🌍TEAM CAPYBARA
JAPAN 日本
JAPAN – AN INTRODUCTION
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it borders China, North Korea, South Korea, Russia, Taiwan, the Sea of Japan, the Sea of Okhotsk, and the East China Sea. It is an archipelago of 6,852 islands, most of which are mountainous, and many are volcanic. The government system is a parliamentary government with a constitutional monarchy; the chief of state is the emperor, and the head of government is the prime minister. Japan has a market economy in which the prices of goods and services are determined in a free price system. Japan is a member of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).
HISTORY:
THE EDO PERIOD:
The Edo Period refers to the years from 1603 until 1868 when the Tokugawa family ruled Japan. The era is named after the city of Edo, modern-day Tokyo, where the Tokugawa shogunate had its government. It is also sometimes referred to as the early modern period because it was at this time that many of the characteristics of modern Japanese society were formed.
POLITICAL STRUCTURES:
In 1600, Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543-1616) led a coalition of daimyo from eastern Japan to victory against a similar coalition of daimyo from western Japan at the Battle of Sekigahara. This battle brought an end to the prolonged period of civil war Japan had experienced in the preceding 140 years. In 1603, following the precedent of Minamoto no Yoritomo (1147-1199), Ieyasu had the emperor appoint him as shogun. The imperial family had no real power at this time, but it did have the capacity to confer political legitimacy through such titles. Using this appointment, Ieyasu created his own military government, which in Japanese is called a bakufu. While the Tokugawa were the single most powerful warrior family, Ieyasu lacked either the strength or desire to destroy all the other warrior families and create a centralised state. Instead, he put in place a system in which local daimyo were largely left in control of their own territory in exchange for recognising Tokugawa rule at a national level.
THE PERIOD OF ECONOMIC GROWTH:
In the period from 1600 To 1720, the population of Japan roughly doubled from 15 million to 30 million. This rapid increase was possible because, whatever shortcomings the Tokugawa political system may have had, it brought peace after many years of civil war. Freed from the depravations of rampaging armies, farmers were able to put more effort into feeding themselves and their families. Daimyo also had considerable incentive to increase the productivity of their land. While the Tokugawa did not directly tax daimyo income, they did impose various kinds of financial burdens on them. The most onerous of these were the costs involved in the alternate attendance system that could consume up to 40% of their income. As a consequence, daimyo were frequently short of money. There were two ways this problem could be alleviated. One was to try and extract more tax from the farming population. This was often attempted, but farmers had a variety of ways of resisting this. A more successful method was to try and increase the overall productivity of their territory. To this end, some daimyo encouraged the opening up of new agricultural land, the development of irrigation, the use of improved farming methods and the production of cash crops such as cotton and silk, wax, paper, and salt, which could be sold outside their territory. This led to the growth of trade at local, regional and national levels and the emergence of a commercial economy.
HIROSHIMA NAGASAKI WAR:
On August 6, 1945, during World War II (1939-45), an American B-29 bomber dropped the world’s first deployed atomic bomb over the Japanese city of Hiroshima. The explosion immediately killed an estimated 80,000 people; tens of thousands more would later die of radiation exposure. Three days later, a second B-29 dropped another A-bomb on Nagasaki, killing an estimated 40,000 people. Japan’s Emperor Hirohito announced his country’s unconditional surrender in World War II in a radio address on August 15, citing the devastating power of a new and most cruel bomb.
THE MANHATTAN PROJECT :
Even before the outbreak of war in 1939, a group of American scientists—many of them refugees from fascist regimes in Europe—became concerned with nuclear weapons research being conducted in Nazi Germany. In 1940, the U.S. government began funding its own atomic weapons development program, which came under the joint responsibility of the Office of Scientific Research and Development and the War Department after the U.S. entry into World War II. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was tasked with spearheading the construction of the vast facilities necessary for the top-secret program, codenamed “The Manhattan Project” (for the engineering corps’ Manhattan district).
'LITTLE BOY' AND 'FAT MAN' ARE DROPPED:
Hiroshima, a manufacturing center of some 350,000 people located about 500 miles from Tokyo, was selected as the first target. After arriving at the U.S. base on the Pacific island of Tinian, the more than 9,000-pound uranium-235 bomb was loaded aboard a modified B-29 bomber christened Enola Gay (after the mother of its pilot, Colonel Paul Tibbets). The plane dropped the bomb—known as “Little Boy”—by parachute at 8:15 in the morning, and it exploded 2,000 feet above Hiroshima in a blast equal to 12-15,000 tons of TNT, destroying five square miles of the city.
