Getting to Know Japan

BY Yasuka Claiborne

Pacific Cascade Middle School & Issaquah High School Parent

When you hear the word "Japan," what is the first thing that comes to mind? Sushi, ramen, or maybe Pokémon? In this article, I’d like to introduce Japan, its culture, and some traditional events that are particularly memorable to me.

Culinary Culture

Japan is an island nation located in Asia, surrounded by the sea and mountains. The seafood is fresh; dishes like sashimi and sushi are truly delicious. Throughout the year, we can enjoy seasonal ingredients that vary with the changing seasons. Additionally, Japan has a rich variety of fermented foods, such as miso and soy sauce. This makes traditional Japanese cuisine quite healthy. In elementary schools, nutritious and balanced menus are freshly prepared daily for school lunches. There is no need to bring lunch to school. As someone who prepares lunch almost every day in America, I really miss the Japanese school lunch system.

Rich Natural Environment

Japan has many mountains and rivers, making it great for hiking and fishing. With many beautiful volcanoes, including the iconic Mt. Fuji, there are hot springs all over the country. However, frequent earthquakes can be a troublesome issue. The four seasons also allow us to enjoy activities like cherry blossom viewing in spring, beach outings in summer, autumn leaf peeping, and winter sports like skiing. Mt. Rainier in Washington resembles Mt. Fuji. Every spring, when I pass through the cherry blossoms at the University of Washington and see Mt. Rainier, I am always reminded of Japan.

Fusion of Modernity and Tradition

While Japan has many modern cities like Tokyo, it also has ancient cities with over 1200 years of history, such as Kyoto. Temples, shrines, and castles can be found across the country, attracting numerous tourists from around the world seeking exotic experiences. Traditional cultural practices such as tea ceremonies, flower arrangements, Kabuki theater, sumo, and martial arts like judo are vital parts of the heritage. In modern culture, anime and manga, exemplified by characters like Pokémon and Totoro, enjoy worldwide popularity, as do video games from companies like Nintendo and PlayStation. In technology, Japan has a strong automotive industry with companies like Toyota and Honda, advanced robotics technology for applications ranging from industrial to household and caregiving, and high technical expertise in consumer electronics.

Transportation, Housing, and Safety

Japan is smaller than California, yet it houses about onethird of America’s population. Due to the mountainous terrain, only about 30% of the land is habitable. This is why there is such a high population density. You won't find many large houses like in America; instead, there are many high-rise apartments. Public transportation, such as trains and buses, is well developed. It allows people to travel around Japan without a car. Additionally, there are plenty of shops within walking distance. Japan is known for its exceptional safety and convenience. Children can play in parks or go shopping alone without parental supervision. The Japanese have a strong spirit of hospitality. If you find yourself lost while traveling in Japan, you can be sure that someone will help you.

Memorable Traditional Events

Japan has many unique events throughout the year. The one that stands out most in my childhood is New Year's. In Japan, New Year's is celebrated from January 1st to 3rd, known as the "Sanganichi." In my family, we start by eating year-end buckwheat noodles on December 31st. The noodles symbolize longevity due to their long shape. At midnight, the bell is rung 108 times. Buddhism teaches that humans have 108 worldly desires, and the ringing of the bell is meant to dispel them. On New Year's Day, after exchanging greetings with family, we enjoy traditional dishes like Ozoni (a soup with mochi) and Osechi (a colorful assortment of dishes). Osechi is eaten only during the New Year and is made with auspicious ingredients. The preparation of Ozoni varies by region. My family from Kansai makes it with white miso, round mochi, and round carrots and radishes, symbolizing harmony and a smooth year ahead. We also visit a shrine for the first prayer of the year, wishing for a good year ahead. For children, the greatest joy comes from receiving New Year’s money (Otoshidama) from relatives and neighbors. I believe New Year's is a sacred and special time to celebrate health and happiness for the family throughout the year.