Japanese culture, where tradition meets modern lifestyle

The Japanese are a very proud nation and this stems back many generations, this was shown during world war two, when the American's came up against the Kamikaze pilots who chose to die for the Emperor.

Japan has what would appear to be a very mixed culture, at first glance there seems to be the old traditional lifestyle combined with the more modern lifestyle, and they would appear to be able to exist happy side by side. This is possible due to the strong sense of tradition that is still carried on by the younger generations.

A prime example of this can be found if you look at the Samurai of the past, although there military status has been abolished, their strict code of practise their Japanese Sword Arts are still carries on today. Even the real traditional way of forging Japanese Swords is more than ever alive and so old traditions are blomming again. You can still find the popular Geisha girls, who are trained from a young age in general house-keeping, the playing of Japanese musical instruments, traditional dance, and the famous Tea Ceremonies.

The Japanese tea ceremonies were influenced by Zen Buddhism, a skilled practitioner prepares where green powdered tea for small groups of guests and although this is a very old tradition it is still taken very seriously today.

Another good example of old and new going hand in hand can be seen at the fashion shows as more young people are entering the more traditional fashion shows, where they dress in the traditional and colourful Japanese garments, and then if you head for Harajuka, Tokyo, you will find the amazing Gothic fashion which mixes old and new to produce some unusual and unique looks in fashion designs.

The traditional dress in Japan is the Kimmo and there are many different variations that are available however they all follow pretty much the same style.

Ginza is another part of Tokyo which hosts most of the major fashion and designer department stores, such as Prada, Dior and Chanel to name but a few, along with the café's and bakeries which are famous in Ginza, there are some great restaurants.

In Japan they have managed to combine the old with the new in their cuisine, as it is possible to have the traditional sushi and sake or cheeseburger and coke. It would be fair to say that the Japanese culture has not changed in thousands of years, but has absorbed and adapted to the modern ways and lifestyles, which in a way is exactly how the Samurai of the past would have adapted and overcame any new opponents during their battles, and long journeys between the different provinces.

As Japan is an Island, the easiest way to travel there is by flying, there are five airports, which include two main airports, one of which is classed as an International airport. Once you have reached Japan there are numerous ways to travel around.

You could choose to take the famous Bullet train or one of the many other methods of public transport that are available. The public transport in Japan is maintained to a very high standard of cleanliness and are run with great precision.