Taylor+Drew

JAPAN

Japan is an archipelago(a chain, or small cluster of islands) of 6 852 islands in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Japan lies to the east of China, North Korea, South Korea, Russia, and the Sea of Japan. The four main islands are Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku. These four islands actually house 97% of Japan's population. Most of the islands in Japan are mountainous and some are even volcanic. The highest peak in Japan is Mount Fuji, which is a volcano.

Japan first appears in history during the Upper Paleolithic period, where archaeological research shows that there were people living on the islands of Japan. Japan is first mentioned in written form in Chinese texts from the first century AD. Japan adopted a constitution in 1947 and they have remained within a unitary constitutional monarchy with an emperor and an elected parliament called the Diet. Japan has the world's second-largest economy by nominal GDP and the third largest in purchasing power parity. It is fourth largest exporter and fifth largest importer.though Japan has officially renounced its right to declare war, they still have a modern and extensive military force which they use for self defense and peacekeeping. It has the tenth highest living standards. Second only to Singapore, Japan has the lowest homicide (including attempted homicide) rate in the world. Japan also has the highest life expectancy of any country in the world (according to both the UN and WHO estimates) and the third lowest infant mortality rate. This small country is also the tenth most populated country in the world with over 127 million people. The Greater Tokyo Area, which includes the capital city Tokyo and several other prefectures, is the largest metropolitan area in the world, with a population of over 30 million people.

There are many differences and similarities between Canada and Japan. One of the similarities is that both of the countries have fast food restaurants such as McDonald's, KFC, and Burger King. Also both are G-8 countries. There are quite a few differences. For one, in Canada we have a freely elected government while Japan does not. Also, in Japan, though it may sound strange, they wash before they get in the bath. In Japan, unlike the West, shaking hands isn't common, though they are aware of it. So if visiting Japan adding a small nod with add a bit of Japanese flavor to the gesture. The art of bowing is much more complicated than it seems in Japan. They use it for a range of things which include: introductions, greetings, expressing appreciation, and apologizing. Though it is not limited to only these things. When you bow, you bend about fifteen degrees. You only stay in that position for a few seconds. For one last thing, unlike in Canada, displaying affection in public isn't commonplace. Holding hands is usually the only thing that will be seen in public in Japan. It is rare to see hugging and kissing in public places. __**Music Background **__ Though Japan is an older country than our own, music still affects them in the same way it affects us. They have televisions and MP3's. They can play in a band just like we can. So really it isn't all that different in the end. Different genres, different instruments, they make no difference. Music is music. No matter who or where it is performed. The national anthem of Japan is called "Kimbra". At the beginning of the Meji period in 1868, Japan did not have a national anthem. It was a British man, John William Fenton that emphasized their need of a national anthem. The words were taken from a poem from the Kokin-wakashu, which is a 10th century anthology of poems. In 1888, the music was composed by Hiromori Hayashi. He was an Imperial Court musician. Later, it was harmonized to Gregorian mode by Franz Eckert. Even after the Emperor lost all political power, they still continue to sing the national anthem. Kimigayo wa Chiyo ni yachiyo ni Sazareishi no Iwao to narite Koke no musu made
 * Population-**127 560 000(2009)
 * Capital-**Tokyo
 * Currency-**Japanese Yen
 * Official Language-**Japanese
 * Person in Power-**Prime Minister Naoto Kan
 * Size of Country-**377,835km2
 * [[image:http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Q7Osyb7fv6k/TKyGvYoKTbI/AAAAAAAAAHU/nyh_YcEUc3w/s1600/yen_DW_Wirtschaft_S_337215g.jpg width="286" height="184" caption="Japanese Yen"]] || [[image:http://www.liveworldtours.com/tokyo/tokyo7.jpg width="361" height="186" caption="Tokyo"]] ||
 * [[image:http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1oFBdt3TwZM/S9IasMB92sI/AAAAAAAAAbI/uLyGDGyLi_o/s1600/Cherry_Blossoms_And_Mount_Fuji,_Japan.jpg width="299" height="191" caption="Mount Fuji"]] || [[image:http://www.pcf.city.hiroshima.jp/kids/KPSH_E/hiroshima_e/sadako_e/subcontents_e/images_e/17_1.jpg width="352" height="195" caption="Hiroshima"]] ||
 * __NATIONAL ANTHEM__**
 * Romaji **

**Official**

May the reign of the Emperor continue for a thousand, nay, eight thousand generations and for the eternity that it takes for small pebbles to grow into a great rock and become covered with moss.
 * English **

