A brief introduction to Japan

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A brief introduction to Japan

• Its general situations
• Its traditions
• Its soaring youth culture

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Geographical Features

• Location Japan consists of several thousands of
  islands, of which Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and
  Shikoku are the four largest. Japan's closest
  neighbours are Korea, Russia and China. The Sea
  of Japan separates the Asian continent from the
  Japanese archipelago.
• Area Japan's area is larger than, for example,
  Germany's and comparable to the one of Italy or
  California. Japan's northernmost islands are
  located approximately on same geographical
  latitude as Milan or Portland while her
  southernmost islands are about on the same
  latitude as the Bahamas. In other words, Japan's
  North South extension equals about the distance
  from Oslo to Naples. More than 50 of the area of
  Japan is mountainous and covered by forests.
  Japan is politically structured in 8 regions and
  47 prefectures.

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Its general situations

• The Japanese flag is called Hinomaru (circle of
  the sun). The red circle on the white background
  symbolizes the sun.
• Japan's Imperial Crest is a sixteen petaled
  chrysanthemum.

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National anthem and Origin of the countrys name

• The Japanese anthem is called Kimigayo
• May the reign of the Emperor continue for a
  thousand, nay, eigth thousand generations and for
  the eternity that it takes for small pebbles to
  grow into a great rock and become covered with
  moss.
• In Japanese, the country is called Nihon or
  Nippon. The two Chinese characters may be
  translate as "origin of the sun" or "land of the
  rising sun". The name Japan is believed to have
  come from European pronunciation attempts of
  Chinese words for "Japan".

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Its traditions

• Kimono are made of silk and are usually very
  expensive. Nowadays they are worn at formal or
  traditional occasions such as funerals, weddings
  or tea ceremonies. Only rarely kimono can still
  be seen in everyday life.
• Kimono differ in style and color depending on the
  occasion on which it is worn and the age and
  marital status of the person wearing it. To put
  on a kimono needs some practice. Especially tying
  the belt (obi) alone is difficult so that many
  people require assistance. Wearing a kimono
  properly includes proper hair style, traditional
  shoes, socks, underwear, and a small handbag for
  women.

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Hanami

• Hanami The cherry blossom (sakura) is Japan's
  unofficial national flower. It has been
  celebrated for many centuries and takes a very
  prominent position in Japanese culture.
• There are many dozens of different cherry tree
  varieties in Japan, most of which bloom for just
  a couple of days in spring. The Japanese
  celebrate that time of the year with hanami
  (cherry blossom viewing) parties under the
  blooming trees.

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Its soaring youth culture

• Manga are Japanese comics. In Japan, there are
  comics covering every possible topic from recipes
  to travel guides and from science fiction to
  history. Consequently, there are manga for
  children, adults and almost every age and
  interest group. For example, it is not uncommon
  to see business men reading thick comics books in
  commuter trains.

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Nihon manga
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Anime
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Handsome Japanese stars
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Thank you for your participation

• Producer Shao Dan (Danae) and Wang Yuan Yuan
  (Monica)