Introduction to Japanese Culture

The greatest accomplishment of any civilization is the heritage of culture it produces and passes on to future generations. By this assessment, in fields as diverse as literature, music art and cuisine, the richness of Japan''s culture is renowned worldwide. Introduction to Japanese Culture presents an overview, through sixty-eight original and informative essays, of some of Japans most notable cultural achievements. Unquestionably the Japan of today is fully modern, Westernized society in nearly every regard. Yet even so, the elements of a earlier age are clearly visible in the country''s arts.;Frontcover; Copyright; CONTENTS; List of Line Illustrations; PART ONE; SHOGATSU; SETSUBUN; HINA MATSURI; HANAMI; TANGO-NO-SEKKU; BON; AKI MATSURI; SHICHI-GO-SAN; PART TWO; CHANOYU; IKEBANA; YAKIMONO; NIHONGA; SHODO; WASHI; TAKE; NOH & KYOGEN; KABUKI; BUNRAKU; HOGAKU; HAIKU; SUMO; JUDO & KARATE; KENDO & KYUDO; GEISHA; PART THREE; GO & SHOGI; JANKEN; ORIGAMI; HANAFUDA; PACHINKO; ONSEN; RYOKAN; PART FOUR; NIHON RYORI; WAGASHI; KOME; SASHIMI & SUSHI; SOBA & UDON; MISO & SHOYU; DEMAE; PART FIVE; ZEN; JINJA; OMISOKA; OMAMORI; JIZO; MIAI KEKKON; SOSHIKI; BUSHIDO; PART SIX; NIHON KAOKU; ZASHIKI.