With such this country beings such a small island Japan is actually has a huge cultural impact on the world. Most of it's early cultural has been influenced by other countries and empires mainly China and has since the early B.C era of times has evolved into the prosperous culture we have today. Japan today is rich and diverse and unique from any other Asian country and culture today. In Ancient Japan before the the establishment of city states, Japan was no different from any other early civilization were they had many hunter gathering villages and tribes. The men in this culture typically Hunted and the women stayed at home and harvested and domestic work. The thing that make Japan so unique is that other early civilization did not put such a heavy influence on pottery and art like the early Japaneses did. This period in Japaneses history is known as the Jōmon period. Art in this era is consisted of pottery and vases decorated in many beautiful gems such as Jade. Even there weapons had an artistic appeal to it. This early Art influence has molded Japan into the innovative country it is today. The Heian period is noted as the peak of Japan ancient culture were its art and literature are still a very influence part of today's culture. During this time the Chinese involvement in Japan had reduced to a minimal and many Chinese invention were expanded upon and made better and more useful. This advancement of already useful goods is tradition that still has strong impact in japans culture today. With the exception of China, Japan tried its best to be in seclusion from the rest of the world. This would all come to an end in Feudal Era of Japan were real integration of other cultures came to Japan due to trade, religion, and war. During this time Japan had moved from merchants being in high power to a centralized government were there was a single ruler in charge of most of life back then. During this time European culture was introduced heavily during this time due to trade. One influential thing that was taken from European culture was its social structure. The government I charge at the time forced separation of class and work. A high percentage of Japan's populace was to work for little to no wages in governmental tasks such as making equipment for the army and navy and working in rice fields. Next in the cast system were the merchants and artist who held little political power, then the samurai who had little responsibility except total devotion to the emperor and serving the country. In 1870 Japan decided to catch up with the rest of the west and place high expectations in advancement with the industrial revolution. They made western education at a top priority in Japan hiring 3,000 Westerners European and American , to teach modern science, mathematics, technology, and foreign languages in Japan. They found the national Bank of Japan in this time period. After the World Wars Japan now has a strong relationship with the united states and many of the respected cultures in both countries integrate often. Japan is archipelago in the pacific ocean west of California. Many of the island are actually active volcanoes the lie earthquake faults. The four main islands are:
Hokkaido- With many volcanoes
Honshu- Having the largest population and being the largest island.
Shikoku- which has no volcanoes and is used heavily for farming
Kyushu- Which has the most active volcano Mount Aso along with 3,000 other islands than chain the mainlands. Since it is surrounded by water on all islands, it is a very popular place for trade between countries and a common dock point for boats. In the main lands you have land that is rugged and very mountains. This land is heavily forested and only a small amount of the land is ample for farming and living. So accommodations and risk take a huge part in deciding where to place homes and buildings. This is why you see the on Television Japan as packed in area. Earthquake are extremely common as they can happen sometimes up to every three days. Though Japan can be very dangerous technology has made it so many can enjoy the beauty worry free of the volcanoes and earthquakes. The mountainous islands of the Japanese Archipelago form a crescent off the eastern coast of Asia. They are separated from the mainland by the Sea of Japan, which historically served as a protective barrier. The climate varies from island to island and changes seasonally. In the southern region of japan you can expect very tropical weather and in the north you can get very cool temperatures. The climates are the main reasons for the typhoons and terrible storms that trouble Japan yearly. Japan's social life is very basic. You either live Urban and Rural. In rural you can find many farming families to this day. In urban areas you will a family living in an apartment with usually both parents working and the children furthering there education. The modern Japaneses family is no different than the modern American family in the urban areas. In urban areas the living quarters are far to small to house a full traditional Japaneses extended family. In rural areas extend families are very common. Sometimes you can have up five generations of families in an area, for example great-grandparents, grandparents, parents, children, and then perhaps even the children of children. Like a typical American household respect is expected and shown to older members of the household while younger members of the home are usually seen and not heard. In both Rural and Urban households the father works, while the mother commonly bears the full responsibility for raising children, overseeing their education, and also managing the family's finances. This puts a heavy strain on Japanese women, and also a strain on the relation between the mother and the child. Children in Urban areas are in school and study many hours of the day to get into top universities. In rural areas sometimes the children must travel daily in order to attend school due to the lack of funding in those areas. The elders in the home usually have little responsibility and are cared for by the women in the family. In rural the eldest members may help in the field or raise the kids to ease the work load on the mother. The roles of men and Women are fairly static. Once a women is married or bears children it is expected that she leave her job and begin life as a mother and take up those duties. While she is in the work place she is treated no differently than the men in many aspects. Education is extremely competitive in society dating back to the 1870's. With a high population educational options are limited and only the top performers are granted choices. The children