Japanese culture places great importance on arts, literature, and visual arts. Traditional Japanese artworks like woodblock prints and calligraphy are highly influential. Gardens also reflect Zen Buddhist ideals. Kimonos and traditional clothing remain part of daily life. Japanese cuisine like sushi and tempura is now popular worldwide, though whale remains part of local diets. Traditional Japanese music features soft harmonies and varied percussion like the taiko drum in diverse genres.

1. Japan part 2 Brooke Braga

4. Culture: Music Japanese music contains a wide variety of performers in their distinctive styles, including both traditional and modern sounds. Traditional Japanese harmonies are quite soft and have no specific beat. Also called Gagaku, the classical music of Japan has been performed in the Imperial court since the Heian period. Folk songs are also performed, such as Taiko tunes. Taiko (pictured on the right) is a Japanese drum that comes in various sizes that the people use to play a different array of genres.