__**POPULAR INSTRUMENTS **__ <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Traditional Japanese music has three main types of instruments. These types are: percussion instruments, string instruments, and wind instruments, mostly flutes.There are many large Japanese drums called Taiko. Generally they have two membranes that are nailed or laced struck with sticks. The most dramatic is the Odaiko, people come from all around the world to see groups such as Kodo perform on Odaiko. There is also the hourglass-shaped tsuzumi. There are two different types of tsuzumi. The smaller kotsuzumi and the larger otsuzumi. The kotsuzumi is held on the right shoulder and the otsuzumi is held on the left thigh. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> There are many traditional string instruments in Japanese music. The koto is a 13-string zither. It is also the **national instrument** of Japan. It is about 2 meters long and it's made of Paulownia wood. The koto is plucked using picks on the thumb and first two fingers of the right hand. The left hand can be used to modify the pitch and tone of the koto. Koto are played in a group or in solo performances. There is also the shamisen, a 3-string lute. The length of the shamisen is between 1.1 and 1.4 meters. Shamisen are made from many different woods such as red sandalwood. The head covered with cat or dog skin. Traditionally the pegs are made of ivory while the strings are twisted silk. Shamisen playing requires the player to be quite stiff and expressionless. However recently in newer music with the shamisen, the players hve been full of expression. The biwa is a short-necked lute. It was created in the 7th century to accompany puppet shows and many other things. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The most famous flute in Japan is the shakuhachi bamboo flute. This flute has four or five finger holes on the front and a thumb hole on the rear. Other flutes include nokan, takebue and shinobue. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">

The Parasol Dance is a Japanese dance that uses an umbrella. This dance is from Kabuki. The song played for the dance is called Mikado, which is a song in 4/4 time. This Japanese Dance was created for the wealthy men of Japan. In those days Japan was quite sensual and this dance would be performed by a Geisha after coitace, as an award for the men. Later however it became a dance before sexual status to show the man the woman. Japan was very sensual and often times a Geisha would do this after coitace almost as a award ceremony for the male. (8 cts) __**GENRES OF JAPAN**__ a. Biwa Hoshi b. Heike Biwa c. Taiko d. Min'yo e. Okinawan a. Traditional Pop b. Western Classical c. Jazz d. J-Pop e. Rock f. Punk Rock/ Alternative g. Heavy Metal h. Western Inspired Folk i. Electropop and Club j. Dance and Disco k. Hip-Hop l. Roots m. Latin, reggae, and ska n. Noise o. Theme p. Games a. J-Pop
 * __<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">PARASOL DANCE __**
 * Counting:**: One two, to a measure: one, two, three, four, for two measures Basic steps used: Shuffling steps
 * Formation:** Groups of four facing the audience. The parasol is held open with two hands over the head, the handle being held at chest level. The dancers stand four feet apart from each other. An unlimited number of sets can participate.
 * Steps of the Parasol Dance:**
 * 1. Music A**
 * a.** Start with the right foot and execute shuffling steps forward. During this, twirl the parasol overhead.
 * b.** With shuffling steps turn around in place clockwise. Twirl the parasol over the right shoulder.
 * c**. Repeat Step (b) counterclockwise and twirl the parasol over the left shoulder.
 * d.** Turn right about and repeat Step (a) going to proper place. Twirl the parasol overhead. Finish facing the audience.
 * e.** Repeat Steps (b) and (c)
 * 2. Music B**
 * a.** Step right sideways (ct 1), step left close to the right foot (ct 2), bend knees slightly(ct 3), straighten knees (ct 4). Bend the head slightly to the right side, with the parasol resting on the right shoulder (do not turn)
 * b.** Repeat Step (a) to the left side, starting with the left foot. Move the parasol to the left shoulder (ct 1-4)
 * c.** Repeat Steps (a) and (b)
 * d.** With no.1 leading, execute shuffling steps moving clockwise. Each group will make its own circle. Twirl the parasol on the right shoulder (8 cts)
 * e**. Turn right about and repeat Step (d) counterclockwise. Move parasol to the left shoulder.
 * 3. Music C**
 * a.** All bend forward and drop on knees. Place the parasol behind. Bend trunk slowly forward until the head touches the floor.
 * b.** Raise the trunk slowly and take parasol with both hands and place it in front (8 cts)
 * c.** In kneeling position, sit on the heels. Raise the head and look around the parasol at the right side (4 cts) and to the left side (4 cts)
 * d.** Repeat Step (c)
 * 4. Music A**
 * a.** Each girl rolls her own parasol around herself clockwise (4 cts) and counterclockwise (4 cts)
 * b.** Roll the parasol in front to sideward right (2 cts.) and to sideward left (2 cts)
 * c.** Repeat Step (b)
 * d.** Repeat Step (a) and (b)
 * e.** Everyone takes the parasol and stand up with the right foot first (4 cts)
 * 5. Music B** (All face right, holding parasol with two hands at thigh level (top toward the audience, handle toward the rear).
 * a.** Execute shuffling steps forward, while twirling parasol clockwise (4 cts)
 * b.** Turn left about, repeat Step (a), with the parasol top toward audience, (4 cts)
 * c.** Turn right about. Repeat Step (a) and (b)
 * d.** Execute shuffling steps forward to form a square, each girl occupying a corner, facing a common center.
 * e.** Turn around in place clockwise (2M) and counterclockwise (2M) as in figure 1, (b) and (c). Finish facing the center.
 * f.** Turn around in place as in figure 1, (b) twice (8 cts). Finish facing proper places.
 * g.** Repeat Step (a) going to place.
 * h.** With no.1 leading each group turn clockwise once and then exit. Use shuffling steps throughout, twirling the parasol on the shoulder.
 * Note: If more music is needed, part C may be repeated as many times as necessary.**
 * -Folk Music**
 * -Western Music**
 * -Popular Genres**

