Zach

Modern Japanese ====I chose to do the modern Japanese culture. The modern Japanese culture is a very advanced and sophisticated culture with many traditions, beliefs, and rituals. One way that they show sophistication is with their language. They speak Nihongo or as we know it to be Japanese which is spoken by about 125 million people, mainly in Japan, where it is the national language. The Japanese are also known to speak Ainu and the Austroasiatic language.====

Now here is a short video on learning daily expressions in Nihongo

media type="youtube" key="FSB4TzFfzQY" width="560" height="315" align="center"

Another way that the Japanese show their sophistication is with their art. The art made by the Japanese is very creative and colorful. The most known modern Japanese art is called cartooning or "anime" (manga). The modern Japanese are very known for their art styles and have aspired many talented artists among the years. The Japanese don't just have the cartooning art style though they also have a wide variety of art ranging from things like ink painting, calligraphy, kirigami, origami, dorodango, and of course cartooning. Throughout the years more art styles have become more popular than others. Dragon Ball Z sailor moon one punch Snow at Miyajima by: Tsuchiya Koitsu Sports, games, and entertainment are also among the many things that is defining of their culture. The Japanese have a very rich and successful gaming history. One of their most popular and well known game is mario. The sports that the Japanese have are also very defining of their culture. One sport that is very big and successful is sumo wrestling. I'm sure a lot of people who don't live in japan or even associate with anything or anyone in japan know about this sport as it is very well known and not only played in japan. Mario Kendo sumo wrestling Byamba- two time sumo wrestling champion Religion is one thing that breathes life into every culture and makes one culture different from all the rest. This is no exception with the Japanese. Of course not everyone believes in the same thing there like here but two of the major religions are Shintoism and Buddhism. Shinto is the most practiced and most associated with Japan. You can see signs of this religion in the form of the old architecture they have all around.

media type="youtube" key="mWRSjieo0CY" width="560" height="315" align="center"

graph of religions in Japan Japanese Shinto religion symbol Japanese zen Buddhism symbol Japanese gender roles play a big part in their culture. Women are expected and in most cases are still supposed to control the household while men focus on their work. This is changing rapidly though as women are starting more and more careers. Another thing to not is that both genders are delaying marriage. Being single is not that uncommon anymore especially for women.

As with many cultures food is a big defining part of the Japanese culture. One type of food they have Sasazushi, which is a type of Oshizushi or pressed sushi. Sasazushi is usually served on top of some bamboo leaves. Another food they have is called daifuku. Daifuku is a type of rice cake with anko and inside it has sweet red bean paste. Daifuku is one of the most traditional and popular Japanese sweets. Another familiar word in food for the Japanese is Yakitori. Yakitori is grilled chicken skewers. Of course i also cant leave out Sake. Sake is rice wine and is not uncommon to see in japan. Sasazushi Daifuku Yakitori Sake Finally japanese family structure which plays a role in their culture. A family in japan is called kazoku (**家族**). It consists of a couple just like any other family in other societies. The family is based on the line of descent and adoption. So in all reality the japanese family structure is pretty much just like ours and many others. Japanese family