How can we make sure our guests visiting Japan have a special memory?”
Some of you may be wondering this when welcoming guests from overseas.
If you go to all this trouble, you would like to entertain them with Japanese culture, which is also popular overseas.
Many visitors to Japan expect “experiences” that can only be had in Japan.
For example, if you are interested in Kabuki, which is popular even overseas, we recommend not only watching the play but also observing the “backstage” of the play, such as the stage makeup and stage equipment.
By learning more about the process and how it works, you will deepen your knowledge and remember it as a “special experience and memory”.
In this issue, we will introduce Japanese culture popular among foreigners and the reasons for its popularity.
We will also introduce 12 Japanese cultural experiences that you can actually experience, so please refer to them when you entertain guests from overseas.
Which Japanese culture is popular overseas?
The following are examples of Japanese culture that are popular with people from overseas.
- Unique traditional arts such as Kabuki and Noh
- Samurai, Ninja, and other historical entities unique to Japan.
- Crafts using lacquer, which is considered unique to Japan
- Ukiyo-e has influenced many famous foreign artists.
- Japanese food culture and Japanese food made with seasonings and cooking methods unique to Japan
- Different hot springs have different characteristics and benefits in each area.
Thus, Japan, an island nation that has built up its own unique history, is rich in cultures that are popular overseas.
In some cases, historical figures such as samurai and ninja are popular not only because of their specific personalities, but also because of their “spirituality.
Why Japanese culture is highly valued overseas
Japanese culture has constructed a modern form that is full of originality due to the combination of a special environment and various conditions.
The reasons for the popularity of Japanese culture abroad can be largely summarized as follows.
- A profound sense of hospitality
- The “Way” of spirituality and courtesy.
- Unparalleled religious beliefs
- Unique natural scenery and four seasons
Let us explain one by one.
A profound sense of hospitality
Many of you are probably still fresh in your minds about the “o-mo-te-nashi” phrase that became a hot topic during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Since ancient times, the Japanese have long emphasized “omotenashi,” or hospitality, in which one shows consideration for others without asking for anything in return.
This spirit is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, including the tea ceremony and geisha.
And even today, Omotenashi has been passed down in Japan as “the basic spirit of welcoming guests” and is highly appreciated by people from overseas who have actually received such hospitality.
The “Way” of spirituality and courtesy.
In Japan, there are many different “paths,” such as flower arrangement, judo, and even bushido.
All of them teach not only the improvement of technique and skill, but also a strong spirit of purity, correctness, and beauty, as well as courtesy and respect for others.
It is a manifestation of the Japanese desire to be self-disciplined and humanistic in everything they do, and is admired by people from other countries as well.
Unparalleled religious beliefs
Japan has a religious outlook that is unique in the world, with Shintoism, which believes in God, and Buddhism, which believes in Buddha, coexisting without conflict.
At the same time, because of the underlying belief in eight million deities that “God resides in all things, “ they also treat things and things with a sense of awe and gratitude.
The phrase “thank you for the encounter,” often heard in Japan, is a symbol of this.
And many people in Japan do not have a specific religion, and their flexible attitude of accepting foreign religions and customs without denying them is well received.
Presence of four seasons and unique natural scenery
While there are places in other countries that have four seasons, a country like Japan, which is an island nation with seasons that switch every few months, is a rarity in the world.
Above all, Japan has a custom of “loving” the characteristics of each of the four seasons.
The culture of savoring and enjoying the seasons through events and natural scenery that change with the seasons, such as seasonal foods and the sound of insects, is unique to Japan.
Foreign visitors to Japan enjoy their visit in different ways depending on the season they visit, a factor that keeps them coming back again and again.
12 Japanese cultural experiences you can actually experience
Next, we would like to introduce 12 Japanese cultural experiences that can actually be experienced by foreign guests.
All of these items are popular in Japan and abroad, and we are sure that they will be appreciated.
Noh and Kabuki
Noh and Kabuki are particularly popular Japanese culture overseas.
Noh originated in “sangaku” (scattered music), which was introduced from China in the Heian period (794-1185), and developed into the form that we know today in the hands of Kan’ami and Ze’ami in the Muromachi period (1392-1573).
Noh, refined by trimming away large movements and useless lines, was often treated as highly prestigious music, especially by samurai families and aristocrats.
Kabuki, on the other hand, became popular around the mid-Edo period, especially among the common people, because of its eccentric fashions and movements.
Kabuki, which had acquired a position as a popular form of theater, gradually developed into its current form through the development of innovations in stage productions such as the gyuri-stage.
Noh and Kabuki have many performances in common and are popular as unique cultures from a historical perspective.
The experience includes watching an actual Noh or Kabuki play in a private space, viewing a museum where you can learn about props and history, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the actors’ makeup and stage equipment.
2. samurai/killers
Samurai” are often featured as subjects in movies and plays, and Japanese culture is popular overseas as “SAMURAI”.
