Comparison of Ancient and Modern Japanese Culture

tucked through the obi (Samurai Clothing). Sandals were the main footwear; the wooden clogs often portrayed on TV were a sign of the lower class and were not common for the samurai (Samurai Clothing). Hair was worn in a topknot and facial hair was common prior to the Edo period (Samurai Clothing). The dress of the Japanese has changed greatly due to westernization.

Modern clothing in Japan is very westernized. There is a wide variety of clothing styles similar to American dress. Kimonos are rarely worn, yet, like katanas, they are still sold as a tourist novelty (N. Taylor). When women marry they wear a wedding kimono (Endo Hatsuko). Weddings are still a traditional ceremony with a “huge feast hosted at the groom’s house, into which the bride will be adopted (brides wear a white kimono to symbolize her “death” to her own family, and her intention to adopt the colors of her husband’s family)” (Endo Hatsuko). Endo Hatsuko, a female entrepreneur, westernized the women in Japan by introducing western makeup and commercializing the practice of purchasing bridal costumes (Endo Hatsuko). Today the traditional woman’s attire of painting their faces white and blacking their teeth is continued only by the geisha, a group of women entertainers skilled in song and dance (Endo Hatsuko). Traditionally, the role of women in Japanese culture is primarily to raise the family and this has only just begun to change.

The Japanese have one of the strongest family structures in the world but this doesn’t mean it is the happiest. Japanese family structure has only in the past few years started to westernize (Kristof). Marriages are normally arranged and often the couple is not compatible at all (Kristof). Present times have seen an increase in marriage by choice (Endo Hatsuko). Men are at work and away from home during the weekdays and rarely spend time with their children (Kristof). Women uphold the house and children (Kristof). Many women work in Japan but their family comes first (Kristof). Most women admit they would not be able to support their household with out their husbands (Kristof). Men having affairs is traditionally tolerated (Kristof).

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Divorce rate is low because it is shameful in society to do so, but the rate is slowly rising (Kristof). The Japanese family unit has been so strong because of “three ingredients: low expectations, patience, and shame” (Kristof). The Japanese family may be slowly westernizing but at this point it is still a remnant of their ancient culture.

Japan is a society that values hard work and modesty the most. Even since WWII military has held little prominence in Japanese culture. It is amazing to see what a country does when it doesn’t spend all of its money on a defense budget. The explosive scientific research they have accomplished will revolutionize the world. Maybe if more countries in the world would take note of this thriving country the world would be a more humble place.

Kofun, ancient burial mounds. Located in Gyoda, Japan

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Works Cited

“Ancient Japan”. World Civilizations. 1996. . 12/8-19/06

D. Kristof, Nicholas. “Who Needs Love! In Japan, Many Couples Don’t.” Annual Editions: Anthropology 03/04. Editor Elvio Angeloni. McGraw-Hill Higher Education. Connecticut. 2003

“Food of the Samurai Period”. Samurai Archives Japanese History Page. . 12/18/06

Japan. FACTS.com. 1999. Facts On File News Services. 12/25/06.

Kuhlman, Erica Ann. “Endo Hatsuko.” A to Z of Women in World History, A to Z of Women. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2002. Facts On File, Inc. World History Online. . 12/25/06.

N. Taylor, Gregg. “Hagi Where Japan’s Revolution Began.” National Geographic. June 1984, vol. 165, No. 6, Pages 750-773.

“Samurai Clothing”. Samurai Archives Japanese History Page. . 12/18/06

“Tokugawa Shogunate”. Wikipedia. 1/9/07 .