HKJ Flashcards
History and culture of Japan
is known for its earthenware
and hunter-gatherer lifestyle.
The Jomon Period (14,000 BC – 1,000 BC)
saw the introduction of rice
cultivation and metalworking.
The Yayoi Period (1,000 BC – AD 300)
witnessed the construction of
large burial mounds and the establishment of the Yamato Imperial Court
The Kofun Period (3rd to 7th century)
introduced Buddhism and Chinese
characters, while the Nara Period (710 – 794) saw the creation of
a centralized government and the construction of the Todaiji Temple.
The Asuka Period (592 – 710)
was marked by the rise of the
aristocracy and the emergence of samurai warriors.
The Heian Period (794 – 1185)
saw the establishment of
the first Shogunate and the Mongol invasions.
The Kamakura Period (1185 – 1333)
witnessed the Warring States
period and the introduction of guns and Christianity.
The Muromachi Period (1338 – 1573)
saw the unification of
Japan by Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
The Azuchi-Momoyama Period (1573 – 1603)
was a period of prolonged peace and unity under the Tokugawa Shogunate. ~isolation
The Edo Period (1603 – 1868)
saw the modernization of Japan and the end of the feudal system.
The Meiji Period (1868 – 1912)
was a time of political parties and economic growth.
The Taisho Period (1912 – 1926)
witnessed Japan’s involvement in
World War II and its subsequent economic recovery.
The Showa Period (1926 – 1989)
Origin of the Japanese Language
- The exact origin of Japanese is unclear.
- Theories suggest possible links to Ural-Altai, Polynesian, and Korean languages.
- Currently considered a language isolate (no close relatives).
Japanese Language Structure:
- Agglutinative language: builds words by adding suffixes/prefixes.
- Spoken by 130 million people.
Writing Systems:
- Three main systems:
o Kanji (Chinese characters): adopted with different readings (on’yomi, kun’yomi).
o Hiragana: phonetic syllabary for native Japanese words and grammatical features.
o Katakana: phonetic syllabary for foreign words and emphasis. - Latin alphabet: used for foreign words and abbreviations.
Vocabulary
- Mix of native Japanese words (Wago), Chinese loanwords (Kango), and foreign loanwords (Gairaigo).
- Wasei-eigo: “English made in Japan” - Japanese-created words adopted into other languages (e.g., karaoke).
Phonology
- 5 vowels (short and long versions). A, I, U, E, O * ā, ī, ū, ē, ō (ilo time)
- Limited consonant sounds. KA, KI, KU, KE, KO * TA, CHI, TSU, TE, TO
- Pitch accent can change word meaning.
Japanese Text Input:
- IME (Input Method Editor) software allows typing Japanese using a Roman keyboard.
- NLP (Natural Language Processing) helps computers understand Japanese text.
Challenges of Computer Analysis of Japanese:
- Complex grammar.
- Ambiguity of kanji readings.
- Lack of word spacing.
Cultural Differences and Translation:
- Unique grammar and cultural expressions pose translation challenges.
- Importance of conveying politeness and social hierarchy.
Technology and Japanese Language Learning:
- Tools exist to help foreigners learn Japanese with interactive platforms and translation assistance.
- Mobile apps provide vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation practice.
Neighboring countries
North Korea, South Korea, China, and Russia.
Located in the
Pacific Ocean
Comprises 6,852 islands, with 4 main islands
Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku.
bordered by the
Sea of Okhotsk, Sea of Japan, and East China Sea.
Total area
377,973.89 km² (land: 364,543.89 km², water: 13,430 km²).
70% of the land is uninhabited, with 10% of the world’s active volcanoes.
Four main tectonic plates lead to frequent
earthquakes, tsunamis, and typhoons.
Japan’s highest peak (3,776 m).
Mt. Fuji
Climate varies
humid continental in the north, humid subtropical/tropical rainforest in the south.
remote islands
Okinawa
Japan’s longest river (367 km).
Shinano River
Largest lake (671 km²).
Lake Biwa
- 126 million people (2019), making Japan the 11th most populous country.
- 81% of the population lives on Honshu, Tokyo has over 10 million residents.
- 98% ethnically Japanese, 2% mainly Chinese and Korean.
- 11.65% arable land, 0.83% permanent crops, 87.52% sea.
- 47 prefectures categorized into:
o 43 Ken (provinces)
o 1 To (Tokyo)
o 2 Fu (Ōsaka, Kyōto)
o 1 Dō (Hokkaidō).
Second-largest island, coldest region with 5.38 million people and low population density (63/km²).
Hokkaido
Largest and most populous island, home to 81.3% of Japan’s population (104 million).
Honshu
Smallest island with 3.8 million people.
Shikoku
Third-largest island, known for hot springs and Mt. Aso.
Kyushu
First man-made island
Kyogashima
man-made island
Rokkō
Japan frequently experiences earthquakes, tsunamis, and typhoons.
devision
47
Tashirojima
cats
Okunoshima
rabbits
Miyajima
deers
Miyagi Zao
foxs
Jigoku-dani
monkey
Okazu
Side Dishes
o Common examples: Grilled fish, vegetables, tofu dishes.
- Obento
bento
Gaishoku
Eating Out
o Popular dining options: Ramen shops, sushi bars, izakayas.
nomihōdai
all-you-can-drink
tabehōdai
all-you-can-eat
Nomikai
Social drinking culture.
: Takoyaki, okonomiyaki, yakitori.
Popular street foods