Song: Wild Song: Shugo Shugo!
 * __MUSICIANS__**
 * Popular Musicians**
 * Amuro Namie** was born in 1977. She is one quarter Italian on her mother's side. Her career began in the 1990's when she was in her early twenties, though her first performance was when she was twelve in a supermarket.
 * Shugo Chara Egg** consists of Saho Akari(blue), Tanabe Nanami(yellow), Fukumura Mizuki(pink), and Maeda Irori(green). They are aged between eleven and fifteen years old.

1. Boom Boom Satellites 2. The Brixton Academy 3. iLL 4. Lillies and Remains 5. Mowmow Lulu Gyaban Jihen 6. Midori 7. 9mm Parabellum Bullet 8. De De Mouse 9. wintermute 10. Tokyo
 * Top 10 Artists**

Michiya Mihashi was one of the musicians most famous for the genre enka. He sold around 100 million albums. He recorded around 2 500 songs. By 1983 he had sold more than 100 million albums.
 * Most Albums Sold**

- MTV Video Music Awards Japan - Mnet Asian Music Award
 * __MUSIC AWARDS IN JAPAN__**

Generally as in most cultures, the Japanese wear traditional dress for traditional music. These clothes include the many different types of kimono. For bands that play genres such as J-Pop they wear whatever they want. Therefore it is casual clothing that is generally worn for such genres and bands.
 * __COSTUMES OF MUSIC__**

__**MUSICAL CEREMONIES AND CELEBRATIONS**__ This is an annual event where thousands of artists from all over Tohoku and further come to Nango to perform. It is the largest open air jazz concert in the region. This festival began in 1989.
 * Nango Summer Jazz Festival**

The festival was founded by Masahiro Hidaka after his visit to the UK in the 1980's. After many years it was finally permanently housed at the Naeba Ski Resort.
 * Fuji Rock Festival**

Summer Sonic was actually only formed in 2000. It was originally rock and punk, but now has hio-hop also.
 * Summer Sonic**

Beginning from 1988, Kodo Drummers have performed at the "Earth Celebration". It is three days long and includes workshops, fringe, and exhibition style events. __** Animals of Japan **__ __**HOKKAIDO BROWN BEARS**__ Brown bears are the largest land animals in all of Japan. They are a subspecies of the brown bears in America. They live off nuts and berries.
 * Earth Celebration**

Raccoon Dogs, despite their name, have no relation to raccoons at all. They are actually a member of the canine family. They live together in groups and they choose a mate and live for life.
 * __RACCOON DOG__**

As a rule, Japanese deer are quite small and they change color with the seasons. When the deer is startled the hair on their tails stands on end while the tail itself stays flat.
 * __JAPANESE SIKA DEER__**

