For many centuries in a row, the Land of the Rising Sun developed in isolation from the rest of the world, which was especially evident during the Edo Shogunate (17th-19th centuries). During this time, the culture, formed thousands of years ago, became more traditional and conservative. After the “discovery” of the country to the world in the second half of the 19th century, new features appeared in the culture, which were clearly manifested in the 20th and 21st centuries. The main trends in the development of both ancient and modern Japanese culture include:
- The literary genres of hokku, haiku, tanka emerged in ancient times and continue to be popular today. They are used by poets around the world.
- Engravings amaze by their depth, spiritual expressiveness and completeness.
- The younger members of the family respect the older ones. Such a trait in family relations and culture of life has been present in society for many centuries.
- Quite specific attitude towards women and their position in society.
- The constant search for beauty and harmony, which is manifested in every form of art and culture, in everyday life.
- The caricature genre has been prevalent in artistic culture for many centuries. It is created in different ways, which allows for quite sketchy drawings and comic strips.
- Grotesque, passion and unbridledness are present in literature, painting, architecture and prints.
- Grace and artistry in architecture, which makes different works masterpieces. When erecting constructions necessarily takes into account not only the beauty, but also the peculiarities of the geographical location of Japan.
- Accuracy in the physical compositions. If you look at them, you can see the planning, clarity, thoughtfulness in the placement of each object.
- Japan gave the world two unique and distinctive theater genres – Kabuki and Noh theater. The first is characterized by the use of emotionality and melodrama, and the second by the use of masks.
- The use of ancient traditional and modern instruments in music, which are used in pop and punk culture.
- Ancient literary works were created by women who only knew the Japanese script. They were not supposed to learn Chinese, a right granted only to men.
The aesthetics that permeated all spheres and areas of culture and cultural life were distinctive and original. For example, in order to make this or that work, they use ephemeral materials that are fragile and unstable. They also use materials that have not undergone special treatment. Thanks to this, the Japanese are able to emphasize the shape of the product, to give it a natural, natural character.