Description of Japan- English class project Links Instituto de Inglés By Mauri

1. Japan

2. Flag
• The national flag of Japan is a white rectangular flag with
a large red disc (representing the sun) in the center.
• This flag is officially called Nisshōki in Japanese, but is
more commonly known as Hinomaru.

3. Government
• Japan is a constitutional monarchy where the power
of the Emperor is very limited. As a ceremonial
figurehead, he is defined by the constitution as "the
symbol of the state and of the unity of the people."
Power is held chiefly by the Prime Minister and other
elected members of the Diet, while sovereignty is
vested in the Japanese people. Akihito is the current
Emperor of Japan; Naruhito, Crown Prince of Japan,
stands as next in line to the throne.

4. MusicMusic
Japanese music is eclectic and diverse.Japanese music is eclectic and diverse.
Many instruments, such as the koto, were introduced in theMany instruments, such as the koto, were introduced in the
9th and 10th centuries.9th and 10th centuries.
The accompaniedThe accompanied recitativerecitative of the Nohof the Noh
drama dates from the 14th century anddrama dates from the 14th century and
the popular folk music, with thethe popular folk music, with the
guitar-like shamisen, from the sixteenth.guitar-like shamisen, from the sixteenth.
Western classical music, introducedWestern classical music, introduced
in the late 19th century, now forms anin the late 19th century, now forms an
integral part of Japanese culture.integral part of Japanese culture.
The imperial court ensemble Gagaku has influenced theThe imperial court ensemble Gagaku has influenced the
work of some modern Western composers.work of some modern Western composers.

5. Traditions - Kimono
• The kimono is a traditional
Japanese dress. In modern
day Japan, it is worn only
sparingly or during special
occasions such
as weddings, tea ceremonies,
formal traditional events
and funerals. An appropriate
style and color of kimono is to
be worn depending on the
occasion and the person's age
and marital status.

6. Traditions – Tea Ceremony
• The tea ceremony is a ceremonial way of preparing and
drinking tea. The custom has been strongly influenced by Zen
Buddhism.
• Nowadays, the tea ceremony is a relatively popular hobby. Many
Japanese, who are interested in their own culture, take tea
ceremony lessons. Tea ceremonies are held in traditional Japanese
rooms in cultural community centres or private houses.
• The ceremony itself consists of many rituals that have to be learned
by heart. Almost each hand movement is prescribed. Basically, the
tea is first prepared by the host, and then drunk by the guests. The
tea is matcha green tea made of powdered tea leaves.

7. Traditional food
• Rice Bowl
• A bowl of plain cooked rice is
served with most Japanese
meals. For breakfast, it is
sometimes mixed with a raw
egg and soya sauce (tamago
kake gohan) or enjoyed
with natto or other toppings
• Sushi
• Sushi may refer to any dish that
contains sushi rice, cooked white
rice flavored with seasoned rice
vinegar. There are various kinds
of sushi dishes, such as nigirizushi
(hand formed sushi), makizushi
(rolled sushi), and chirashi (sushi
rice topped with raw fish). Sushi is
the most famous Japanese dish
outside of Japan, and one of the
most popular dishes among the
Japanese themselves.