Hiroshima’s devastation failed to elicit immediate Japanese surrender, however, and on August 9 Major Charles Sweeney flew another B-29 bomber, Bockscar, from Tinian. Thick clouds over the primary target, the city of Kokura, drove Sweeney to a secondary target, Nagasaki, where the plutonium bomb “Fat Man” was dropped at 11:02 that morning. More powerful than the one used at Hiroshima, the bomb weighed nearly 10,000 pounds and was built to produce a 22-kiloton blast. The topography of Nagasaki, which was nestled in narrow valleys between mountains, reduced the bomb’s effect, limiting the destruction to 2.6 square miles.
AFTERMATH OF THE BOMBING:
At noon on August 15, 1945 (Japanese time), Emperor Hirohito announced his country’s surrender in a radio broadcast. The news spread quickly, and “Victory in Japan” or “V-J Day” celebrations broke out across the United States and other Allied nations. The formal surrender agreement was signed on September 2, aboard the U.S. battleship Missouri, anchored in Tokyo Bay. Because of the extent of the devastation and chaos—including the fact that much of the two cities' infrastructure was wiped out—exact death tolls from the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki remain unknown. However, it's estimated roughly 70,000 to 135,000 people died in Hiroshima and 60,000 to 80,000 people died in Nagasaki, both from acute exposure to the blasts and from long-term side effects of radiation.
JAPANESE INVASION ON KOREA:
The Japan Korea War is a term that can refer to different historical events between Japan and Korea. The Korea under Japanese rule (1910–1945) was a period when Korea was annexed and ruled by the Empire of Japan as a colony. Japan first took Korea into its sphere of influence in the late 1800s, and then imposed the unequal Japan–Korea Treaty of 1876. Japan defeated China and Russia in wars over Korea, and finally annexed it in 1910. Japan suppressed Korean culture, language, and resistance movements, and exploited Korean resources and labor. Korea regained its independence after Japan’s defeat in World War II in 1945.
The Japanese invasions of Korea (1592–1598), also known as the Imjin War, involved two separate yet linked invasions by Japan under Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The first invasion (1592–1593) was a surprise attack that captured Seoul and most of the Korean Peninsula. The second invasion (1597–1598) was a response to the intervention of Ming China and the resistance of Joseon Korea. The war ended with a military stalemate and the withdrawal of Japanese forces from Korea. The Korean War (1950–1953) was a conflict between North Korea, supported by China and the Soviet Union, and South Korea, supported by the United Nations (mainly the United States). The war began when North Korea invaded South Korea on June 25, 1950, following the division of Korea by the Allies after World War II. The war ended with an armistice on July 27, 1953, but no peace treaty was signed. The war resulted in millions of casualties, massive destruction, and the establishment of the Korean Demilitarized Zone
THE LOST DECADE:
The Lost Decade is commonly used to describe the decade of the 1990s in Japan, a period of economic stagnation which became one of the longest-running economic crises in recorded history. Later decades are also included in some definitions, with the period from 1991-2011 (or even 1991-2021) sometimes also referred to as Japan's Lost Decades. Beginning in February 1999, the Bank of Japan instituted a 0 percent short-term interest rate policy to ease the money supply, and in March the government poured 7.5 trillion yen in public funds into 15 major banks. As a result of these measures and growing demand for Japanese products in Asia, in late 1999 and 2000 signs of recovery were shown, such as increasing stock prices and revenue growth in some industries. “In 2001, however, the economy slid back into recession because of domestic problems — sluggish domestic demand, deflation, and the continuing huge bad-debt burden carried by Japanese banks — as well as international factors that included a decline in Japanese exports due to deterioration of the U.S. economy. The unemployment rate, which had been only 2.1 percent in 1990, climbed up to 4.6 percent in 2011. “The economy bottomed out at the beginning of 2002, entering a period of slow but steady recovery that has continued through the middle of the decade. After lingering for more than 10 years, the negative aftereffects of the bubble-economy collapse finally appear to have been largely overcome. The non-performing loan ratio of major banks fell from over 8 percent in 2002 to under 2 percent in 2006, and this has contributed to a recovery in bank lending capacity as banks are once again able to fully function as financial intermediaries.
SPOKEN LANGUAGES ON JAPAN:
Japanese (日本語, Nihongo, [ɲihoŋɡo] ) is the principal language of the Japonic language family spoken by the Japanese people. It has around 128 million speakers, primarily in Japan, the only country where it is the national language, and within the Japanese diaspora worldwide.
HOKKAIDO AINU LANGUAGE:
This is yet another native languages of Japan that is still spoken in Japan to date but in great danger of going into extinction. This is the language spoken by the Ainu ethnic group residing in Hokkaido Island. The 16th-century records revealed that the Ainu language did not have an alphabet.
