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| Sunday, 11 September 2005 |
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Junior Observer |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Japan : The Land of Cherry Blossoms
Japan is situated on the western edge of the Pacific Ocean and east of the Asian continent. Its nearest neighbours are Korea, China and Russia. Japan is made up of four main islands - Honkkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu and a number of smaller ones, lying in an arc from north to south. Japan is called the Land of Cherry Blossoms and also the Land of the Rising Sun. The population of Japan is ranked the 10th highest in the world, and its capital, Tokyo, is the most populated city in the country with over 12 million people. Tokyo is Japan's capital city. There are several important places in Tokyo such as the Imperial Palace, Tokyo Tower (world's tallest self-supporting steel tower), Tokyo Dome City (a leisure complex located in the centre of Tokyo that consists of the Tokyo Dome baseball stadium, an amusement park, a spa and a hotel. It is also called the home of the Yomiuri Giants), Tokyo Disneyland (This is different from others because during Japanese holidays, Disney characters sometimes dress up in traditional Japanese clothing during the parades), Kyoto (formerly Japan's capital, is now considered the country's culture capital and Uji Byodoin (the structure featured on the 10 yen coin). Culture: Kabuki is a traditional form of Japanese theatre. 'Song,' 'dance,' and 'acting' are the key elements of kabuki. Since early times all roles have been performed by men.The men who perform the roles of women are called "onnagata". Food: Traditional Japanese food uses ingredients available during the season. Japanese usually use chopsticks to eat. Before eating the meal, the Japanese say Itadakimasu which is a polite phrase meaning "I receive this food." This expresses thanks to the person who prepared the food.At the end of the meal, the Japanese say Gochiso-sama which is a polite expression to give thanks for the delicious meal. Traditional Japanese meals are often eaten on a tatami (reed mats) around a low table Economy: Japan's population, a little less than half that of the United States, generates a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) that is about half as large as U.S.A's, and Japan's consumers are quite wealthy by the world standards. When Japan's higher living costs are taken into account, income per person is about 80 per cent of the U.S. level. The national flag: The Red Circle symbolizes the Sun. The national flag of Japan is called the Hinomaru. Its name comes from the Japanese word hinomaru, which literally means "sun circle." The national flower: The Japanese have long thought of the sakura (cherry blossom) as the flower which symbolises the nation. It is mentioned in ancient myths, and the way its petals fall while still at the height of their beauty was interpreted by the old warrior class as symbolic of resignation and grace in death, qualities which the warriors rated highly. The chrysanthemum is another flower which, because of its use in the Imperial Crest, is considered to be symbolic of Japan. The national anthem: The words of Japan's national anthem, "Kimigayo," are taken from an ancient poem. Author is unknown. The government presented its interpretation of the meaning of the anthem "Kimigayo" in the Diet during the deliberation of a bill to codify the country's national flag and anthem.From very early times, the poem was recited to commemorate auspicious occasions and at banquets celebrating important events. The words were also used in fairy tales and other stories and even appeared in popular fiction known as ukiyo-zoshi and in collections of humorous kyoka (mad verse). Language: Japanese is believed to be linked to the Altaic language family, which includes Turkish, Mongolian and other languages, but also shows similarities to Austronesian languages like Polynesian. More on Japan next week. *** Fact File
Official name: Nihon or Nippon (Japan)- Land of the Rising Sun Capital: Tokyo Islands: roughly 7000 Official language: Japanese Government: National Diet consisting of two legislative houses National flower: Cherry Blossom (sakura) National bird: Pheasant (kiji) National sport: Sumo Wrestling Chief of state: Emperor
Emperor: Akihito Head of government: Prime Minister Monetary unit: Yen Area: 145,883 square miles (377,835 square kilometres) Term for citizens: Japanese Religion: Shinto, various sects of Buddhism, and Christianity coexist.During Shichi-go-san on November 15, five-year-old boys and three and seven-year-old girls visit shrines to receive blessings. |
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Talk about the most advanced electronic equipment, hi-tech robots or
fancy vehicles. They are all from Japan. This archipelago lying off the
east coast of Asia is also ranked as one of the emerging super powers in
the world. 
