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
Umami
The fifth taste and its role in Japanese cuisine.
Daikon
Japanese radish
Satsuma-imo
Sweet potato
Take no ko
Bamboo shoots
Nori
Seaweed
Shōyu
Soy sauce
Dashi
Soup stock, broth
Osu
Rice wine vinegar (similar to mirin)
Miso
Fermented soybean paste
Mirin
Sweet rice wine
Noodle
Ramen, soba, udon, somen, hiyamugi
Tsukemono
Pickles
Tempura
Batter and dipping sauce
Nigiri-zushi, chirashi-zushi, inarizushi, makizushi, narezushi, oshizushi.
Sushi
Sukiyaki and Shabu-Shabu:
Hot pot styles.
: Ramen, karē (curry), kimchi, tonkatsu
Wagashi
Anko-based sweets, mochi, yōkan
Dos and don’ts.
- Chopsticks etiquette
We see early structures with the presence of haniwa (clay figures) and dōtaku (bronze bells).
Prehistoric Times
The influence of Buddhism is evident with structures like Hōryūji temple and Daibutsuden Kondō with its giant Buddha statue.
Nara Period (710-794):
- Hōōdō: This iconic Phoenix Hall showcases a shift in style.
- Heian Period (794-1185):
This famous shrine features the iconic “tori” gate appearing to float on water.
Itsukushima Shrine
Zen Buddhism shapes architecture with examples like Kōfukuji (featuring Zenshūyō style) and Kenchōji with its focus on simplicity.
Kamakura Period (1185-1333
This temple, though built earlier, represents an eclectic style with Chinese influences.
- Tōdaiji
The “Shoinzukuri” style emerges, emphasizing simplicity and functionality. Key elements include tokonoma (alcove), chigaidana (shelves), shoin (study area) and chōdaigamae (decorative alcove entrance). Tea pavilions also become prominent.
Muromachi Period (1333-1573):
): Grand castles like Himeji-jō and Nijō Castle showcase the power of feudal lords.
Momoyama Period (1573-1603
This villa embodies refined elegance with its connection to nature.
- Katsura Imperial Villa
This mausoleum represents ornate and colorful architecture.
- Tōshōgū Shrine
Western influences become prominent in modern Japanese architecture.
Modernization:
* Meiji Period (1868-1912
Transitional space between inside and outside.
Engawa (veranda
): Defined entry point for removing shoes.
Genkan (entryway
Units defining living space.
Tatami (floor mats
Display space for art and calligraphy.
Tokonoma (alcove
Offer flexible space division and light control.
Shōji and fusuma (sliding doors
Buildings often incorporate nature and respect its power.
Architects vs. nature:
comes from the word “mangaka” (漫画家) meaning “comic book artist.”
Manga
Early Roots
- The concept of graphic storytelling has roots in the Heian period (794-1185) with “emaki-mono” (illustrated scrolls).
- Artists like Katsushika Hokusai (1603-1868) contributed to early manga styles with their “hokusai manga” (sketched sketches).
Western Influence
- Western publications like “The Japan Punch” and “Tobae” influenced Japanese manga development.
- American comic strips from the 19th and 20th centuries also played a role
Anti-American Propaganda and Osamu Tezuka (1928-1989):
- Manga was used for wartime propaganda, often portraying Americans negatively.
- Osamu Tezuka, the “God of Manga,” revolutionized the industry with works like:
o Astro Boy (Tetsuwan Atomu) - a superhero story promoting peace.
o Black Jack (Burakkujakku) - a medical drama with a complex protagonist.
o Phoenix (Hi no Tori) - a fantastical tale of rebirth and mortality.
a superhero story promoting peace.
o Astro Boy (Tetsuwan Atomu)
a medical drama with a complex protagonist.
o Black Jack (Burakkujakku)
a fantastical tale of rebirth and mortality.
o Phoenix (Hi no Tori)
: for young girls (romance, friendship)
o Shōjo-manga
for young boys (action, adventure)
o Shōnen-manga
for adult men (mature themes, drama)
o Seinen-manga
for adult women (romance, slice-of-life)
o Josei-manga
sexually explicit content (not widely accepted)
o Hentai-manga
Military nobility, well-trained warriors following Bushido (warrior code). Later became administrators.
Samurai
Hidden operatives (Shinobi) specializing in espionage, infiltration, and sabotage.
Ninja
Rose to prominence in the Edo era (1603-1868), representing 5% of the population by 1870.
Samurai
Primarily active during the Sengoku period (1477-1615), associated with Iga and Koga regions.
Ninja
Daisho (two swords), bows, armor variations.
Samurai
Ninjutsu (stealth and combat techniques).
Ninja
Boshin War (1868-1869) marked the decline.
Samurai
NOT black pajamas! Historical attire is unknown.
Ninja
Jidaigeki films, Akira Kurosawa movies, manga/anime, Western films like The Last Samurai.
Samurai
Movies like “Shinobi no Mono” (1962), James Bond film “You Only Live Twice” (1967), even “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” (1987).
Ninja
were well-trained, honorable warriors,
Samurai
had a more prominent social role,
Samurai
were secretive operatives focused on covert missions.
Ninja
operated in the shadows.
Ninja
Japanese music
hōgaku
Western music
yōgaku
Classical Japanese musical drama.
o Hayashi-kata: Instrumental ensemble featuring taiko (drum), ōtsuzumi (larger hand drum), kotsuzumi (smaller drum), and nōkan (bamboo flute).
- Noh
Instrumental ensemble featuring taiko (drum), ōtsuzumi (larger hand drum), kotsuzumi (smaller drum), and nōkan (bamboo flute).
Hayashi-kata
o Three categories:
Geza: Music for Kabuki plays, including uta (singing), aikata (instrumental), and narimono (shamisen and percussion).
Shosa-ongaku: Narrative music styles like takemoto, nagauta, tokiwazu, and kiyomoto.
Ki i tsuke: Percussion used to set the rhythm.
- Kabuki
Music for Kabuki plays, including uta (singing), aikata (instrumental), and narimono (shamisen and percussion).
Geza
Narrative music styles like takemoto, nagauta, tokiwazu, and kiyomoto.
Shosa-ongaku
Percussion used to set the rhythm.
Ki i tsuke
Ancient court music with origins in China.
o YO scale: Pentatonic scale used in Gagaku.
o Various subgenres: Engaku, Tōgaku, Kogaku, Shingaku, Komagaku, Tenjikugaku, Rinyūgaku.
- Gagaku
Pentatonic scale used in Gagaku.
YO scale
Engaku, Tōgaku, Kogaku, Shingaku, Komagaku, Tenjikugaku, Rinyūgaku.
Various subgenres
Buddhist chanting using a pentatonic scale.
- Shōmyō
Narrative music accompanied by shamisen.
o Subgenres: Gidayubushi, Tokiwazubushi, Kiyomotobushi, Shin’naibushi.
- Jōruri
Gidayubushi, Tokiwazubushi, Kiyomotobushi, Shin’naibushi.
Subgenres
A three-stringed Japanese lute.
- Shamisen
A traditional Japanese zither.
Koto
A Japanese bamboo flute.
- Shakuhachi
Japanese drums.
Taiko
A contemporary shamisen duo that has gained international recognition.
- Yoshida Brothers
A taiko drumming group.
- Yamato
A Japanese pop metal group known for fusing traditional Japanese elements with heavy metal.
- Baby Metal
A significant period for the restoration and development of various Japanese musical genres.
- Edo period
Musicians in the Gagaku tradition were organized into guilds
- Guilds
A musical scale with five notes per octave, commonly found in traditional Japanese music.
- Pentatonic scale
