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Japanese art and entertainment covers anywhere from the oldest forms of theatre to contemporary art styles. From ancient ceramics, calligraphy, music, gardens, to even modern Japanese cartoons, Japan holds a long history of many forms of art and e…… more
Japanese art and entertainment covers anywhere from
the oldest forms of theatre to contemporary art styles.
From ancient ceramics, calligraphy, music, gardens, to
even modern Japanese cartoons, Japan holds a long
history of many forms of art and entertainment. Listed
below, we will cover some of the most popular artistic
expressions Japan is known for.
Japanese painting is one of the oldest and most elegant
of the Japanese visual arts, embracing many varieties of
genres and styles. The long history of Japanese painting
is unique and vast, combining native Japanese
aesthetics and the adaptation of imported ideas. From
Buddhist art, to paintings of animals and plants, to
practicing the art of print-making, Japanese art is rich in
culture and history. One of the most recognized
Japanese art pieces include the Great Wave of
Kanagawa, a traditional ukiyo-e painted by Katsushika
Hokusai.
One of the oldest forms of performing arts in Japan, and
in the world, is a theatrical art called Noh. This
performance consists of poetic language, slow
movements, heavy costumes, and supernatural themes.
All male actors perform plots derived from history,
legend, or important events in Japan. Noh was declared
an “Intangible Cultural Heritage” by UNESCO in 2001.
Similar forms of theatre entertainment include Kabuki and
Bunraku, each featuring characteristics unique to their
own.
Traditional Japanese music is performed with different
style flutes, stringed instruments, and drums. One of the
most renowned instruments in traditional Japanese music
is arguably the shamisen, a three-stringed instrument
widely used in kabuki, bunraki, geisha performances, and
even in contemporary music. Additionally, taiko
(Japanese drums) is popularly recognized by locals and
foreigners alike, which refers to a wide range of
percussion instruments. Wind instruments, particularly
flutes, are known as fue in Japan.
In contemporary times, anime and manga are now a
globally recognized form of Japanese art and
entertainment. Hand drawn or computer animated, this
cinematic concept embraces a broad range of genres,
unique storylines, complex characters, art styles, and
vibrant graphics. Although it may be viewed as simply
Japanese animation, this diverse art form has reached
audiences across the world and its production has
steadily increased since its origination in the early 1900s.