Historically, Japan went through several periods of opening and closing its borders to foreign trade. The Japanese adopted new ideas from countries like China, and they would transform these concepts during isolationist periods. This practice allowed for the creation of the culture we’re familiar with today.
SHODO: JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY
6 Traditional Japanese Art Styles & Where to See Them
Article | January 26th, 2021 | Dayna Hannah
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Historically, Japan went through several periods of opening and closing its borders to foreign trade. The Japanese adopted new ideas from countries like China, and they would transform these concepts during isolationist periods. This practice allowed for the creation of the culture we’re familiar with today.
One aspect of Japanese culture visitors love exploring is the art world. Traditional Japanese art has fascinated the world for centuries because it's elegant yet uncomplicated, with heavy influences from Shintoism and Buddhism. Here, we’ve prepared a list of six traditional Japanese art styles, and how you can experience them.
1) SHODO: JAPANESE CALLIGRAPH
What is Shodo?
In the 5th century, Japan adopted Chinese characters (kanji) as a writing system and calligraphy as a craft. The Japanese developed a distinctive style of calligraphy called shodo, which sometimes also uses hiragana and katakana. Although it might look like a sloppy ink painting to the untrained eye, this ancient Japanese art form follows strict techniques.
The main styles of shodo writing are kaisho (block lettering), gyosho (semi-cursive), and sosho (cursive). Elementary school students learn kaisho penmanship, and some adults continue practicing calligraphy as a hobby. You might see displays of amateur gyosho or sosho in public areas like train stations or town halls.
IKEBANA: THE ART OF FLOWER ARRANGEMENTWhat is Ikebana?
Shintoists and Buddhists using evergreen plants and flowers for worship probably led to the evolution of Ikebana floral arrangements. There are thousands of schools of Ikebana today, each with individual varieties of style. Some practice techniques similar to sculpture and pay close attention to the colors, lines, forms, and functions of each blossom. Others mimic the flowers’ natural conditions and try to show them as they grew in the wild.
Many displays use seasonal flowers in either elaborate or uncomplicated compositions. Given the artist’s skill, a single standing flower can make as powerful of an impact as a detailed design. Although sometimes wildly different, all arrangement styles strive to preserve the blooms and clippings for as long as possible.
TAIKO: PLAYING A JAPANESE DRUM
What is Taiko?
Archeological records suggest ancient Japanese cultures have used some form of percussion instruments since the Neolithic period. Taking inspiration from China, Korea, and India, Japan created taiko drums during the 6th century. Taiko performances often accompany religious rituals, theatrical performances, and celebratory festivals.
If you visit Japan in summer, the low rumblings of Japanese drums will welcome you to annual jubilees like Obon. According to Buddhist traditions, the veil between this world and the next grows thin in August. To celebrate, Japanese people dress in yukata kimono and perform the Bon Odori to dance with their ancestors. If you aren’t traveling during this time of year, there are plenty of ways to enjoy taiko drums.