culture is Japanese cuisine, known as washoku. Washoku is a food culture born from Japan’s abundant nature, with mountains and seas surrounding the country, providing a variety of seasonal ingredients. Japan has long revered nature and valued gratitude for its blessings. Therefore, cooking methods that use ingredients without waste have become widespread, with attention to detail even in where and how meals are eaten.
Washoku is a culinary culture that possesses the fifth taste called umami. Umami is created when components found in ingredients such as bonito flakes, kombu seaweed, and dried shiitake mushrooms combine with sodium and potassium. The delicate seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients using umami, salt, miso, soy sauce, etc., is a characteristic feature. The seasonings used in washoku are often fermented foods, which are said to help prevent obesity and promote longevity by reducing the intake of animal fats. Additionally, washoku, with its basic concept of “one soup, three dishes,” is a nutritious and healthy cuisine.
Japanese Confectionery
Japanese confectionery, when traced back in history, has been eaten in Japan since the Jomon period and is a traditional food. With the introduction of rice cultivation, mochi (rice cake) was born, and various Japanese confectioneries have been created along with the establishment of the tea ceremony. Not only in taste but also in beautiful appearance, Japanese confectionery is characterized by motifs of seasonal plants and adorable animals. The visual aspect of these confections, which makes you hesitant to eat them, has been established as a tradition.
Japanese Architecture
Traditional Japanese architecture is also one of Japan’s cultural assets. Due to the abundant forests and suitable timber, wooden architecture has been used since ancient times. Even today, Japan has many cultural buildings built using traditional techniques. The construction methods of wooden architecture have evolved over time, gradually improving architectural technology. Carpenters who work on the construction of shrines and temples are called “miya-daiku,” and in times when metal parts were still precious, they constructed buildings without using a single nail, demonstrating advanced joinery techniques.
Techniques tailored to the frequent earthquakes are also a feature of Japanese architecture. For example, in the architecture of the world cultural heritage site “Horyuji Temple,” a technique was used to install a pillar called a “shinbashira” in the center to separate each floor and release vibrations during earthquakes to prevent collapse.
Japanese Gardens
Japanese gardens, created using various styles, are one of Japan’s traditional cultures. They mainly refer to gardens that reproduce natural landscapes by placing a pond in the center, piling up stones and earth to create an artificial mountain called a “tsukiyama,” and using seasonal plants. There are also Japanese gardens that use only rocks and sand to express water flow, called “kare-sansui,” and the styles vary.
Hot Springs
Hot springs, popular even among foreigners, are a traditional Japanese culture that has been passed down since ancient times. Since the Edo period, “toji,” soaking in hot springs to heal diseases and injuries, has been enjoyed by people. Japan, with its many volcanoes, has various hot springs with different effects located throughout the country.
For more information about hot springs, please see the columns “What is the relationship between volcanoes and hot springs? Explaining to foreigners!” and “Is Japan’s bathing culture unique? Introducing differences with foreign cultures, etc.”
Fusuma and Shoji
Traditional houses that use fusuma (sliding doors) and shoji (paper sliding doors) are unique to Japan. Fusuma are doors that serve to partition rooms, while shoji are doors made by attaching thin paper to wooden frames and are installed near windows to allow the right amount of wind and sunlight to pass through. When you stay at a Japanese-style inn, you may be able to stay in a room with fusuma and shoji.
Tatami Mats
Tatami mats are flooring materials made from igusa (rush grass). Along with fusuma and shoji, they are important elements that make up a Japanese-style room. The techniques for making tatami, such as weaving and laying, which have been passed down from ancient times, are cultural assets that should be handed down to future generations. Ikebana, tea ceremony, and judo are all conducted in rooms with tatami, and they are closely related to various traditional cultures.
Kimono
When it comes to traditional clothing in Japan, many people think of the kimono. Kimono is a traditional Japanese garment. The patterns drawn using a variety of colorful dyes are as beautiful as works of art, symbolizing Japan’s sense of beauty. Kimono is categorized into formal wear, visiting wear, and casual wear, and the type to be worn is determined by the occasion. Additionally, it is considered good manners to choose the material, pattern, and color of the kimono according to the season. Not only is kimono beautiful in itself, but also the combination of accessories such as obi (sash), zori (sandals), tabi (socks), and kanzashi (hair ornament) adds to its charm.
Kimono originated in the Heian period and was worn daily by Japanese people until the Meiji era when it was influenced by foreign cultures. In recent years, there have been fewer opportunities to wear kimono as everyday wear, but there is a custom of wearing it as formal wear for celebrations such as weddings, coming-of-age ceremonies, and shrine visits.