__**Common Phrases**__
 * Good Afternoon-**Konnichiwa. (//kon-nee-chee-WAH//)
 * How are you?-**O-genki desu ka? (//oh-GEN-kee dess-KAH?//)
 * Fine, thank you-**Genki desu. (//GEN-kee dess//)
 * What is your name?-**O-namae wa nan desu ka?　(//oh-NAH-mah-eh wah NAHN dess-KAH?//)
 * My name is -**Watashi no namae wa desu. (//wah-TAH-shee no nah-mah-eh wa dess//)
 * Nice to meet you-**Hajimemashite. (//hah-jee-meh-MOSH-teh//)
 * Please(request)-**Onegai shimasu. (//oh-neh-gigh shee-moss//)
 * Please(offer)-**Dōzo. (//DOH-zo//)
 * Thank you-**Dōmo arigatō. (//doh-moh ah-ree-GAH-toh//)
 * Your welcome-**Dō itashi mashite. (//doh EE-tah-shee mosh-teh//)
 * Yes-**Hai. (//HIGH//)
 * No-**Iie. (//EE-eh//)
 * Excuse me-**Sumimasen. (//soo-mee-mah-sen//)
 * I'm sorry-**Gomen-nasai. (//goh-men-nah-sigh//)
 * Goodbye. (long-term)-**Sayōnara. (//sa-YOH-nah-rah//)
 * Goodbye. (//informal//)-**Sore dewa. (//SOH-reh deh-wah//)
 * I can't speak Japanese [well]-** Nihongo [yoku] hanasemasen. (//nee-hohn-goh [yo-koo] hah-nah-seh-mah-sen//)
 * Do you speak English?-** Eigo o hanasemasuka? (//AY-goh oh hah-nah-seh-moss-KAH?//)
 * Is there someone here who speaks English?-**Dareka eigo o hanasemasuka? (//dah-reh-kah AY-goh oh hah-nah-seh-moss-KAH?//)
 * Help!-** Tasukete! (//tah-soo-keh-teh!//)
 * Look out!-** Abunai! (//ah-boo-NIGH!//)
 * Good morning.-** Ohayō gozaimasu. (//oh-hah-YOH go-zigh-moss//)
 * Good evening.-** Konbanwa. (//kohm-bahn-wah//)
 * Good night (//to sleep//)-** Oyasuminasai. (//oh-yah-soo-mee-nah-sigh//)
 * I don't understand.-** Wakarimasen. (//wah-kah-ree-mah-sen//)
 * Where is the toilet?-** Toire wa doko desu ka? (//toy-reh wah DOH-koh dess kah?//)

__** Stereotypes of Japan **__ -They are the hardest workers between the different races. -They exploit other races. -They live in tiny apartments. -They commit suicide when they fail. -They are crazy for photography. -They have a fetish for small feet. -They used to eat mainly rice until they discovered beef. -They're really good in math -They all know Karate -They pronounce the letter U at the end of their sentences -They all have straight hair -They eat sushi as their everyday meal -They smile even though they don't know whats going on -They always have their hands as peace signs when taking photos -They're all Samurai's and Ninja's -They talk to fast and they're words are to long -They have big eyes -They all look the same -They always sit on the floor when they eat -School girl uniform skirts are always short -They're all short

In Japan the school days last from 8:00am-3:00pm. Activities can last until 6:30pm-7:00pm. They can also start in the morning. //Souji//("honorable cleaning") is a time that takes place each day for a period of fifteen minutes when all the activities stop and everyone cleans the school. For this reason, Japanese schools don't have janitors, as all the staff and students do the cleaning. They clean everything from the toilets to sweeping the floor, regardless of age. Sometimes during lunch, the students help serve meals and clean the dishes. At primary schools all the students eat school lunches. Roughly eight percent of middle students do. All students eat their lunch in the classroom as Japanese schools have no cafeteria. The food from the cafeteria is served from metal trays and is served by students. The food is transported by a special elevator. Classrooms have no heat or air conditioning. So in the winter you can see students wearing scarves and winter coats in the classroom. Often their noses are red. In the summer they suffer through extreme heat. Japanese children are taught preparedness at a young age. In kindergarten they are taught to fold their jackets properly and to always have a tissue in one pocket and a handkerchief in the other pocket. In elementary school they are taught to have three sharpened pencils in their desk, only three, no more, no less. They always have glue, rulers and erasers close at hand. They also change into slippers when they reach school and put their shoes on special shelves. They all have the same backpack and are taught how to adjust the straps. Also, school holidays take place from the end of March through the beginning of April, from the end of July until the end of August, and over the New Year from December 24th to January 7th. In Japan they do actually teach a music course. It is in their curriculum. The Japanese take the Arts very seriously. However, the music taught in the public schools of Japan is Western style music. They no longer teach traditional music in their schools. You can also receive private music lessons.
 * __ Education __**