go though primary, middle, and high school and their success their will grant them access to better schools. After a grade is completed it is common than an exam is taken to see what placement the child will earn. Education and the pursuit of education becomes sort of the defining characteristic of a child's life. The time for play is limited. Of course Japanese parents worry about the fact that their kids don't get out, don't play in the streets, don't have friends outside of school, but given the competitive examination system, there's no way out of the system. You either succeed or you fail. It is very uncommon for one to be illiterate since education starts at home. Language in Japan is Very hard to grasp. The name of the language is Japanese and its roots are hard to trace. The language today is a mixture of ancient Chinese and Korean. Basic Japanese grammar is relatively simple. Complicating factors such as gender articles and distinctions between plural and singular are missing almost completely. Different words and expressions are used when talking to an unknown person or a superior, as opposed to when talking to a child, family member or a close friend. There are 3 types of Japanese speech the most popular in the business is honorific. The political system in japan is complex with many checks and balances similar to America. The Constitution of Japan is the highest document of power in Japan and is what the Japaneses people are supposed to operate. Japan is generally considered a constitutional monarchy This constitutional power defines the emperor who is merely a figure head with no real power. He is “the symbol of the state and of the unity of the people” only performing ceremonial duties. The members of the “Diet” in japan hold all the real power starting with the Prime Minister who is elected. The legislative branch is the most powerful branch in this government. It consists of two houses; the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors. The Diet may direct to the Emperor in the appointment and removal of the chiefs of the executive and judicial members. The next branch is the Executive branch. Prime Ministers lead the executive branch being head of the Cabinet. He is appointed by the Emperor of Japan after being elected by the Diet members. He must remain in good confidence of the House of Representatives to remain in the office. The Judaical branch consists of five courts. The Supreme Court, High Court, District Court, Family Court and Summary Court. Court decisions are made in accordance with legal statutes very different from American courts. Voting turnout is very high in Japan. Business etiquette in Japan is very important domestic and international due to the number of people interested in doing business with Japaneses corporations. In practice, Japanese business etiquette is not so different - politeness, sensitivity and good manners are the pillars of Japanese business just like in any culture. When first meeting the exchanging of the infamous Japanese business card is almost ritualistic and a important part of doing business in Japan it can make or break you. Attire is important as well. Wear navy or black with white shirt and color sensitive tie during October to April. Gray suit are a good choice from May to September. Japanese summers are hot so many will wear half sleeve shirt with a nice tie. All black and white is considered funeral attire and should only be worn there. Many Japaneses men find it difficult to conduct business with women but it is possible. Trouser suits or longer skirt suits with seasonal colors are the best way to go. Japanese women are very fashion conscious and many wear Gucci, Prada, and other high end products. Phoning ahead is a good idea weather you are going to be early or be late to a meeting. Always plan to arrive early to meeting especially if your meeting a senior executive. It is a good idea to take notes since the Japaneses do and will be quick to give you notes on agreements you made even if stated years ago. Make sure you send all legal document to the perspective buyer in advance this will make them more likely to sign since they can review the document before the meeting. Smile, be pleasant, be willing to learn, ask a lot of questions about your customer's company and none about his or her private life. Always wait to be seated. Keep your personal space allow the Japaneses person to become more comfortable with you before touching them. Avoid eye contact it is very disrespectful and do not insult other during your meetings. If possible wait to be introduced. If you plan on giving a gift always have it wrapped and always give gifts in odd numbers. Religion in Japan is something without gray area. Either you are very religious or you don't believe in any type of god. The main religions are Shinto and Buddhism. The religions are passed down through generations. If ones family is heavily religious than you can expect the children to follow suit. If the home is absent of religion then it is difficult for religion to find its way back to that family. Christianity is a growing religion in Japan along with Islam and Taoism. Housing in Urban areas can be expensive. Usually everyone in as highly populated area rents a home. These home are in many and do not usually vary in style. One bathroom, a small kitchen, and if you are luck one traditional Japanese room with a It features tatami flooring, a shoji styled window rather than draperies covering it. In Rural area we see Larger home to accommodate larger families With similar attributes. As a bonus it will usually have a separate storage for farming items. In Japan relaxation is not lost. The most popular sport from japan is Sumo wrestling. Sumo wrestling is actually apart of the Shinto religion and was a way that the civilization pleased the gods. Marital Arts is also a very popular sport and is practiced by many. America influenced sports in Japan and many sport such as Golf, Baseball, and Basketball are often played in japan. Aside from sports art is also a very popular leisure activity. Gardening is also something that many Japanese find pleasure in while away from work. Video gaming is also a widely acceptable recreational activity. Japans culture is often imitated and often copies other cultures. The innovative nature of Japan has lead to the success of many products we use today. This culture is so complex that there evolution is inevitable. Without Japan art would not be as important as it is today. The Japanese people are hardworking and proud without them many invention would not be here today. The history is rich and Japan leads the world with new inventions and innovation.