Shodo (Calligraphy)
Calligraphy is one of the most admired Japanese arts. Along with kanji, or Japanese characters, calligraphy was imported from China during the Heian Period over one thousand years ago. There are many different styles of calligraphy. The sosho, or grass hand style, is commonly used for artistic calligraphy and poetic script. These gracefully linked characters and syllables can seem almost illegible at times to the learner of Japanese, but the beauty of it can be appreciated nevertheless.
Ikebana (Flower Arranging)
While there are plenty of florists throwing together multi-colored bouquets in Japan, not all of them will practice the more traditional art form of ikebana. Ikebana is usually more simplistic than modern flower arranging and different parts of the plant are emphasized rather than just the colorful blooms. The harmony of the colors, textures, form and balance of the plants and branches is key. But ikebana is first and foremost a form of creative expression and is appreciated for this quality as well.
Chado (Tea Ceremony)
The tea ceremony grew out of the hospitality of Japanese noblemen of the Heian Period, who liked to serve tea to their high-ranking guests. Eventually, a whole new way to appreciate the beloved drink was born with its own unique set of rules and etiquette. Witnessing a very formal Japanese tea ceremony – or better yet, partaking in one – is certainly an unforgettable experience and most Japanese cities will host regular events to allow visitors to experience it.
Kodo (Incense Appreciation)
Before modern perfumes and scent sprays, incense played a vital role in upper-class Japanese society. Nobles of the Heian Period would scent their clothes, accessories and hair with custom fragrances, and these scents were a form of communication all on their own. Part of kodo includes ‘incense-comparing games’ or kumiko. Players take turns appreciating a particular incense and guessing the ingredients inside. Kudo is not widely practiced these days, not even on special cultural occasions because of the high cost of materials.
Kabuki (Traditional Dance)
Japan has many types of traditional dance. Two of the major ones are Noh and Kabuki. Noh is a musical drama that has been around for over five hundred years. It is recognizable by its usually sparse stage effects, giving all attention to the masked performers who usually reenact an ancient legend or similar tale. Kabuki dance-drama, on the other hand, features elaborate makeup, costume and over-the-top emotion. Both types are still widely practiced today in places like the Kabuki-za theater in Tokyo, among others.