N - Be More Japan: the art of japanese living

Introduction

On the Map

Spring

Summer

Autumn

Winter

First Encounters

History

Japan Around the World

On the Map

Cityscapes

Focus on Manhole Covers

Rural Japan

Mountains

Focus on Mount Fuji

Island Diversity

On the Map

Shinto

Buddhism

Focus on Fortunes and Charms

Seven Lucky Gods

Aesthetics and Design

Focus on Ikebana

Traditional Homes

Gardens

Focus on Bonsai

Painting

Woodblock Prints

Ceramics

Decorative Crafts

Focus on Origami

Calligraphy

On the Map

Engineering Marvels

Gadgets

Focus on Robot Evolution

Video Games

Soundscapes

On the Map

Trends in Architecture

Modern Style

Contemporary Art

Kawaii

Fashion

Literature

Manga and Anime

Focus on The Evolution of a Manga Series

On the Map

Japanese Theatre

Focus on The Kabuki Experience

A Geishas World

Japanese Music

Focus on The Ultimate Pop Idols

Nightlife

Otaku Japan

Focus on Otaku Districts

Japan on Screen

Focus on Japanese Cinema

Sports

Focus on Martial Arts

On the Map

Sushi and Sashimi

Noodles

Rice

Regional Food

Focus on Kaiseki-ryori

Snacks

Focus on Wagashi

Tea

Focus on Tea Ceremony

Whisky

Sake

On the Map

Hot Springs

Focus on Enjoying the Onsen

Diet, Exercise and Longevity

Pilgrimages and Pathways

Focus on The Yoshida Trail

Japanese Philosophies to Live By

Acknowledgments

D An apprentice geisha in Kyoto.

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Japan stretches from the frozen edge of Siberia down to the tropics. This archipelago of thousands of islands is home to an incredible array of disparate landscapes, not only ultramodern cities and smouldering volcanos, but also remote beaches and lush valleys. What unites the range of climates, geographies and outlooks are the rhythms of the seasons, to which the heart of the country still beats, dictating the ever-shifting weather, cuisine and cultural life of the countrys 127 million inhabitants. And binding it all together is an astonishing transport network, which makes it easy get there and explore whether by bicycle, plane, bullet train or ferry. If youre planning a trip to Japan, want the afterglow of your stay to last a bit longer, or simply wish to indulge in some quintessential Japanese experiences, the culture has never been more accessible: whether it is eating sushi in London or enjoying blossom viewing in San Francisco, you are closer to Japan than you know.

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Lying to the east of mainland Asia and curving across 3,000 km (1,900 miles) of Pacific Ocean, Japan is made up of thousands of islands. Mainland Japan is typically defined as the five largest islands in the archipelago: Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, Shikoku and Okinawa. These islands are divided into 47 administrative units called prefectures, which in turn are informally grouped into eight different regions. Each region has its own distinct character, with local customs and culture shaped by the countrys highly changeable weather and geographical features.

Be More Japan Welcome to Japan

n Double-tap image to read the labels

Be More Japan Welcome to Japan

The Five Main Islands

n Double-tap image to read the labels

The Japanese Archipelago is made up of 6,852 islands, of which only 430 are inhabited. The vast majority of the population live on the five main islands of Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, Shikoku and Okinawa.

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D Cherry blossoms ( sakura ) in full bloom in Kyoto.

spring

The season of new beginnings

The calls of oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi (devil get out, good luck come in) to celebrate Setsubun on 3 February are the first sign Japan is ready for spring. New buds begin to shoot in parks and gardens, starting with the pinks and purples of plum blossoms in late February. And by March, a new round of sneezing and surgical mask-wearing begins as the annual wave of cedar allergies hits.

fresh flavours

By the time spring is officially declared on Shunbun no Hi on 21 March, the weather is mostly warm and sunny in Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoku, with cooler Hokkaido lagging a little behind and warmer Okinawa already ahead of the game. And with the new season, heavy winter food gives way to lighter flavours: mountain vegetables come to the fore, plump strawberries appear in supermarkets, and tender bamboo shoots add a freshness to spring menus.

the annual blossoms

Nothing says spring like the cherry blossoms, and as they briefly repaint the country a palette of pinks a movement meticulously tracked on the daily news and in weather apps the Japanese celebrate with hanami (flower viewing) parties. For most Japanese people, hanami is simply a way to enjoy nature and the company of family and friends, but culturally there is a deeper philosophical significance to the ritual. The viewing of the blossoms fleeting existence epitomizes the concept of mono no aware , the melancholy and joy we feel with something so beautiful, yet impermanent. You can experience hanami anywhere in Japan all you need to join in with the locals is a picnic sheet, a bento, and a few drinks.