Bushido, the ideology and mentality of self-discipline and respect for loyalty, faith, and courtesy, is one of the most attractive aspects of the samurai, and is similar to chivalry in other countries.
In addition, the “sword fighting,” a staple in samurai-themed productions, is particularly noteworthy for its powerful scenes.
To begin with, tate (殺陣) or satsudan (殺陣) refers to the acting and standing in action scenes performed by actors in plays and movies.
Popular experiences for international participants include demonstrations by professional killers and instruction in shooting and acting with imitation swords.
3. ninja
Like the samurai, the “ninja” is a culture and existence unique to Japan.
Historically, they were called “ninjas” and were believed to have served a particular lord in a covert or protective role based on their comprehensive knowledge of medicine, pharmacology, etc.
Gradually, the image of creative works using magical techniques, or “ninjutsu,” became famous and took root.
The ninja, who were mainly engaged in covert activities and are treated in many subcultures such as fiction films, manga, and anime, have gained popularity as mysterious beings.
Experiences with weapons such as shuriken, action shows, and workshops where you can learn about ninja history and culture will provide you with special memories that you can only experience in Japan.
4. tea ceremony, flower arrangement, calligraphy
Tea ceremony, flower arrangement, and calligraphy are known as the “three ways” of Japanese traditional arts and are popular as lessons in Japan.
The tea ceremony, in particular, has been a major boom in Japan’s history, starting with Sen no Rikyu, and is an indispensable part of Japanese culture and history, including the Warring States period.
All three paths require refined manners and a well-honed spirit.
However, demonstrations by professionals in the field and simplified workshops for beginners can be easily enjoyed by overseas visitors with no prior knowledge.
Through the experience, people from overseas will be able to experience the charm and depth of each of the three provinces.
5. geisha and maiko
Geisha and maiko are called differently in different regions, such as “geiko” and “han-dama,” but they originated in Kyoto and are part of the performing arts culture.
A maiko is a woman, mainly in her teens, who is training to become a geisha, and has an appearance that retains the innocence of a child in her costume, hairstyle, and makeup.
A geisha, on the other hand, is a woman who is at least 20 years old and has matured into a full-fledged performer of her art.
Costumes and accessories, such as hair ornaments and ornamental hairpins, also change to be more chic and mature than those of maiko.
All of them are responsible for entertaining guests with songs, dances, and other artistic performances. Because of their elegance, high level of culture, and unique Japanese culture, they are popular overseas as “special beings that can only be seen in Japan.
They will experience a special moment with entertainment at the dinner table, watching dances, and playing tatami room games, which are participatory games.
For female visitors, we also recommend the “maiko experience,” where you can enjoy taking pictures and sightseeing in a maiko costume and makeup.
6. traditional crafts such as lacquerware and kintsugi
Lacquerware, made by applying layers of lacquer to paper or wooden vessels, is considered a craft unique to Japan.
This lacquer is made from the sap extracted from the poison ivy plant, and has been used in Japan since the Jomon period because of its high antiseptic and insect repellent properties.
Makie, a technique in which lacquer and gold or silver powder are used to decorate lacquerware, is characterized by its glittering and delicate decorative techniques.
Around the 16th century, Japanese lacquerware was accepted by Europeans, who came to call it “Japan.
Kintsugi,” which developed uniquely in Japan, is another traditional craft that has been attracting attention overseas in recent years.
Kintsugi” is a process of repairing broken ceramics using lacquer and gold powder to bring new beauty to ceramics, creating new value to ceramics as “individuality” rather than hiding scars.
In addition to observing the production process and experiencing it in the workshop, these crafts are also popular as souvenirs.
7. wadaiko (Japanese drum)
The taiko is a relatively popular percussion instrument that has developed in each country around the world.
However, Japanese taiko is also a traditional art form popular overseas for its dynamic and powerful performances and powerful tone.
It is also used in Kabuki and other performances, and is an essential part of Japanese culture and performing arts.
Long-dojo drums are used in festivals and are the most representative of all wadaiko drums. The skin of animals such as cows and horses is used for the drumming surface.
The wooden side part, called the “body,” takes two to three years just to dry the formed wood.
When stretching the leather, which is the drum surface, a professional craftsman steps on top of the drum and stretches it with his heel to evenly stretch the skin and fine-tune the tone.
This unique manufacturing process is so delicate and meticulous that it is hard to imagine from the dynamic sound of the taiko.
The experience includes observing the production process, workshops, enjoying live music and performances by professional taiko drummers, as well as participating in the performance and enjoying a sense of togetherness, which is a popular production.
8. japanese food
Among visitors to Japan, one of the most popular cultures is Japanese food.
Many repeat customers often wish to eat there on their next visit to Japan as well.
Japanese cuisine Japanese cuisine is not only pleasing to the eye, but the simple seasoning allows you to appreciate the umami and depth of the ingredients themselves.
