JAPANs
MULTILAYERED AND DEEP CULTURES OF JAPAN
JAPANs
Forgotten Japan
Japanese culture encompasses a rich cultural heritage that has been passed down from generation to generation. Throughout history, Japan has embraced foreign cultural elements while cultivating its own unique traditions. However, the profound cultural consciousness that sustained Japan for so long gradually faded amidst the military and economic growth accompanying modernization, as the country endeavored to align itself with the Western world. Japan’s cultural essence became overshadowed by the waves of post-war economic expansion and the forces of globalization during the Heisei era. To effectively convey the allure of Japan to the rest of the world, it is crucial to delve into the vibrant cultural backdrop that permeates the country and explore its distinct methods and styles.
Japan’s Layers of Culture
A valuable approach to capturing the essence of Japan is to examine its cultural facets from a hierarchical perspective. Beyond the surface layer lies a profound historical narrative that remains unbroken. By tracing its course and character through the underlying layers, we can establish a deeper understanding of Japan’s present cultural significance and value.
What we observe in modern-day Japan emerges from a much deeper historical context. On the surface, cosplay, J-Pop, and Kabuki may appear disparate. However, upon closer examination of their middle and deeper layers, we discover that they are all interwoven by a common narrative thread.
“We should be discussing ‘Japanese cultures’ and ‘Japanese traditions’.
We should say, ‘Japans’, because that would be closer to the historical truth and to the actuality of present-day Japanese society.
It allows Japan to be compared with other cultures of the world and enables new and enlightened ways of understanding its history.”
John W. Dower