Growth Of Japanese Culture
A Golden Age Of Literature and Drama -By Haley Smith
Japanese Writing Systems
Japan started using the Chinese writing system and characters to create Japanese words. They had words for actions, ideas, objects, and later syllables and letters. In present day Japan they still use characters and letters that were influenced by the Chinese and was related to the Korean writing system.
Japanese Writing
Kunii Takezaki - 8 Ranked (Hatchi Dan) Master Teacher - Japanese Calligraphy presentation
Japanese Drama
Noh
The Japanese drama Noh was inspired by folktales and legends. Most of the Noh actors were men and they had to wear painted masks that show many different emotions. Gestures, costumes and music will also help create the story. Unlike most drama the Noh was performed for upper class and common people.
Kabuki
Early in the 1600s, Kabuki was created. Kabuki is elaborate makeup and costumes with melodramatic singing. It is only preformed by men. This style of drama was for common people and was less informal than Noh. It is still preformed in present day Japan.
Shinto Dances
Drama in Japan started around 600 years ago. The japanese began to preform Shinto dances at religious shrines.
The Tale Of Genji
Early in the 800s, some Japanese leaders thought they had adopted enough traditions and cultures from the Chinese. Japan ventured a little from the Chinese culture and created a Japanese literature. One famous author named Lady Murasaki Shikibu wrote a book called The Tale Of Genji. It is a realistic story centered around one person. This helped the development of Japanese literature.
Japanese Poetry
Japanese poems were often about the sadness of rejected love and the beauty of nature. Poems were very short, such as one type of Japanese poetry called the Haiku. A Haiku consisted of five syllables, seven syllables, and then five syllables. Matsuo Basho was a wonderful Haiku poet.