OROK LANGUAGE ():
This is also a language that is also known as Ulta that is spoken in Japan and it emerged before the Common Era. This language is used during the Edo period in the following areas: Hokkaido, Karafuto. and the Kuril Islands.
The reality of this language today is that there are very few speakers of the language in Japan today.
NIVKH LANGUAGE:
Like her sister language Orok, this dialect is spoken in Hokkaido, Karafuto, and the Kuril Islands. The speakers of this language can also found in Amur River.
Among the languages of Japan, Nivkh faces a serious threat of going into extinction. It is not known whether speakers of this language still exist in Japan today.
BONIN LANGUAGE:
This is one of native languages of Japan that is English based and it is the language of people around Bonin Islands.
This is another language that is gradually going down into the dustbin of history in Japan and efforts are been made to ensure the revival of the language in Japan.
RYUKYUAN LANGUAGE:
If you wanted to know about one of the languages spoken today in Japan that is not originally part of the indigenous languages of Japan, then reference can be made to Ryukyuan language. This language is spoken by the people that live around Okinawa and parts of Kagoshima in the Ryukyu Islands. This language is classified as part of the Japonic language family. In actual sense, they are separate languages and have no bearing with the Japanese language.
EVENKI LANGUAGE:
This is the language spoken in the region of Sakhalin which was formerly controlled by Japan. Like the other native languages of Japan discussed earlier, the Evenki language is also under very serious threat of going into total extinction if efforts are not taken to revive it from the claws of extinction.
MANGA:
The History of Manga and its Origins
Mangas are a true phenomenon in Japan, the land of the rising sun.
The manga is a popular Japanese comic book, presented as an illustrated novel in a unique graphic style. Despite the fact that the first known manga comic dates back to 1902, the history of manga has its origins in the 13th century!
Popularized by Hokusai, the legendary artist and master of woodblock printing, the manga used to designate quick sketches before becoming a term used to describe Japanese style drawings or animated films. Nowadays, the manga term is more commonly used as a general representation of comics.
Discover the origins of manga, its evolution throughout the history of the country as well as about the mangaka's profession.
📚What is manga?
©Miika Laaksonen
Manga refers to two Kanji words: "Man" which stands for "entertaining", "exaggerated", and "Ga" which can be interpreted as "drawing" or "image". Hence, the name Manga can be defined as a "quick sketch", "rough drawing" or a "cartoon".
The manga has particulargraphic codesincluding the use of black and white as well as panels. Compared to western books, the Japanese reading direction is reversed.
Manytypes of mangaexist for various audiences.
Thekomodo manga, a comic book for children similar toPokemonandDoraemon.
The shonen manga, addressed to teenagers, presents the adventures of an orphaned hero and his battles, as in Naruto or Dragon Ball.
The shojo manga, mainly for young girls, focuses on love and friendship stories of schoolgirls such as Nana.
The seinen manga, reserved for students or young adults, covers more realistic subjects of various themes such as Death Note or The Attack of the Titans.
The josei manga, the feminine version of the seinen. Among these we can mention Citrus.
The hentai, forbidden under 18 years old, we let you guess the reason why... 🔞
The origins of manga
Katsushika Hokusai, Hokusai Manga, 10, 1819
The origins of the manga date back to the emaki, the first illustrated narrative scrolls from the Nara period in the 8th century, and the Ehon, ukyo-e print books from the Edo period.
In 1814, the famous artist Hokusai, known for his artwork The Great Wave off Kanagawa, used the term "manga" for his sketchbooks. He had chosen this term to express the notion of drawings caught on the spot. A collection of illustrations he called " Hokusai manga ", which included scenes of daily life as well as landscapes, natural elements, representations of Japanese mythology as well as Japanese spirits. His artwork enjoyed great success in Japan and abroad.
Western influence on Japanese manga
Left: Satirical journal The Japan Punch created by Charles Wingman in 1861, in Yokohama. / Right: First manga by Rakuten Kitazawa in 1902.
During the Meiji period, when the isolation policy of Japan came to an end, the Western influences gained a strong presence in the country. This was the beginning of Japanese modernization, inspired by Western economic and industrial models. Both art and forms of expression were evolving.
European cartoonists such as Wirgman and Ferdinand Bigot contributed to the birth of comic strips in Japanese media.
Later on, influenced by the Anglo-Saxon satirical press, this painter founded his own magazine, the Tokyo Puck. Thanks to these ferocious cartoons and his numerous artworks such as Kodomo no tomo or Shōnen Kurabu (the boys' club), Kitazawa was considered one of the founders of manga.