Healthy ingredients and cooking methods make it popular among those who are concerned about their health.
You can experience not only eating but also actually making Japanese food yourself in various ways, such as cooking classes and direct conversation with the chef.
In addition, not only formal Japanese food, but also restaurants and izakaya (Japanese style pubs) where we Japanese generally eat may be preferred.
Surprisingly, ramen, which has evolved in its own unique way in Japan, is also very popular overseas, and Hollywood actor Keanu Reeves frequently visits Japan to eat ramen.
Do not limit yourself to typical “Japanese food” but change it according to the tastes and requests of your customers so that they can enjoy their meals and trips more.
9. zazen, sutra and Buddha chanting
Buddhism is a religion that originated in India and is believed to have come to Japan from China and Vietnam.
In Japan, Buddhism developed in its own unique way, coexisting with the belief in “eight million gods” that had been believed in since the Jomon period.
And in Japanese Buddhist temples, there are many original Buddhist statues such as the powerful Kongorikishi statue and Rushanabutsu, known as the “Great Buddha of Nara,” which are highly regarded as works of art.
In terms of experiences, zazen is popular because it is easy to participate in.
Shakyo (copying sutras) andShabutsu ( drawing pictures of Buddha) are also available for foreign visitors to participate in without hesitation, as they are more for “spiritual unification” than for understanding the content or Buddhist statues.
The time and space to forget the hustle and bustle of daily life and regain a peaceful spirit is similar to meditation, which has become popular in recent years, and will be a special experience to savor the extraordinary.
For something different, we also recommend staying overnight at a temple (shukubo), where you can experience the monks’ training and lifestyle throughout the day.
10. hot springs
Although there are hot springs in many countries around the world, in the case of Japan, the attraction is that you can enjoy the history and emotional landscape unique to the area where the hot spring is located.
The benefits of hot springs, such as beautiful skin and relieving fatigue, as well as the open-air baths in the great outdoors, can be said to be “an experience that can only be experienced here and now.
Even within the same hot spring resort, different areas and facilities offer different hot spring benefits, as well as different town cultures and atmospheres, so you will never get tired of visiting again and again.
Some facilities allow visitors to freely stroll through the attached Japanese gardens and footbaths, or lend them yukata (light cotton kimono) and chochin (paper lanterns) for strolling around the town.
However, foreign visitors may be resistant to the Japanese bathing method, which requires nudity in public, so consideration should be given to this.
In this case, consider facilities that allow bathing in a wrap towel or bathing suit, or private hot springs, so that visitors can enjoy the hot springs without resistance.
11. dressing
Kimono dressing is a popular and easy way to enjoy Japanese costume culture.
It is also recommended as a way to let people know about the Japanese culture behind the kimono, including not only the glittering decorations, but also the manufacturing process by skilled craftsmen and the different styles and prestige of the kimono.
The Heian period’s juni-hitoe (12-layered kimono) and the Edo period’s prohibition of extravagance (shashi-kinshirei) are good examples.
There is also a wide variety of casual yukata and formal furisode and tomesode kimonos, which can be enjoyed by children of all ages.
Guests coming to Japan with their families will be delighted to take a stroll after dressing or have their picture taken in a Japanese garden.
Customers can participate in the experience empty-handed by letting professionals take care of everything from hairdressing to the lending of accessories that go with the kimono.
12. ukiyoe
Ukiyo-e is a representative of Japan’s proud artistic culture and is highly acclaimed overseas.
Ukiyoe was born in the Edo period (1603-1868), and after the opening of Japan to the outside world, it quickly spread to the rest of the world and influenced many painters as “Japonism”.
Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent van Gogh are also famous for their influence.
Japanese ukiyoe paintings by Katsushika Hokusai and others were very innovative in the eyes of Westerners, who had previously regarded it as a good idea to represent reality as they saw it.
Ukiyo-e, which could be mass-produced at low cost by using prints, was widely enjoyed not only by the wealthy overseas but also by ordinary households.
In Japan, original paintings, various works, techniques, and history can be enjoyed in museums and galleries.
We also recommend the experience of actually printing ukiyo-e with your own hands at the workshop.
Special memories with genuine hospitality
Thus, our country of Japan has many beautiful and historic cultures.
We believe that having people from overseas actually visit Japan and experience it for themselves will further enhance their appreciation of the country’s charms.
However, there are many cultures that even we Japanese do not fully understand their original charms and traditions.
To truly “entertain” and impress your customers, we recommend that you seek the help of professionals in the field.
Instead of focusing on just one culture or experience, we encourage visitors to experience multiple related cultures, such as Kabuki and taiko drumming, to gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture.
This will give overseas guests a special memory and at the same time make them want to go back to Japan and do something like this next time.
We are working day and night to spread Japan’s unique hospitality culture to people around the world. Please feel free to contact us for any inquiries regarding the reception and hospitality of guests visiting Japan.