By Lydia BISTI MAM-S1ENA
Edited by Ana BORCOMAN MAM-S5ENB
Japan, also known as the “Land of the Rising Sun”, is a beautiful country in eastern Asia, full of history, music, food and brimming with culture. The population of Japan is 124.5 million, making it the 11th most populated country in the world. It is sometimes known as the ”Land of the Rising Sun” as it is one of the first countries to see the sun rise in the east. Some of its main cities are Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo and Hiroshima, although there are plenty more.
Culture
Japanese culture is very different from Western cultures. The main religions are Buddhism and Shinto, but all religions are honoured and respected. Old practices such as tea ceremonies, calligraphy and kimono-wearing are still valued today. Traditional arts like kabuki theatre, ikebana (flower arranging), and martial arts such as judo and kendo highlight the country’s deep respect for discipline and aesthetics. Another thing you can admire in Japan is the beautiful temples and shrines hidden in the deep forest that welcome people from all over the world to observe them and learn about how the people in Japan worship the gods.
Technology
Even if Japan is very traditional, it is the leader of worldwide technological innovation. It has played a vital role in the development of electronics, robotics and engineering. You have probably heard of some of these famous companies, such as Toyota, Panasonic and Nintendo. In some cities such as Tokyo and Osaka, some trains can reach a maximum, beyond belief speed of 320 km/h. In a museum in Odaiba (man-made island in Tokyo) there are robots that wave, sit down like dogs and make sounds when you pet them.
Food
Japanese cooking, known for its fresh ingredients and presentation, is recognised all around the world. It includes many different types of foods like tempura, sashimi, sushi and ramen. For people who love sweet things, Japan is the dream. There are strawberries covered in sugar and mochi, which is sticky rice dessert filled with ice cream, you can fin it everywhere you look. In some restaurants, you must take off your shoes and eat sitting on the floor.
Tourism
Tourists are drawn to Japan’s unique combination of natural beauty and cultural landmarks. The good thing about Japan is that if you hate urban cities like Tokyo, you can always go to the calmer and more traditional cities, such as Kyoto. You can find natural landmarks such as Mount Fuji or the cherry blossoms, but also man-made ones like the shrines and temples or the more modern ones such as the skyscrapers or the man-made islands. So, if you think about it, Japan has the perfect contrast between an extremely modern city and an extremely traditional one.
I HOPE I’VE CONVINCED YOU TO MAKE JAPAN YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY DESTINATION!