Japanese manga emerged as a new way of expression through the written press, before taking its current form.
📈 The evolution of manga in Japan
The famous mangaka Osamu Tezuka and his work, Astro Boy, created in 1952.
In the 40s, manga was used for propaganda purposes by the Japanese government.
It was only after the Second World War that this phenomenon exploded due to the influence of American comics. The manga became a way of escaping, especially for those who had to face great difficulties. The talented cartoonist Osamu Tezuka strongly contributed to the manga boom. 📈
Besides, the mangaka is the author of many works on various subjects, such as the new Treasure Island or Astro Boy.
The mangaka revolutionizes the art of manga by taking its inspiration from the cinema and the different shots, frames and view angles. In addition, its expressive, large-eyed characters will become the trademark of all mangas. No wonder that Osamu Tezuka is nicknamed the god of manga in Japan.
Did you know that this great admirer of Walt Disney was inspired by Bambi for his drawings? 😄
🤑 Japanese comics boom
Bakuman, a manga about two high school students who dream of becoming mangaka.
As you probably guessed, the mangaka is an author of manga. An artist with a great fascination for Japanese comics and generally creating both the story and the drawings. Therefore, the mangaka develops a captivating universe and characters, similar to a scenarist.
However, this profession is hard to access, as besides being a talented illustrator, it requires a lot of luck and determination to succeed. The success of the mangaka depends primarily on its publisher. It is important to know that before being produced, the manga is published in several episodes in a pre-publication magazine destined to the general public.
The publishing rhythms are particularly intense and the illustrator must adapt to the different requirements of the agency. Sometimes, mangakas work together or with assistants to increase their productivity.
Depending on the success, the manga publisher decides whether to publish the work in a volume or to stop the collaboration. The future of the mangaka depends on this test.
Some become very famous and enjoy a particularly honorable remuneration.
If you are interested in this profession, we recommend reading Bakuman, a manga by Tsugumi Ōba and Takeshi Obata, which tells the story of two high school students who decide they want to become mangaka.
An unavoidable phenomenon of narrative drawings, the manga is distinguished by its particular universe as well as by its graphic codes which are very different from western comic strips. Throughout centuries, it has become a symbol of Japanese culture throughout the world
Conclusion:
Japanese culture is rich and diverse, with deep-rooted traditions and modern influences. Here
are some key aspects:Language: Japanese is the official language, and it has three writing
scripts: Kanji (Chinese characters), Hiragana, and Katakana.Traditional Arts: Japan is known for
its traditional arts such as tea ceremonies (Sadō), calligraphy (Shodō), ikebana (flower
arranging), and origami (paper folding).Cuisine: Japanese cuisine, including sushi, sashimi,
tempura, and ramen, is world-renowned. Respect for food, presentation, and seasonal
ingredients are vital in Japanese cooking.Religion: Shintoism and Buddhism are the two primary
religions in Japan. Many cultural practices, festivals, and architecture are influenced by these
beliefs.Kimono: The kimono is a traditional Japanese garment often worn on special occasions.
It's a symbol of cultural identity and has various styles and designs.Arts and Entertainment:
Japan has a rich history of arts, including Kabuki theater, Noh drama, and traditional music like
the shamisen. Modern pop culture, including anime and J-pop, has a global
following.Architecture: Traditional Japanese architecture features wooden structures with tatami
mat flooring, sliding doors (fusuma), and beautiful gardens. Modern Japanese architects have
made significant contributions to global architecture.Gardens: Japanese gardens are renowned
for their tranquility and symbolism, with elements like stone lanterns, bridges, and koi
ponds.Festivals: Japan hosts numerous festivals, like the cherry blossom festivals (Hanami),
Gion Matsuri in Kyoto, and Tanabata, each with unique traditions and celebrations.Etiquette:
Japanese culture places a strong emphasis on manners and etiquette, including bowing,
gift-giving, and a high regard for social harmony.Technology and Innovation: Japan is a
technological leader with contributions to robotics, electronics, and transportation, and it's home
to global tech giants like Sony and Toyota.Samurai and Ninja: These historical warrior classes
have left a lasting impact on Japanese culture, influencing martial arts and literature.Hot Springs
(Onsen): Japan is known for its hot springs, and visiting an onsen is a popular way to relax and
unwind.Seasonal Celebrations: The changing seasons are celebrated through various festivals
and customs, with cherry blossoms in spring and colorful foliage in autumn being particularly
significant.Pop Culture: Japan has a thriving pop culture scene with anime, manga, video
games, and cosplay being enjoyed not only in Japan but also globally.This overview only
scratches the surface of Japanese culture.
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