Japan Culture Vs American Culture

Japan is a country with a bountiful and rich culture that has many differences compared to the United States. Japan celebrates many festivals some big, some small all throughout the year, they have two main religions opposed to only having one and they also approach religion itself differently, and lastly the presence of onsen are a major attraction for many people in Japan. However, that is not to say that these are the only defining characteristics of Japan. There is much more to the country, which should be explored personally if ever given the chance. Three of Japans festivals are Obon, Sapporo Show Festival, and Hina Matsuri. Obon is a very important Buddhist festival in Japan because it is believed to be a time where their ancestors’

Shinto, “the way of the gods” is indigenous to Japanese people. The founder and when it was created is not known. It does not have sacred scriptures nor is preaching common. The gods are called kami, which are sacred spirits that take on the form of things important to life. For instance, they take on the form of wind, rain, trees, and fertility. Humans are believed to be fundamentally good and there is no root evil, evil is believed to be caused by evil spirits. Thus, Shinto rituals involve purification to keep away evil spirits and it also involves prayers and offerings to kami. The shrines are a place to worship as well as serve as the homes of kami. Shinto priests often live on the shrine ground. Both men and women can be priests and are permitted to marry and have children. Shinto was declared the state religion during the Meiji Period. This lead to Shinto priests becoming state officials and important shrines could receive government funding. The creation myths of Shinto were used as a way to foster national identity and place the Emperor at the center. Once WWII ended, Shinto and the state was separated. Today, people can seek the support from Shinto by praying at a home altar or visiting a shrine. Majority of weddings are done with Shinto tradition. Due to death being considered an impurity there are no Shinto cemeteries and funerals are done through Buddhist tradition

It holds many festivals throughout the year, three of which are Obon, the Sapporo Snow Festival, and Hina Matsuri. Each festival highlights qualities of Japan and its culture. Japan’s culture is further defined by its view of religion. Buddhism and Shinto are Japan’s major religions that intertwine and mix with each other in the majority of Japanese lives. Religion is treated as a cultural aspect, a part of Japanese lifestyle, of Japan rather than something that a person devotes themselves to. Not to mention that many Japanese people considers themselves non-religious. Onsen are also a part of what makes Japan unique due to the natural hot springs all around the country. It is a defining aspect of Japan that many people enjoy. All onsen are not the same so each can have its own unique but relaxing experience. Overall, Japan has a lot of unique experiences to offer to anyone who visits the