The Mitsubishi Group is a group of companies that share a brand, trademark, and a legacy. It was formed in 1870. There are five divisions in the Mitsubishi Group. They are: Mitsubishi Bank,Mitsubishi Corporation, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Mitsubishi Chemicals, and Mitsubishi Motors. This group creates one of the most famous products of Japan. Mitsubishi Motors is the sixth largest automaker in Japan and the seventh worldwide. The company Minato, Tokyo. Mitsubishi is largely associated with Jackie Chan. For thirty years they have supplied cars for his movies. The Jackie Chan Cup, is an annual auto race held for celebrities, involving touring car drivers alongside for assistance,and was held before the Macau GP in 1983 until 2004 when it moved to Shanghai. In September 2005 Mitsubishi's motor sport arm, produced 50 //Jackie Chan Special Edition// versions of the Lancer Evo IX in honor of him.
 * __ Mitsubishi Motors __**

**__Living Standards__** Though Japanese homes are generally newer they are quite often smaller than those of other industrialized nations. The heating of the homes depend on the location. Northern and central Japan can get meters of snow during the winter while the southern part barely goes below freezing, however, in the summer it isn't very comfortable without air conditioning. A common characteristic in a Japanese house is a genkan. A genkan is a small entryway where the shoes of the household and gets are kept after they are replaced by the house slippers. Unlike in Canada there are several rooms for what we have in the bathroom. There is a room for the sink, a room for the toilet, and a bathing room. Also, when using the toilet the house slippers are exchanged for plastic toilet slippers. In their kitchen, they have a stove, a fish grill and an electric refrigerator. The major thing about their stoves is that they don't actually have an oven big enough for roasts or baking. Instead, they have a large microwave.

The Japan Ice Hockey League(JIHL) began in 1966 and ended in 2004 when it was replaced with the Asia League Ice Hockey. Hockey has been a part of Japan since the 1920's and teams have been competing in the All-Japan Championships since 1930. Pro hockey came with the start of the JIHL. It began as a five-team league and expanded to six teams in 1974. It was decided that the sport would only prosper in Asia if teams from Japan, China and South Korea formed a multinational league. and in 2004 the Asia League Ice Hockey replaced the JIHL.
 * __ Sports __**

**__Great Visiting Spots__** Japan is an exotically beautiful country that has much to offer for tourists. Sadly, the language barrier can make travel difficult for English-speaking visitors. Traveling may be more difficult than in Europe but it is definitely worth it. There are so many amazing places that it is hard to choose places to go.

__**TOKYO**__ -Ginza (shopping and food) -Shinjuku (business and shopping area). -Asakusa (historical Tokyo) -Shibuya (shopping and entertainment district) -Akihabara (electronics galore) -Tsukiji (largest open air fish market in the world) -Roppongi (restaurants, clubs, red light district) -The Imperial Palace (not open to the public, except two days a year)

__**PLACES TO GO**__ -Nikko (Shrines, National Park) -Kamakura (Shrines) -Kyoto (Temples, Feudal History) -Osaka (Big city, History) -Hiroshima (Peace Park and Museum, Tojii Gate) -Nara (Temples) -Nagasaki (Temples, Peace Park, European look) -Fuji Hakone Izu National Park (Hot springs and spas) -Daisetsuzan National Park (Scenary)

__** Sources **__ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_47DPCQNMYJ4/Sw_elQyf1gI/AAAAAAAAANo/Y2csqjidC9o/s400/japan%2Bmap.jpg <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">http://vectormadness.com/preview/flag/large/japan_flag_vector.jpg <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[] <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[] <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[] <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[] <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[] <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[] <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[] <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[] <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[] <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prime_Minister_of_Japan#Living_former_Prime_Ministers <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[] <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[] <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[] <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[] <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[] <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[] <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[] <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[] <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[] <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[] <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[] <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[] <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[] <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_are_the_differences_between_Canada_and_Japan's_government <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">@http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G8 <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">@http://www.mcdonalds.co.jp/ <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">@http://www.burgerkingjapan.co.jp/ <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">@http://www.kfc.co.jp/ <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">@http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/japanese-bathing.html <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">@http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/custom-of-bowing.html <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">@http://www.essential-japan-guide.com/japanese-manners.html <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">@http://www.japanvisitor.com/index.php?cID=366&pID=406 <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[] <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">@http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20060710181754AAJNSqm [] [] [] [] [] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standard_of_living_in_Japan http://en.wikipedia.org?wiki?Housing_in_Japan http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan_Ice_Hockey_League http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook%5Cpdest/Asia/jppts.htm