|
|
Japan is an island nation lying just to the east of the Asian mainland made up of thousands of islands. Its total land area is slightly smaller than the State of California supporting a population which is nearly half that of the United States. Japan is an extremely prosperous nation with one of the highest literacy rates and longest life expectancy rates in the entire world. The official language of Japan is Japanese and although there are several dialects, most are understood by all. Its earliest known history begins in the 6th century B.C. with the ascent of Japans first emperor, Jimmu Tenno. Over the centuries Japan has borrowed much from its Asian neighbors, particularly China and more recently from the West, particularly the United States. Today while it is one of the worlds most modern nations, Japan continues to celebrate its rich cultural heritage which is now appreciated by people throughout the world.
NATIONAL FLAG: The Japanese flag is called Hinomaru meaning "circle in the sun." The bright red circle in the middle of a white field represents the rising sun which symbolizes Japan itself, "the land of the rising sun."
NATIONAL ANTHEM: The Japanese national anthem, "Kimigayo" was based on a waka (traditional Japanese poem) found in an anthology of poems compiled before the tenth century. The melody was written much later in the Meiji Period (1868-1912) by Hiromori Hayashi who was an Imperial Court musician. Translated, the words of the anthem mean, "May the reign of the emperor continue for a thousand, nay eight thousand generations and for the eternity it takes for small pebbles to grow into a great rock and become covered with moss."
NATIONAL BIRD: The national bird of Japan is the kiji or Japanese pheasant which was so designated in 1947 at the end of the Second World War. The kiji lives in wooded areas and grassy fields far away from human habitation. In ancient times they were hunted in fall and winter and considered a delicacy. The kiji was often the subject of classical Japanese poems and remains a symbol of familial love.
The tsuru or crane, while not the national bird, is a favorite subject in works of art and crafts as well as the most popular origami subject.
NATIONAL FLOWER: There is no official national flower of Japan however, the cherry blossom or sakura is perhaps the most beloved and the most representative of the island nation. The chrysanthemum or kiku is traditionally used as the Imperial Crest and has also come to symbolize Japan.
 
|
Copyright ©2008
Benihana Inc.
|
